Staff & Board Members
Michelle Montoya
Principal / 5/6 history teacher
As Principal and a teacher of Geometry and History, I view schooling as a spiritual journey to appreciate our Creator. Since 1998, my career has centered on student growth, joining Vine in 2008 where I now lead the Student Council. My goal is to instill a lifelong passion for discovery in my pupils. A Gilroy local, my husband Mike and I have seen our four children graduate from Vine and now delight in life as grandparents.
Debby Esposito
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL / 5/6 english
I lead English I instruction while anchoring the administrative team at Vine. Living in Gilroy with my husband and four children, I have been a devoted home educator since 2002. I find deep inspiration in the scriptures and community building, always making sure to cherish quiet moments with my family.
Mrs. Lisa Chapman
9/10 English11/12 English
- B.A. Major, Liberal Studies; Minor, Business Administration SJSU- Multiple Subject CA Teaching Credential SJSU​My career background includes teaching in public school, working as an account representative in electronics distribution and owning/directing a preschool when my children were young. More recently, I taught 7th grade humanities, 12th grade English and Senior Thesis at Calvary Christian School in San Jose.
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I have twin daughters who are high school seniors and a son in 8th grade. My husband and I have been married 24 years and our family loves the outdoors, whether we are biking, hiking, and paddle boarding in the mountains or boogie boarding at the beach!
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I personally enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, cooking, studying my Bible and serving at our local church. Every since high school, English has been my favorite academic subject and it is my pleasure and delight to dive into the timeless works of these famous authors and inspire students to love them as much as I do.
Mrs. Holly Rauser
Speech and Debate
I am an expert in rhetoric with over 20 years of experience teaching at the collegiate level. As a mother of five Vine graduates and wife of a former principal, my roots in our school run exceptionally deep.
Teachers
I am happy to teach at Vine. I'm a pastor's wife, mother of 5, and grandmother of 4. God gave me a passion to create and the curiosity to try my hand at whatever inspires me.Â
Math 5, 8th English II, Creative Art
Mrs. Jean Fong
Mrs. Cameron Knapp
Math 6 & 7, 7th English II
I transitioned from traditional elementary teaching to homeschooling after my first child was born. Over the years, I have served my local church and guided youth groups. My family has been a part of the Gilroy community since 2008, and my eldest of six children graduated from Vine in 2023.
Mr. David Ortega
Algebra, Guitar, and 5/6 Science
8th English II, 5th Math, and creative Art
Mrs. Jean Fong
Mr. David Ortega
5/6 Science, pre-algebra, albegra 1, Guitar 2
Hello! My name is Pastor David Ortega, and I have the pleasure to serve at Vine Academy.Â
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My family moved to Gilroy in 2016. My wife, Andrea, and I have three children, one in 10th grade, on in 12th, and one college age. We have served on staff at The Foothills Church in Gilroy since arriving.
I am happy to teach at Vine. I'm a pastor's wife, mother of 5, and grandmother of 4. God gave me a passion to create and the curiosity to try my hand at whatever inspires me.Â
An associate pastor at Foothills Church since 2016, I manage worship and theology instruction. I hold a Master of Divinity and spent several years teaching at the university level. With a background in youth ministry across two coasts, I now focus on mentoring future leaders in Gilroy alongside my wife and three children.
Mrs. Brianne McWilliams
7/8 Science9/10 Science
My husband Paul and I joined the Vine community in 2024 while looking for a tailored educational setting for our daughters. Licensed as a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Samuel Merritt University, I balance my home health career with my love for teaching. I find great joy in showing students the complexity and wonder of human biology through a lens of faith.
Mrs. Angie Kastle
Jr. High Bible
Being a teacher is an honor and responsibility that I take to heart. Our family has been in the "Vine Family" for over 20 years! This is my 3rd year growing through teaching Jr. High Bible.
My husband and I have a growing crew of 19 here in California and in Ireland. 5 kiddos and 9 grands that are my pride and joy.
Mrs. Shanna Korjenek
7/8 History, Theater, Home Economics
Originally from Washington, I moved to the area in 2011. I wear many hats at The Foothills Church, involving children, youth, and media. Since starting my home education path in 2014 and joining Vine in 2022, I have become a passionate advocate for our unique learning environment.
