MIDDLE SCHOOL
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Joy Lopez Joy Lopez has been faithfully teaching and investing in students at Trinity since 2008. Before joining Trinity, she taught third grade in Orange County for several years and later served as a substitute teacher with Chula Vista Elementary Schools. Joy holds a BA and teaching degree from Vanguard University and brings both experience and passion to her classroom.
A Spring Valley native, Joy is married and has two grown sons—both proud Trinity alumni—as well as a beloved cat. In her free time, she enjoys watching sports (especially when her former students are playing), reading, kayaking, and biking.
Joy lives by her life verse from Philippians 4:6-7, which reminds her to bring everything to God in prayer and rest in His peace that surpasses all understanding.
What Joy treasures most about Trinity is the family atmosphere. She values the deep relationships she builds with staff, students, and families, as well as the encouragement and support of the PTF and school board.
Mr. James McHugh
David Gamble teaches 6th, 7th and 8th grade English. He has a BA in Christian Counseling and has ten years experience as a middle school and high school teacher. Mr. Gamble is a 6th degree black belt in the Chuck Norris System. He has been at Trinity since 2023, and his life verse is Romans 8:38-39, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Mr. Scott Hendersen, Math Specialist
Zeek Wheale, Assistant Teacher
Grace VanNortwick
Middle School English Teacher
Life Verse: Psalm 84:1,3 – “How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty…”
Mrs. VanNortwick is in her 18th year of teaching, with the last 10 at Trinity. Originally from Chase, British Columbia, she moved to Southern California with her husband to serve as missionaries in Southeast San Diego before transitioning into education.
She holds a Bachelor of Religious Education from Briercrest Bible College and a B.A. and Teaching Credential from San Diego Christian College.
Outside the classroom, she loves reading, playing piano and guitar, and walking outdoors. With four married children and seven grandchildren, family is a big joy in her life. She treasures Trinity’s “big family” community and loves helping students grow in both their learning and their faith.
