Roger Valci | Superintendent of Schools & Lead Pastor

Roger Valci was born in Fremont, CA on January 4, 1967. He graduated from Fremont Christian High School in 1984, then he traveled to Longview, TX to pursue an engineering degree at LeTourneau University.

In 1989, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering and thereafter worked for six years at Lockheed-Martin in Sunnyvale, CA in their satellite division. During this tenure he returned to school for a Bachelor Degree of Biblical Studies from Northern California Bible College in Pleasanton, CA in 1994.

In 1995, Roger moved with his family to Boston, MA where he enrolled in Gordon-Cromwell Theological Seminary for a Master of Divinity Degree. While completing his studies, he worked at KPMG Peat Marwick in Boston, MA as a Network Administrator.

After graduating in 2000, Roger moved back to the west coast and pastored in Santa Cruz, CA for two years at Christian Life Center. He became licensed as an Assembly of God minister in 2001 and later became ordained in 2003.

In 2002, he received an invitation to come back to his home church, Harbor Light, to serve as Pastor of Discipleship and Small groups and as Executive Pastor since 2003. He is presently working on a doctoral degree in preaching at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

In 2008, he accepted the position of Lead Pastor at Valley Christian Center.

Roger lives in San Ramon, CA, with his wife of twenty years, Janae, and his three children.
 

Dave Johnson | Chief Operations Officer

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

Joe Smylie considers it a privilege and honor to serve as Assistant Principal of Valley Christian Junior High and High School.  He will be starting his seventeenth year in public and private school education where he has worked as an administrator, academic support coach, and veteran teacher at the Junior High and High School levels.

Joe received Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior as a ten-year old boy living in Antioch, California, and has walked with Him in relationship for over thirty-six years now.  He thrives in supporting teachers and students in the academic learning process, as well, enjoys helping people grow spiritually in their relationship with Jesus Christ. He and his wife Anna 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.  Joe's 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. 

Lillian Kinney | Lead Preschool Director

Lillian Kinney is a graduate of Pepperdine University, where she received a BS in Business Administration. She has a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Chapman University and is currently pursuing her credentialing in Early Childhood Development. She began her educational career in 1990, teaching kindergarten, third grade, and sixth grade. Besides being a classroom teacher, she worked for the school district in the implementation of bilingual programs, the administration of parent programs, and curriculum writing and editing. Lillian has a passion for children to understand their God-given value and to reach for the stars by pursuing God’s incredible purpose for their lives.  She and her husband Brad are blessed with three daughters and are active members of Valley Christian Church and Schools.

Ginny Mendes | Director of Preschool Operations & Support

Ginny Mendes has been with Valley Christian Preschool for over 21 years as a teacher and administrator.  One of her favorite positions has been teaching children and parents about the Lord, through Chapel and Parents Praying for Preschoolers at VCP.  She has been an educator and Director for 27 years.

Ginny has been married for 27 years.  She and her husband have a son and daughter who graduated from VCHS and a grandson who is in the 1st grade at VCES.  They have made VCC their family church for over 23 years, where Ginny has been involved in Bible studies, Bible classes, Women's Retreats/Teas and VBS.  Her real joy is to see children and their families come to know the Lord and receive Him as their personal savior and see their relationship with God grow.