Lydia Amos was born and raised in San Diego, California. She has been married to her husband, Dennis, since 1992 and will be celebrating 30 years of marriage this coming November. They have six children who have never been to a traditional school. Their children range from 28 to 11 years old. Since homeschooling for 22 years now, they have graduated three with three more to go. Their older children are successful in their jobs, their son in the Air Force and their two daughters are managers at Chick-fil-A.

Lydia has been with Heritage for the whole homeschooling journey so far and will continue until her younger son graduates. She loves what a class day offers in relationship building, community, core subjects, and electives. She believes that Heritage offers so many opportunities for clubs, class days, and sports and there is something for everyone to enjoy and use their gifts and talents to serve the homeschool community.

Mary and her husband, Mark, have been homeschooling for 25 years, with the last four years at HCS. They have graduated four of their children and have two more to finish all together. Mary has six grandchildren and loves spending time with her family. She is the Women's Ministry Director at her church and has been teaching Bible studies for 17 years. She enjoys Bible study, sports of all kinds, and learning about history.

Melissa's family has been a part of Heritage for four years. Flag football has been a great way for her boys to build relationships, learn a sport and exercise! As they build the program, Melissa hopes you consider flag football for your son and grow with them!

Having been born into a Navy family, Dana spent her childhood in Virginia, Guam, Coronado, and eventually University City. Because of a strong desire to travel, Dana backpacked through Europe the summer she turned 21 and two years later took a job teaching elementary school for the Department of Defense Dependents School in Germany.

The globetrotting continued after she met and married her husband, John, in 1999 with trips to Ireland, England and Costa Rica. Little did they know the best adventure was yet ahead when they welcomed their two daughters into their lives, Avery, in 2003 and Annaliese in 2005.

After receiving encouragement from friends who were homeschooling, Dana and John decided to take the leap in 2013. It has been their honor to guide their children through their most formative years, infusing the entirety of their education with God’s truth. They are thankful that God has provided an abundance of opportunities through HCS such as sports, class days, speech and debate, drama, choir and the academy but most importantly the support and friendship of likeminded fellow sojourners in their homeschooling journey. As their last child is graduating this year, Dana can say with certainty that homeschooling their children has been her greatest joy.

Laura is a native San Diegan. She has been married to her husband, Jason, for 21 years, and they have two boys, ages 10 & 13, whom she has homeschooled through Heritage since her oldest was in Kindergarten. The Bennetts have attended EC Class Day from the beginning and Laura has taught Kindergarten as well as multiple elementary science classes there over the years. Her boys are involved with Band, Choir, Robotics, and Drama while playing ice hockey and Fall Ball on the side. In their free time, the family likes to go camping, road-tripping, go to the beach, and Disneyland.

The Bennett family attends Mission Valley Christian Fellowship, which Laura started attending in 2000 when she first became a Christian. There, Laura teaches in the Family Ministry, Jason plays drums on the Worship Team, leads security, and co-leads the Men’s Ministry and their oldest helps with Livestream and their coffee ministry.

Laura has been a public school teacher for 27 years. Ever since her oldest was born, she started job sharing (sharing her contract with another teacher), and has worked 20% (one day a week) for many years now. She teaches Kindergarten and is thankful to be able to be a help and a light to her young students.

The Bennetts are so blessed and thankful to be a part of Heritage and all it has to offer! Laura is especially excited to take on the role of working with the Drama Committee this year, something she hopes will inspire and bless students while working together with others, using their God-given talents and crediting the One Most High.

Reine was born in California and raised in both California and Arizona. Since elementary school, Reine has played the alto sax; performing in concert bands, orchestras, marching bands, jazz bands, honor bands, and churches. Reine graduated from PLNU with a BA in psychology and later received an
MS from SDSU in Rehabilitation Counseling. She’s used her degree to work for adults with disabilities in
several different capacities.

