Faculty and Staff
Stoneybrooke employs people who are passionate about Christ-centered education and maintain a standard of excellence in their respective jobs. Learn more about the unique individuals that call Stoneybrooke home. If you would like to email any faculty or staff member, simply click the link under their bio.
Administration
Jim Berkompas
Head of School
Jim Berkompas graduated from Calvin College with a major in Physical Education, a minor in History and teaching credential. He received an MA in Curriculum and Instruction as well as an administrative credential. After teaching in junior high for twenty years he came to Stoneybrooke in 2003 as an elementary principal. In his free time, Jim can be found cheering for the LA Lakers and UCLA basketball teams.
Lloyd Grim
Principal
After serving four years in the United States Marine Corps, Lloyd Grim graduated with a Liberal Studies degree from Point Loma Nazarene College. He received a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Vanguard University. Lloyd joined the Stoneybrooke junior high staff in 1996 and has taught physical education, technology and bible. In 2006, he became the school's principal.
Theresa Yurkovich
Assistant Principal
Theresa Yurkovich earned her BA in Journalism MA in Education from Pepperdine University. She taught 1st and 2nd grade in public school and later worked on staff at Saddleback Church before joining the Stoneybrooke teaching faculty in 2011, teaching JK and 1st grade. Theresa is passionate about teaching and loves watching students grow in their knowledge of, love for, and commitment to Jesus.
Office / Support Staff
Tressa Donaldson
Bookkeeper
Tressa Donaldson received her BA in Sociology from Cal State Fullerton, but has been working in the accounting field for over 15 years. When her sons started attending Stoneybrooke in 2017, she became involved in SPO and working as a part-time TA. She is thankful to now be able to use her background and serve the Stoneybrooke families as the school’s Bookkeeper. Tressa is grateful to be both a Stoneybrooke Mom and a Stoneybrooke staff member!
Coco Makos
Assistant Bookkeeper
CoCo Nicole Makos received her bachelor's degree from University of Colorado. She worked for Horizon Christian Fellowship in San Diego for ten years planning events for the church and outreach events for the City of San Diego. Additionally she worked on Horizon's international team coordinating "Festival's of Life" across Mexico. CoCo has three children who have gone through Stoneybrooke starting in Preschool and has spent lots of time volunteering in the classroom and serving on the SPO board.
Kristi Young
Bookkeeper
Kristi Young joined the staff in 2019 after several years as an active Stoneybrooke parent. She transitioned from a career in managing real estate sales to overseeing the school's admissions process. Kristi works tirelessly answering questions and addressing concerns for incoming students to ensure that their needs are met as they join the Stoneybrooke family!
Sherry Worel
Chaplain
Sherry Worel is one of the founders of Stoneybrooke Christian Schools and has joyfully served as its Superintendent since 1983. In addition to her school leadership responsibilities, Sherry teaches a weekly Bible study for Stoneybrooke moms and community friends. She has spoken internationally at many leadership and educational conferences, school sites and parenting workshops.
Lauren Johnson
Elementary Secretary
Lauren Johnson has worked in a supportive role for several large local businesses and churches including The Walt Disney Company, Mission Hospital and Saddleback Valley Community Church. While she spends her days making sure the school office is running at full speed, Lauren continues to be very active in children’s ministry at her church. She recharges her batteries by gardening and running.
Melanie Hershock
Events Coordinator
Melanie Hershock started her work at Stoneybrooke first as a parent, volunteering to help out with various office tasks for the junior high. Her work proved to be invaluable and she formally came on staff in 2013. Melanie possess a variety of skills including woodworking, carpentry and graphic design which allow her to use her abilities to coordinate the many special events planned for our school families.
Laura O'Neil
Assistant Events Coordinator
Laura earned her bachelor’s degree from Sonoma State University and previously worked as a 911 dispatcher before focusing on raising her family. She and her husband have four children who all attended Stoneybrooke from JK through 8th grade. Laura volunteered extensively and served with the Stoneybrooke Parent Organization before joining the staff first as a Teacher’s Assistant and later as the Assistant Events Coordinator.
Leslie Bettino
School Counselor
Leslie received her undergraduate degree from Point Loma Nazarene University and her Masters in Educational Counseling and PPS Credential from Azusa Pacific University. Leslie has a strong desire to connect with students to contribute to their academic, social, emotional and spiritual development. She is grateful to be a part of the Stoneybrooke family!
Shirley McDonald
Junior High Secretary
Shirley joined the Stoneybrooke staff as the junior high secretary after 27 years as the Assistant Director of Admissions with a Los Angeles-based college. Her children attended Stoneybrooke nd she considers those days among the highlights of her life and a gift to her family. When she's not in the office, Shirley can usually be found at her church, spending time with friends and family, in her stained glass studio, garden, the beach, or traveling.
