Administrative Staff
Joe Hogan
Head of School
Associate Pastor Cornerstone Church
BA Business Administration, Cal State University of Fullerton
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Pastor Joe brings over 24 years of ministry experience to his role at ICS. He has been an integral part of the ICS community since the school first found its home at Cornerstone Church in 2010. Together with his wife, Pastor Joe has dedicated his life to equipping the next generation, both in faith and in education. They are proud parents of three children, two of whom graduated from Independence.
A lover of the great outdoors, Pastor Joe is passionate about creating opportunities to bring others alongside him in ministry, whether it's through service, outreach, or fellowship. His heart for both students and families is evident in his daily interactions, and he is honored to support the spiritual & academic growth of the ICS community.
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Natalie Cisneros
Principal
Master of Arts in Education: Curriculum & Instruction with ABA from Arizona State University
Bachelor of Arts in Human Development: Cal State University- Long Beach
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With over 16 years of experience in education, Mrs. Cisneros, affectionately known as Mrs. C., brings a wealth of knowledge and a true passion for special education to her role as Principal at ICS. Mrs. C. is dedicated to supporting students and families, drawing from her own experience as a parent of two children who received a private, Christian education. This background has given her a deep appreciation for the commitment and desire of families seeking to provide their children with a similar educational experience.
Outside of her professional life, Mrs. C. enjoys spending time at the beach, where she loves watching the sunset—her happy place. She has been married for 26 years and is deeply honored to lead ICS, guiding our community toward continued growth and success.
Erin Compos
Assistant Principal of Administration
Bachelor of Arts in
Criminal Justice
California State University- Fullerton
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Mrs. Compos has been a dedicated member of the ICS family since 2008 and takes great pride in the fact that her own children were students here. While her title might be a bit lengthy, her role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities that are vital to the smooth operation of the school. Known for her love of “to-do lists,” Mrs. Compos keeps our school moving forward each day, checking off tasks while ensuring that everything runs efficiently in service to the Lord.
In addition to overseeing the administrative needs of ICS, Mrs. Compos is the creative force behind our Yearbooks and plays a key role in planning many of our fun events, including Spirit Days and Summer Day Camp. Outside of her work, Mrs. Compos has been married to her husband for 30 years and enjoys spending time reading and attending game nights with friends. She is committed to making ICS a vibrant and engaging place for students, staff, and families alike.
Kim Gauvain
Preschool Director
Early Childroon Education with Administration from
Fullerton College
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Mrs. Kim's passion for early childhood education is driven by her belief that the work she does has the potential to make an eternal impact. With her warm and nurturing personality, Mrs. Kim has created a positive, loving environment for young learners at ICS. Her love for cooking, sewing, crafting, and gardening shines through as she incorporates these talents into creative activities that enhance the preschool experience.
Mrs. Kim’s journey in education began at the age of 16 when she first started working in a preschool, and she has since accumulated a wealth of experience. As Preschool Director, her goal is to ensure that each child feels valued and loved while laying a strong foundation for their future learning. Mrs. Kim is deeply committed to her students and their families, making her an invaluable part of the ICS team. She has been married for 35 years, and she and her husband are proud parents of three children, all of whom attended ICS. Her family’s connection to the school further fuels her dedication to making ICS a special place for all students.
Lyddiah Lasater
Administrative Assistant
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With a loving attitude and a sweet spirit, Mrs. Lyddiah is a welcoming presence at ICS, greeting students and families with warmth and care. As the Administrative Assistant, she plays a key role in ensuring smooth day-to-day operations, from answering phones to assisting staff and parents with various needs. Mrs. Lyddiah is beloved by students and parents alike for her kindness and willingness to help wherever needed.
Mrs. Lyddiah and her husband are proud parents of six children. Outside of her work at ICS, she enjoys spending time with her husband, playing pickleball, and leading women’s Bible studies. Her heart for service and her joyful personality make her an essential and cherished part of the ICS community.
