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.
Weekly Encouragement from the Campus Pastor
-Pastor Grant Combs
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:
Christ-inspired
Critical thinkers
Creative
Conscientious
Communicators
Compassionate
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.
Hey Trinity Families! We are so grateful for the chance to partner with you in educating you kids! We are off to a great start of the 2024-25 school year and looking forward to an excellent year.
Meet the Faculty
Kathi Lares
Interim Head of School / Business Manager and 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
I really enjoy seeing our young people have a school where Jesus Christ is honored as Lord. At Trinity, our students are offered the chance to develop a relationship with God and become the men and women He created them to be. Our teachers are amazing at blessing and guiding them through the many challenges they face in today’s changing world.
Trinity Christian School inspires me, and I feel very humbled to help in any way in can.
-
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.
-
Rachel Quiring
Board 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
-
Randall Freeman
Board Member
PROFESSION: President – BID (Built-In Distributors) Appliance
My wife Ann and I have been blessed to be a part of our Monterey Peninsula Community for many years while graciously raising four adult children. Most of my career has been associated with the agriculture industry except for a recent change into the building appliance space. God has blessed us with three beautiful granddaughters and I recognize the importance of giving back to our local community by supporting all our children with the opportunity to have a strong Christian based education. Trinity Christian School provides a point of difference that enables all of us that opportunity to give back to them and their families.
-
Todd Anderson
Board Member
PROFESSION: Senior Pastor
My wife and I have always placed a high value on Christian education, as it has been a guiding principle in our family’s journey and a central part of our faith. We believe that a solid Christian foundation in education not only prepares young people academically but also nurtures their spiritual growth and equips them to impact the world with a Christ-centered perspective. This commitment is reflected in our family’s choices over the years—both of our grown daughters attended Christian schools from a young age, and their education played a significant role in shaping their values and beliefs.
When we were given the opportunity to candidate for the role of Senior Pastor at Compass Church, this priority for Christian education became a major factor in our decision-making process. The fact that our son would have the opportunity to attend Trinity School was one of the key deciding factors for us in pursuing this position. We felt confident that this environment would offer him academic excellence and a community that would reinforce the Christian values we hold dear as a family.
-
Jess Blascovich
Board Member
PROFESSION: Managing Director, Down Syndrome Research Center, Stanford University and Director, The Matthew Foundation
After establishing corporate relationships and running businesses for and related to ABC/ESPN, Jess has pivoted to serve the disability community after her son was born with Down Syndrome. Her son thrived in Christian schools in New York and London before moving to California. After a wide search in Northern California, she was glad to find Trinity Christian School for her son. She was excited to join the board after understanding the school's biblical worldview and seeing the commitment the school and teachers made to providing an inclusive education for all learners, including her son. Teachers walk by her son’s side to support him in his education and journey into young adulthood and students include him in all aspects of school life. In addition to Trinity Christian School, she is on the board of Down Syndrome International and has served as the Chairperson for the World Down Syndrome Day Conference at United Nations Headquarters. Jess and her husband have 2 children, and she earned a Bachelor of Science from MIT and an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business. -
Julie Gowdy
Board Member
PROFESSION: Small Business owner
I was born and raised on the Monterey Peninsula. After earning my doctorate in clinical psychology in San Diego, my husband and I moved back to the Peninsula with our baby boy to raise our family. After homeschooling my children and being involved with three different private schools, we found Trinity Christian. I believe Trinity to be the safest educational environment on the Monterey Peninsula because they are committed to helping students succeed through a Christ centered model of academic excellence. As a member of the school Board of Directors, I’m proud to be a part of Trinity Christian School.
Staff
-
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.
-
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 Gamble
English pgamble@trinityhigh.org
Mrs. Gamble teaches a myriad of English classes from 5th to 12th grade and is the Editor of Trinity's (en)Courage magazine. She loves to be outside hiking or running or inside cooking and eating delicious treats. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their family, while traveling as much as possible. She has traveled to 9 countries and 26 states, so far. Mrs. Gamble has a BS in Special Education, a MA in Secondary Education with an emphasis on Humanities and holds both Arizona and California single-subject teaching credentials. She has worked with students for more than two decades and loves working at Trinity!
