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
Mrs. Herrera has been a committed educator for over 16 years. She completed her undergraduate through Florida Christian College and Utah State earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and 2nd Bachelor of Science in Communicative Disorders. She continued her learning at the University of Texas earning her Masters of Educational Leadership.
When I say MCS, you say Lions! MCS...Lions! MCS...Lions! 
Jennifer, who is a native Californian, graduated from the University of California at Irvine with a B.A. in History. After completing her undergraduate studies, Jennifer obtained her law degree from Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles. She has practiced law for twenty-two years as both a litigator and In House counsel. During this time, Jennifer has been very active in fundraising efforts in her local community. She has served as Co-President of the Glass Slipper Guild of Children's Hospital of Orange County where she administered and met the Guild's pledge of $1 million for the CHOC Neuroscience Institute. As a past MCS parent, Jennifer served as the Underwriting and Live Auction Chair of the MCS 2020 and 2022 Galas as well as spearheaded the return of the MCS Golf Classic in 2021 after a seven-year hiatus.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.
Please feel free to contact the MCS Board at mcsboard@marinerscs.org. We look forward to hearing from you.
2023 - 2024 Board of Trustees
Aaron and Cari Hudy have been married for 17 years and have three children, Ava (MCS '22), Alexandra (MCS '22) and Bo (married to their daughter-in-law, Molly). They enjoy sailing, skiing, sports and family time at the beach. They attend Mariners Church in Irvine where they serve as shepherding elders and in the Junior High Ministry. Aaron is currently the President for GE Healthcare’s West Region and has spent more than 25 years in leadership roles at healthcare companies including Siemens Healthcare, Philips Healthcare and Toshiba Medical Systems. He graduated from John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Finance). He has served on MCS’s Finance Committee since 2019 and was part of MCS’s Head of School Search Committee in 2019-2020. He’s honored to serve this amazing school as a member of the MCS Board.
Chase and Casey Emery have been married for 13 years and have three children: Mason (MCS '27), Miles (MCS '30), and Monroe (MCS '33). The Emery family loves adventuring, fishing, mountain biking, and spending time with family and friends. They have attended Mariners Church in Irvine for many years, where Chase and Casey first met in Jr. High.
Chase served as the MCS Construction Committee Co-Chair for two years, working closely with the MCS Board of Directors and school staff to complete the Phase 2 Construction. He has a heart for how MCS’s staff develop children’s faith and character while also offering strong academics. He’s passionate about continuing to enhance the connectivity and life-in-community with parents and families at MCS.
Chase works as the EVP of Multi-family for Steadfast Companies where he develops and manages multifamily apartments throughout the country. He assists the management and strategic direction of the company, sourcing projects, and providing development leadership. Chase earned his Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning & Development from the University of Southern California. He is excited to contribute and is honored to serve MCS and work alongside the talented staff that have such hearts for the Lord and our children.
Dr. Ben Roberson has been an educator at the Elementary, Middle School, High School, and Collegiate level for the past 17 years. After completing his undergraduate work at Point Loma Nazarene University, Dr. Roberson completed his teaching credential at Chapman University and began his teaching career at Maranatha Christian Academy in Orange County. Dr. Roberson joined the Bible Department at Oaks Christian School in Westlake Village and taught courses in Old and New Testament. During his years at Oaks, he also served as the Head Women’s Tennis coach at California Lutheran University while completing his Masters degree in Physical Education at Azusa Pacific University.
With a desire to pursue leadership, Dr. Roberson completed his Masters degree in Educational Leadership and Administration at Pepperdine University before taking on the Dean of Students role at Pacifica Christian High School in Santa Monica where he also has taught courses in the Theology Department. As the Dean of Students, Ben led a variety of programs including college counseling, academic support, and weekly chapels.
Dr. Roberson furthered his academic pursuits by completing his Doctorate at Pepperdine University in Educational Leadership, Administration, and Policy. He completed his dissertation on the motivation towards learning perceived in Socratic Seminar vs. traditional lecture in High School level students.
After completing his doctoral coursework at Pepperdine, Dr. Roberson took on the role of Head of School at Calvary Christian School in Santa Ana. During his years at Calvary Christian School, Dr. Roberson served to strengthen the academic reputation through effective faculty development resulting in significantly increased test scores in mathematics, reading, and language. Dr. Roberson also serves as an adjunct professor at Pepperdine University where he teaches courses in Secondary Methods, Content Methods for History, and Human Development.
Dr. Roberson returned to the Pacifica community in 2014 when he was named founding Principal for the Orange County campus.
Ben, his wife Cassidy, and their children, Griffin, Peyton, and Callan live in Huntington Beach where they attend Grace Fellowship Church. Ben enjoys surfing, tennis, reading, and spending time with his family during his free time.
Michelle and Blake Vail have been married for 19 years and have 3 children - Knox (17) and Heath (15) are both MCS alumni and now attend Pacifica Christian High School and Tatum (11) will graduate in the MCS class of '24. The Vail family are members of Grace Fellowship Church.
A Texas native, Michelle graduated from Baylor University with a degree in Art/Education. Her professional career includes creating and implementing the K-8th grade art curriculum for the Lexington, Texas school district as well as teaching 4th grade in Highland Park, Texas. Michelle also teaches art on a volunteer basis to students at Skyview, an alternative school serving primarily at-risk youth throughout Northern and Central Orange County.
Blake and Michelle met in Dallas and served at Watermark Church as leaders in the Pre-married and Newly-married ministries. Michelle also served for 8 years as a board member of Council for Life, an organization that funds pro-life ministries including crisis pregnancy centers in Dallas. Blake and Michelle co-founded the Manna House girls home which provides housing and life-skills training to young women who have aged out of the foster care system. Michelle has been blessed to take mission trips to Uganda and Haiti and continues to be involved in childrens’ ministries in Kampala and Mbale, Uganda.
As an MCS parent, Michelle has volunteered in various roles on campus and has also had the privilege of Co-leading Parents in Prayer. She is firmly committed to the mission of MCS as we continue to yield to the authority of Christ and support our teachers, staff and families in their journey to raise the next generation of Christ-followers.
Michelle and Blake Vail have been married for 19 years and have 3 children - Knox (17) and Heath (15) are both MCS alumni and now attend Pacifica Christian High School and Tatum (11) will graduate in the MCS class of '24. The Vail family are members of Grace Fellowship Church.
A Texas native, Michelle graduated from Baylor University with a degree in Art/Education. Her professional career includes creating and implementing the K-8th grade art curriculum for the Lexington, Texas school district as well as teaching 4th grade in Highland Park, Texas. Michelle also teaches art on a volunteer basis to students at Skyview, an alternative school serving primarily at-risk youth throughout Northern and Central Orange County.
Blake and Michelle met in Dallas and served at Watermark Church as leaders in the Pre-married and Newly-married ministries. Michelle also served for 8 years as a board member of Council for Life, an organization that funds pro-life ministries including crisis pregnancy centers in Dallas. Blake and Michelle co-founded the Manna House girls home which provides housing and life-skills training to young women who have aged out of the foster care system. Michelle has been blessed to take mission trips to Uganda and Haiti and continues to be involved in childrens’ ministries in Kampala and Mbale, Uganda.
As an MCS parent, Michelle has volunteered in various roles on campus and has also had the privilege of Co-leading Parents in Prayer. She is firmly committed to the mission of MCS as we continue to yield to the authority of Christ and support our teachers, staff and families in their journey to raise the next generation of Christ-followers.
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.
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
