MEET THE TEACHERS
AMANDA HAUNS
KINDERGARTEN
Miss Hauns had been working at Prince of Peace since 2015 and is excited to be teaching Kindergarten! At the Preschool, she worked as the Assistant Director, Summer Program Director and classroom teacher. Miss Hauns has her B.A. in Child and Adolescence Development from San Jose State University. She has been working in the child development field for over 25 years. Miss Hauns and her family have been part of the Prince of Peace community for over 30 years, when her mother, Cheryl Rawlins, became a teacher here. It is a blessing to her that she is teaching at the same school as her mother, as well as having her son attend Prince of Peace. Miss Hauns enjoys volleyball, hiking, waterfalls, relaxing at the beach, going for motorcycle rides and most of all, spending time with her son and family. She is thankful for being able to share God’s love to children.
ALYSSA POLONSKY
KINDERGARTEN
Mrs. Polonsky has been teaching since 2016 in 1st, 2nd and 3rd Grade classes. She graduated from California State University, East Bay with both her bachelor’s degree and California Teaching Credential. In her free time, Mrs. Polonsky enjoys rooting on the San Jose Sharks hockey team, crafting, spending time with her friends and family, and playing with her two cats- Prince and Poppy.
SARAH BENNETT
FIRST GRADE
Mrs. Bennett joined our teaching team in 2021 and has been teaching 1st Grade since 2018. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Newman University along with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Broadcasting with an emphasis in Public Relations from Oklahoma State University. In her spare time, Mrs. Bennett enjoys going to the beach, getting Starbucks, reading, and spending time with her husband, daughter and dog, Murphy!
EMILY CHEN
FIRST GRADE
Mrs. Chen joined our teaching team in 2023. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies from California State University, Sacramento. She taught primary grades for seven years in public school and two years at a Christian Montessori School in Milpitas. Mrs. Chen has a great passion to serve in children’s ministry, teaching Bible lessons and leading worship. In her free time, she enjoys arts and crafts, praise dancing and singing. She is married and blessed by the Lord with two teenage boys.
CERES ROBINSON
SECOND GRADE
Mrs. Robinson has been teaching since 2004 and joined Prince of Peace in 2011. She has taught 3rd Grade during her time with us and is excited to now teach 2nd Grade. She also previously taught 1st Grade. Mrs. Robinson holds a bachelor’s degree from Valparaiso University with an emphasis in Elementary Education and also a master’s degree from San Francisco State University with an emphasis in Special Education. She enjoys traveling, Broadway musicals, sports events, and spending time with her family.
LEAH MARTIN
SECOND GRADE
Miss Martin officially joined our team in 2022, but completed her student teaching experience here during the 2021-2022 school year under the guidance of Mrs. Robinson and also served as a teacher’s aide during the year. Miss Martin holds a bachelor’s degree in Natural Science with a minor in Psychology from Concordia University, Chicago and a Master of Arts degree in Teaching (K-6) from Concordia University, St. Paul. She is also a rostered Lutheran Teacher with LCMS synod, having completed coursework during her master’s program. Miss Martin loves attending church with her family and grown in her faith. In her free time, Miss Martin enjoys stand up paddle boarding, swimming, baking, reading and spending time with loved ones.
HEIDI BLANK
THIRD GRADE
Miss Blank has been at Prince of Peace since 2019! She graduated from Concordia University, Irvine in 2011. She has served at Christ Lutheran in Norfolk, NE and then Faith Lutheran in Eustis, FL where she taught 5th and 3rd Grade. She has participated in church handbell choirs, attended mission trips to Honduras and Latvia, served as a YAV (Young Adult Volunteer) and CLB (Community Life Builder) at multiple National Youth Gatherings, and coached JV volleyball. Miss Blank enjoys going the beach, Disney, trips to Starbucks, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends.
TIM VOOGD
THIRD GRADE
Mr. Voogd has taught at the elementary level since 2015, including three prior years of 3rd Grade at Fremont Christian School. He delights in giving the gospel to the kids and seeks to be a role model in every way while on the job. Mr. Voogd enjoys reading, praying and spending time with family and friends. He also enjoys being active; this includes running, lifting weights, playing soccer and being outdoors.
CHERYL RAWLINS
FOURTH GRADE
Ms. Rawlins joined Prince of Peace in 1992, but has been teaching for over 40 years. She has taught a variety of grades from Preschool through 8th Grade. She graduated from Concordia University, Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a minor in Sociology. She enjoys quilting, dancing, exploring and spending time with her family.
