Leadership – Mariners Christian School

Our Leadership Team

Heather Harrison

Head of School

For over 30 years, Mariners Christian School has partnered with parents to build a firm foundation through Christ-centered education. We are a distinctly Christian school dedicated to the continual pursuit of our core values to foster a deep Love for Christ, provide Exemplary Academics, build Connected Community, and promote a Culture of innovation with a purposeful Focus on the Whole Child. From transitional kindergarten through eighth grade, we desire for our students to thrive in every way as we provide an outstanding education with authentic spiritual development in a Christ-honoring environment.

At MCS we are passionate about discovering and nurturing the unique gifts of each child. Our highly skilled and dedicated faculty is committed to inspiring children to grow in who God has created them to be as they explore their God given gifts and talents, uncover the creativity inside of them, strengthen their ability to think critically and solve problems, and expand the necessary skills of communicating and collaborating with others. Our rigorous and comprehensive programs focus not only on learning but on developing skills, habits, and character that will shape them for a lifetime. Above all else, our entire staff is committed to encouraging students to building an authentic and personal relationship with Jesus Christ and this is our highest calling.

In this ever-changing and challenging world, it is vital that children know God’s truth, understand their identity lies in being a son or daughter of the King, mature in wisdom and knowledge, and grow in confidence in all God created them to be. Within the Mariners Christian School community of administration, faculty, staff, parents, and students are safe to learn and grow as they become difference makers for His kingdom.

I invite you to visit our campus, tour our classrooms, and personally discover the difference that a Mariners education can make in the life of a child.

In Him,
Heather Harrison
Head of School

Johanna Hendries

Elementary Principal

Kim DeAllen

Elementary Vice Principal

Jennifer Herrera

Middle School Principal

Jordan Brown

Middle School Vice Principal

Our Board of Trustees

The School Board is a dynamic group of volunteers committed to the success of the students, families, and faculty of Mariners Christian School. Their primary responsibilities are to set policy, assist in long-range planning, provide financial and legal oversight, serve as ambassadors for the school, and to hire, support, and evaluate the Head of School.

Board members are committed Christians who typically have experience in leadership and/or management, or prior leadership on non-profit boards. Members are carefully selected through a self-perpetuation process, and they reflect a balance in church affiliation, gender, age of children, home city, and professional background.

24-25 Board of Trustees

Kaley Brandon

Board Chair

Kaley and Chris Brandon have been married for twelve years and have two children at MCS: Gavin (Class of 2027) and Elle (Class of 2030). The Brandon family enjoys spending time with friends and family, being active in God’s creation, and reading. They attend Mariners Church in Irvine. After graduating from the University of Southern California, Kaley pursued a career in Sales and Sales Management. In 2009 she and her husband, Chris, founded Brandon Architects. Kaley has had the privilege of working alongside her husband since the company’s inception on the business management side of the firm. Though she is no longer active in day to day operations,

Kaley now enjoys supporting the firm in an advisory role. As an MCS parent, she has enjoyed volunteering in various roles on campus. Kaley has a heart for upholding the mission of MCS, building a connected parent community, and supporting the amazing teachers, faculty and staff. It is an honor for Kaley to serve MCS, a place that is His.

Jacob Clemons

Jacob and his wife Teri have been married for 13 years and have two daughters, Emily (MCS ’29) and Janie (MCS ’31). Jacob grew up in Colorado. He received his undergraduate in Business Management at Metro State University in Denver, CO, and received his MBA from Biola University. Jacob has been in upper-level management for 20 years in financial services and restaurant industries. He currently is the Director of Operations of Board & Brew and recently opened his own Board & Brew franchise in Ladera Ranch. He and his wife also serve on the board for MAVEN, a youth-focused worldview and apologetics training ministry. The Clemons family attends Grace Fellowship Church in Costa Mesa. They enjoy going to Disneyland and watching the Denver Broncos play. In the short time that they have been involved at Mariners Jacob and Teri have been so pleased that Christ is at the center of everything that is taught to the students.

Punita Jeyakaran

Secretary

Punita and Vinod Jeyakaran have been married for fourteen years. Their daughters, Naomi (Class of 2025) and Selah (Class of 2028) joined MCS in 2021 when the Jeyakaran family moved to Orange County, and have truly been blessed to be a part of the community. In this season of their lives, they enjoy traveling and spending time together, building Lego or baking some treats! They attend Crossroads Community Church in Mission Viejo.

