Matt Balanda
Matt grew up at Calvary Tucson and always had a heart for teaching with his most recent role as Assistant Children’s Pastor at the church. He gave his life to the Lord at a young age at Calvary’s Vacation Bible School and continued serving in the Children's Ministry as an adult. Matt graduated from the University of Arizona in 2013 with degrees in Aerospace Engineering and Mathematics but was led to teaching as a career. After spending a short time in secular education, Matt felt called to minister in a new way—in Christian education at Calvary Chapel Christian Schools. After taking this step of faith, the Lord opened the door for him to marry his beautiful wife Jess. Together they have a dog named Stella and a heart of discipleship. Matt seeks to disciple students into a closer relationship with God and to teach them to go out and disciple others. Currently he serves as the High School Vice-Principal.
Classes: Bible, Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus AB, Physics, Chemistry
Education: B.S. Aerospace Engineering, B.S. Mathematics (University of Arizona). M.S. Educational Leadership (California Baptist University)
Favorite Verse: Philippians 4:6-7
Favorite Books: Haggai, Disciples are Made not Born (Henrichsen)
Hobbies: Automotive Mechanics, Hiking/Camping, Longboarding
Vanessa Frisinger
Vanessa was raised in a Christian home and came to know Christ at an early age. As a young girl, she was captivated by stories, by reading and writing and the power those disciplines hold. She graduated from the University of Arizona with degrees in History and Political Science, then later obtained her graduate degree in English from Northern Arizona University. After 11 years of working at the University of Arizona, Vanessa is glad to embrace the challenge of teaching Literature at Calvary Chapel Christian High School. She looks forward to building relationships with her students, encouraging and equipping them in their academic pursuits and in their spiritual formation.
Classes: Literature, Guitar, 9th homeroom
Education: M.A. English (Northern Arizona University); B.A. History, B.A. Political Science (University of Arizona)
Favorite Scripture: John 15:4-5 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. (KJV)
Favorite Books: The Narnian by Alan Jacobs, Silence and Beauty by Makoto Fujimura, Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis, What the Light Was Like by Luci Shaw, Compass of Affection by Scott Cairns,
Hobbies: Playing guitar, going on walks with her husband, Face Timing her grandson, trying new cafés, attending sporting events, and hitting the gym
Denise Garcia
Denise has been a Christ-follower for almost 50 years. Within two years of knowing and following Jesus, HE began to lead her into working and serving in children’s ministries which led her to actively pursue teaching and ministering in Christian Education. She is extremely grateful to have the opportunity to continue to teach and serve at Calvary Christian School.
Classes: Algebra I, Consumer Math, Science
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Education, University of Arizona
Favorite Verses: Micah 6:8; Ephesians 3:14-21
Hobbies: Spending time with family, sports, music
Adam Robinson
At the age of four Adam gave his life to Jesus and has been pursuing Him ever since. He was blessed to attend private, Christian schools throughout most of his education, which strengthened his relationship with the Lord even more. While attending Pima Community College, Adam felt the Lord calling him into ministry and has been serving ever since. Adam couldn’t be more excited to be teaching God’s word, and especially at an institution that values the Lord above all else. His favorite thing about teaching would be getting to know the students, and watching them grow stronger in their walks with God.
Classes: Bible and Art
Education: AA History, Pima Community College
Favorite Verses: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, James 4:8
Favorite Books: Ecclesiastes (KJV), The Lord of the Rings
Hobbies: Music, Food, Travelling, Hiking, and
Jesse Sigurdson
Jesse has an abiding relationship with the Lord. He came to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord around the age of 20. As a teenager, Jesse was led to God through politics and history. The Lord used his passion for understanding ultimate and weighty things in life, by showing him what really mattered, and why it mattered. He was home schooled throughout childhood. He attended Grand Canyon University and earned his Bachelor of Arts in History and providentially, the Lord equipped him with a love for history and sharing what he has learned with others. Jesse served for a few years in leadership with the college ministry Cru. He served on staff as a missionary for 2 years with Cru. He is excited to teach and share what the Lord has given him with students. His favorite thing about being a teacher is being able offer the gift of showing God’s story to students.
Classes: History
Education: B.A. History from Grand Canyon University
Favorite Verses: Isaiah 26:3, John 4:23, Lamentations 3:31-33, Proverbs 13:20
Favorite Books: James (ESV), Total Truth, Desiring God, Michael Vey.
Hobbies:Spending time with my wife, softball, reading, video games
Catherine Swearingen
Catherine has been involved in education for more than 30 years and brings her knowledge and wisdom to our school! In 2005, Catherine moved to Tucson and was used by God to start the ministry we now know as Calvary Chapel Christian School. She has a heart for students to Love God, Love People, and Love out Loud and makes sure that mission is lived out every day at CCCS.
Position: K-12 Principal
Education: Masters of Educational Leadership, California Baptist University