Pacifica Stories

erick streelman
principal

Mr. Erick Streelman comes to Pacifica with over 20 years of leadership in private education. He has his B.A. and MBA from the University of Nevada, where he played baseball and football. He has served as a teacher, coach, athletic director, principal, and head of school.  His goal is to help empower teachers, staff, and students to build a school culture of flourishing. He loves traveling, cooking, exploring new restaurants, reading, running, and playing golf.  But more than anything, he is passionate about students.  
 
Mr. Streelman will work closely with Dr. Rachael Nyabadza and Mr. Wally Hirsch to run the day-to-day operations of Pacifica's academic and student affairs programs. This includes classroom instruction, curriculum development, counseling, athletics, student life, the arts, and school culture. He joins the executive team alongside the Head of School, Mr. Jim Knight. Mr. Streelman's presence will allow Mr. Knight to give more attention to external relations, including strategic planning, development, marketing, admissions, mission and vision, and business operations. 

nate overby
director of visual and performing arts

Meet Mr. Nate Overby, the newly appointed Director of PACARTS at Pacifica! For the past decade, he has been the driving force behind the Theater Arts program at Monrovia High School, leaving a lasting impact on aspiring young artists. Mr. Overby holds a B.A. from Azusa Pacific and an M.A. from Liberty, showcasing his commitment to continuous learning and personal growth in the field of arts education.

A true believer in the transformative power of storytelling, Mr. Overby sees the profound connection between beauty and truth. His central passion lies in empowering students to explore these themes within their own narratives and the world around them.

"I am eager to collaborate with Pacifica's diverse and talented community, fostering an environment where creative minds can sharpen and inspire each other."

As Pacifica's new Director of the Arts, Mr. Overby is poised to lead the way in nurturing a community of artists, storytellers, and innovators, ensuring that the arts remain an essential and transformative aspect of the school's identity. 

bethany wiseblood
admissions associate

Mrs. Bethany Wiseblood joins Pacifica as the new Admissions Associate! Having earned her B.A. from Goucher College, she brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for guiding students on their educational journey. Thrilled to be part of a school that embraces individuality and fosters a faith-filled community, Mrs. Wiseblood believes in allowing every student to be truly seen and valued for their unique gifts.

After living in Baltimore, Hawaii, the Middle East, and California, Mrs. Wiseblood's worldly experiences have enriched her understanding of diverse cultures and perspectives. As Pacifica's new Admissions Associate, Mrs. Wiseblood is excited to be a positive influence in students' lives as they embark on a journey of self-discovery, finding their place in the world, and making meaningful contributions to the community. With her guidance and enthusiasm, prospective students and families can look forward to an enriching and rewarding admissions experience at Pacifica.

andrew budiman
physics & computer science

We are pleased to welcome Andrew Budiman, an exceptional addition to Pacifica's faculty! With four years of experience in teaching high school math and science, Mr. Budiman brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to his role. His academic journey includes a B.A. from Cal State Long Beach, an MBA from Cal State San Bernardino, and his current pursuit of a Ph.D. in Computer Science & Machine Learning, showcasing his commitment to continuous learning and innovation.

Teaming up with Dr. Sumida, Mr. Budiman is ready to make a significant impact on the engineering and science department at Pacifica. Passionate about education, he finds great joy in motivating students to embrace STEM fields and integrate them into their daily lives.

Engineering and physics have always captivated Mr. Budiman, as he has been a natural problem solver in mechanics, electronics, and coding. Now, at Pacifica, he is thrilled to inspire the next generation of students, nurturing their curiosity and guiding them on a path of discovery.

john reimers
Director of the Minchin Center

Meet John Reimers, an esteemed educator joining Pacifica as the Director of the Minchin Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MCIE). With a solid educational foundation from Stanford University, including both a B.A. and an M.A., Mr. Reimers brings a depth of knowledge and experience to his new role. Having served as a high school teacher at Brentwood School for many years, he is now ready to make a profound impact on the Pacifica community.