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Christina Heraldez
Administrative Assistant &
Librarian
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With a loving attitude and a sweet sp
Mrs. Heraldez brings a wealth of experience to ICS, having worked for 19 years at another private Christian school before joining our team. In addition to her role as Librarian and Administrative Assistant, she has a deep passion for ministry, having spent 11 years alongside her husband pastoring, teaching, and counseling at their church. She now leads our volunteer program, connecting with families and helping them get involved in our school community.
Mrs. Heraldez loves working with students, encouraging them to make Jesus the center of their lives. She has a special gift for recognizing each student’s unique talents and motivating them to use the gifts God has blessed them with. Outside of her work at ICS, she enjoys crocheting, cooking, and shopping at thrift stores. Her heart for service, her dedication to students, and her love for nurturing both academic and spiritual growth make her a valuable member of the ICS family.
Jacob Monarres
Athletic Director & 8th Grade Math Instructor
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science for Cal Baptist University
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Coach Jacob has been preparing for his role as Athletic Director at ICS for years, having grown up here as a student and played on all of our sports teams. His deep connection to ICS and his extensive background in athletics make him a perfect fit for leading our athletic programs. In addition to his experience at ICS, Coach Jacob brings valuable high school football coaching experience to the table, further enhancing the athletic opportunities for our students.
Affectionately known as "Mr. ICS," Coach Jacob also runs the soundboard for our weekly chapels and teaches math to our 8th grade students. Outside of his responsibilities as Athletic Director, Jacob is passionate about sports, enjoys going to the gym, and is known for his great sense of humor, which helps create a positive and fun environment for all.
We are fortunate to have Coach Jacob leading our students in both athletics and personal personal work ethic here at ICS!
Elementary & Middle School Teachers and Staff
Alicia Hallerbach
Kindergarten Teacher
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies & Multi Subject Credential - Chapman University
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Mrs. Hallerbach has been a part of the ICS family since 2020, and she loves being able to share about Jesus and pray with her students each day. Her passion for both education and faith shines through as she creates a warm and nurturing classroom environment where young learners can grow spiritually and academically. Mrs. Hallerbach also loves being part of the amazing ICS staff, working alongside colleagues who share her commitment to fostering a Christ-centered learning community.
Before joining ICS, Mrs. Hallerbach homeschooled her own children, and she brings that same dedication and love for learning to her kindergarten class. Outside the classroom, she enjoys reading and backpacking, and she is also honored to lead our worship team for weekly chapels, helping students connect with God through music and worship.
Mrs. Hallerbach’s heart for teaching and her love for the ICS community make her a cherished member of our team!
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Lauren Bakuwel
1st Grade Teacher
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies - - Azusa Pacific
Multiple Subject Credential - Vanguard
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Mrs. Bakuwel, affectionately known as Mrs. B, has been a valued member of the ICS team since 2016. She loves the close-knit, family-like atmosphere at ICS and is always working to make the school experience even better for both students and staff.
As part of the "Think Tank," Mrs. B is always coming up with new and exciting ways to make ICS not only a great place to learn but also a fun environment for everyone.
Outside of her work, Mrs. B cherishes spending time with her husband and three children. She’s also a big fan of Disneyland, donuts, and candy – a sweet combination that reflects her joyful and fun-loving personality.
Mrs. B’s creativity, enthusiasm, and love for the ICS community make her an essential part of our school!
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Julia Zwayne
2nd Grade Teacher
Bachelor of Arts in English and Multiple Subjects Credential from Cal State University - Fullerton
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Miss Zwayne began her journey at ICS as a long-term substitute, and we quickly realized we couldn't let her go! With a passion for instilling a love for learning through a Biblical lens, Miss Zwayne's goal is to push her students closer to Christ while fostering a love of education. She brings excitement and energy to the classroom, creating an environment where learning is both fun and purposeful.
A social and energetic individual, Miss Zwayne thrives on spending time with others, drawing energy from her interactions with people. She began working in children's ministry in high school, which deepened her love for working with kids and helping them grow spiritually and academically. Outside of teaching, Miss Zwayne enjoys reading, writing poetry, hiking, and playing pickleball.
