THE HEART OF TRINITY

At Trinity we believe that each student is uniquely created for a specific purpose. We have designed our curriculum to assist our students in discovering and developing the skills and talents necessary to fulfill their purpose.

General

At Trinity we provide students an outstanding, high quality, Christian education and partner with families in the education and growth of their children. Our goal is to develop each student according to his or her gifts, talents, and passion.

At Trinity we provide a dynamic learning environment in an intimate educational setting which gives students a place to pursue academic, athletic, and artistic excellence while serving others.

Students are challenged to think critically while applying the inspired truths from the Bible. Trinity is designed to invite students to step outside their comfort zone and experience life abundantly.

At Trinity our goal is to create a place where students feel safe to pursue their passion and to ask questions that create a positive dialogue about life issues. This healthy environment of continuous dialogue allows our students to actively participate in discussions that help them develop into mature, responsible young adults.

Many schools can provide a good education, safe environment, ample extra-curricular opportunities, and good friends. Only a Christian school can blend each of these into a cohesive whole where strong moral values and integrity combine with a Christian worldview to become the cornerstone of a student’s life.

OUR MISSION

The mission of Trinity Christian School is to cultivate a stimulating environment, with the home and local church, developing the student through a Biblically based curriculum and through Christ-centered relationships in order to prepare the student to follow Jesus and to positively impact his/her community and the world.

12:1 CLASS SIZE

TCS provides a smaller teacher to student ratio so that students establish rapport with teachers and are able to receive help when they have questions.

CORE VALUES

ESLR (Expected Student Learning Results)

TCS focuses on preparing its graduates to be:

  1. Christ-inspired

  2. Critical thinkers

  3. Creative

  4. Conscientious

  5. Communicators

  6. Compassionate

  7. Confident

Also referred to as the 7 “C”s.

ATHLETICS

TCHS is a member of CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) and participates in the Pacific Coast Athletic League in 17 varsity sports.

TCS Prep is a member of IPAL (Independent & Parochial Athletic League) and participates in soccer, flag football, volleyball, basketball, track and field.

FACULTY

The prayerful and passionate faculty work to help students discover and reach their potential and be successful in whatever their future holds.

Our History

Trinity Christian High School was founded in 2001 by a group of parents, pastors and educators at Calvary Chapel Monterey Bay Church. The goal was to provide high quality, Christian education for high school students in the Monterey Bay area. In 2017 grades 7th and 8th were added, 6th grade was added in 2022, and in 2023 the school added grade 5. In 2023 the school name was changed to Trinity Christian School to better reflect the current student body.

STATEMENT OF FAITH

We believe:

  • That all Scripture is verbally inspired by God and that it is the supreme and final authority in faith and life. (II Peter 1:20-21, II Timothy 3:16-17)

  • In one God, eternally existing in three Persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
    (John 14:16-17, Matthew 28:19, Deuteronomy 6:4)

  • In the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His substitutionary and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection and in His second coming.

  • That man is created in the image of God, that he sinned and must be saved, and that man’s only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. (Romans 3:23, II Peter 1:18-19)

  • That the Christian is saved by grace through faith wholly apart from human merit and works and that all who receive the Lord Jesus Christ by faith are born again. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

  • In the resurrection of both the saved and unsaved; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and they that are unsaved unto the resurrection of condemnation (Daniel 12:2)

  • That Christians are to be separated unto God, living holy lives pleasing to Him, and witnessing to His glory.

  • That God directly created the heavens and the earth and all that lies therein.

Meet the Faculty

Rick Fitzgerald
Head of School
rfitzgerald@trinityhigh.org

Mr. Fitzgerald enjoys golf, spending time with his family and more golf. “Trinity Christian allows me to live out my two passions - working with kids and my faith in Jesus Christ. As the Head of School, I am challenged to continue to grow in my walk with the Lord as I try to lead humbly, but with conviction.” He received his BA in Economics from Stanford University, and his MA Ed in Educational Administration and Supervision from the University of Phoenix. He is certified as an Athletic Administrator through NIAAA and holds ACSI Teacher Certification. Prior to joining TCHS in 2011, he had 16 years in education as a Teacher, Principal and Athletic Director.

