2024-2025 Faculty and Staff

Joyce Palitang

7th and 8th Grade Teaching Principal

Mrs. Palitang received her BS in Liberal Studies and MAT at La Sierra University. She enjoys crafting and being with her dogs. Mrs. Palitang has a heart for the mission field. In high school, she went to Honduras help build a church and Fiji where she helped with VBS. After graduating at LSU, she spent 2 and 1/2 years in South Korea as a missionary teacher teaching English and Bible. She loved it so much that we even learned the language and cook Korean food! This year marks her 13th year in Adventist Education. The first 7 years, she served as a teaching principal at two SECC small schools. This is her 6th year teaching at MSACA; first year as the teaching principal. Her favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’”

Melyssa Carreon

1st and 2nd Grade Teacher

Melyssa is our new 1st and 2nd grade teacher. She is an alumni of La Sierra University. She has been working in the Rancho Santa Fe School District for the past year and have worked in youth theater programs. One of the most memorable years of life was when she was able to take advantage of the ACA program offered at La Sierra University where she got to study in Italy for a year. She feels incredibly fortunate to have had the chance to travel the world, meet new people, and immerse herself in various cultures. Her favorite Bible verse is 1 John 4:4, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one in the world.”

Vickie Knecht

Kindergarten teacher

Vickie Knecht attended Southern Adventist University back in the 1970’s when it was Southern Missionary College. She graduated with 2 degrees and 2 diplomas: A Bachelor of Science Degree in General Home Economics and a Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages, including a minor in Education with Teaching Certification. She spent 40 years in 6 different SDA academies teaching teenage students about Jesus, how to make Him a part of their daily lives, and how to utilize the knowledge and skills they were learning in all their classes. Vickie loves to travel, hike, sew, learn about other cultures, sunflowers, green tea frapps from SB, and teaching Kindergarten.

Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” is her favorite Bible verse. When you dedicate yourself to do God’s work anywhere He sends you; this verse helps to understand that God will always have your back and be the source of your strength.

Ivone Quintero

Administrative Assistant

We welcome Mrs. Quintero as our new Administrative Assistant. She has been a long-time parent at MSACA and is dedicated to our school community. She enjoys family, church, and pets. She has a strong love for the Lord and believes in the power of prayer. Her favorite verse is: “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord!” Joshua 24:15

Faith Garcia

School Custodian

We welcome Mrs. Garcia as our school custodian. She has been a long-time parent at MSACA and is dedicated to our school community.