Miss Zwayne’s dedication to her students, along with her enthusiasm and passion for learning, make her a wonderful addition to the ICS family!
Mariah Scherer
3rd Grade Teacher
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies - Vanguard University
California Teaching Credential - Biola University
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Mrs. Scherer began working at ICS in 2020 and has found great joy in being part of a community that is uplifted by Godly people. She loves working in a Christian school because it gives her the opportunity to share the Gospel with children and guide them as they grow in their faith. Having grown up in a Christian school herself, Mrs. Scherer understands the importance of instilling strong values and integrating them into everyday life.
Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Scherer enjoys traveling (she's been to 19 different countries), hiking, and discovering new coffee shops. She also takes pride being married to a Pastor and in being a redhead, as only 2% of the world’s population shares her distinctive hair color!
With her passion for teaching, faith, and adventure, Mrs. Scherer is a treasured member of the ICS family!
Melissa Newby
4th Grade Teacher
Bachelor of Arts in Human Development - Cal State University, Long Beach
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Miss Newby finds great joy in helping her students overcome challenges and witnessing the moment when they finally understand something they’ve been struggling with. Her passion for teaching the next generation is evident in her dedication to creating an engaging and supportive learning environment where every student can thrive.
Outside of the classroom, Miss Newby enjoys bowling, cheering for the Angels baseball team, and making trips to Disneyland. She is also fluent in American Sign Language, which allows her to connect with and support a diverse group of individuals.
Miss Newby’s enthusiasm for teaching and her caring approach make her a wonderful and valuable member of the ICS family!
Ryan Schemmer
5th Grade Teacher
Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education - Cal Baptist University
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Mr. Schemmer has a deep understanding of the importance of a Christian foundation, having attended Christian schools from kindergarten through college. His passion for God drives him to spread His word and encourage others to grow in their faith. Throughout his journey, Mr. Schemmer has participated in several mission trips to Mexico, where he shared the Gospel and assisted at an orphanage, further fueling his commitment to serving others.
Mr. Schemmer's connection to ICS runs deep. He began working here during college as a daycare worker and PE teacher, and after graduating, he returned to teach. He even served as the Athletic Director for two years. Along with his dedication to teaching and coaching, Mr. Schemmer has traveled to 38 states and visited 9 of California’s national parks.
Outside of school, Mr. Schemmer enjoys surfing, playing pickleball and spikeball, and exploring good food. His love for adventure, his heart for service, and his dedication to teaching make him a valuable member of the ICS community.
Kendall Compos
Karen Monarres
Middle School Teacher
Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies and Masters Degree in Curriculum & Instruction from Western Governors University
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Miss Compos has been part of the ICS family for most of her life, attending ICS from 1st through 8th grade. She began coaching volleyball for our school during high school, taught for our preschool during college, and moved to the Elementary & Middle School side upon graduation.
What she loves most about teaching middle school is connecting with her students. She enjoys that they understand her jokes and that she can relate to them on a personal level. Her favorite subject to teach is Language Arts, where she encourages grammatically correct English and a love of reading.
Outside of school, Miss Compos stays active with spin and Pilates classes and enjoys visiting local coffee shops; because her love of coffee almost rivals her love of teaching!
Her commitment to sharing the love of Jesus and creating an engaging, positive learning environment makes her a cherished part of the ICS team!
Middle School Teacher
Bachelor of Science in Child and Adolescent Studies - Cal State University, Fullerton
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Mrs. Monarres has been a dedicated member of the ICS teaching team since 2008. Known for her quick sense of humor and love for a structured environment, she is a perfect fit for working with middle school students. Her students value how she makes learning both enjoyable and structured, particularly in her favorite subject—science. Mrs. Monarres excels at creating a dynamic and engaging classroom atmosphere; building robots are one of her students' favorite projects!
Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Monarres is affectionately known as the "Cricut Queen," always ready to create something cute, lettered, and spray-painted for anyone in need. Her creative talents extend to sewing, cake decorating, and she enjoys visiting Disneyland and attending concerts with her husband.
A proud parent of children who attended ICS, Mrs. Monarres is deeply loyal to the school and loves the opportunity to teach in a private, Christian environment where she can share her faith with her students. Her passion for both education and creativity makes her an invaluable part of the ICS community.
Alicia Helwig
Middle School Spanish Teacher
Bachelor of Arts in Spanish- Vanguard University
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Señora Helwig is passionate about teaching her students not only the Spanish language but also the rich Hispanic culture. She believes learning another language is an essential tool for reaching others for Christ and fostering cross-cultural understanding.
Having attended ICS for elementary school, she is thrilled to have returned to her roots as a teacher here. Señora Helwig fondly remembers performing in school plays during her time at ICS and is eager to inspire her students to develop a love for the arts as well.
Outside of the classroom, she enjoys cooking, hosting large dinner parties, and traveling with her husband and children. Her lifelong Bible verse, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart," has guided her since she first learned it at ICS as a child.
Señora Helwig began teaching in children’s ministry shortly after high school graduation, and she continues to bring that same dedication and love for teaching into her Spanish classroom. Her passion for both language and faith makes her a cherished member of the ICS community.
Daycare Staff
Ezekiel Cisneros
PE Teacher/Daycare Staff
Currently attending Cal State University, Dominguez Hills majoring in Liberal Arts
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ICS has helped Coach Zeke discover his passion for teaching and inspiring the next generation. After graduation, he plans to pursue a career in Elementary Special Education, where he can continue working with students to help them achieve their goals. He enjoys collaborating with others to accomplish shared objectives and finds fulfillment in seeing growth and progress in his students.
Raised with a strong foundation in Christ, Coach Zeke instills the values of commitment and endurance in his students. He loves fishing, going to the gym, and watching sports games in his free time.
Having attended Christian schools throughout his elementary and high school years, Coach Zeke cherishes his working at ICS. In fact, he has fond memories of playing basketball against ICS while in elementary school. His passion for teaching, faith, and sports makes him a great addition to the ICS team.
Paige Cunningham
Daycare & Yearbook Staff
Currently attending Fullerton College majoring in Early Childhood Education
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Miss Paige has always had a heart for working with children, having served in children's ministry during high school. She loves that her role at ICS allows her to not only work with but also share her faith with her students.
With a passion for creativity, Miss Paige enjoys drawing and painting, and she has used her artistic abilities to design several bulletin boards and yearbook pages for ICS. She studied ballet for 10 years and now helps guide dancers for the school musicals, combining her love for movement and music with her role at the school.
Known for her organization, reliability, patience, and calm demeanor, Miss Paige is currently attending college for Early Childhood Education. Working at ICS is a perfect fit, allowing her to nurture both her love for teaching and her passion for inspiring young minds.
Cathy Garcia
Musical Theater/Daycare Staff
40 years working in Youth/Children's Ministry & 23 years as a School Administrator
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With 40 years of experience working in youth and children's ministry, Mrs. Cathy brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her role at ICS. After retiring from her 23-year career as a Christian School Administrator, she quickly found that she missed working with students, prompting her to join the ICS team. Mrs. Cathy's greatest desire is to lead young lives to Christ, demonstrating His love through her actions and setting a godly example.
When she's not working with students, Mrs. Cathy enjoys spending time playing games, swimming, and camping. She also has a delightful collection of several hundred snowmen, which she proudly displays around her home each Christmas season.
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Martin Rodriguez
Daycare Staff
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration - Arizona Christian University
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Coach Martin, who attended Christian school from elementary through college, has a deep passion for working with children both in sports and in life. In addition to his role at ICS, he currently coaches high school football, where he helps instill discipline, teamwork, and leadership. Coach Martin loves Mexican food, lifting weights, and, of course, football.
