Faculty & Staff – Armona Union Academy
Armona Union Academy has a longstanding tradition of hiring some of the best faculty that the Central Valley has to offer. All of our teachers are credentialed, and together they have over 210 years of combined teaching experience at the elementary and secondary levels.
Armona Union Academy promotes open communication between parents, teachers and constituents and welcomes your suggestions, ideas, and feedback.
True education means more than pursuing a certain course of study. It has to do with the whole person…It is the harmonious development of the physical, the mental, and the spiritual powers.
The source of such an education is brought to view in these inspired words that point to the Infinite One (Jesus): In Him “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”Colossians 2:3
-Ellen White
Tania Olivier
Kindergarten
- Preparation | Degree: coming soon...
- Endorsements: coming soon...
- Hobbies: coming soon...
- Email: tolivier@auaweb.com
- Bible Verse: coming soon...
Katy Lloyd
Teacher - Grades 1 & 2
- Preparation | Degree: BS Elementary Education, Walla Wall University, College Place, WA
- Endorsements: Elementary Education, K-12 Art
- Hobbies: mountain hikes, art and mission stories
- Email: klloyd@auaweb.com
- Bible Verse: Colossians 3:12-17
Denise Johnston
Teacher - Grades 3 & 4, Elementary WASC Coordinator
- Preparation | Degree: BA Liberal Studies, Pacific Union College, Angwin, CA; BA/5th Year Education, Pacific Union College, Angwin, CA.
- Endorsements: Elementary Education
- Hobbies: gardening, golf, traveling
- Email: djohnston@auaweb.com
- Bible Verse: Psalm 91
Natalie Hunter
Teacher - Grades 5 & 6
- Preparation | Degree: coming soon...
- Endorsements: coming soon...
- Hobbies: coming soon...
- Email: nhunter@auaweb.com
- Bible Verse: coming soon...
Reggie Matias
Teachers - Grades 7 & 8
- Preparation | Degree: BA Liberal Studies, La Sierra University, Riverside, CA
- Endorsements: coming soon...
- Hobbies: coming soon...
- Email: rmatias@auaweb.com
- Bible Verse: coming soon...
Roger Castillo
Teacher - Geometry, Algebra II, Physical Science, Chemistry, Physics
- Preparation | Degree: coming soon...
- Endorsements: coming soon...
- Hobbies: coming soon...
- Email: rcastillo@auaweb.com
- Bible Verse: coming soon...
Kathy Hernandez
Chaplain and Teacher-Religion, Spanish 2
- Preparation | Degree: BA Spanish, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI; MA Educational & Developmental Psychology, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI
- Endorsements: English, Fine Arts, Religion, Spanish
- Hobbies: nature & animal photography, vegan cooking, reading
- Email: khernandez@auaweb.com
- Bible Verse: Romans 8:31-39
Danica Mason
Vice Principal & Teacher - English, Choir Director
- Preparation| Degree: BS English & Language, Oakwood College, Huntsville, AL; MA, Curriculum & Instruction, La Sierra University, Riverside, CA
- Endorsements: Art & English
- Hobbies: friend road trips, musicals, painting
- Email: dchandler@auaweb.com
- Bible Verse: 2 Corinthians 4:8-12
Elmer Steenberg
Teacher- PE & History
- Preparation | Degree: BS Physical Education, Walla Walla University, College Place, WA
- Endorsements: coming soon...
- Hobbies: running, reading and sports
- Email: esteenberg@auaweb.com
- Bible Verse: John 15: 12-13
Diana Interiano
Secretary/Registrar
- Preparation | Degree: BA Sociology & Education, University of California, Los Angeles
- Hobbies: Walks at the beach, reading and coloring
- Email: dmeneses@auaweb.com
- Bible Verse: Deuteronomy 5: 6-7
Luis Gutierrez
Facility Management - Maintenance & Grounds
- Hobbies: basketball, reading, building
- Email: lgutierrez@auaweb.com
- Bible Verse: John 16:33
Tricia Bico
Before & After School Care/ Instructional Aide
- Preparation | Degree: BSN Nursing, DLS-STI College, Philippines
- Hobbies: traveling, decorating, helping those in need
- Email: tbico@auaweb.com
- Bible Verse: Proverbs 3: 5-6
Quality Education
We offer high quality teaching and extra-curricular activities.