Punita was blessed to be born and raised in a loving, Christian home in India. After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, she moved to the US to pursue her PhD in Biomedical Engineering at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. After graduating, Punita moved to Southern California where she worked for over 13 years at Second Sight Medical Products helping restore vision in blind individuals. Since 2021, Punita has worked at Edwards Lifesciences in Irvine where her focus is on obtaining regulatory approval for early-stage cardiovascular medical devices for patients with heart disease. Punita is very passionate about helping people and is extremely grateful that her professional experience allows her to directly touch the lives of patients. Punita is also very involved in mentoring younger professionals at work.

Punita strongly supports Christian education, and has enjoyed getting to meet the wonderful teachers, faculty, and staff at MCS. Her favorite volunteer opportunity at MCS has been driving Naomi and her volleyball teammates to their games. The Jeyakaran family have been blessed by MCS, and Punita would love to give back and support the MCS Mission.

Joel Klatt

Joel and his wife Sara have been married for 19 years. They have three sons, Henry (MCS ’30), Sam (MCS ’33), and Theo (MCS ’35). Joel and his family attend Mariners Church where he serves as a Shepherding Elder. Born and raised in Colorado, Joel played two seasons of minor league baseball following high school in the San Diego Padres organization. After leaving baseball, he went to the University of Colorado to pursue his bachelor’s degree in economics. While at Colorado, Joel joined the football program as a walk-on and earned the starting quarterback role. A walk-on mentality, coupled with hard work and dedication, has aided him in his professional career. Joel began his career at FOX Sports in 2006 where he is the lead college football game analyst. He has had the opportunity to work with some of the best leaders in the country while covering the top CFB teams in America. This experience has taught him the art of effective communication and strong leadership. In Colossians 1:23 Paul encourages believers to “remain steadfast and grounded in the faith, not shifting away from the hope of the gospel you have heard.” Joel believes that staying grounded and steadfast in the faith is critical to avoid the slow drift that can eat at an organization, church, or school. It is his desire to help MCS remain true to its mission and values in order to build a firm foundation through Christ centered education and truly have a kingdom impact.

Milagro Maggette

Milagro is a God-fearing woman who desires to share the Love of Christ everywhere she goes. Milagro and Corey Maggette have been married 17 years and are the parents of 5 energetic children. Three currently attend MCS, Sofia ( 7th grade), Fiel (3rd grade), Miliana (kinder), Mila Coco 10 months and their oldest Sergio (12h grade) graduated from MCS. The Maggette’s love sports and being active, family movie night, spending time with friends, Maggette Basketball and getting donuts at their home church Mariners in Irvine.

Milagro attended Georgia Institute of Technology on a full ride scholarship for basketball. She graduated with a Bachelors in business. Milagro and Corey founded Maggette Basketball Association in 2013. They enjoy sharing their passion and knowledge of the game with the next generation with a spirit of excellence as unto the Lord. Milagro also works on the administrative side of the business utilizing her business degree.

Milagro loves getting on campus and serving whenever she is able to do so. She has a strong desire to support the mission of MCS and the spirit of excellence in which the school operates. Milagro is truly honored to serve MCS.

Joey Patierno

Joey and his wife Shaheena have been married for 15 years and are blessed with 3 children: Joyelle (1st grade), Jacob (Kindergarten) and Joseph (attending TK in the fall). Joey grew up in Southern California and received his undergraduate degree in Accountancy from the University of San Diego and his MBA from UCLA Anderson School of Management. Joey is a licensed CPA and began his career as an external auditor at Ernst & Young before becoming a Manager in the firm’s Transaction Advisory Services group. He has held various managerial roles in accounting and finance over his career and is currently the Director of Global Business Planning at American Vanguard Corporation.

The Patierno family attends Mariners Church in Irvine. They enjoy being outdoors together, spending time with family and friends and cheering for the Angels at Angels Stadium. During their time at MCS, Joey and Shaheena have been encouraged to see the school’s desire to bring students into greater knowledge of who Jesus is and how much He loves us. Joey is honored to have the opportunity to serve MCS and further the school’s pursuit of