Justine Leonie
Position: Principal
Email: jleonie@napachristian.com
Biography
Mrs. Leonie brings to Napa Christian 25 years of experience in education, specifically child development and curriculum from several countries. She has taught every grade, served as an administrator for three schools in California, and trained teachers and principals in Marketing the Modern Parochial School. Although her job requires her to wear several hats, it is the time spent with her students in the art classroom, on the stage, in her office, or on the road which she values most. It is her belief that children learn best, and are at their happiest, when the school's hidden curriculum is one of unconditional positive regard for all.
Mrs. Leonie authored the CONQUESTS program in response to our mandated responsibility to meet our students' evolving learning needs. "Our world is constantly and frenetically changing, and it is imperative that we ensure that our students are being prepared to meet these unpredictable challenges with confidence."
When she's not molding young minds, Mrs. Leonie enjoys reading - finishing about a book a week, watching British comedy, and spending time with her family.
Dawnelle Ellis
Position: Registrar, International Student Coordinator and Culinary Arts Teacher
Email: daellis@napachristian.com
Biography
Mrs. Ellis, a local ‘Napkin', comes to Napa Christian with over 25 years of experience in the field of education. She has her Associate of Science Degree in Child and Family Studies, Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, and Master of Science Degree in Education with a focus in Administration.
She taught preschool and kindergarten in her early years and quickly moved up to director, administrator, head of school, and then superintendent. After many years of full time dedication to Christian education it was time to “slow down” and share her experience and vast knowledge in a supportive role as Napa Christian’s Registrar and International Student Coordinator. Mrs. Ellis’ new role allows her to fulfill her passion of working with students with the ability to pour more time into family.
She has been happily married for 30 years and she and her husband have two wonderful children who also attend Napa Christian. They love spending time together and building life long memories.
Darren Smith
Position: Vice Principal; High School History & English Teacher; Athletic Director
Email: dsmith@napachristian.com
Biography
Mr. Smith, or "Smith " as his students affectionately call him, has been at Napa Christian for 24 years; joining the Napa Christian staff directly after graduating from Pacific Union College, where he received a B.S. in Social Studies with a minor in Political Science, English, as well as his Secondary Teaching Credentials, both CA State and SDA Endorsed.
Mr. Smith has coached the girls basketball and boys soccer teams for longer than anyone can remember; he coaches with love, kindness, and compassion that inspires all his students to grow.
In his free time, Mr. Smith enjoys baseball, and any board sport on water or snow. Mr. Smith brings a passion and dedication to his students inside the classroom and out.
Ramona Pimentel
Position: Vice Principal and Music TK-12
Email: rpimentel@napachristian.com
Biography
Mrs. Pimentel is in her 16th year of teaching and has done so in both public and private institutions. She was recently the Director of Fine Arts and an Administrator for Los Gatos Christian School. Her programs were successful and instrumental in enrollment retention as well as fund raising. Ramona graduated from La Sierra University with a BA in Vocal and Flute Performance then received her MA in Music Education from Teachers College Columbia University in New York, NY.
She is excited for the opportunities that lie ahead with Napa Christian and is thrilled to be going into her second year with this squad. She is equally excited to have her child attending a school whose teachers are clearly dedicated to the success of their students.
Chris Ames
Position: Business Manager
Email: cames@napachristian.com
Biography
Chris spent the last 16 years in Accounting at Pacific Union College. As an alumnus, Chris is excited to return to Napa and support the school he spent 10 years attending and has so many fond memories of!
Autumn Jones
Position: TK/Kindergarten
Email: ajones@napachristian.com
Biography
Ms. Autumn is a passionate young teacher from Angwin. She attended Walla Walla University where she pursued a degree in Communications and Public Relations, but ultimately discovered a passion for child development and teaching. She was a preschool teacher at Foothills Elementary for 5 years, before becoming a part of the Napa Christian Family. She shares in our schools mission for providing our youngest students with a well-rounded, outdoor based education. In addition to curriculum, she is passionate about teaching her TK and Kindergarten classes how to identify, process and cope with their emotions so they are empowered with the foundational tools for a successful education. She is excited to meet and connect with our littlest knights this coming year!
Daniela Scarpino
Position: 1st Grade Teacher
Email: dscarpino@napachristian.com
Biography
Miss Scarpino grew up in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and graduated from Pacific Union College in 2018. This will be her 6th year of teaching! She has a 3 year old dog named Rusty who is the joy of her life and she enjoys reading, thrifting, hiking and spending time with her family and friends. When you come and visit her classroom, be sure to count how many Kermit the Frogs there are!
Justine Tabiolo
Position: 2nd Grade Teacher; Elementary Lead
Email: jtabiolo@napachristian.com
Biography
Ms. Tabiolo , "Miss T" as her students lovingly all her, graduated from Pacific Union College with a BS in Liberal Studies. She is in her fourth year of teaching and has been at Napa Christian for two. At school, she helps out in the garden, the farm and has become best friends with our sheep!
JT love cats, art, books, dark chocolate and all types of flowers.
Jamie Herman
Position: 3rd & 4th Grade Teacher
Email: jherman@napachristian.com
Biography
Mrs. Herman’s life as a teacher and love for little people began when she was a teenager and did a lot of babysitting and teaching in Sabbath School.
She started down the college education path to becoming a nurse, but realized that was not a good fit. She is a third-generation teacher and realized Elementary Education was a better choice.
Mrs. Herman started her career at Foothills Elementary in Deer Park, CA as a 5th grade teacher. Her oldest daughter was born 2 1/2 years later, so she became a full-time stay-at-home mom. Over the course of the next 15 years, the Hermans added 4 daughters total to their family, moved from Angwin to Washington to Montana to Molokai, HI and back to Angwin. For the past 29 years Mrs. Herman has helped teach in her husband’s classroom, taught Sabbath School, taught in Vacation Bible School, been a Teacher’s Aide, taught a year of Kindergarten, been a hot lunch lady, and worked at Pacific Union College.