Kathi Lares
Vice Principal, Business Manager, Admissions Director
klares@trinityhigh.org

Mrs. Lares reads just about anything and avidly supports Bay Area sports – especially the SF Giants! “I work at TCHS because I am passionate about Christian education - what it means in the life of a student, in their family and in the Kingdom of God. I love the family of Trinity Christian High School!” She received her BA in Political Science with an emphasis in Public Service from UC Santa Barbara. Prior to joining TCHS in 2005, she was the Business Manager for the Monterey Bay Charter School for 9 years and the Operations Manager for a Carmel stock brokerage firm for 12 years.

Board of Directors

  • Tim Cass

    Board President

    PROFESSION: Private Wealth Advisor

  • Dan Silverie

    Board Vice President

    PROFESSION: President – Silverie Properties LLC

    My wife Patricia and I have lived on the Peninsula for many years. During that time, I have been working as a General Contractor, and Real Estate Developer specializing in Affordable Housing. With three grown children and six grandchildren we recognize the importance of Godly teaching and training for our students. I am happy to be a part of TCHS and our desire and prayer is to be able to make an impact in the community thru the lives of this generation and those to come.

  • Terry Davis

    Board Secretary and Treasurer

    PROFESSION: CEO of Tri-California Events, Inc.

    STUDENT(S): Rachel Davis (Muscutt) 2005, Nick Davis 2009, Paul Davis 2015

    Mr. Davis loves God, Family, Golf, Trinity High School, not necessarily in that order. He also loves his work of putting on triathlons, running events, and other outdoor sports. He was the Chairman of the founding board of Calvary Christian High School which is now Trinity. “I believe that Christian Education is the best alternative for our children.” “I love Trinity High School and the character and love for God that the students have an opportunity to learn and make their life plan as their choice.” “I continue to be on the board as I am passionate about offering as many students as possible the teacher love and knowledge, so they can become fully committed to God so they can lead the next generation in a path toward Christ.” Thank you Trinity administration, staff and teachers for all you do to keep my passion burning.

  • Carole Hays

    Member

    PROFESSION: Support Specialist and Marketing Coordinator – Lansmont Corporation

    STUDENT(S): Samuel Hays (2016), Zachary Hays (2018)

    As a lifelong resident of Monterey County who was not raised in a Christian household and came to faith during my college years, I strongly believe that one of the most life-changing gifts we can give the younger generation is to provide a Christian education and a solid spiritual foundation. As a mother of two recent Trinity graduates, I have experienced and witnessed firsthand Trinity Christian’s staff/teachers mentor, guide, support and allow my sons to grow and mature in a safe, Christian environment. This school has been a true blessing to my family and I look forward to serving.

  • Rachel Quiring

    Member

    PROFESSION: Residential construction; manager of Campfire Concerts

    I serve Trinity Christian because I believe in Christian education, and I pray that God would move in the hearts and minds of teenagers on the Monterey Peninsul

Staff

  • Tiffany Combs

    Athletic Director tcombs@trinityhigh.org

    Tiffany Combs enjoys everything outdoors! She enjoys the sun, the beach, hikes, playing catch, walking her basset hound, cooking, and gardening, especially if she can do all these things with her husband and 4 kids. She’s grateful that God moved her family to the Monterey Peninsula from Southern California in 2001 to work at a local church in youth ministry. Tiffany has a Degree in Kinesiology/ Physical Education with an emphasis in Athletic Training from Long Beach State University. She has always appreciated working with Middle school and High school students. She is excited to get to partner with Trinity as the Athletic Director and hopes to get to share the love Jesus has always shown her to the student here at Trinity.

  • Bobbi Espinoza

    Office Manager bespinoza@trinityhigh.org

    Mrs. Espinoza enjoys hiking, knitting, playing cribbage, gardening, reading a good book as well as a good Bible study! Always on her heart are her children and precious grandchildren. “Working at TCHS is a ministry to me. It gives me the opportunity to serve many people who come through my office - students, parents, teachers and co-workers. I love people! It is an honor for me to be able to listen and love each person with the hands, feet and heart of Jesus.” Mrs. Espinoza holds an AA degree from Pierce College. Prior to joining TCHS in 2006, she served in the Front Office of Monte Vista Christian School for 8 years.