Kevin Garibaldi
IT Director
After receiving a Liberal Studies degree and music minor from Cal Poly, SLO, Kevin earned his elementary teaching credential from Cal State Fullerton. He joined the elementary faculty in 2002 as a technology teacher and became the IT Director in 2009. Kevin maintains technology throughout the school and can often be found using his gifts in music and a/v for chapel programs, musicals and other events.
Faculty - Early Education
Mary Barnes
Preschool / 4 Year Olds
Mary Barnes graduated from Cal State Univ, Long Beach with a BA in Sociology and a multiple subject teaching credential. After teaching 5th grade and staying home to raise her 3 sons, she has found a love for Early Ed and thoroughly enjoys teaching the 4 year old class and helping out as assistant director.
Irina Klokochar '06
Preschool / 3 Year Olds
Irina Klokochar graduated from Stoneybrooke in 2006 and has been a part of the school staff since 2009, first working as a teacher's assistant. She earned her Early Childhood Teaching certification from Saddleback Community College in 2014 and the following year began teaching the 3 year old preschool class full time. Irina loves to work with the "littlest" Stoneybrooke students making their day fun and exciting!
Kim Corral
Junior Kindergarten
Kim Corral received a BA in Social Science from UC Irvine and an elementary teaching credential from Concordia University. She taught kindergarten and first grade before joining the Stoneybrooke faculty. Kim says she feels "so blessed that I get to teach the JK Sea Turtles. Every day is a joy to spend with 5-year-olds full of excitement to learn and play, and I am grateful to serve these sweet kids and their families!"
Faculty - Elementary
Erin Bennett
Kindergarten
Erin Bennett holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a master’s degree in Special Education from National University. She has served in general and special education for most of her adult life as a classroom teacher, autism specialist, assistive technology and behavior teacher. Erin is very active with Coast Bible Church where her husband Tom is the lead pastor.
Marisa Jacobsen
Kindergarten
Marisa Jacobsen earned her degree in elementary education from Grand Canyon University and obtained an elementary credential in 2022. She is excited to encourage growth in her kindergarten students and is grateful for the opportunity to share about Jesus’ love every day. Marisa volunteers in kids' ministries and is involved in the young adults group at her church. When she is not teaching, Marisa enjoys spending time with her friends and family, going to the beach, taking Zumba classes, and traveling.
Payton Downing
First Grade
Payton Downing graduated from the University of Washington with a BA in early education and Family Studies and earned her K-6 teaching credential from Concordia University Irvine. She has taught in public and private schools, covering grades pre-K through fourth grade. Payton enjoys spending time with her husband exploring the outdoors and running in her spare time.
Jordan O'Neil '17
First Grade
Jordan O’Neil earned a bachelor’s degree and teaching credential from Baylor University, before returning to the community that helped shape her love for education. With a warm heart, creative spirit, and commitment to helping each student grow academically and spiritually, Jordan brings enthusiasm and purpose to her classroom. In her free time, she enjoys going to the beach, spending time with friends and family, traveling and playing pickle ball.
Tracy Cargill
Second Grade
After earning her BA in International Studies from Pepperdine and pursuing a career in public relations, Tracy Cargill went back to school for her teaching credential and Masters Degree in Education. She has been teaching at Stoneybrooke since 2002, and has a passion for teaching 2nd graders! Tracy's joy outside of teaching is found spending time with her friends and family.
Madison Yarter '15
Second Grade
A proud alumna, Madison Yarter is excited to return to Stoneybrooke as a teacher. She earned her teaching credential from Biola University, where she also met her husband. The two were married in June 2024, and now live in San Clemente with their playful puppy, Butter. Madison considers it a true blessing to teach at the very school where she gave her life to Christ. She’s eager to pour into the next generation of students and make a lasting impact in the community that shaped her own faith journey.
Cami Vorell
Third Grade
Cami Vorell spent several years as a Stoneybrooke mom before joining the faculty as a 3rd grade teacher. She graduated from Humboldt State University with her
elementary credential and has experience teaching TK-12th grade students with diverse learning needs. Cami is grateful to God and excited for the opportunity to share the love of Jesus and God’s word with her students. In her free time, she enjoys beach days, trips to Mammoth and Mexico, and adventures with her family.
Kim Snyder
Third Grade
Kim Snyder attended Cal State Fullerton, earning a degree in Child Development as well as an elementary teaching credential. She has over 20 years of teaching experience in both public and private schools. Kim began teaching preschool at Stoneybrooke in 2012 and moved to the elementary side in 2015 to teach 3rd grade. She feels blessed to part of such an amazing Christian school!
Jesse Pike
Fourth Grade
Jesse Pike earned his BA from Westmont College in 1994 and earned his elementary teaching credential from Concordia University. After working in real estate, he began teaching in 2000 and joined the Stoneybrooke staff in 2007. He went back to Concordia in 2014 to earn his MA in Educational Administration. His gifts lie in inspiring his students to excel through motivation, laughter, discipline, music and prayer.
