Administration
William Arnold
Principal
ABOUT ME
Graduated from Southern Missionary College with a degree in Physical Education and Health before going on to complete my post graduate at Loma Linda University in Education Administration and Leadership. I have experience in both teaching and administration at multiple levels in Florida, Boston, and California and have been a conference superintendent as well.
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets."
Matthew 22:37-40 RSV
INTERESTS
Golfing, going to the beach with my family, getting coffee with friends, and being a handy man at home.
Nathalie Mazo
Vice Principal
ABOUT ME
Born in New York City and raised in Miami, I am a daughter and granddaughter of Cuban immigrants. I attended Southern Adventist University and eventually received an M.S. in School Counseling. It has since been a personal ministry to assist students with their social and emotional needs. I am a proud wife and a mom to three girls.
I am in my 15th year of working in education and absolutely love what I do.
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE
The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory rests with the Lord.
Proverbs 21:31 (NIV)
INTERESTS
My family and I love getting out to the beach, going camping and visiting Disneyland. I enjoy traveling, photography, and the color blue. Let's go Miami Heat!
Luisa Desia
Business Manager
ABOUT ME
I experienced the SDA community, life style and school system for the first time as a freshman in college. I learned and fell in love with the beautiful truth of the Gospel and our SDA beliefs! It changed my life, and made me understand the value of the SDA educational system. My prayer is that each RAA student develops a personal relationship with Christ, and reaches his/her full potential in all aspects of life.
My first work experience out of college was as a Math teacher for grades 6-12 in a SDA school in Puerto Rico. Then I worked for 8 years in the international financial institution Inter-American Development Bank in Washington, D.C. We moved to California, and I started working at RAA over 21 years ago.
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.
Numbers 6: 24-26 (NIV)
INTERESTS
Spending time with family and enjoying the outdoors hiking or mountain biking. Travelling to my home country Brazil (or my husband's Argentina) and enjoying our typical food/fruits. Christian music.
Kathy Iwasa
Registrar
ABOUT ME
Taught Business Education for 29 years, was a registrar for an online school for 9-years and was the Director of Student Financial Services at Walla Walla University for 2.5 years.
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE
Psalms 139 (MSG)
INTERESTS
I love spending time hiking and camping in the mountains as well as trying out new recipes with my husband and two adult children. I also enjoy walking my fur baby.
Office Staff
Kaylie Bracker
Marketing
ABOUT ME
Kay was born and raised in Redlands, California and graduated from Redlands Adventist Academy before attending Walla Walla University and receiving her Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion. While at Walla Walla University she worked for the School of Social Work in admissions and spent a year abroad teaching high school in Pohnpei, Micronesia. After graduation, she spent some time as a substitute teacher before moving to Boise, Idaho to work for a nonprofit focused on supporting young Adventist entrepreneurs. She has also spent time as a graphic designer and event and business consultant for a variety of nonprofits.
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
Romans 8:37 (NIV)
INTERESTS
Hiking, rock climbing, off-roading, reading, learning and hanging out with her pets.
Debra Brown
Administrative Assistant
ABOUT ME
I have spent 25-years working at SDA schools. We have been in the Redlands area for 1-year now. So happy to live by our children and of course grandchildren.
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32
INTERESTS
Spending time with family is the greatest. The beach is where it's at! Love spending time at the beach - reading and walking my Shetland sheep dog, Sadie. Always looking for an authentic New York pizza.
Brian Haddad
Accountant
ABOUT ME
I've been working at RAA for 7 years in the Business Office and 5 years with technology on campus. I enjoy what I do; working with administration and teachers to make RAA even better!
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.
Luke 10:27 (HCSB)
INTERESTS
I love to go hiking and spend time with family and friends.
Claudette Sanders
Administrative Assistant
ABOUT ME
I moved from Connecticut to California in 1990 to pursue acting and singing, and instead found myself being pursued by a loving Creator God. I became a born-again Jesus follower in 1992.
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Matthew 11: 28-30
INTERESTS
Singing
Support Staff
Kimberly Bennie
Librarian
ABOUT ME
Happily married to the 5th grade teacher for 19 years and have two amazing daughters that attend RAA. Back when I was teaching 6th grade at RAA, I told our incredible librarian, Mrs. Nancy Kim, that she could not leave (retire) RAA unless she found someone who would carry on her many library traditions with the students. I am so happy to have that honor and LOVE doing those things and many more to promote reading for our students!
