Roger Valci | Superintendent of Schools

Larry Lopez | Junior High & High School Principal

Larry Lopez is a graduate of San Diego State University where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Geography.   He currently attends Chapman University for his Masters of Education in Leadership and Administration.  Larry has been involved in ministry to junior high and high school students since 1985, as a youth pastor, teacher and administrator.  Prior to coming to Valley Christian Schools, he spent 15 years as a science, Bible and PE teacher along with being the administrator of a Christian school in the area.  His passion for excellence is demonstrated through his leadership and the development of his teaching team.  Larry is the co-director of Shaker’s Basketball Camp in Fremont that is in its 13th year.  Athletics has always been a part of his life whether playing on a collegiate/semi-professional level or in city leagues.  Larry, his wife and 3 children have been actively involved in the Bay Area community for the past 16 years. 

Joe Smylie | Junior High & High School Assistant Principal

It truly is a privilege and honor to serve as Assistant Principal of Valley Christian Junior High and High School.  I will be starting my seventeenth year in public and private school education where I have worked as an administrator, academic support coach, and veteran teacher at the Junior High and High School levels.

I received Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior as a ten-year old boy living in Antioch, California and have walked with Him in relationship for over thirty-six years now.  I thrive with supporting teachers and students in the academic learning process, as well, enjoy helping people grow spiritually in their relationship with Jesus Christ. My wife Anna and I have three children, Sarah (20), Mariah (11), and Joshua (7) and enjoy participating in outdoor activities, playing games, attending Valley Christian Center Church, and eating Italian and Mexican food as a family.

 My personal theme in life is Philippians 4:13 which states “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”
 

Grace Hersh | Elementary School Principal

Grace Hersh has been in education for twenty-four years. After receiving her California Teaching Credential, she taught in Sacramento for the San Juan Unified School District prior to serving five years as Principal of Baymonte Christian School in Santa Cruz.  After moving to Pleasanton, she began her seventeen years tenure at VCC teaching 6th grade for a year before beginning her seven years of service as the elementary school’s Vice-Principal.  In 2001 she developed VCC’s Children’s Ministry that grew over five years to 120 in regular attendance in K-5th grade.   Most recently, she has returned to the classroom teaching fifth and third grades. She and her husband, Robert, have lived in Pleasanton for over twenty years and have three grown children. 

Jeri Schall | Preschool Director

Jeri Schall is a native Kansan.  She graduated from Wichita State University earning her B.A. in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood Development and is currently enrolled in graduate school pursuing her Master’s Degree in Leadership and Administration.

Miss Schall has been an educator for over thirty-five years.   Although her career began as a classroom teacher, she has been a preschool director, vice principal, and principal.  She has loved all these “seasons” of her career and calling.

Currently she is the Director of Valley Christian Preschool.  As Director, she is able to assess where children are developmentally from ages two to five.  Her assessment helps bridge any gaps in learning from preschool to the elementary school.

Under her leadership, Valley Christian Elementary School was awarded the prestigious Blue Ribbon Award in 2004.  The Blue Ribbon award is considered the highest honor an American school can achieve.  VCE also became accredited by ACSI and WASC under her direction.

Miss Schall is passionate about the education of children.  It is her desire that each child achieve his or her God-given potential.  Reaching their academic, social, physical, emotional and spiritual capacity for development is her calling and privilege.