Jenny Sanchez – English, Bible
A.A. American Sign Language

B.A.– Family & Child Psychology, Minor- Biblical Studies - Patten University

Mrs. Sanchez attended ESCS from Kindergarten thru 8th grade.  She felt such a connection to the community here that she always knew she would come back as a teacher.  She attended DeAnza HS, Contra Costa College, and studied American Sign Language at Vista Community College in Berkeley.  She then transferred to Patten University and received her BA in Psychology.  While in college she got married and worked at ESCS as the 5th grade teacher aide.  Last year she had her first baby, Adeline. She also worked in the ESCS office while finishing up her last year of school.  In her free time she loves to knit and hula dance on her church's Island Praise team.

Quote: "Get involved and you will find a wonderful, supportive community at ESCS."

Mr. Scott was born and raised in Southern California. After serving in the Army, he and his family moved to the Bay Area to assume leadership of his family’s business. In 1990 he returned to school to finish his degree. Mr. Scott has also completed a Seminary program and now serves as a Pastor and Church Planter. He enjoys music, movies and sporting events. Robert and Mrs. Scott also enjoy camping and fishing with their two sons, a daughter-in-law and three grandchildren.

Quote: “A wonderful gift of teaching is the relationship that evolves while seeing your students grow into adults. Knowing that you have contributed to their ability to find their way. Also the pleasant surprise when a smiling adult approaches you and says, ‘Hi, Mr. Scott!’ ”

Mr. Huffman has lived in California all of his life, with the exception of 4 years of college in Sioux City, Iowa. He grew up in the central valley city of Modesto. Mr. Huffman has been teaching at ESCS for three years. He has also spent time as a Sports Reporter for the Contra Costa Newspaper. Mr. Huffman enjoys sports, movies, reading, and coaching basketball. He has a wonderful wife and a very hyper dog.

Quote: “The great part about teaching and coaching is the relationships you’re able to build with the kids and the impact you can have on them.”

Mrs. Armstrong was born in Pontiac, Michigan but has lived in California since 1974. She spent nine months in Chiapas, Mexico in the mid-70’s learning Spanish and teaching English. She is married with several children and many grandchildren. She enjoys music, crafts and traveling. Mrs. Armstrong has been to Australia, Mexico, Canada, England, Portugal, Spain, Greece, and Israel with her husband and daughter. She also spent 20 years in technology at Bank of America prior to coming to ESCS.

Quote: “I love kids of all ages and really enjoy teaching- it keeps me young and gives me daily blessings!”

Mrs. Santos is a Philippine citizen and a recent immigrant to the United States. She has been involved in corporate related work for more than 15 years and has decided to shift to a new career in teaching. As a lover of math herself, she tries now to influence as many students as possible to feel the same way.

Quote: “I have always believed that mathematics is the easiest subject of all and that with the proper understanding and perspective, students will be able to appreciate it as much as I do.”

Miss Flanders was born and raised in upstate New York. That is where her family still lives. She is the oldest of three children. She has two younger brothers and her father who live near each other in New York. Her best friend from college is like her sister, and lives in Alabama. She is also “Aunt Tammy” to many young people. Her hobbies are her two cats and many other pets. Scrapbooking, cross stitching, photography, traveling, and being near the water are also important in her life.

Quote: “I am the Rat Queen or the class that is teeming with a lot of life. After all, I teach Life Science!”

Miss Thor was born in Oakland, California of a Nicaraguan family. Miss Thor is Trilingual, speaking English, Spanish and Italian. Miss Thor was involved in competitive swimming for 10 years. She has also traveled extensively. Miss Thor enjoys sports, reading, theatre, traveling, and cooking. She was involved in ESL tutoring at Diablo Valley College and wants to continue pursuing knowledge in Italian, Arabic, and German languages.

Quote: “I am thrilled to be able to teach students another culture and another language.”

Ms. West was born and raised in Southern California. In 1996 she moved to the Bay Area and began teaching at ESCS. She has taught 4th and 5th grades as well as Junior High and High School. Mrs. West is the Librarian and Career and Guidance Counselor as well as teaching 2 classes. Ms. West enjoys reading, watching movies, and outdoor sports.

Cool Fact: In 2004 Ms. West was named the Wal-Mart Teacher of the year in Antioch.

Mrs. Brown has lived in Pinole all of her life. She has worked in the P.E. Dept. at the Jr/Sr High for 9 years. She is married with 3 grown children, who are all ESCS graduates, and 1 Chihuahua. When not at ESCS, she trains lifeguards and swim instructors, and manages the Pinole Swim Center. She also works with high school students in the Confirmation program at her church. In her spare time she enjoys lap swimming, watching water polo, sewing, crafts, and most importantly, spending time with her husband and sons. Her daughter lives in Victorville, and soon will be married.

Quote: "I love working at ESCS! It has changed my life and I make it my goal to change a child's life in some small way."

Mr. Coleman was born and raised in the Central Valley, the child of two teachers. Growing up, he was an active participant in his neighborhood church, the Boy Scouts of America (where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout), and numerous sports programs including soccer, basketball and volleyball. He left the Central Valley to attend St. Mary's College in Moraga, where he served as president of the club volleyball team, and earned his B.A. in Health and Human Performance. After spending several years building a career in the physical therapy and orthopedic rehabilitation industries, Mr. Coleman followed his calling and went back to school to become a teacher and coach. When he is not teaching or coaching, he enjoys camping and playing basketball.

Quote: "The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand." Vince Lombardi

Ms. Hassett was born and raised in the Bay Area. After attending the University of California, Davis, she decided that there was no place like home! She hopes to pass on her love of literature to her students. Outside of school, Ms. Hassett enjoys spending time with friends and family. Her hobbies include reading, listening to jazz, and writing.

Quote: "My hope for the students is that together we can foster creativty, and make learning something they can enjoy."

Ms. Omanito had taught both in the public and private schools before she came to the U.S. as part of an exchange teaching program in 2001. Recently she studied in the university, taking units in Special Education and Preschool Specialization. She enjoys cooking and going out of town.

Quote: "I want to influence and impact the lives of young people through teaching and service. My life verse is Jeremiah 29:11."