While working on her Master’s degree, Reine married her husband, Jeff. They have 3 kids together: Aureylia, Kenny, and Jayce. Reine moved many times before and after marrying Jeff (not military related) and has many stories to share about places she’s lived – ask her about “Moonbeam” sometime.

Reine was raised in the church, is a servant of God, and LOVES her family. Her two older kids have attended public, private, and now homeschool since COVID. Reine is thankful to God for His leadership in all areas of her life. Last year was the first year Reine and her family participated in the
HCS Basketball program; where Reine served as Team Parent for the 12UB Team. She learned quickly and met a lot of wonderful people! Reine’s other passions include gardening and baking.

Tricia was born and raised in a small town in Ohio, moved to AZ after High School where, at age 22, she met her soulmate Mark and they were married 4 months later in March of 1997. After Mark graduated from ASU they moved to San Diego, where Mark had lived during his high school years and where his parents were still living (and still are). In 2007 the first of 4 children came along and with it the early decision to homeschool. Their homeschooling journey started at the Greater San Diego Academy in Jamul, then they felt the Lord calling them completely out of the public school system and they happily became a part of Heritage in fall of 2015.

At Heritage they started attending EC1 (and still do) and over the years have made many friends and have tried to keep busy with various HCS activities as time allowed. Including Field Trips, Drama, Softball, hiking and outings with other HCS families. Mark and Tricia consider HCS to be a considerable blessing for their family, and can't thank the Lord enough for leading them down this path.

When not teaching the kids, spending time with family/friends and driving too and fro, Tricia has a wide range of interests. Including being a former Search and Rescue Volunteer (which she hopes to go back to), for 8 years she has volunteered as the Regional Commissioner for the local AYSO soccer league, she loves anything outdoors (gardening, chickens, hiking, camping, her favorite places are Pine Valley and Mt. Laguna), all things homesteading, cooking, baking, Bible studies, History, studying natural healing therapies and herbs/remedies for healing, as well as anything related to being creative (art, crafts, sewing, building things) and currently has been teaching fine art at EC1 class day.

Considering the blessing that HCS has been to their family, Tricia is looking forward to using her time and talents being a blessing to other families via her role as Academy Lead.

Audrey Callahan was born and raised in Hawaii, on the island of Oahu. However, her father’s 20-year career as a naval officer brought her and her family to San Diego, where they currently reside. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree in Public Administration from San Diego State University and worked in the payroll department of several organizations, including UCSD and the County of San Diego, before homeschooling her two children.

Audrey and her husband, Walter, have been married for over 26 years. Their family’s homeschool journey began when their older child began kindergarten. Their daughter, an HCS graduate, is currently a senior at Point Loma Nazarene University, majoring in writing. Their son, who has attended HCS co-op class days since preschool, will be a junior in the fall. He is currently involved in Honor Society and will serve as secretary this year. He also participates in Stoa Speech and Debate. In addition, this year will be
his fourth year attending HCS Academy.

This past year marked Audrey’s 17th year of homeschooling, 13 of those years with HCS. Throughout her time at HCS, Audrey has had the privilege of teaching and co-teaching several classes at Bonita and San Diego (formally East County) co-op class days since 2012. Also, Audrey’s past HCS involvements in clubs and sports have included Grace Notes and OneAchord choirs, Drama Club, Paradigm Speech and Debate, and Flag Football. In addition, Audrey served as an Awana leader for five years and served in the
children’s ministry of her church as a Sunday school teacher aide. Now, Audrey is honored to serve as co-advisor to HCS Honor Society, which “focuses on . . . Christian servant-leadership” and academic excellence.