FAVORITE VERSE
Our Master, Jesus Christ, is on the way. He'll show up right on time, His arrival guaranteed by the Blessed and Undisputed Ruler, High King, High God.
1 Timothy 6:14-15
INTERESTS
Reading, traveling, hiking, cooking - but mostly eating.
Perla Caraveo
Learning Coach
Interests
I enjoy reading, exercising, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. I am an early riser and find the early morning hours very peaceful and inviting to spend personal time with God.
Favorite Bible Text
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God and to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
Elementary
Rebekah Trudeau
Teacher
ABOUT ME
I am a west coast girl! I was born in Oregon, raised in Seattle, and now make my home in SoCal. I have been teaching for 20 years, mainly in Kindergarten. I graduated with a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education from Walla Walla University and have a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction from La Sierra University. I am married to my wonderful husband and have two amazing children, Jakob and Abigail. I am a baptized member of the Adventist Church and can't wait to go to heaven with my family and friends and be hugged by Jesus.
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE
Jesus said, "Don't let your hearts be troubled and trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father's house. I would not tell you this if it were not true. I am going there to prepare a place for you. After I go, I will come back and take you to where I am so that you may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going".
John 14: 1-4
INTERESTS
I enjoy spending time with my kids and family. We like to ride bikes and watch movies together. I love to bake and try new recipes. I love the beach; that is my happy place. I have loved panda bears since I can remember.
Tara Heghesan
Teacher
Katrina Miller
Teacher
ABOUT ME
I grew up in the Central Valley and attended Modesto Adventist Academy. I then went on to complete my Bachelors of Science in Liberal Studies with a minor in Spanish from Pacific Union College. In 2021 I received my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from La Sierra University.
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE
You came close when I called out. You said, “It's going to be all right.”
Lamentations 3:57 (MSG)
INTERESTS
I love to travel! Exploring new places, learning about new cultures, and trying new food brings joy to my heart. I have a long bucket-list of places I’d like to visit but my first goal is to check off each continent. I also love to read. I can spend an entire day in a book
and not even realize that time has passed.
Denine Matsuda
Teacher
ABOUT ME
I have a Bachelor of Science in Child Development from La Sierra University and a Master of Arts in Child Development from California State University. Besides teaching here at RAA in multiple different grades, I also spent some time as an adjunct professor at La Sierra University in their School of Education as well as spending some time as a Math & Literacy In-service Teacher Educator.
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart;
And lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge Him,
and He shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3: 5-6 (KJV)
INTERESTS
Playing the piano, gardening, exercising, reading, playing math games, and shopping.
Heather Page
Teacher
ABOUT ME
I have the best family and friends in the world! I love traveling and looking at maps. I have visited 49 states - only one more to go! I've lived in Micronesia and Canada, and visited several European countries including Russia. I've also been to Mexico, Central America, and Kenya.
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE
You will show me the path of life.
You will fill me with joy in Your presence.
At Your right hand I will find pleasure forever.
Psalms 16:11
INTERESTS
Spending time with family and friends, traveling, solving puzzles, nature, birdwatching, listening to audiobooks, and flower arranging.
Matthew Bennie
Teacher
ABOUT ME
I have a M.Ed. in Instructional Leadership from Pacific Union College and have been teaching at RAA for 23-years. I love God, my family and our RAA community! As a teacher I enjoy encouraging students to accept Jesus as their Savior and develop a lifelong relationship with Him, and searching for creative ways to inspire students to be curious, life-long learners.
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE
Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
INTERESTS
Hiking, reading, D.I.Y. projects, exploring National Parks, and Duolingo
Charles Wilber
Teacher
Extension: 102
Interests
I enjoy cycling, radio controlled hobbies, woodworking, live theatre, drawing, hockey, and collecting family memories – boogie boarding, snowboarding, sailing, and rafting. For the past few years I have helped kids enjoy riding bikes in Redlands and my family has volunteered at Big Lake Youth Camp coordinating the MTB Rad Camp, sharing area trails with kids near Bend, Oregon. Although the Northwest has been a special place for my family, I have also taken trips to Whistler, Canada, National Parks – Yosemite, Arches, Sedona, Moab, Lassen, Washington DC, California Beaches, Hawaii, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and a Mission trip to Kenya, Africa. Some of my most special times are sharing nature riding along white water rivers with family and friends or looking up at the stars in Central Oregon.