  • Macayla Ayers

    Prep Program Teacher msayers@trinityhigh.org

    “Ms. A” enjoys reading, hiking, traveling, and any form of adventure. She chooses to teach at a Christian school because “Christian education helps to inspire and mold the next generation of leaders, missionaries and world changers and I am excited to play even a small part in such a mission!” Ms. A joined the staff at TCHS in 2019 and has a BA in English from Regent University.

  • Michelle Ayers

    Prep Program Teacher, Program Administrator mayers@trinityhigh.org

    Mrs. Ayers loves to spend time with her family, playing games, taking long rides or sharing a meal together. When given the opportunity, she loves to travel to see the amazing world that God has created. “I count it as a privilege to work in a Christian School. I am honored to spend time with my students and to be able to help them gain knowledge in so many areas. I am so blessed that each day I can share the love of God with my students. When God’s love breaks through the heart of a student, and they finally see how much God loves, them nothing beats being a part of that!” Prior to joining TCHS in 2017, Mrs. Ayers taught for eight years in the classroom and nine years as a homeschool teacher. She holds a BA in Applied Communication from Point Loma Nazarene University and a Multi-Subject Credential and Master’s in Education from Liberty University. She is ACSI Certified.

  • Sherilyn Bouwens

    Prep Program Drama, Performing Arts sbouwens@trinityhigh.org

    Mrs. Bouwens loves dancing, making jewelry and listening to music. “I chose this school for many reasons, the biggest being the freedom the share my love for God with the students. The school allows the students to be creative and they are able to participate in sports as well as the arts. We are more like a family here and seeing my own sons excel and love this school, shows me, every day, how truly wonderful that is.” Mrs. Bouwens holds a BFA in Theatre and Dance and AEA certification.

  • Patty Brem

    English pbrem@trinityhigh.org

    Ms. Brem loves to be outside hiking or running or just being outside. She's an avid sports fan and follows baseball and football as much as time allows. Ms. Brem has her BS in Special Education and is pursuing her MA in Education. She has worked with high school students for the last 23 years and has no desire to stop quite yet.

  • Hannah Britain

    Sciences hbritain@trinityhigh.org

    Ms. Britain enjoys hiking, exploring the beach and spending time with her two daughters and her beloved cat Ollie. “The main reason I choose to teach at a Christian school is the freedom to share with my students how much God loves them and has a perfect destiny for their lives. I also choose to teach science from the Biblical world view and working at a Christian school allows me the freedom to show Christ in Science.” Ms. Britain has a BA in Liberal Studies from CSU Fullerton and an MA Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix.

  • Grant Combs

    Bible gcombs@trinityhigh.org

    Pastor Combs enjoys all things related to baseball, soccer, tennis, golf and disc golf. He likes funny things and serious things, laughing and philosophy. He is so grateful for knowing Jesus, his cool wife Tiffany and their four rad kids. “ Christian education provides a platform for the training of the next generation of people who will follow Jesus and lead boldly, I love building relationships with students and their families with the awesome opportunity to point kids to Jesus while helping to prepare them for success as they figure out what kind of life God is calling them to.” Pastor Combs hold a BS in Theology from Liberty University and his ACSI Certification in Theology. He is the Lead Pastor at Lighthouse Baptist Church in Seaside has served as Youth Pastor and Worship Leader at Sanctuary Bible Church for 23 years. He has been with TCHS since 2013.

  • Andrew Dirkes

    Social Studies adirkes@trinityhigh.org

    Mr. Dirkes enjoys flying aircraft, racing cars on his simulator, mountain biking, sports and watching racing. “I am thankful for the opportunity to serve the TCHS family since I enjoy teaching, building into the lives of others and growing closer to God with them.” Prior to joining TCHS in 2022, he retired from the United States Marine Corps after 20 years as a Tank Officer, spent four years as a police officer, and was the Monterey ministry director for Cru Military for two years. He has a BA in History from California Baptist College, an MA in Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School, and is a Distinguished Graduate from the Naval War College Command and Staff Program.