Audrey and Walter are grateful for the opportunities that come from homeschooling, from a family road trip to New York City to perform at Carnegie Hall with HCS Grace Notes Choir to competitions at speech and debate tournaments across California, as well as for cherished memories studying and bonding on the couch. And while they acknowledge the journey has not always been smooth, and the results of their efforts and commitment are still unfolding, God has always been faithful. They feel blessed and privileged to be able to raise their children with a Biblical foundation and worldview. “Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Philippians 4:20)

Michael, a San Diego resident for 30 years, has been deeply rooted in the local community alongside his wife, Luba, whom he met at a local Christian evangelical church. Married for 18 years, they are blessed with four children, 2 boys, and 2 girls, ages 16 to 7, all of whom have been students at HCSSD since Kindergarten.

With all their children, boys and girls, playing hockey from an early age, Michael has served as a volunteer coach for various local youth hockey teams for over a decade. He holds active coaching certifications from USA Hockey and the Amateur Athletic Union, prominent sports organizations dedicated to the promotion and development of youth sports and youth physical fitness programs.

A financial auditor and fraud investigator by profession, Michael extends his expertise to his role as a member of the financial committee at his church. Additionally, he actively participates in the media ministry, outreach ministry, youth summer camps ministry, and church security operations. Both he and his wife are long-standing members of the church choir.

Colossians 3:23 -- Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…

Kelly and her husband of 16 years, Kevin, have been homeschooling their 2 daughters for 10 years and have been with Heritage for the past 9. She and Kevin both grew up in the Kansas City area and are big fans of the Kansas City Chiefs football team. Her family enjoys participating in and watching many sports; especially football, softball/baseball, basketball, water sports, and hiking. She is also enjoys traveling, and had the opportunity to live overseas for 3 years while serving with Youth With a Mission. In those extremely rare moments of free time, Kelly enjoys relaxing at the beach, working in her garden, and baking.

Bio coming soon.

Lucia was born and raised in Mexico City, and moved to California when she was a teenager. She has been married to her husband, Jesse, for 27 years and together they have an incredible 10 year old son. They just completed their first  year of homeschooling through Heritage. Lucia, her husband, and their son have loved the flexibility and freedom it has given them to explore the outdoors and enjoy God’s creation. They are very grateful to the Lord for the opportunity to teach their son in the ways of the Lord. As a family they enjoy camping, fishing, and making community with other families.

Nicole was born and raised in Eagle River, Alaska. She moved to California to attend college at The Masters University in Santa Clarita. After graduating, Nicole moved to San Diego to pursue a career in Construction Management and met her husband, Michael. They have been married for 15 years and have three children, Micaiah (9), Naomi (5) and Max (2).

Nicole and Mike made the decision to homeschool when Micaiah was entering kindergarten. Micaiah suffered a stroke in utero and was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. They knew that traditional school would not suit Micaiah’s needs, so homeschool has been the best option for their family. Micaiah has attended HCS since kindergarten and absolutely loves attending Co-Op on Thursdays.

The Empizo family attends Shadow Mountain Community Church and are active with a small group, AWANA, and volunteering with the Childrens Ministry. They also love trying new restaurants, traveling, and playing at the beach.

Beth was born in San Diego, raised in Central California and after moving back and forth between the two several times in her life has happily settled in La Mesa for the past 10 years. She has been married to her husband Joe for 18 years and together they have three incredible daughters ages 16, 14 & 13.
They have always homeschooled their girls and feel so blessed by the beautiful life God’s gifted them. As a family they share a love of literature, art & music. They enjoy camping, hiking, road trips and anything else that gets them outside in God’s Creation.

Besides being a mom, Beth is an Herbalist and Biblical Counselor. She loves working with plants and helping others to find wholeness and healing in Christ. She can also usually be found knitting, baking, drinking tea and starting dance parties in the living room.

Bio coming soon.

Cindy is the mom of three boys and is thankful the Lord allows her to use her teaching background to homeschool them. In her free time, she likes to read, go on adventures with her family, and travel.

David had a “free-range” childhood, growing up on a mountain in the Canadian countryside. Being homeschooled gave him the freedom to spend lots of time outdoors - fishing, camping, hiking, swimming, and four-wheeling in and around the mountains, lakes and rivers near his home.