JENNY WOODROW
FOURTH GRADE
Mrs. Woodrow has spent the last decade in the rolling hills of the Tennessee River Valley and is excited to be at Prince of Peace. In between surfing sessions and breakfast burritos, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in History/Political Science and a Secondary Teaching Credential while studying at Concordia University, Irvine. Mrs. Woodrow has taught a variety of grade levels and subjects both online and in the classroom where she values exploration of thought and encourages creativity from all of her students. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Woodrow enjoys adventuring with her husband and four kids, exploring hidden beaches, hanging out at home, making shave ice and putting together the poppiest music playlists.
KATIE FULLBRIGHT
FIFTH GRADE
Mrs. Fullbright has her Bachelor of Science in Health Education from San Francisco State University and just received her Master of Education at National University. Mrs. Fullbright enjoys spending time with her husband, their two Rottweiler dogs and close family and friends. She also loves to cook, go bowling, attend sporting events and loves finding new series to watch.
JOE SMITH
FIFTH GRADE
Mr. Smith joined the Prince of Peace family as one of our substitute teachers in 2015. He stepped in as a full-time 1st Grade teacher in 2016 and became one of our 5th Grade teachers in 2017. In addition to teaching 5th Grade, he also coaches the school’s cross country team. Mr. Smith has his degree from Oklahoma State University as well as a master’s degree in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University. He enjoys watching sports, running, coaching lacrosse and spending time with his family.
TREVOR SOLLITT
SIXTH GRADE HOMEROOM
Mr. Sollitt substitute taught during the 2013-2014 school year and officially became staff in 2014. He has been the computer teacher and go-to-person for everything technology. He has also taught Bible and Language Arts for Jr. High. We are excited that Mr. Sollitt is now one of our 6th Grade homeroom teachers. He holds a B.A. in Psychology from San Jose State University with an emphasis on Cognition. Mr. Sollitt enjoys spending time with loved ones, watching baseball, and eating burritos.
ERIN MANSFIELD
SIXTH GRADE HOMEROOM, JR. HIGH SCIENCE
Mrs. Mansfield has taught 5th Grade at Prince of Peace since 2013 and is excited to now teach 6th Grade and Junior High Science! She graduated from Concordia University, Irvine with a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a concentration in General Science. She also has a Master’s of Education from Concordia University, Irvine. In her free time, Mrs. Mansfield enjoys spending time with her husband and children exploring the beautiful outdoors along with serving others in our community.
CASSIA SOLLITT
SEVENTH GRADE HOMEROOM/LANGUAGE ARTS
Mrs. Sollitt, a Prince of Peace alumna and church member, is excited to teach Junior High Language Arts and be a 7th Grade homeroom teacher! She taught high school English from 2016-2020 and previously worked as a marketing coordinator for a local film festival. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and an M.A. in Counselor Education from San Jose State University. In her spare time, she loves reading, writing, drinking coffee, rooting for the 49ers, and watching Disney movies.
SCOTT PERRY
SEVENTH GRADE HOMEROOM
Mr. Perry joined the junior high teaching team in 2023. He earned his California teaching credential through earning a Masters of Arts in Teaching at Santa Clara University while teaching English and World Studies at Monta Vista High School in 2018. Previously, he served as a pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran in Los Gatos, CA for sixteen wonderful years. Mr. Perry was born and raised in Minnesota but also taught English in Taiwan for three years. He also lived in Baltimore, MD and St. Louis, MO but has lived the longest in beautiful California now since 2001. Enjoying time in God’s creation has been a big focus the past decade of life through backpacking and wilderness camping trips and recent mountain climbing experiences. Other hobbies include cycling, photography, creative writing, watching movies and just chilling with close friends and family, especially his wife, Thao, and two sons, Andrew and Justin.
PETER BERG
EIGHTH GRADE HOMEROOM, JR. HIGH MATH, UPPER DIVISION SCHOOL HEAD
Mr. Berg has been teaching at Prince of Peace since 2015. In addition to teaching Junior High Math, he also coaches the girls softball team. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Concordia University, Portland and his master’s degree from WGU Washington. He grew up in the Pacific Northwest and enjoys spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, boating and hiking. He loves spending time with his wife and children. Mr. Berg is also a big sports fan and follows the Seahawks, Mariners and Trailblazers.
