Tantiani Budiman
Director
Ms. Tan brings over 25 years of experience in education to her role as Director at Eastgate Christian School, where she has served since 2013. She holds a Master's Degree in Christian Education and an Early Childhood Education (ECE) Credential, giving her both the academic foundation and hands-on expertise to lead a program where your child truly thrives.
Her career in education spans classroom teaching, children's ministry, and school administration — experience that shaped her deep understanding of how young children learn, grow, and develop in their earliest years. She is passionate about creating a nurturing environment where every child feels seen, supported, and celebrated.
Ms. Tan believes that a Christian school exists to walk alongside families — not just to educate, but to partner with parents in raising children rooted in faith, character, and a love of learning. That philosophy guides every decision she makes as Director.
When she's not leading the team at Eastgate, she enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her family. Eastgate isn't just a school to her — it's a community she is honored to serve.
Loleta Nelson
Ms. Loleta started at Eastgate Christian School in 2021. She studied at Saddleback College and CSUF and has worked in the education field for over twenty years. Ms. Loleta loves her daily interaction with families and being to share Jesus with students. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her family, cooking, and reading. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.” Philippians 4:6
Janina Niu
Ms. Janina first began working at Eastgate Christian School in 2010 as the 3–4-year-old teacher. She has her Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Development and has been working with children since 2005. She enjoys teaching children and helping to strengthen their social, academic, and spiritual growth. As a teacher she desires to create a safe, positive, and fun learning experience for all children. Ms. Janina loves working at Eastgate because of its loving and Christ-centered environment!
Claudia Ma
Ms. Claudia started at Eastgate Christian School in 2011 and has a Master’s Degree in Special Education. Ms. Claudia enjoys working with young children because these are the most formative years in their life. She loves Eastgate because it’s a caring community and she feels blessed to be a part of the staff. Ms. Claudia strives to give herself fully to serve and love the children and their families just as Jesus gave His life selflessly for our salvation.
Cynthia Luna
Ms. Cynthia started working at Eastgate Christian School in February 2024. She has been working with young children for over 10 years now. She has a Child Development associate degree. She always had a passion working with children; Her experience working with children started when she was a volunteer at her home church in downtown San Diego. As a teacher she strives for creativity and maintains a loving, peaceful, and safe environment. In her spare time Ms. Cynthia’s like to read. As the scripture says in Colossians 3:23 "whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men." I truly believe that everything we love doing and have passion about should be dedicated to the Lord.
Jacqueline (J.J.) Fogel
Ms. Jacquelyn (J.J.) started at Eastgate Christian School in 2021. She Studied at UCLA and the University of San Diego where she earned her master’s in history. She’s been teaching in the education field for over 8 years. Ms. JJ enjoys working with children because of their innated curiosity for everything around them. She wants to help them grow during these most important developmental years. Ms. JJ loves teaching children through art to help facilitate their growth as a whole person. In her free time, Ms. JJ enjoys going to the theatre and music concerts, taking dance classes, baking, traveling, and going on long walks. Ms. JJ loves working at Eastgate Christian School because of the friendly and very supportive staff!
Samthia Chui
Mrs. Samthia started at Eastgate Christian School in 2021. She has a master’s degree in English Language Teaching, postgraduate diploma in Education and a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She has been teaching in elementary school since 2009. Mrs. Samthia loves teaching because that’s one of the most rewarding professions. It gives her an opportunity to make an impact on a future generation. She feels very fortunate to work at ECS because of her wonderful colleagues and amazing students. She is looking forward to helping your child succeed in their education and participation during their school day. “Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)
Catherine Ferrer
Mrs. Cathy joined Eastgate Christian School in Fall 2024. With a background in Child Development, she has spent many years working with children in various roles at the churches she has attended, including as a volunteer, teacher, and director. Mrs. Cathy believes that we are all created in the image of God. This belief shapes her approach to teaching, where she focuses on guiding rather than punishing. She nurtures children with love, using a preventive approach, an engaging environment, and clear expectations to help them succeed. Outside of teaching, she cherishes time with her family, enjoys late-night boba runs, and finds joy in being around friends.
Brianna Ontiveros
Ms. Brianna joined Eastgate Christian School in 2025 as the co-teacher for the 2.5– 3 year old class. She has been teaching children since 2011 in Christian after-school programs, preschool, private school elementary classes, homeschool pods, and one-on-one private teaching. She is currently continuing her education in Child Development and Child Psychology to better support each child’s growth. With a heart for faith based learning, she loves creating a nurturing space where children can grow academically, socially, and spiritually while learning about Jesus. Ms. Brianna values ECS for its warm and Christ centered environment, where children feel safe, loved, and encouraged to explore their unique gifts. “And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” — Matthew 18:5
Lexi Brown
Ms. Lexi Joined Eastgate Christian School in the summer of 2025. She is currently obtaining her degree in child development with the hopes of later pursuing a career as an elementary school teacher. Lexi is passionate about teaching young children and watching them learn and grow under the grace of God. She lives by 1Corinthians 16:14 which says “Let all that you do be done with love.” Lexi believes in creating a safe and nurturing environment filled with joy, patience and love allowing each child to fully blossom. When Lexi is not teaching she enjoys spending time with her family, crafting, and relaxing with a good book.
Joi Takeshima
Miss Joi started working at Eastgate Christian School in 2026. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Literary Arts at UC San Diego. She has been volunteering in various church children’s ministries since 2018.
Miss Joi enjoys working with children because she loves hearing their funny stories and creative ideas. She appreciates Eastgate’s commitment to building friendly, familial relationships, which creates a safe and welcoming environment for all children, families, and staff.
In her free time, Miss Joi enjoys playing volleyball with friends and reading books.
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:17
Eastgate Facilities Staff
Francisco Rodriguez
Description coming soon...
Noah Gonzales
Noah Gonzales began working at Eastgate Christian School in the winter of 2024. Noah has extensive background in security and loss prevention. Noah is joyful that he is able to utilize his experience to aid in the common goal of keeping the campus, its faculty, and the children it nurtures, safe. In his freetime, he enjoys hiking, spending time with friends and family, and visiting the beach. He also enjoys reading and playing video games. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ, for it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the gentile." Romans 1:16.
Michael Makhmudyantsev
Michael Makhmudyantsev began working at Eastgate Christian School in the summer of 2024.