Parent Teacher Fellowship
With prayerful dependence on God, the Parent-Teacher Fellowship (PTF) exists to improve and enhance the relationship between Mariners Christian School families and the school overall. PTF supports our faculty and staff in order to enrich the children’s education, providing parents with the opportunity to participate in daily school life, as well as special events and projects that contribute to the growth and success of our school.
Parents are automatically a member of PTF and an important part of the school program. Involvement in PTF provides a wonderful opportunity to build relationships within the school community and to teach children the importance of serving others. Together, parents make MCS a unique place for our children to grow in Christ.
There are so many ways to be involved at MCS. For more information about PTF, please reach out to ptf@marinerscs.org.
PTF Positions
Megan Pierson
Megan Pierson and her husband, Christopher, have been blessed to be MCS parents since 2012. The Piersons have three daughters: Elle (16) at Mater Dei, Saylor (12) in 8 th grade, and Scottie (9) in 3 rd grade. Megan previously served as the VP of School Events and is looking forward to serving as the PTF President this
year.
Julie Dunbar
Julie Dunbar and her husband Chris have been an MCS family since 2018. The Dunbars oldest daughter Paisley is in 4 th grade, Scarlett is in 2 nd grade and Annabel is in TK. Julie has served on PTF as the Elementary Room Parent Coordinator and the VP of Staff and Parent Relations. Julie has also served as a Room Parent prior to joining PTF. The Dunbars attend Canopy Church where Julie enjoys teaching the elementary and toddler children while also serving on the Families Ministry Lead Team.
Nichole Schweikert
The Schweickert family feels truly blessed to be part of another year at Mariners Christian School. Matt and Nichole Schweickert have three children who all attend Mariners this academic year: Maddie (5th grade), Connor (3rd grade) and Kellan (K). Nichole is delighted to join the PTF executive board this 2023-24 school year, bringing her enthusiasm and dedication to her new role. With four years of experience as part of the MCS community, Nichole's commitment to the school extends far beyond the classroom as Room Parent for the past two years. She has been actively involved in various volunteer committees, including Father Daughter Dance, the memorable Willy Wonka musical, the prestigious MCS Gala, and the fun-filled family Bingo night to name a few. Nichole's passion for supporting the MCS community shines through when she is on campus, and she is blessed to assume the new responsibility of Parent Relations Coordinator. Eager, excited and truly grateful, she is looking forward to the exciting journey ahead and all the wonderful experiences that await within the MCS community.
Jenny O'Neill
Jenny is serving in her first year on PTF. She has enjoyed many other volunteer capacities at school, including room parent, the strategic planning committee, staff appreciation week, the elementary school musical, and is regularly filled up by Parents in Prayer on Friday mornings. Jenny, her husband, Will, and their two children attend Mariners Church, Irvine where she serves as a small group leader. Her daughter, Aubrey, entered middle school this fall. Their son, Sean, is in 4th grade. As a past elementary school teacher, Jenny has a passion for kids, teachers, school communities, and being the hands and feet of Jesus. She is beyond grateful to be a part of the MCS community of families and educators, and looks forward to honoring the staff who love and serve our students so well.
Jayne Hamilton
This is Jayne’s 5 th year at MCS. Crew is in 5 th grade and Lawson is in 3 rd . Jayne and her husband, Scott Hamilton, are grateful for the entire staff’s dedication to loving, guiding, and protecting our children. Jayne oversaw the start and implementation of the MCS Student Store last year - a beloved placed on campus. Jayne is looking forward to taking on the role of VP of School Events.
Nichole Visser
Nichole Visser is a mom with four kids at MCS. Torry is in 8th grade, Bode in 7th grade, Emme in 4th grade, and Keely in 3rd grade. Nichole has served on campus in many ways including being a part of the gala committee last year. The Visser family feels very blessed to be a part of the MCS community and Nichole looks forward to assisting the VP of School Events!
Stephanie Barbour
This will be the Barbour’s 5th year at MCS and Stephanie’s third year serving on PTF. It has been a blessing to give back to MCS school’s teachers and staff. Colin is in 4th grade and he can be found playing soccer, lacrosse, and basketball any day of the week. Reese is in 2nd grade and has a passion for soccer, flag football and fashion (look for her crazy sock choices each day). During the week when Stephanie is not answering to “mom”, she is COO of Beach Bunny Swimwear and Derek is VP of Land Development at Richland which means the Barbours couldn’t do life without the MCS ASP team. On the weekends you can find the Barbours on a sports field, the beach, traveling, and attending Mariners Church, Irvine. The Barbour family can’t wait to see what God has planned for this school year!