Cara Heitmann
Fourth Grade
Cara Heitmann earned her Bachelors degree and teaching credential from the Cal State Fullerton. She began her career teaching elementary education in the Saddleback Valley Unified School District. In 2008, Cara joined the Stoneybrooke family as a fourth grade teacher. She has a passion for teaching and guiding her students both academically and spiritually.
Pamela Long
Fourth Grade
Pamela Long graduated from Trinity College with her BA in Elementary Education. She earned her Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University. Pam has taught 1st grade at Stoneybrooke since 2001 and has 3 children who are Stoneybrooke graduates. She feels very blessed to be part of the family here!
Karen Prete
Fifth Grade
Karen Prete graduated from Westmont College with a diversified major and later received her elementary teaching credential from UC Irvine. Karen taught 5th grade for ten years before coming to Stoneybrooke in 2012. She and her husband have two wonderful daughters, Lauren and Jessica, and attend Compass Bible Church, in Aliso Viejo.
Monica Grim
Fifth Grade
Monica Grim shows her love for children and their needs inside and outside the classroom. After spending 13 years as Children's Ministry Director at Coast Bible Church, Monica returned to Stoneybrooke in 2010 to teach 5th grade. Monica enjoys serving at her church, spending time with her husband and four children, and loves sharing her passion for helping the children of Haiti.
Doug Harrison
Sixth Grade
Doug Harrison earned his undergrad and elementary credential before earning his Masters in Primary Education from Azuza Pacific University. He has been on the Stoneybrooke staff since 2003. Doug can often be found using his gifts in musical worship and discipling former students. He is passionate about missions work in Haiti and has traveled there many times working with orphaned children.
Faculty - Junior High
Katie Beshore
Math
Katie Beshore earned her Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from Azusa Pacific University and teaching credential from Vanguard University. She is very enthusiastic about teaching math and is thrilled to share her love of the subject with Stoneybrooke junior high students! Katie is also very involved at her church and enjoys being with her family on the weekends.
Caroline Dailey '13
History
Caroline Dailey received her teaching credential and education degree from Baylor University. She has wanted to be a teacher all of her life and couldn't imagine teaching anywhere other than Stoneybrooke - where she attended from Kindergarten through 8th grade! She has a passion for empowering students and she cannot wait to grow with them in their relationship with the Lord.
Aubrey Hess
Bible
Aubrey Hess earned her Bachelor’s degree and teaching credential from The Master’s University. She began her career teaching sixth grade at Emblem Academy in the STEM program. She is committed to helping her students find the relevance of math in the world around them. She is passionate about the Bible, math, and seeing student growth! Aubrey can be found coaching and playing volleyball in her free time.
Roxanne Nilsen
Science
After attending Bible college at Pacific Christian (now Hope International University), Roxanne earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Cal State Fullerton and graduate studies in education at University of San Diego. She has been teaching at Stoneybrooke since 1998. Roxanne considers it a great blessing to be a part of the Stoneybrooke family!
Faculty - Enrichment
Suzy Garrison
Librarian
Suzy Garrison taught in home school type programs for over twenty years. She loves teaching Bible and American History and enjoys working with parents and helping them with their teaching skills. Suzy is married and has three grown children, and four grandchildren. When she is not teaching here at school she loves spending time with her family.
Janna White
Music
Janna White is a native Texan who moved to California in 2019, shortly after getting married. She earned a BA degree in Music Education from the University of Texas at Tyler while performing in many different settings and musical genres. Janna brings a wide variety of musical abilities to Stoneybrooke and feels called by God to teach and lead others in worship hoping to draw students closer to Him.
Sean Little
Physical Education
Sean Little joined the Stoneybrooke staff in 2023 serving the school in several roles. Sean teaches P.E. for JK–3rd grade while serving as athletic director. A Cal State Fullerton graduate with a degree in Kinesiology and a Teaching Credential, Sean is grateful to live out his calling to help students grow in confidence and develop healthy habits. He and his wife, Kylie, have three children - Caden, Carter, and Clarke, who continually inspire him to lead with patience, kindness, and enthusiasm.
Juliet Marshall
Speech/Reading Specialist
Juliet Marshall is a Stoneybrooke mom of 2 boys and a certified and licensed speech language pathologist. She received her bachelor's degree at California State University, Long Beach and her Master’s degree at San Diego State University. Juliet feels blessed to be given the opportunity to work with Stoneybrooke students and to assist them in becoming more successful with their communication and reading skills.
Cheryl Hilario
Student Success Program
Cheryl Hilario has worked in the field of education since 2000. She holds an elementary teaching credential and has taught a variety of grades, as well as working as a resource teacher. She received her Master's Degree and credential as a school psychologist. Cheryl has a deep passion for working with students who think and learn "out of the box".
Stephanie Quintino
Technology / Science Lab
Stephanie Quintino graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University with a bachelor’s degree in applied health science and a minor in Child Development, then earned a master’s degree in Theology from Vanguard University. Passionate about working with students, Stephanie is excited to help them understand technology as a tool God has given us to do good, and she is grateful for the opportunity to share her skills and faith with the next generation.
Teacher's Assistants