Each day, you'll likely find him reading, completing devotionals, and spending time in prayer. His commitment to both his faith and his students makes him an invaluable member of the ICS community.
Preschool Teachers and Staff
Erin Jones
Toddler Teacher
Early Childhood Education - Wilshire Community College
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With 39 years of teaching experience, Ms. Erin is a seasoned educator who has a true passion for working with young children. In 2016, she was honored with the Teacher of the Year award, a testament to her dedication and impact in the classroom. Ms. Erin finds great joy in watching children grow, learn, and experience new milestones every day.
Outside the classroom, she enjoys gardening, volunteering at church events, and, like many, shopping on Amazon. Her love for teaching and her commitment to nurturing the growth of young minds make her an invaluable part of our ICS family.
Tatiana Lopez
2 year old Teacher
Associates Degree in Childhood Education from Fullerton College
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With 11 years of experience working with children, Mrs. Tatiana brings a deep passion for teaching, guiding her students with love and care. Working in a Christian school holds a special place in her heart, as it allows her to share the truth of the Bible with her students. Her goal is to help children approach everyday situations with a Biblical perspective, instilling strong values in their lives.
Outside of her work at ICS, Mrs. Tatiana is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in education. She enjoys visiting coffee shops, taking road trips with her husband, especially to the river, and is always eager to learn and grow, both professionally and personally.
Hannah Laque
3 year old Teacher
Bachelor of Science in Child & Adolescent Development from Cal State University - Fullerton
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Mrs. Hannah, who teaches our 3-year-old class, feels deeply honored by the responsibility of guiding young children. As a mother of children who attend ICS, she understands firsthand the trust and love that children offer in return for care and guidance. Her favorite Bible verse, "A friend loves at all times" (Proverbs 17:17), inspires her to teach her students the value of friendship and how to love and support one another.
Outside the classroom, Mrs. Hannah enjoys completing jigsaw puzzles, going on "easy" hikes with her husband and children, and savoring spicy foods. Her warm, nurturing approach to teaching and her commitment to fostering strong friendships among her students make her a beloved member of the ICS family.
Gloria Carrazco
4 year old Teacher
Sarah Melton
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Transitional Kindergarten Teacher​
Early Childhood Education from North Orange County Community College
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Mrs. Yasbel has been a valued member of the ICS community since 2015, bringing 15 years of experience in the classroom. She is motivated by her passion for Christian education, especially the opportunity to witness children grow in their faith and learn to love the Lord.
When she’s not in the classroom, Mrs. Yasbel enjoys spending time outdoors, taking nature walks, and camping with her husband and children. Her daughter also attends ICS, making their family’s connection to the school even more special. Back at home, Mrs. Yasbel loves to cook, and she’s especially known for making a delicious bowl of Pozole! Her warm heart and dedication to both her students and her family make her an incredible asset to the ICS team.
Yasbel Ortuno
Terri Cook
Preschool Aide
Karen Estabrook
Preschool Aide
Kristy Gauvain
Toddler Aide
Sheila Ienni
Preschool Aide
Associates Degree in from Gavilan College
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Miss Sheila is currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in English at CSUF and has a deep passion for sharing The Good News with the next generation.
Outside of the classroom, Miss Sheila enjoys journaling, thrifting, and playing the guitar. You’ll often find her playing and singing as a member of the church worship team, where she shares her love of music and faith. Her enthusiasm and dedication to both her studies and her students make her a valued member of the ICS community.
Claudia Johnston
Afternoon Daycare/Aide
Bachelor of Science in Child Development from Cal State University, Fullerton
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​With 37 years of teaching experience, Ms. Claudia has been an integral part of the ICS community for the past 13 years. She is passionate about the freedom she has at ICS to share the love of Jesus with students and their families, and her warm, welcoming nature makes her a beloved member of our team.
A true "people person," Ms. Claudia enjoys connecting with others and has a love for travel. Outside of her work at ICS, she enjoys spending time with her beloved cats and adores her two grandchildren. Her dedication to both her students and her family makes her an invaluable part of the ICS family.