Favorite Bible Text
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV
Middle School
Raymond Brown
Teacher
ABOUT ME
God is my guide and best friend, I love my family and spending time with them, and my students are sons and daughters of God and I will treat them from that perspective.
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
James 1:5
INTERESTS
Sports, going to the beach and sharing with people about Jesus.
Angie Crosgrove
Teacher
ABOUT ME
I began my teaching career in 2010. I taught in multi-grade classroom settings in grades ranging from Kindergarten through 8th Grade. In 2021, I had the privilege of joining the RAA team teaching 6th grade. I currently teach Junior High.
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE
The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still.
Exodus 14:14 (NIV)
INTERESTS
I love plants and gardening. I enjoy spending time outdoors and want to one day visit all the National Parks. I am a huge Dodgers
fan and love collecting baseball cards.
Brent Haloviak
Teacher
Amy Hill
Teacher
ABOUT ME
This is my 25th year at RAA. I graduated from Walla Walla University with a Bachelors in Education, minoring in history and art. While attending WWU, I spent a year as a student missionary in Pohnpei, Micronesia.
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31
INTERESTS
Traveling is amazing, but not complete without a visit to a local museum. Even my children have succumbed to museum madness.
Rachel Kendall
Teacher
ABOUT ME
I'm a Kiwi (born in New Zealand) and have been married to my husband for 24 years and have 3 children, two who are attending college at Southern Adventist University and one who is a senior here at RAA. I have a Bachelor of Art in Photography from University of California Riverside and have been teaching for 22 years with 10 of those years here at RAA and the other 12 in two different public school districts.
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE
So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up.
Galatians 6:9
INTERESTS
Shopping, visiting the beach, traveling, backpacking, and reading.
Amy Miller
Teacher
ABOUT ME
I am the Junior High science, computer and 8th Grade PE teacher. I was born in Wisconsin, graduated from Southern Adventist University with my Bachelors and La Sierra University with my Masters in Instruction and Curriculum. I have been teaching for 10 years and this is my 3rd year at RAA. My goal as a teacher is to help bring children to God and create a family within my classroom.
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE
“I've said these things to you so that you will have peace in me. In the world you have distress. But be encouraged! I have conquered the world.”
John 16:33
INTERESTS
Sports (the Green Bay Packers), reading fiction books, and Disney, specifically Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and The Little Mermaid.
Charles Wilber
Teacher
Extension: 102
Interests
I enjoy cycling, radio controlled hobbies, woodworking, live theatre, drawing, hockey, and collecting family memories – boogie boarding, snowboarding, sailing, and rafting. For the past few years I have helped kids enjoy riding bikes in Redlands and my family has volunteered at Big Lake Youth Camp coordinating the MTB Rad Camp, sharing area trails with kids near Bend, Oregon. Although the Northwest has been a special place for my family, I have also taken trips to Whistler, Canada, National Parks – Yosemite, Arches, Sedona, Moab, Lassen, Washington DC, California Beaches, Hawaii, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and a Mission trip to Kenya, Africa. Some of my most special times are sharing nature riding along white water rivers with family and friends or looking up at the stars in Central Oregon.
Favorite Bible Text
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV
High School
Brent Haloviak
Teacher
Amy Hill
Teacher
ABOUT ME
This is my 25th year at RAA. I graduated from Walla Walla University with a Bachelors in Education, minoring in history and art. While attending WWU, I spent a year as a student missionary in Pohnpei, Micronesia.
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31
INTERESTS
Traveling is amazing, but not complete without a visit to a local museum. Even my children have succumbed to museum madness.
Paul Hoxie
Teacher
Extension: 404
Interests Trail running (ask me about my next ultramarathon), cycling, folk music, and Southern California history. A few of my favorite places are Big Sur, Joshua Tree, and Echo Park in Los Angeles.