Through the HCS Outdoor Club, David seeks to ignite a similar passion and appreciation for God’s creation in his three boys and in the other families of Heritage. David and his wife Cindy, a credentialed schoolteacher, are passionate about educating their boys in knowledge and in the ways of the Lord.

Donna fell in love with God’s beautiful Pacific Ocean when she was 9 years old. By the time she was in middle school, she was taking the bus or riding her bike the 30 mile round trip to Newport Beach. It was when she moved to San Diego that her lab colleagues introduced her to surfing. When she stood up on her first ride, she was hooked! Many a lunch break was spent surfing at Scripps Pier. Making the decision to serve Christ has led to many twists and turns in her life, all leading to her 33 year marriage with Randy and the raising of their five children.

Four of those five children have taken up surfing, and one day her son Ray saw an old photo of an extinct HCS surf club in the 30th anniversary yearbook. “Mom! Let’s start a Surf Club again at Heritage!” So, after braving the first winter with just 3 boys 3 years ago, the club has grown to include dozens of students of all ages and skill levels. It is great to see the glory of God’s creation at the beach every week!

Holly has been homeschooling with HCS since 1995.  She and her husband have been married 38 years and are blessed with 12 incredible kids, and 5 adorable grandkids! She is currently homeschooling her youngest son who is in the 10th grade.  Through her years at HCS Holly has taught numerous classes at class day, facilitated various co-ops in her home, and has served as a Class Day Coordinator.

Holly also serves at her church on the prayer team, leads their Hearts for Adoption Ministry that helps educate, connect and equip families for Foster Care and Adoption, and serves on the ministry team for Luv on Fire, a ministry to adults with special needs.

As a family they enjoy the beach, basketball, and all things volleyball. In her free time, she enjoys beach walks, baking, quilting and coffee with friends.

"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

Lilly was born in Mexico City and moved to Salt Lake City, Utah when she was 12 years old. Her family relocated to San Diego where she met her husband, Brian. They have been married for almost 27 years, they have 4 children, Joseph, Gabriela, William, and Natalia. 

Lilly has homeschooled their youngest daughter, Natalia for 3 years, 2 of those years with Heritage. She never thought she would homeschool, but she is so grateful to the Lord for the opportunity because it has been a huge blessing.

Lilly and her husband own a family business, helping other small businesses grow through Hendry.Digital, a marketing and web development company. As a couple, Both enjoy trying new restaurants and as a family they enjoy taking trips, playing board games, and making fun memories.

Christy was born and raised in Southern California. She met her husband, Isaac, when they were both students at USC and they have been married for 24 years. Together they lived all over the world (thanks to the Navy) and had six children before settling down permanently in San Diego. They have always homeschooled their children and this year they have two college students, a high school senior, and 8th, 3rd, and 1st graders. They have been at Heritage for over seven years, all of them at EC/San Diego Class Day. Christy also teaches World Literature at Academy.

Cindy Hughes was born and raised in the beautiful mountains of western Pennsylvania. She spent her college years in the rolling hills of West Virginia earning her bachelor’s degree in education with an emphasis in choral and instrumental music. She has had classrooms in the public and private sectors of West Virginia and California, plus taught private piano, voice, and guitar lessons in her home for over 40 years. After relocating to San Diego in 1977, she met her husband John, of 38 years. They have 5 children and 10 grandchildren ages 17 years to 11 months.

John and Cindy are in their 36 th year of homeschooling. They have graduated their oldest 4 who have all successfully gone on to higher education. Their oldest 3 children are married, their 4th child graduated from Heritage last year and has begun her first semester of college, and their youngest is a Junior at Heritage. All their school-aged grandchildren are currently being homeschooled. Cindy believes in homeschooling and knows that it works.

Through her homeschool journey, Cindy has enjoyed many opportunities to pour into the homeschool community. She has taught at various class days, directed a homeschool sign language choir under Grace Christian, taught private homeschool writing classes, founded and directed the Children in
ACTION mime team, directed Aim SD, been the musical director for several CFS Mira Mesa drama musicals, served as leader of CFS Clairemont, and tutored for Classical Conversations.

