High School Staff

Josh Harper

Josh Harper teaches Biology, Physical Science, Chemistry, Multi-media, Spanish, Guitar and Worship

Experience: Josh has earned an AS in Liberal Arts, a BA in Organizational Studies and an MA in Religious Studies. In addition, Josh has been an intern for Foothills Christian Church; a teacher's aide; a teacher; the lead singer for "Cedar" for ten years; and the worship leader for youth conferences, camps, and out-reaches. He and his wife also homeschool their own three children.

Interests: Music, camping, wakeboarding, fishing, off-roading, my children.

Personal comment: "I think investing in people is really important. In "Cedar", in work, and in everyday, Christ's love compels me. I have purpose in the big and small things; He called me. Each student is placed in my life for me to impact and to leave God's imprint, bringing God's kingdom here and in East County."

Principal's comment: "Josh is passionate about every subject he teaches. He relates well to his students and it's his pleasure to pass on his knowledge to them. Fresh, thorough, well-ordered, skilled, talented, and devoted, Josh makes the high school come alive."

Cindy Feliciano

Cindy Feliciano is our High School English Teacher.

Experience: BS in Music Education from Toccoa Falls College. She taught music at the college level for 2 years before becoming a pastor's wife and eventually a mother of five. She has home schooled her boys for seven years. She monitored at Heartland for two years.

Interests: Cindy loves to learn. She also enjoys reading mysteries and fantasies. She spends much of her time being a wife and mother and teaching at home, at Heartland, and at church where she teaches the 1st - 6th grade Sunday School and serves on the Christian Education Board.

Personal comment: "I enjoy helping students come to a place of understanding. I live my life based on Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Principal's comment: "Though Cindy is small, quiet and full of patience, don't be fooled! She has a sense of humor that surpasses most. She is quietly solid as a rock which can't be moved, and she takes great joy in passing on her knowledge to those around her."

Carolyn Fisher

Carolyn Fisher teaches Health and Physical Education.

Experience: Taught gymnastics for 15 years; four-time World Champion arm wrestler; actor, mime, public speaker; homeschooled her children for 12 years.

Interests: Nutrition and health, sports of every kind, traveling, speaking, mime, sign language.

Personal comment: "Life is an experience, not an observation. Just as I believe that students' developing bodies are better when they eat a variety of fresh, raw fruits and vegetables, so I believe that there's nothing better than a Christ-centered life, lived to its fullest."

Principal's comment: "Carolyn is dripping with pizzazz. Her enthusiasm for life is contagious. A natural teacher, Carolyn influences her students to be all they can be and more. Her coaching style is dynamic, structured, and fun. Teaching thoroughly what is expected, she inspires confidence, order, and positive results. Encouragement is top on her priorities."

Donald Hofstee

Mr. Hofstee teaches our Drama class.

Experience: Donald has eight years experience in professional theater including stagecraft, lighting design, and operation. He worked with the Heartland Players in San Bernardo and the Colony Theater in Burbank. Donald was the technical director for Fontana High School's Theater for two years. We have had the pleasure of Donald's expertise for he past five years teaching at Heartland High School. High school students at Heartland say this is their favorite class.

Interests: I have many hobbies I truly enjoy. Among them are Ham Radio Operator, electronics, classic cars and Jeeps, and collecting John Deere Tractors. Besides my wife, not much compares to being Cub Scout Leader for Pack 362 and coaching Pop-Warner Football for the Alpine Mountaineers with my three sons.

Personal comment: "I enjoy teaching, because no two days are identical. The challenge of getting so many different spirits and talents to coordinate themselves in some sort of organized chaos is exciting to me. My goal is to preserve live theater in a society that has been inundated with reality TV."

Principal's comment: As some would command the attention of their audience, Donald commands the whole atmosphere of the drama room. He imparts to the students the ability to affect the audience. Transporting the audience from the depths of sadness to ecstatic laughter, from joy to a poignant pause, Donald is a master conductor. His student-run productions teach the students every facet of theatre. This class is the highlight of the students' week.

Trevor Taylor

Trevor is our High School Math teacher.

Experience: Trevor Taylor is currently working toward his degree, majoring in mathematics/secondary education. Having schooled through calc 2, Trevor has tutored math over the past four years and taught middle school math at Heartland. He has over one hundred hours of community service in an elementary school classroom, as well as experience working with children at Skyline Church in the daycare center. Part of the leadership team at Skyline Church, Trevor has been a significant presence leading Bible studies and working as a camp counselor.

Interests: I love mathematics as well as teaching in general. Serving in youth ministry has become a passion of mine over the past couple years. I enjoy hiking/backpacking particularly in the Sierras. I am also really into badminton.

Personal Comment: “I really enjoy mathematics and find it to be very important in education. My goal in teaching mathematics at Heartland is not only to get students through the curriculum, but get them to love it as well. Most people say that they are not good at mathematics and that it is pointless to learn after the first year of algebra. I hope to convince my students otherwise. There is only one answer in math and there is always a way to make sure it is correct. There are many different ways to solve every math problem and they all lead to the same answer. I look forward to working with your students to convince them that math can be something enjoyable.”

Principal’s comment: “Trevor is calm, assertive, and disciplined. His talents are much needed in high school. This no-nonsense guy is confident and knows his craft. Having been a Heartland student, this gentle man can identify with our students and the challenges they face. We are thrilled to have this talented young man on campus and look forward to what he has to offer the Heartland family.”

Fred Olmsted

Fred teaches Photography.

Experience: Fred grew up in a Christian home in Wyoming, where he was educated at Poewll College, earning his B.S. degree in Commercial, Portraiture, and Landscape Photography. While Fred and his wife were raising three children, Fred worked for several large studios and has owned and operated his own studio for over 20 years. Fred has worked at Heartland for four years.

Interests: photography, family, and church, outdoor activities, barbequing, snow skiing, and the beach

Personal comment: "I had the honor of photographing several celebrities, such as Padres Aaron Hurrange, Brian Giles, Marcus Giles, and Michael Jackson's niece Valencia Jackson. I guess my real claim to fame is that I am related to Frederick Law Olmsted who was the famous architect who built Central Park in New York City. Having studied under master judges such as Victor Avila, my desire now is to give back to our youth the art of photography."

Principal's comment: "Skilled and witty, Fred is perfect for the high school experience. Sure and steady, Fred expects students to use the brains God gave them. He expects them to be sensible people so they can give full vent to their creative abilities. Fred helped the students to become fully digital in yearbook. turning out the best yearbook to date."