Faculty and Staff
Helen Yoo-Lee
Principal/School Administrator
I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education at Patten University in 1991. I received my Master of Divinity at Alliance Theological Seminary in Nyack, New York in 1993 and Master of Science in Education at California Baptist University in Riverside, CA in 2018. 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.
This is my seventeenth year teaching. I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education at Patten University in 1991. I received my Master of Divinity at Alliance Theological Seminary in Nyack, New York. It is a blessing to be at Hillside Christian Academy because 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 view point. It is wonderful every school year to see my students grow both academically and spiritually.
Christina Elliot
TK/Kindergarten teacher
I am excited to be part of Hillside Christian Academy. I started at HCA in 1978 as a preschool teacher. I went on teaching different age groups from 2 ½ to 10 years old. I then moved on to be the Director of the Preschool. I feel so blessed to be at work each day since the Lord is always challenging me to learn something new from the best teachers-the children, staff, and 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
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.
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.
