Staff -

Faculty and Staff

Helen Yoo-Lee

Principal/School Administrator

I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education at Patten University. I received my Master of Divinity at Alliance Theological Seminary in Nyack, New York and Master of Science in Education at California Baptist University in Riverside, CA. I have been at Hillside Christian Academy since 2010. Being able to speak openly and honestly about my faith is why being a principal at a Christian School is so valuable to me. I believe that Christian education plays a large part in allowing students to become a vessel for God’s use. Working in a Christian school allows me to teach students to look at their life and their world from a Biblical viewpoint. It is wonderful every school year to see our students grow both academically and spiritually.

Christina Elliot

TK/Kindergarten Teacher

I started attending Hillside preschool ad the church as a child when the preschool first opened. I became a preschool teacher here in 1978. I eventually became the director of the preschool until it closed due to Covid. I am excited to be given the opportunity to become part of the HCA as the TK/Kindergarten teacher and continue to be a part of their lives of the children who attended Hillside preschool and moved on to the academy.

Hillside Church and school has always been a big part of my life. My own children attended the preschool and are now grown up and I have seven awesome grandchildren. It's exciting to see the academy grow over the years. I completed ECE classes and received my certificate, and I also have 44 years of experience with children of all ages and their families.

Mark Dandan

1st Grade Teacher

I am truly grateful and humbled to be an ambassador of God’s Word here at HCA. On top of striving academics, I strongly believe in building christ-like character with my students.

After getting my Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Adolescent Development from San Jose State University in 2008, I worked as a substitute teacher, tutor, and taught at a summer camp cumulatively for six years. Later, I was offered a job at my church which consisted mostly of admin work and managing volunteers for two years. That job led me to teaching at a Christian school in the inner-city Tenderloin of San Francisco for two years. From there, I ended up here at HCA — and I’ve been teaching First Grade here since 2018.

James Smithson

2nd/3rd Grade Teacher

God has provided me with a joyous journey of Christian education as I was able to go to a local Christian school in Pacifica, what is now known as Pacific Bay Christian. I went on to study Kinesiology at Biola University and then to Hope International University for Education. Before starting at Hillside Christian Academy, I had the opportunity to teach K-8th P.E. and coach middle school sports for several years. I have also spent time as a substitute teacher, reading specialist, and recreation leader. It has been such an honor and a privilege to join the Hillside team where I began helping as a substitute. In 2020, I began a new adventure as a second-grade teacher and hope to share God's love, encouragement, and strength to all the students and families.

Chris Dandan

4th Grade Teacher

For a long time, it’s been in my heart to teach. In high school, I received multiple math awards and wanted to be a math teacher but went into engineering instead. I received my Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering at San Jose State University and worked in the tech industry for many years. One of the companies I worked for went from private to IPO, but I began to feel unfulfilled by my work in engineering and did not feel that the company’s values were aligned with God’s values. I went on multiple mission trips that were focused on youth in Uganda, Romania, and Montreal. From there, I found that the best thing that we can do is invest in our youth for the next generation. I have been teaching at Hillside Christian Academy since 2019. I am passionate about youth, education, and building Christlike character, and I love that our school is both focused on academics and is Christ-centered. I am blessed to serve and teach the students at our school.

Ansel Vibat

5th Grade Teacher

Although I was surrounded by wonderful teachers throughout my life (my parents, school teachers, Sunday school teacher), I never saw myself becoming one. But I always understood the significance that they carry and the impact that they have on a child's life. After much prayer, I knew that God called me to become a teacher here at Hillside Christian Academy. I graduated from the University of San Francisco in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. I have years of experience teaching Sunday School, Awana (Trek - Middle School group), and Bible Studies (youth and young adults). I am called by God to love Him and to love others. It is a great privilege for me to teach my students about Jesus and to guide them through their academics--to help nurture their minds and nourish their souls.

Jessica Sue

6th Grade Teacher

Working with children is in my nature. I grew up surrounded by family members who worked with children leaving me inspired to want to follow in their footsteps. I attended San Francisco State University, where I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts, a teaching credential, and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. During those same years, I worked as an after-school teacher where I'd assist students with their homework and lead fun activities. I also helped start a tutoring session within a summer school program that served to provide one-on-one support for students needing extra academic assistance or personal guidance. Finally, I student-taught & substituted in public elementary schools where I gained firsthand experience being a classroom teacher in a formal school setting. I started working at HCA in, and have taught 2nd and 4th grades.

Tasha Barrett

Office Administrator

I’ve been a member of Hillside Church of God since 2015. I became a stay at home mom when I had my first child in 2016. When it was time for her to start school in 2021, it was a no brainer to have her attend Hillside Christian Academy. At that time I reached out to see if help was needed here. I kept praying on it and asking God when will be the right moment. Then He answered my prayers by starting a TK class here at HCA. In the beginning of the school year I reached out again, to see if help was needed. I am now working here at the school while both my daughters attend here. I am here to help and to serve. I’m so grateful, blessed and thankful to be apart of this HCA family! I thank God for opening these doors of opportunity for me and my family!

Paul Nemeth

Music Teacher

I was raised in Arvada, CO as the child of two music educators. I studied piano, trumpet and guitar before settling on bass guitar as my primary instrument. I relocated to the Bay Area in 1995 and have played guitar and bass in everything from small venues to large music festivals. I have been the principal bassist for the Church of the Highlands Orchestra and have taught at Highlands Christian Schools, Bronstein Music, Crystal Springs Uplands and Heriz Music & Art. I consider HCA my home and love teaching the kids to worship God through music.