  • Rosaura Garcia

    Spanish rgarcia@trinityhigh.org

    Mrs. Garcia enjoys having long walks with her husband, riding bikes, dancing, reading, music, and going to the movies with her daughter. She loves to go on mission trips and visit historical places. Mrs. Garcia was born and raised in Baja, Mexico. She attended Universidad Autonoma de Baja California and got her B.S. in Psychology. In 1993, in her second year in college, she surrendered to Christ and was grateful that a brave classmate did not hesitate to share the Gospel with her. “I love encouraging students to attend college because they can not only finish a degree, but they can share about Christ bringing people to Salvation” Mrs. Garcia has been working in education for more than 20 years.

  • Patrick Hawkes

    Sciences, Director- I.T. phawkes@trinityhigh.org

    Mr. Hawkes enjoys photography, music and spending time with his wife. “I am blessed to be able to teach at TCHS because of the foundation of faith that the school is built upon. I made some pivotal decisions in my walk with Christ when I was in high school, so I am incredibly grateful to be able to help these students discover their own faith.” Prior to joining TCHS in 2019, Mr. Hawkes was a Ministry Coordinator at Lighthouse Baptist Church in Seaside. He has a BA in Music with a concentration in Recording Technology from California State University at Monterey Bay.

  • Frank Leonard

    Social Studies fleonard@trinityhigh.org

    Mr. Leonard enjoys swimming, spending time with family, cooking, following sports and politics. “I find that I can’t teach with any amount of authenticity, unless my faith and values are incorporated in my daily class structure. Trinity Christian allows me that opportunity. This is the most important thing to me, professionally and spiritually.” Prior to joining TCHS in 2013, Mr. Leonard spent 8 years as a coach and teacher. He has a BA History with an English minor from Cal Poly, SLO and ACSI certified as a secondary History teacher.

  • Janice Perl

    Performing Arts, Vocal Jazz jperl@trinityhigh.org

    Dogs love Mrs. Perl, and Mrs. Perl loves dogs! “God gave me abilities in the area of music and musical theatre. It's a joy to pass that on to the next generation, and see how their lives are positively affected by expanding their own artistic musical gifts.” She has been a professional singer and instructor for years and has served at TCHS since the school’s inception in 2001.

  • Megan Ryan

    Student Life Director, Bible mryan@trinityhigh.org

    Mrs. Ryan is a lover of God, people, music, vintage, theology, and the NBA. “Trinity has provided me the opportunity to do the things I am not only passionate about, but feel deeply called by God to do with my life: teaching, mentoring, and building up students, with Christ at the center. This school has empowered me to use my gifts to invest in the next generation through various avenues, including leadership training, counseling, in the classroom, student events, and much more… AND I get to have fun in the process. It’s amazing. I also have the unique privilege of being an alumnus of TCHS, so I have first-hand experience of the blessing this school brings. I had teachers who genuinely cared for me when I was in high school, and now I get to do the same for my own students.” Mrs. Ryan joined TCHS staff in 2011 and holds a BA Counseling/Theology minor from The Masters University and a Certificate of Women’s Ministry. She is ACSI Certified.

  • Lauren Vevoda

    English lvevoda@trinityhigh.org

    Mrs. Vevoda loves to go hiking with her husband and dog. She also enjoys swimming, biking, slacklining and rock climbing. “I previously taught in six different school districts. I found that there was an insurmountable barrier between the students and myself because I could not talk about God with them. I knew I could never be fully happy in a career unless I was able to share the love of Jesus with people.” Mrs. Vevoda joined TCHS in 2016 and holds BA in Social and Behavioral Sciences from CSUMB and a Multiple Subject State Credential from Cal Teach. She is ACSI Certified.

  • Jared Weaver

    Social Studies, Bible jweaver@trinityhigh.org

    Mr. Weaver enjoys reading, making his “terrible” dad jokes, playing video games and kayaking. “I enjoy working with a loving Christian community!” Mr. Weaver joined TCHS in 2008, and holds an MA and BA Theology from San Diego Christian college. He is ACSI Certified.

  • Marc Wilemon

    Mathematics mwilemon@trinityhigh.org

    Mr. Wilemon enjoys time with his family, carpentry, and engineering. He shares the belief that a Christ-centered education is good and right.