Krista Pulatian
Krista Pulatian is honored to serve PTF as Treasurer. Watching God's work at MCS has been a faith journey and just amazing to watch from the sidelines. Krista and her husband Greg have two boys, Ryan in 4th grade and Nick in 2nd grade. The boys enjoy basketball, beach, bike rides and making messes around the house. When not volunteering at MCS, Krista works full-time in Human Resources.
Mary Oronoz
Mary Oronoz and her family became a part of the MCS Community in 2020 when her eldest daughter Valentina started in TK. Valentina is now entering 1st grade and little sis Gaby is going into TK. Mary served as a Room Parent in Kindergarten last year and has loved volunteering on campus whenever possible. Mary looks forward to continuing to serve our amazing school as The Elementary Room Parent Coordinator.
Mercedes Meserve
Mercedes is the mother to Grant and Hunter in 8th grade, Blair in 5th grade at Our Lady Queen of Angels School, and Deebo, a 3 year old Goldendoodle. She is married to Scott, whom she met in college. They loved joining the MCS family two years ago. Mercedes looks forward to serving another year in the role of Middle School Room Parent Coordinator.
Jaime Hong
Jaime Hong is the VP of the commercial division at Fidelity National Title Insurance. Favorite activities include traveling with her family, supporting children’s charities, skiing, running and writing. She’s currently a member of the Orangewood Board, the 360 Miracles Board, the Building Block Foundation Fund Board and the MCS PTF. She and her husband Steve are parents to daughters Charlotte (3rd grade) and Emmeline (2nd grade) and love volunteering and participating in Mariners activities. The family attends Mariners Christian Church.
Natalie DeClark
Jessica Johnson
Jessica Johnson is a former attorney and current realtor. She and her husband Ryan have had children at MCS for 7 years. Brady (6th ) and Paige (4th ) both play club soccer; Brady also plays water polo and Paige swims. Jessica has hiked the John Muir Trail and all the major peaks in SoCal, and loves snowboarding, boxing, running, cycling, and paddleboarding. She been a Room Parent twice and is happy to now serve MCS as the Athletics Chair.
Jill Gunderson
Jill and her husband, Ryan, have been an MCS family since 2018 when their eldest started kindergarten. Jackson is now in 5th grade, Ava is in 4th , Scarlett is in 2nd , and Isla started kindergarten. All 4 kids are active and if they’re not at home rollerblading or swimming, they’re at a variety of practices (soccer, basketball, flag football, gymnastics, and singing). Jill is looking forward to seeing all of your kids at the student store this year, and can’t wait to raise money for Difference Makers!
Jaime Hong
Jaime Hong is the VP of the commercial division at Fidelity National Title Insurance. Favorite activities include traveling with her family, supporting children’s charities, skiing, running and writing. She’s currently a member of the Orangewood Board, the 360 Miracles Board, the Building Block Foundation Fund Board and the MCS PTF. She and her husband Steve are parents to daughters Charlotte (3rd grade) and Emmeline (2nd grade) and love volunteering and participating in Mariners activities. The family attends Mariners Christian Church.
Leigh Miller
This is the Miller family’s 4th year at MCS. We have Harper Miller who has just entered 3 rd grade and Noah, our youngest who just entered 1st grade. Leigh is the owner of an event and tablescape company called Leigh Rose Events, LLC which specializes in large and small soirees within the Newport Beach area. On weekends you can find them outside at the children’s sporting events which include Club Soccer, Flag Football, Golf, Baseball, taking the family dog Chloe for walks or traveling out of town for mini getaways. They attend Harvest Church on
the weekends and are looking forward to a new school year with new and old friends!
Brittany Solas
Brittany Solas is mom to Parker who is now in 2nd grade. This will be their 3rd year at MCS. Brittany previously served as a room parent prior to joining PTF as the Sunshine Committee Chair. She is looking forward to serving in the position another year. Her constant joy and smile make her the perfect person for this role! Brittany is looking forward to making this another bright and joy filled year for all!
