Michelle Ernst
Michelle was born in Puerto Rico and grew up living in several places such as Virginia, California, Scotland, and Japan as her father was in the U.S. Navy. She gave her life to the Lord at the age of 5 and rededicated her life in her 30s. Michelle graduated from the University of Arizona in 2002 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. She taught in public education for 19 years. During 2020, Michelle felt God calling her to make a move and prepared her for the position here at CCCS for which is extremely excited about. Michelle and her husband are empty nesters and have 4 grown children and 4 grandchildren.
Education: BA in Elementary Education,1-8 and Cross Cat Special Ed., K–12 with a Mathematics Specialist Endorsement, K-8
Favorite Verse: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Hobbies: Michelle loves to travel. She also enjoys cooking/baking, spending time with her family, music, going to the movies, and crafting.
Marques Esquerra
Marques has been blessed to serve as a teacher at Calvary Chapel Christian School for the past 15 years, if you include this one. He is a believer and has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who has blessed him beyond measure. Marques and his family all attend Calvary Chapel Tucson here on the east side of Tucson. His heart is to give glory to God in all things. This year he is serving as the Middle School vice-principal and teacher.
Education: Bachelors (Point Loma Nazarene University), Teacher Certification (Pima Community College), Currently in the Cal Baptist University Master’s Program
Favorite Verse: Isaiah 40:28-31
Hobbies: Home improvement, hanging out with my family, taking a good nap, running
Favorite Books: “Bible” by God, “Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh – The Whole Jesus” by Dr. James Heyman, “The Jesus Style” by Gayle Erwin, “The Leadership of Jesus” by Campbell McAlpine
Melinda Esquerra
Melinda grew up in Portland, Oregon. She gave her life to the Lord at the age of 12. Melinda Graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego in 1999 with a Bachelor’s in Physical Education (Teaching/Coaching). She then felt led to be an Elementary teacher. She got her Elementary Teaching degree at San Diego State University in 2002 and has been teaching ever since. After teaching in secular education for 3 years, she felt called to CCCS in 2005 and began at the school as the Kindergarten teacher. In 2014, Melinda moved to 2nd grade and in 2021, Mrs. Esquerra felt called to Middle School and is now a 7th/8th grade teacher. Melinda and her husband Marques Esquerra have three children, (Emma, Caden, Katelyn) who all attend CCCS.
Education: Bachelor in Physical Education (teaching/coaching) Elementary Teaching degree
Favorite Verse: Romans: 8:28
Favorite book: Anything by Lysa Terkeurst, Billy Graham, Daniel Fusco and Levi Lusko
Hobbies: Running, Reading, family time
Angela Butler
Angela is an avid servant of Jesus. She became a follower of Jesus Christ at the age of 6 and then was called into ministry at the age of 13. She was blessed to grow up in a family who taught that obedience to Christ in your life should always be first and foremost at any cost. She furthered her education with a BA in English from Dallas Baptist University and a MACE degree (Master of Arts in Christian Education) from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Following Christ’s call, she has served both in the United States and overseas. Angela is blessed to start teaching and discipling students to Love God, Love People, and Love Out Loud at Calvary Chapel Christian School.
Classes: 6th Grade
Education: B.A. in English-Dallas Baptist University, M.A.C.E in Early Childhood Education and Family Ministry -Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Favorite Verses: Psalm 1, Romans 1:16-17, Ephesians 3:20-21
Favorite Books: Romans (ESV), Pilgrim’s Progress (John Bunyan), The Screwtape Letters (C.S. Lewis), The Cost of Discipleship (Dietrich Bonhoeffer), Spiritual Disciplines of the Christian Life (Donald S. Whitney)
Hobbies: Spending time with my husband, Traveling, Cooking, Singing, Reading