Favorite Bible Text “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them" - 1 John 4:16
Brittney Smith
Teacher
Extension: 504
Interests
I am a social butterfly and I love spending time with my friends and family. Activities I enjoy include baking, sports, reading, writing, board games, logic puzzles, Bible study and meeting new people. For me work is play. Therefore, my favorites parts of my day is when I get to interact with students and provide them opportunities to explore the content that I love!
Favorite Bible Text
Matthew 5:15-16 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. - NIV
Charles Wilber
Teacher
Extension: 102
Interests
I enjoy cycling, radio controlled hobbies, woodworking, live theatre, drawing, hockey, and collecting family memories – boogie boarding, snowboarding, sailing, and rafting. For the past few years I have helped kids enjoy riding bikes in Redlands and my family has volunteered at Big Lake Youth Camp coordinating the MTB Rad Camp, sharing area trails with kids near Bend, Oregon. Although the Northwest has been a special place for my family, I have also taken trips to Whistler, Canada, National Parks – Yosemite, Arches, Sedona, Moab, Lassen, Washington DC, California Beaches, Hawaii, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and a Mission trip to Kenya, Africa. Some of my most special times are sharing nature riding along white water rivers with family and friends or looking up at the stars in Central Oregon.
Favorite Bible Text
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV
Athletic Department
Lemar Sandiford
Teacher
Extension: 603
Interests
I love almost all sports, especially basketball, football, and soccer. I collect souvenir playing cards from all over the world. I have traveled many places of interest (many for mission trips) such as Belize, Honduras, Ecuador, Mexico, England, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Fiji, Aruba, Florida, New York, and Texas to name several. I always wanted to see that huge Jesus statue in Brazil, fish in Alaska, and visit all the Disney Parks around the world, especially the one in Japan.
Favorite Bible Text
John 14:1-6 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. 4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. 5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. & Luke 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.
Music Department
Darren Belleau
Teacher
ABOUT ME
Bachelors of Music Education from Pacific Union College and a Masters in Curriculum and Technology from the University of Phoenix.
FAVORITE VERSE
I will sing of your strength,
in the morning I will sing of your love;
for you are my fortress
my refuge in times of trouble.
Psalms 59:16
INTERESTS
Disneyland (anything Disney), Star Wars/Star Trek, Travel.
Jennifer Merklin
Teacher
ABOUT ME
I have been teaching music, including band, choir, recorders, handbells/chimes, and individual instrument lessons, in Adventist schools since 1997 and have been at RAA teaching band since 2014. In addition to school music, I have also directed a Lutheran Sanctuary choir since 2006. Over the years, I have served as an accompanist for a number of groups, and have also done solo vocal work in various capacities. Besides my work in music, I also work as a receptionist at a counseling office in Crestline, California and volunteer as part of the Pathfinders staff.
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.
Philippians 4:4-8 (NIV)
INTERESTS
My interests lie heavily in music, but I also enjoy the outdoors and outdoor activities like hiking, camping and canoeing. I like many creative outlets such as my YouTube channel where I make Bible stories with LEGO-style blocks, crafting, sewing, crocheting, dress-making, and other Pathfinder crafts. I also have an obsession with cosplay and crazy socks, which make my wardrobe space complicated.
James Walters
Teacher
ABOUT ME
James has taught at RAA for 39 years, teaching bands, history, and handbells. He previously taught at La Sierra University, La Sierra Academy and Sierra View Junior Academy. Currently he directs six handbell ensembles in grades 5-12. His professional degrees and certifications include a Bachelor of Music degree from La Sierra University, with a minor in history, Orff music pedagogy training in Levels I and II from Cal State Los Angeles, handbell pedagogy certification in Levels I and II from Cal State Long Beach, and a Masters degree in Church Music with emphasis in handbells from Concordia University Wisconsin. He has taught Handbell Methods and Materials at CUW and lectured on handbell history at Concordia University Irvine. He has published articles on handbell education in Overtones, the journal of Handbell Musicians in America, and a chapter on handbell history in Building a Successful Handbell or Handchime Program, published by Choristers Guild. He is Music Director and Organist of Magnolia Presbyterian Church, Riverside.
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE
We don't see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines brightly! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!
But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.
1 Corinthians 12: 12-13 (MSG)
INTERESTS
James enjoys attending classical and jazz concerts, performing Medieval and Renaissance music and reading history and biographies. He is researching and writing a book on the history of handbell ringing in America and assembling an archive or historical materials.