Now she is thrilled that God has led her back to have the opportunity to teach little people in her own classroom again here at Napa Christian!
Lenny Leonie
Position: 5th & 6th Grade Teacher; High School Electives
Email: lleonie@napachristian.com
Biography
Mr. Lenny has been working in the field of education for as long as he can remember. He has been teaching in various capacities at Napa Christian since 2014 and was part of the staff that originated our CONQUESTS program. In addition to teaching 5th & 6th grade, Mr. Lenny will be spearheading our Film elective in high school next year. Students will have new opportunities to learn about cinematography, screenwriting, production and direction.
Mr. Lenny received his film degree from PUC and plans to work closely with their staff during the school year to produce and showcase excellent student films.
Chase Wiedemann
Position: 7th & 8th Grade Teacher; High School Electives
Email: cwiedemann@napachristian.com
Biography
Mr. Wiedemann will be entering his second year teaching Math and Science to grades fifth through eighth. He strongly believes in problem-solving and critical thinking skills learned in the STEM classroom because they are important in preparing for life as 21st-century citizens. He will drive learning in science through CONQUESTS to further understand how each lesson is applicable in every aspect of life. This will foster intrinsic motivation and help students understand the "why.” In math, they will use strategies such as discovery-based learning and discussion-based learning so students can have a hands-on part in the learning process.
We are going to have a fantastic year filled with field trips and fun projects!
Madeleine Carr Leonie
Position: Teacher's Aide and Yearbook; Extended Care
Email: mcarr@napachristian.com
Biography
Born and raised in Napa, California, Maddie is an alumnus of Napa Christian. After graduating in 2017, she went on to study Set Design in Theater Arts and Early Childhood Education at San Francisco State University. After working many of her breaks in the office, she officially joined our CONQUESTS Teaching Team in January 2021. This year, Maddie will taken on the office manager position and continue to jump into the classrooms to teach an elective and help out as needed. Her penchant for organization and creativity along with her innate ability to connect with her students has made Maddie an excellent addition to our team.
When she's not working in the office or with the kids, Maddie enjoys spending time with her family, painting and hanging out with her "personal shadow" Leela (her dog).
Matthew Handy
Position: PE Teacher
Email: mhandy@napachristian.com
Biography
Matt Handy has worked in education & coaching for 8 years. He is a graduate of Elon University in Burlington, North Carolina. While at Elon, he majored in both Physical Education and Exercise Science. Along with teaching, he has experience working as a youth minister. In addition to his role at Napa Christian, he is a coach for Prolific Prep, where his responsibilities include mentorship, academics, character development and life preparation. Mr. Handy’s teaching philosophy is making everyone feel included, keeping the learning environment fun and preparing the students for a long life full of happiness.
Jonathan Hayasaka
Position: Campus Pastor, High School and Middle School Religion Teacher
Email: jhayasaka@napachristian.com
Biography
Pastor Jonny, aka Elder Hayasaka, has been teaching at Napa Christian for two years. He has nothing to do with the garden and the farm and has not made friends with our sheep!
Elder Hayasaka love cats, art, books, dark chocolate and some kinds of flowers.
Annie Hodgson
Position: High School Math Teacher; High School Lead
Email: ahodgson@napachristian.com
Biography
Ms. Hodgson (often called Ms. H) grew up in beautiful Colorado and graduated from Walla Walla University with a BS in Mathematics and B.Ed in Secondary Education. She is in her fifth year of teaching, coming to Napa Christian in 2022 after teaching Math in Hong Kong. Outside of practicing her times tables she enjoys reading, hiking, playing games, and spending time with family and friends.
Dan Muhic
Position: High School Science Teacher
Email: dmuhic@napachristian.com
Biography
Dan Muhic has been teaching at Napa Christian for 11 years. He is a 1999 graduate of Pacific Union College with a BS in Biology and a secondary school teaching credential. Prior to teaching in Napa Christian, Dan worked at Hawaiian Mission Academy.
His joy in life includes spending time with his wife, Kristi and two boys, Noah and Benjamin. His go-to hobbies always bring him outdoors; running, cycling, surfing, snowboarding and traveling.
Johnny Leonie
Position: Facilities
Email: johnleonie@napachristian.com
Biography
A true "Jack of all Trades", if it needs fixing or building, Mr. Johnny is our go to guy. You'll find him around campus taking great care of our buildings, garden, and the animals of our farm. From building outdoor stages and Christmas program sets, to Bee Keeping and CONQUESTS personal contractor, Johnny, a licensed contractor by trade, keeps us up and running no matter what.
Mr. Leonie enjoys cooking for his family - and is well known at NCCE for his culinary skills, woodworking, gardening, jewelry making, and raising the menagerie of pets.
Philippe Doherty
Position: Volunteer
Email: ad@napachristian.com
Biography
Philippe Doherty brings a wealth of experience to the Napa Christian community. He was born in France and lived in West Africa for 5 years as a child in Sierra Leone and Burkina Faso before moving to San Francisco. Philippe grew up in San Francisco where he attended Sacred Heart Cathedral High School and was in the scholar program while playing basketball & baseball.
Philippe is an immigration specialist and works closely with the office of Congressman Mike Thompson in Napa to help international students explore opportunities to study in the United States. At Napa Christian Philippe assists AD Darren Smith with the scheduling of Boy's Frosh and JV basketball games. He also helps Darren with gym scheduling and transportation to and from Boys JV and Frosh basketball games.