Pacifica Stories

AMBER DEBENNING
ENGLISH TEACHER

Welcome to Pacifica, Ms. DeBenning! As the newest member of the English Department, Ms. DeBenning has her B.A. in English from the University of California, Berkeley. She brings to her role a profound love for language and literature and is eager to explore the transformative power of words alongside her students.

With favorite books like "East of Eden" and "Les Misérables," Ms. DeBenning’s literary taste complements her teaching philosophy—that language not only entertains but enlightens and inspires. Whether discussing classic literature or composing essays, she is excited to guide students in harnessing language to uncover deeper truths about the world and themselves.

Outside the classroom, Ms. DeBenning is dedicated to her family, including two current Pacifica students. Known for her love of coffee and Christmas music, she brings warmth and enthusiasm to Pacifica.

STEVEN ENO
MATH TEACHER

We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Eno to Pacifica Christian as he embarks on his 13th year in education. With a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University, Mr. Eno brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for teaching to our community. He is committed to helping each student discover and utilize their God-given talents to make a meaningful impact in the world.

Mr. Eno has a particular knack for working with teenagers, aiding them in uncovering what makes them unique and learning challenging concepts in ways that highlight their individual strengths. His favorite book, Silence by Shusaku Endo, resonates with his teaching philosophy, illustrating the importance of remaining faithful and making tough decisions in adverse conditions—a theme he is eager to explore with his students.

KARLA HERRERA
SPANISH TEACHER

We are excited to welcome Ms. Herrera to our teaching staff at Pacifica Christian! Ms. Herrera comes to us with a B.A. in Spanish from CSU Long Beach and over eight years of experience in teaching foreign languages. She is deeply passionate about opening students' eyes to the transformative power of language learning, helping them to connect and communicate across cultural boundaries.

Ms. Herrera believes that understanding and speaking a foreign language bridges gaps between people. She is dedicated to not only teaching the language but also imparting the cultural appreciation that comes with it.

Join us in warmly welcoming Ms. Karla Herrera, who is eager to inspire our students to explore new languages and cultures, enhancing their global awareness and communication skills.

joo bin kim
history teacher & volleyball coach

We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Kim to Pacifica as part of our faculty and coaching staff! With a B.A. in Politics from UC Santa Cruz and an M.A. in Teaching from USC, Mr. Kim brings a rich background in education as our new history teacher and volleyball coach. His commitment to education is driven by a desire to profoundly impact students' lives, fostering not only a passion for history but also the skills to effect real-world change.

Mr. Kim's coaching career, launched in 2021, has been marked by his development from an assistant coach to a Varsity Head Coach at Hamilton High School, and his impactful tenure at Santa Monica Volleyball Club. He appreciates how sports, particularly volleyball, teach valuable life skills like teamwork, communication, and leadership in a supportive environment. We are excited to see the positive influence Mr. Kim will undoubtedly have on our students and athletes.

sean mcleish
history teacher

We are honored to have Mr. McLeish teaching full-time this year! With a B.S. from Moody Bible Institute and an M.A. from Biola University, he is well-equipped to guide our students in History, Theology, and Philosophy, encouraging them to look beyond the surface and understand the relevance of these subjects in today's world.

Mr. McLeish is passionate about engaging with students in a way that challenges them to think deeply, inspired by the teachings of the Apostle Paul to value others and live with humility and service. At Pacifica, he looks forward to asking the big questions that can't be answered by simply scrolling on a mobile device but require thoughtful consideration and dialogue.

Join us in welcoming Mr. McLeish, who is eager to inspire and be inspired by the minds of those he teaches, encouraging a thoughtful and service-oriented approach to learning and living.

MERCEDES WORMAN
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Welcome back to Pacifica Christian, Ms. Worman! As a proud alumna of our school, Ms. Worman returns to our community, this time as a valued member of our staff. Her journey at Pacifica left a lasting impression, shaping her into the person she is today, and she is thrilled to give back to the place that gave her so much.

Ms. Worman is a devoted mother to her nine-year-old son, cherishing every moment they spend together. Her favorite escape is to the scenic landscapes of Oregon, where she enjoys camping and floating down the river with her family each summer.

We are delighted to have Ms. Worman rejoin the Pacifica family, bringing her unique perspective as both a former student and now a staff member. Her deep connection to our school and her enthusiasm for engaging with the community are sure to inspire both colleagues and students alike. Join us in welcoming Ms. Worman back to Pacifica Christian!