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
Yolanda Woolrich
Ms. Yolanda started at Eastgate Christian School in 1988. She has a Certificate in Early Childhood Education and has been teaching for over 30 years. She enjoys working with children because they are such a gift from God and loves the Eastgate community of believers! Her passions are working with youth, spending time with her grandchildren and volunteering at church. “I believe God has a divine and perfect plan for each of us. I have a strong faith in Jesus Christ that has only grown with the trials and joys of my adult life.”
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.
Ligaya Yamrick
Enrichment Program Teacher/Physical Education Coach Ms. Ligaya started working at Eastgate Christian School in 2013 as the sports enrichment coach with Playball. Coach was warmly welcomed back into the Eastgate family in 2021 as part of the teaching staff and has also created a PE curriculum for the school. She has a Master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction and has been in Elementary Education since 2002. Her dedication to teaching goes far beyond the 4 walls of the classroom by bringing in interactive movement and engaging curiosity among her students. Coach loves playing sports, enjoys any outdoor adventures, reading, journaling and she’s very passionate about learning and traveling to new places. – “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith, be courageous; be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13).
Lorena Limon-Walker
Ms. Lorena joined Eastgate Christian School in 2025 as the two-year-old teacher. She holds a degree in Child Development and has been working with young children since 2019. Passionate about teaching, she loves helping children learn about Jesus while nurturing their imagination and creativity. Ms. Lorena values ECS for its welcoming, peaceful, safe, and loving environment, where children can grow while learning about Jesus.
"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." — Proverbs 22:6
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.
Jacquelyn (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!
Karianne Kraetsch
Ms. Karianne (Kari) started at Eastgate in 2022. She has a B.A. in History and a B.A. in Psychology. She has worked with preschool children for the past 6 years and worked with children of all ages since she was a teenager. She has taught over 15 years of Awana, Sunday School, and VBS. She loves the enthusiasm children have for life and the joy on their faces when they learn new things. There is no greater privilege than to come alongside parents to help children learn about Jesus. She loves reading, watching movies, playing games, singing, and hanging out with family and friends. “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the old order of things have passed away.”
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)
Katelyn Au
Miss Katelyn started working at Eastgate Christian School in September 2023. She is currently an undergraduate student at UCSD, studying linguistics with an emphasis in speech and language science, along with psychology. Katelyn aspires to become a speech pathologist for children in the future. She loves working with the kids at ECS, watching them grow and learn as they interact with their environment, and hopes to guide them while sharing Jesus’ love.
In her free time, Miss Katelyn enjoys reading, getting boba, and hanging out with friends. Her favorite Bible verse is Ephesians 4:32, which says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
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.
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.
Alondra Hurtado
Alondra Hurtado began working at Eastgate Christian School in the summer of 2026. She is an Accounting student at Arkansas Tech University in Arkansas. This summer, she is in California with Cru, a college campus ministry. One of the reasons she is here is to grow in her relationship with Christ and share her faith with others. In her free time, she enjoys playing pickleball, meeting new people, and building meaningful friendships. She is excited to see how God works this summer and grateful to be a part of the Grace City Church community. Her favorite Bible verse is John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Wyatt Carranco
Wyatt Carranco began working at Eastgate Christian School in the summer of 2026. He is currently enrolled at Texas State University, located in San Marcos, Texas. He is here with the help of CRU to do mission work. CRU's aim to reach people who haven’t heard the gospel message, to develop relationships, and to minister to the campus with compassion.
Joshua Levy
Joshua Levy began working at Eastgate Christian School in the summer of 2026.