It is the work of education to develop this power, to train the youth to be thinkers, and not mere reflectors of other men’s thought. (Education p.17).
what Parents & Students are saying
“AUA is more than a school-it’s a family that was there for us when we needed it most.”
“AUA has been a tenfold blessing for our family…The teachers truly care, and we are grateful to be part of a school where our children are growing academically and spiritually.”
“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” Psalms 34:8
Our family has tasted and seen God’s goodness through AUA from 2019 to now. We’ve seen the quality of education and the intentional way that the whole team is eager to prepare wonderful, productive citizens of this world and equip them for the ultimate world to come. At AUA we get the blessing of being in a partnership with educators in the upbringing of the next generation.”
“I love the staff and teachers at AUA; they are the absolute best and they pay much attention to each student.”
“AUA is where my children feel valued, seen, and heard.”
“AUA helped me to learn new skills and participate in extra curriculars like choir and sports. I grew in my spiritual life through different activities and programs.”
“As a parent, I can honestly say that Armona Union Academy has been a true blessing to our family. When we relocated from South Africa in 2022, we were prayerfully looking for a school grounded in strong Christian values, and AUA has exceeded what we hoped for.
“Children are a heritage from the Lord…” Psalm 127:3 has taken on real meaning for us, as we see our children growing and thriving in such a nurturing environment.
We’ve watched them grow academically, but even more importantly, in their character, faith, and confidence. We are deeply thankful for the dedicated teachers and the Christ-centered atmosphere, and we would highly recommend AUA to any family seeking a school that truly invests in the whole child.”
“I love how the teachers take care of you personally. Being at AUA has also made me more open and closer with God.”
“Isaiah 54:13 states “All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.”
It’s such an honor to have an Adventist Education in our community. My family can attest that we have indeed been blessed!.
Adventist education creates a harmonious partnership between home, school, and church to nurture a child’s character and faith. This biblical values taught by parents ensures the values taught are reinforced in the classroom providing a stable foundation for the child.
Preparing all of us for the Kingdom.
We thank Armona for being that institution.”
“I appreciate the teachers who make classes fun and the students who are great friends.”
“AUA gives our family comfort. In a world that feels increasingly uncertain and unsafe, it’s a place of refuge where we know our children are cared for…The teachers genuinely love their students, share God’s love daily, and hold high expecations for both character and academics.”
“AUA has been a tenfold blessing for our family…The teachers truly care, and we are grateful to be part of a school where our children are growing academically and spiritually.”
“AUA is where my children feel valued, seen, and heard.”
“Our 3 children have been blessed by the AUA teachers, students, and community. As they grow in learning about God and who He has made them to be it is amazing that they are able to receive an education from teachers who pray for them, share God’s word with them, guide them, challenge them, and care for them! ”
“AUA is where my children feel valued, seen, and heard.”
“AUA is where my children feel valued, seen, and heard.”
“AUA is where my children feel valued, seen, and heard.”
“AUA is where my children feel valued, seen, and heard.”
“AUA gives our family comfort. In a world that feels increasingly uncertain and unsafe, it’s a place of refuge where we know our children are cared for…The teachers genuinely love their students, share God’s love daily, and hold high expecations for both character and academics.”
“AUA has been a tenfold blessing for our family…The teachers truly care, and we are grateful to be part of a school where our children are growing academically and spiritually.”
“AUA is where my children feel valued, seen, and heard.”
“AUA is more than a school-it’s a family that was there for us when we needed it most.”
“I have three children at Armona Union Academy, and my decision to send my children there is the best I’ve ever made. I’m extremely pleased with the education my children receive. I highly recommend AUA. ”
“Our kids love attending AUA. Last year was their first year and they never want to leave. They love the teachers and the small school feeling.”
“AUA has treated us like family. My son wakes up every morning looking forward to school, which hasn’t always been the case. I have no regrets.”
“Having our daughter in school at AUA provides us with the peace of mind that she is not only getting a solid education, but that she’s being nurtured spiritually as well.”
Student & Community Events
Join us as we grow in community.
We look forward to your participation in student led events, schoolwide programs, music, sports, service projects, alumni events, and other extracurricular activities.