Mrs. Amanda (Mandi) Santiago
I lead as a professional art manager and serve on the Morgan Hill Arts Commission. A certified framer and lifelong teacher, I blend my engineering background with visual arts. My creative work spans from oil painting to music. I am dedicated to making culture accessible and use my precise yet graceful teaching style to help students master artistic expression and design through local collaboration.
Fine Arts
Mrs. Cori Miller
5/6 History
Mrs. Lemau
Elementary bible
I am so excited to be teaching 4/5 grade Bible this year! I have been blessed to serve in children's ministry in a variety of roles for the past 20 years, and I love creating engaging, hands-on lessons that bring God's Word to life and help children grow in their relationship with Jesus.
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My husband and I have been married for 23 years, and he serves as the Senior Pastor of The Anchor Church (Calvary Chapel Gilroy). We have five amazing children, and when we're not at church or school, you'll usually find us cheering on one of our four boys at a basketball game. In my free time, I enjoy crafting and organizing just about anything. I absolutely love everything about fall... cozy sweaters, changing leaves, crisp mornings, and anything pumpkin!
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I am grateful for the opportunity to spend this year with your children. My prayer is that this journey we will embark on will help them discover who God is, understand His faithfulness, and apply through truths of Scripture to their life.
Mrs. Lisa Chapman
9/10 English11/12 English
- B.A. Major, Liberal Studies; Minor, Business Administration SJSU- Multiple Subject CA Teaching Credential SJSU​My career background includes teaching in public school, working as an account representative in electronics distribution and owning/directing a preschool when my children were young. More recently, I taught 7th grade humanities, 12th grade English and Senior Thesis at Calvary Christian School in San Jose.
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I have twin daughters who are high school seniors and a son in 8th grade. My husband and I have been married 24 years and our family loves the outdoors, whether we are biking, hiking, and paddle boarding in the mountains or boogie boarding at the beach!
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I personally enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, cooking, studying my Bible and serving at our local church. Every since high school, English has been my favorite academic subject and it is my pleasure and delight to dive into the timeless works of these famous authors and inspire students to love them as much as I do.
Miss Farrell
Chemistry & Algebra 2
Hello! I'm Danielle Farrell (Ms. Farrell), one of the new teachers at Vine. This is my first year on campus, and I'm excited to teach Algebra 2 and Chemistry!
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I earned my bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences from UC Irvine in 2023, and I love helping students see how science connects to everyday life. One of my favorite examples is the Maillard reaction, which explains the delicious flavors created through cooking and baking. I enjoy exploring this "kitchen chemistry" through my own baking adventures.
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Outside of the classroom, I love traveling, singing, and serving at South Valley Community Church, primarily with the junior high ministry, and occasionally helping with high school events. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Vine community and look forward to seeing how God works through each one of us this year!
Board Members
Craig
Friske
PRESIDENT
Beyond my board leadership, I instruct students in Math, Logic, and Political Sciences at Vine. I am a committed congregant at West Hills Community Church in Morgan Hill.
Debbie Hernandez
BOARD MEMBER
I navigated the homeschooling path from start to finish with my family, utilizing local co-ops and Vine Academy. Married to Jacob since 1987, I consider home education a primary blessing and serve on our board to support other families embarking on this academic adventure.
Marc
Rauser
TREASURER
A part of Vine Academy since 2003, I previously held the role of principal. My wife Holly, a fellow Vine teacher, and I raised our children within our school community.
Heather
Oliver
BOARD MEMBER
With extensive experience across public, private, and home education, I bring a wealth of knowledge to Vine. Currently a private tutor and teacher, I successfully homeschooled my sons through to higher education and trade programs. I enjoy the outdoors in Morgan Hill with my husband.
Mike
Montoya
SECRETARY
9/10 HISTORY
11/12 GOVERNMENT & ECONOMICS
I was born and raised in San Jose, CA. I married Michelle in 1898 and all four of our children attended Vine Academy. Michelle and I welcomed our first grandchild in 2021, and our second in 2024! I've been working for FedEx since 1992.
Krista
Joiner
BOARD MEMBER
As part of the original starting families of Vine Academy, I am invested in helping parents in our community with their children's education journey. Three of my kids have graduated from Vine with three more to go. I enjoy my family, teaching in a Bible study, reading, cooking, bread making, chicken keeping, and having coffee with new and old friends.