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Jared Weaver
Student Support, 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 TCS in 2008, and holds a BA in Theology from San Diego Christian college and his MA in Theology from Fuller Seminary. 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.
-
Grant Combs
Campus Pastor gcombs@trinityhigh.org
Along with being our Campus Pastor, Grant has served the local church in the Monterey area for many years, first as a youth and music pastor, and now as the Lead Pastor at a local church in Seaside. Grant loves to listen to, play, and write songs and to play, coach and officiate sports! Grant has studied at Vanguard University, Liberty University and Gateway Seminary. The study of Scripture, the pursuit of deep relationship with Jesus and imparting eternal truths to students has been a lifetime pursuit and it is a great joy to be on the staff team at Trinity.
-
Amanda McKenna
Science, English amckenna@trinityh.org
Mrs. McKenna enjoys being outdoors, hiking, kayaking, watching hockey (Go Lightening!), crocheting, and loves spending time with her family. Mrs. McKenna earned her BS in Biology and her MS in Biological Sciences. She has been teaching high school for 9 years and at the college-level for several additional years. She is excited and blessed to spend this year at Trinity Christian School. “I enjoy teaching and investing in my students. I am excited to see how Christ will grow me and my students throughout the school year.”
-
Greg Lane
Social Sciences, Athletics glane@trinityhigh.org
Mr. Lane has lived on the peninsula since 2008. He is a proud husband, and father of 4 beautiful children. Mr. Lane is an avid sports fan of ALL the Chicago teams, except the White Sox. He also enjoys doing outdoor activities and playing in men's basketball leagues. Mr. Lane earned his AS in Criminal Justice and is currently completing his BA in Biblical Studies. Although, this is Mr. Lane's first year of teaching. He has worked with youth for the last 11 years volunteering with Compass Church. Prior to joining Trinity, Mr. Lane held positions in Law Enforcement as well as Emergency Medical Services.
-
Tiffany Combs
Athletic Director tcombs@trinityhigh.org
Tiffany has lived on the Monterey Peninsula since 2001 with her husband and 4 kids. She has loved being able to raise her kids here with so much nature to enjoy. Her happy place is the beach and she enjoys the blessing of getting to see it every day. “Trinity Christian’s staff have loved, served and even disciplined all 4 of my kids, which I am forever grateful for. I feel blessed to be a part of this team/family!” Tiffany has her degree in Athletic Training from California State University, Long Beach. She loves being able to once again work with student athletes by helping them prevent future injury and build character through athletics, teamwork, and perseverance. She is excited to see Trinity’s athletes use the gifts our generous God has given them and cheer them on from the sidelines!
WARRIORS! TOGETHER!
-
Kai Robinson-Weaver
Mathematics, Prep Bible and Music krobinson-weaver@trinityhigh.org
Mr. Robinson enjoys music-production, fishing, video games, and reading just about anything. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to be able to teach at my alma mater, as the knowledge, experiences, and relationships I gained here as a student continue to be foundational to the person I am today." Before coming back to Trinity Mr. Robinson was a recent college graduate and spent his summer and winter breaks teaching English in South Korea at Global Vision Christian School. He holds a BA in Political Science with a minor in Biblical Studies from Mississippi College.
-
Ximena Smith
Spanish Language xsmith@trinityhigh.org
Mrs. Smith is originally from Bogota, Colombia and she has been living in America for 14 years. She loves praying, reading the bible, learning French, hiking, traveling and spending time with her family. “I’m blessed to be part of Trinity High School because it’s a loving community.” Mrs. Smith holds a B.A. in Humanities and English, M.A. in Spanish and is currently working on her TESOL certification. She has ten years of teaching experience as a foreign language educator overseas and in California. Besides teaching at Trinity, Mrs. Smith is currently a Spanish tutor for undergraduate and graduate students.