RYAN MELCHER
EIGHTH GRADE HOMEROOM/JR. HIGH SOCIAL STUDIES
Mr. Melcher taught 5th and 6th Grade for ten years before joining Prince of Peace in 2015. Since then, he has been a 7th and 8th Grade homeroom teacher, coach, athletic director, event director, junior high social studies teacher and principal. He holds a B.A. in Broad Field Social Studies/Elementary Education from Concordia University, Wisconsin. Mr. Melcher completed the School Leadership Development program (SLED) through the Missouri Synod. In 2021, he earned his Master of Education in Educational Leadership from American College of Education. Mr. Melcher also enjoys cooking, camping, sports and spending time with his wife and two sons.
LYNNE SPARLING
ART
Ms. Sparling joined Prince of Peace in 2021 and taught Language Arts, Social Studies and the Studio Art Elective in addition to being one of our 7th Grade homeroom teachers. With the addition of our Art Studio, she is excited to be our art teacher and expand our art program. She has a B.A. in Studio Art and English and is currently working towards her M.A. in Art Education. She has previously taught elementary, junior high and high school Language Arts and Studio Art. She continues to exhibit her artwork in juried shows around the country, and enjoys swimming, tennis and spending time with her four children and their families.
VIVIANA SISNIEGAS
SPANISH TEACHER
Señora Sisniegas joined Prince of Peace as a full-time Spanish teacher in 2016. Señora Sisniegas, born in Peru, enjoys spending time with her family, watching movies, dancing, biking and traveling.
CARA BERG
MUSIC DIRECTOR, CHOIR
Cara Berg is the Director of Worship Arts at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Fremont and has been there since 2015. She graduated from Concordia University, Portland in 2007 with a major in Elementary Education and minors in professional church work and music, and an endorsement in Early Childhood Education. Cara oversees the music ministry and directs the Junior High Choir and Student Praise Band. At the church she serves as director of Choirs and leader of Praise Bands, and assists in creating meaningful worship service experiences. In her free time she enjoys reading, hiking, making music, and spending time with her family.
MARLA STEIN
ELEMENTARY MUSIC, LOWER DIVISION SCHOOL HEAD
Miss Stein taught 2nd grade since 2004, but has transitioned to being our elementary music teacher. She has a B.S. in Biology from San Jose State University and a teaching credential from Santa Clara University. Miss Stein enjoys hiking, dancing, playing the flute and piano, and spending time with her niece and nephew.
BARBARA ETTNER
KINDERGARTEN-2ND GRADE MUSIC TEACHER
Mrs. Ettner graduated from California Lutheran College with a B.A. in music. She furthered her education at California State University, Stanislaus and California State University, Los Angeles. She has spent a total of 25 years teaching music and band. Mrs. Ettner taught music at Prince of Peace from 2011-2018 and is now back teaching Kindergarten-2nd Grade. She has received so much joy teaching music to children. In her free time, Mrs. Ettner enjoys playing her flute in a community band, spending time with her grandchildren and going to the beach.
LORI ROBECK
P.E. Teacher, Athletic Director
Mrs. Robeck has taught Preschool, Kindergarten, 1st Grade and P.E. at Prince of Peace. She has a passion for early childhood studies, exercise and enjoys sharing her creative playful side with her students. Mrs. Robeck enjoys enjoys spending time with her family, as well as trail running and trail photography.
ALVA VALLE
P.E. TEACHER
Mrs. Valle joined our staff in 2021, but she has been part of the Prince of Peace community for several years. She has a B.A. in Communications from Cal State Northridge. Mrs. Valle helps direct Race for Education, which is one of our school’s main fundraisers, and is passionate about keeping students motivated through fitness. She has also coached our cross country team along with CYO track and field and is currently the assistant coach in these sports at Moreau High School. Mrs. Valle and her husband live in Fremont with their 3 daughters who have (and 2 still are) attended Prince of Peace. In her free time, she loves spending time outdoors with family hiking, running or traveling to the beach.
AMANDA NICKLES
TEACHER AIDE
Miss Nickles joined Prince of Peace in 2014 as the Extended Care Director and part-time Kindergarten Aid. In 2016 she started Prince of Peace’s first Summer Program, with much success. In her free time she enjoys watching movies, camping and spending time with family and friends.