As an integral part of the Minchin Center, Mr. Reimers will not only teach but also oversee business partnerships, guest speaking events, and curriculum development. His passion for teaching economics and business goes beyond mere academics; he strives to empower students with a purposeful mindset. In the classroom, Mr. Reimers instills motivation in his students, encouraging them to embrace their uniqueness and seek ways to make meaningful contributions to society. With his unwavering dedication and inspiring outlook on education, Mr. John Reimers is poised to lead and guide the Pacifica community toward making a positive impact on the world.

violet comer
dance & history

Introducing Violet Comer, a dynamic addition to Pacifica's faculty, who will be teaching both dance and history! As a Pacifica alumna, Ms. Comer embodies the school's exceptional values, having experienced the transformative power of its educational approach firsthand. With a B.A. from Texas Christian University and a deep passion for the arts and history, she is thrilled to contribute actively to the school's unique environment as a teacher.

Ms. Comer's diverse background in dance and history will undoubtedly enrich the learning experience for her students. As an educator, Ms. Comer is committed to empowering her students to think critically, embrace creativity, and understand the significance of historical events in shaping our world.

With her passion for education and her dedication to nurturing well-rounded individuals, Ms. Comer is poised to make a profound impact on Pacifica's dance and history departments. Her unique blend of talents and genuine commitment to fostering intellectual and artistic growth will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on the students she teaches.

andres fierro
music

No stranger to Pacifica, Andres Fierro returns as a valuable addition to the staff, stepping into his role as the new music instructor. With his B.A. from Chapman University and a deep passion for music, Mr. Fierro is thrilled to be back at his alma mater, ready to inspire and shape young creatives in the school's esteemed PACARTS department. His vast experience as a professional musician, film composer, sound designer, and conductor brings a wealth of expertise to the classroom, offering students a unique insight into the world of music beyond traditional education.

When not inspiring students in the classroom, Mr. Fierro can be found sharing his musical talents around Los Angeles and Orange County as a seasoned performer. Whether conducting orchestras or creating mesmerizing soundscapes for film, his dedication to the art of music shines through in every endeavor. With his vast expertise and infectious passion for music, Mr. Andres Fierro is set to make a significant impact on Pacifica's music program and inspire students to unlock their full creative potential. 

carson vandermade
studio art

Meet Carson Vandermade, Pacifica's talented new art teacher! With a B.A. in fine arts from Pepperdine University, Mr. Vandermade brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for nurturing creativity to his role. With previous experience in arts education at the Weisman Museum and as a dedicated volunteer leader with Young Life, he is no stranger to mentoring students throughout the Westside, including at Pacifica.

As an art teacher, Mr. Vandermade is excited to kindle the same passion for creative expression that he discovered during his own high school days. In his collaboration with Mr. Overby, he will bring his expertise to art productions, guiding students through the collaborative process of design and construction. With unwavering dedication to art education and a commitment to guiding students on their artistic journeys, Mr. Vandermade is set to leave a lasting impact on Pacifica's art program. The Pacifica community is fortunate to have him on board, enriching the artistic landscape and fostering a nurturing environment for young artists to thrive.

ARANG KIM
SPANISH

Hailing from Santiago, Chile, Ms. Arang Kim emerges as an esteemed addition to the Pacifica community. Armed with a BA in Psychology and Masters in Fine Arts, she carries a rich academic background. Proficient in Spanish, English, and Korean, Ms. Arang's passion for teaching Spanish was kindled through her immersive experiences across diverse cultures and countries.

An experienced educator, Ms. Arang boasts a decade of shaping young minds as an accredited Spanish teacher in esteemed programs like the IB, IGCSE, and DELE. Relocating with her husband and cherished dog, Ziggy, she embarked on a transformative journey from Singapore to Southern California.

What sets Ms. Arang apart is her unwavering commitment to coming alongside teens. Her mentoring spirit and genuine connections with students fuel her purpose in education. Guided by the essence of Hebrews 11:1, Ms. Kim embodies unwavering dedication to nurturing young minds amid the unseen.

ALBERT KONG
DIRECTOR OF STUDENT LIFE

Introducing Albert Kong, the newly appointed Director of Student Life at Pacifica. A proud UCLA alumnus with a BA under his belt, Albert brings a profound perspective to his role. Embracing the philosophy that nurturing the next generation is a responsibility of those who have gone before them, he finds great privilege in this calling.

One verse in particular, Job 13:15 ("Even though He slay me, yet shall I trust in Him"), resonates deeply with Albert. It serves as a compass guiding his daily faith. 

Albert's gratitude is palpable as he steps into his role, ready to collaborate with both students and the community. He eagerly anticipates watching this next season unfold as he gets to be a part of each students’ transformation at Pacifica.