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
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.
Rosemary Perez
Instructional Aide/P.E.
I am humbled and incredibly honored to be able to serve the incredible students and families at HCA. It is truly a blessing to be part of the HCA Family and the children’s lives. It is my passion to help children, to teach them, to make them smile, and to make learning a fun and memorable experience for them. I believe the children need a Christ-centered foundation from a young age to help them make good choices and to prepare them for whatever the future holds. At HCA, we work together to help build that strong foundation to train them up in the way they should go, so when they grow older, they will not depart from it. I am passionate about helping each child grow spiritually and academically, to reach their full potential and develop all the talents and gifts God has blessed them with. I enjoy learning and growing along with them. I am grateful that God has given me this opportunity to serve Him and his children here at HCA.