She enjoys staying active by biking, swimming, walking, clogging, line dancing, and participating in Zumba classes. She is an avid reader and enjoys expressing herself through writing songs and Haikus. She participates in her church community on the worship team and by teaching in the Children’s
Ministries. Cindy’s focus verse is Deuteronomy 30: 19-20 …” Therefore, choose life,” …

Bio coming soon.

Heather has homeschooled for 15 years, entirely with Heritage. She was a public school teacher before having kids. She has a Master’s degree in Education with an emphasis on Literacy & Curriculum, and she firmly believes that you don’t need to be a professional teacher to be the best teacher for your child. Heather fell in love with homeschooling and enjoys equipping and encouraging fellow homeschool parents.

Her favorite part of homeschooling is the many years of sweet moments on the couch discussing literature and big ideas. She also appreciates personalizing her children’s education, giving them time to develop their creative talents, and seeing them bond with their siblings. As a
mentor, Heather specializes in college prep for high schoolers, and literature-based learning like Sonlight curriculum.

Heather’s oldest daughter is an HCS grad currently thriving in the Torrey Honors College at Biola University; her son and younger daughter are active in the HCS bands, choir, drama club, & EC class day, and in Stoa Speech & Debate. Heather’s husband Steve is a physicist; they are celebrating their 25th anniversary since marrying in 1998. They are active at Foothills church. When Heather has free time, you’ll find her tucked in a hammock with a good book. The Jensens love reading aloud as a family, watching Lord of the Rings and Marvel shows, and eating yummy breakfast food at any hour of the day.

Nara is a San Diego native and a graduate of Grossmont High School where she met her husband Jason Kayne. They have been married 21 years and have 2 children. This will be their 8th year homeschooling and second year with Heritage. Nara grew up going to the beach often with her family and has always had a love for the ocean. Nara and Jason have continued to share their love for the ocean with their children and have raised them around the water. The Kayne family enjoys all things water related; swimming, surfing, boogie boarding, snorkeling, among other outdoor activities.

Although Nara didn’t start the Surf Club at Heritage, she’s looking forward to keeping the tradition going. Her prayer is that more students will come out and enjoy the relaxed community and sweet fellowship this club has to offer.

Juliette (AKA Mrs. Lee at HCS Academy) and her husband of [almost] 25 years, Mark, have graduated two home schoolers [Oldest daughter is married and son is in college] and will finish with their daughter Britlynn - graduating class of 2026. Juliette has been blessed to home educate her children since 2007 and her family has been with HCS for the past two years. She loves teaching Chemistry and Geometry at Academy, with her daughter in one of her classes [yay!] The Lee familee enjoys traveling, hiking, skiing, visiting their older two children, and watching Britlynn play volleyball with HCS and club.

Sensei Eric Maggio M.Div. is a 6th Degree Black Belt Master Instructor and has been teaching Tang Soo Do Karate since 1996. While at Baylor University Sensei Eric was the head instructor for the Baylor Tae Kwon Do Club and also started the Baylor Martial Arts Club. Later while in grad school Sensei Eric taught karate in 7 different schools in Central Texas as part of the “Texas Lighted School Initiative” to offer programs to at risk children. From 2000 to Present Eric has started martial arts programs in churches and schools in Texas, Virginia, and California. Including San Diego Schools like Calvary Christian Academy, UCHE Academy, and Heritage Christian School San Diego.

In 2016 Eric was inducted into the USA Martial Art’s Hall of Fame as The Christian Martial Arts Instructor of the year, and in 2017 he was inducted as Black Belt of the Year. He received congressional recognition and the silver presidential award in 2018 for his years of work providing free martial arts programs to at risk kids in low income communities. Eric has served on the Board of Directors for Heritage Christian School and serves as the Senior Pastor of East Clairemont Church in San Diego. Eric has been homeschooling his son through Heritage Christian School for many years and has served teaching Tang Soo Do in several HCS class days.

Noel was born in South Korea and was adopted when she was 2 years old. She spent the majority of her life in Minnesota and moved to San Diego almost 10 years ago. She has been married to her husband, Brett, for 21 years and they have four children 20, 19, 17 and 12. This will be their third year homeschooling and third year with Heritage. Noel started out as an assistant volleyball coach her first year with Heritage. Last year, she was one the girl's JV coaches and most recently has been nominated to be a part of the Volleyball Committee. Noel also plays beach or indoor volleyball, as often as her schedule permits.

The Sipes family likes to be physically active together, swimming, boogie boarding, surfing, volleyball, softball, mountain biking, and hiking, to name a few. Noel never thought that she would be a homeschool mom, but God used recent circumstances in society to "encourage" her to take the plunge. It has been a rewarding and exciting challenge for her to navigate this new frontier.

Heritage has been such a blessing to her family and she prays that you too will find your place in this fun, encouraging, and lively community that loves the Lord!

Shannon Stephenson was born on an AirForce base in Oklahoma and did some travel with her dad who was serving but she was able to spend most of her childhood here in San Diego after he retired. Shannon has been married to her husband, Joshua, for 20 years and they have 3 children aged 19 (first graduate!), 16 and 13. The kids have all been homeschooled their whole lives but have been with HCS 5 of those years. Joshua is a full time pastor and part time planner/scheduler; Shannon teaches piano and homeschools the kids; the two kids in HCS are involved in band, volleyball and basketball.

Shannon has been with the music club since it first started in the choir room and has loved every step of the journey. She loves doing anything she can to see this club succeed and bring honor and glory to God through music. She is currently serving as treasurer.

Jessica Valdez and her husband Felix will celebrate 24 years of marriage this year. They have lived in San Diego their entire life. Felix served in the US Navy, and Jessica served her church body as an Office Manager and Campus & Event Coordinator. They are the proud parents of 20, 18, and 11-year-olds. Their sons enjoy the culinary arts and fitness and attend Grossmont College and Grand Canyon University. Their daughter is in the sixth grade and enjoys drama and music. They own and operate their restoration and construction company. They are faithfully involved at Ocean View Church and currently are Sparky leaders in the AWANA program there.

New to homeschooling, Jessica has found community, accountability, encouragement, and support by being involved in Sports Clubs, Music, Drama, and Co-ops through Heritage.

Laura Walmsley was born in Texas, but has been a California girl since she was a toddler. She met her husband, Robert, who was born and raised in San Diego in 2002. They have been married for 17 years and have 2 children together. Their son Gabriel is a 6th grader and daughter Marissa is a 4th grader.

Laura and Robert attend Bonita Valley Community Church regularly with their family. BVCC has been Laura's home church since she was 3 years old! Through the years she has participated as a group leader with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), Moms Connected, has worked in childcare for the MOPS moms, and every summer she co-leads "The Imagination Station" at VBS (Vacation Bible School). Laura currently leads a small group within Women's Bible Study.

2021-2022 was the Walmsley family's first year at HCS and their first year homeschooling! The Lord began stirring Laura's heart very strongly when public school shut down for her children in 2020. Immediately, God began to open doors that were drawing Laura towards the homeschool community, Even though it was not something she ever expected to be doing, she was obedient to the Lord's call and went "all in"! God orchestrated the transition so beautifully by reconnecting her with a high school friend who introduced her to HCS. She found a beautiful, welcoming, and supportive community at Bonita Class Day. It was the glue she needed to keep her faithful on this new journey. Laura is teaching "Hands on Science" this year and she is very excited to see how the Lord will use her in co-leading Bonita Class Day in the Fall!

Laura loves reading, art, gardening, all things wellness, anything vintage and movie nights with her family.