Russell Sturm
President, escs
pastor, Central assembly of god of richmond
Russ has been the pastor at Central Assembly since 2014.
He brings a certain upbeat and joyful attitude to our campus,
as the Chairman of the School Board. Both of his daughters attended ESCS. He loves working in an environment where everyone is on the same page, serving God. In his free time he enjoys going on long rides on his motorcycle.
"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13
andrea edwin
escs school Principal
Andrea studied at Grand Canyon University and received her Bachelor's degree in Business. In 2024 she received her Masters of Arts in Theological Study from Southeastern University and has taught elementary students for nine years. Andrea is a result-oriented teacher and loves to see the growth her students show over the course of the school year. In her free time, Andrea
likes to read Christian books and try out new recipes!
"To everything there is a season, time and a purpose under heaven."
Ecclesiastes 3:1
aedwin@escschool.com
(510) 223-2242 ext. 114
Scott cox
ESCS school vice PRINCIPAL
Mr. Cox grew up in the El Sobrante area, graduating from De Anza High School in 1970. He subsequently graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a BS degree in Chemical Engineering with a teaching emphasis. Mr. Cox worked as a laboratory technician for Chevron Chemical Company (1971-1982), a formulation chemist for the Clorox Company (1982-1994), and as a Managing Director of computer operations for Bank of America (1994-2010). He started substitute teaching at the ESCS high school campus in 2010, and then became a full-time math and science teacher in 2011. Mr. Cox has been married for 40 years, is an elder in his church, and loves reading, photography, natural history, and traveling.
"Being confident of this very thing,
that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it."
Philippians 1:6
scox@escschool.com
(510) 223-2242 x117
julieta cubas
office manager
Julieta is the office manager and administrative assistant for the Chairman of the Board, Russ Sturm. She works hard to maintain the culture and learning environment here at ESCS. Julieta has been a part of the ESCS family since 2010 when she started volunteering. Julieta came on staff in 2014.
She loves the fact that she is able to witness as her own kids and our ESCS students develop and mature from kids into young adults and seeing where the Lord may lead them to. In her free time, Julieta enjoys spending time with family and friends, trying different restaurants, food & desserts, watching movies, and reading a good book.
"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13
jcubas@escschool.com
(510) 223-2242
Rinku bhatia
Teacher's assistant & Office staff
Rinku is a Pharmacy Technician by profession and became a full-time mother after her second child. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family and friends. She is very excited to be a part of our ESCS family and continues to give support and warmth to our staff, ESCS family, and their families.
"Whoever lives in love lives in God,
and God in them."
Ephesians 4:2
rbhatia@escschool.com
(510) 223-2242
kathy ruiz
secretary
Kathy started working at ESCS in 1990. She loves working here and brings a certain level of love and care to everything she does. Kathy enjoys spending time with her son and her daughter. She also loves to cook and garden.
"For then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh,
arm yourself likewise with the same mind:
for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin.
That he no longer should live the rest of his time
in the flesh to the lusts of men but to the will of God."
1 Peter 4:1-2
kruiz@escschool.com
(510) 223-2242
Diana Vahlstrom
Secretary
Diana joined our office staff in 2013. Diana took after her parents in their hard working nature. She strives to help maintain the family atmosphere here at ESCS. She enjoys spending time with her family and creating new memories. You might find her sporting Niner gear around here.
"Show me your ways, Lord teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long."
Psalms 25:4-5
dvahlstrom@escschool.com
(510) 223-2242
Molly Gonzalez
Kindergarten
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,
as working for the Lord, not for human masters."
Colossians 3:23
mogonzalez@escschool.com
(510) 223-2242 ext. 103
Absera Lakew
first grade
Absera was born in Ethiopia and went to school in Berkeley and graduated from University of California Berkeley. She has worked hard as Head Teacher at Vista Christian for 24 years. She is married and has raised 6 nieces and nephews. Absera loves to travel and gardening. She speaks German, some French and Amharic (Ethiopian native language). She enjoys working in a Christian environment, leading children to the Lord through action and God's word the bible.
"My help cometh from the Lord
Psalm 121:2
alakew@escschool.com
510) 223-2242 ext. 101
orlando arnold
second grade
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
oarnold@escschool.com
(510) 223-2242 ext. 108
Mandeep boparai
3rd/4th grade
Mrs. Mandy Boparai will be teaching our 3rd and 4th grade combination class along with Ms. Rinku Bhatia as a teacher's aide. Mrs. Boparai comes to ESCS with 20 years of teaching experience. During this time, she earned her Early Childhood Education BCE credential as well as her Montessori Early Childhood Teaching certificate.
mkboparai@escschool.com
(510) 223-2242
sydney sturm
5th grade teacher
Ms. Sydney Sturm is a proud alumna of El Sobrante Christian School. After graduating from ESCS in 2019, she attended Diablo Valley College before transferring to UC Berkeley, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in History. In 2022, Sydney returned to her alma mater part-time to teach music, and she is now joining us full-time as our 5th-grade teacher. She is excited to step into this new role and continue sharing her passion for Christ with today’s youth.
“Be still and know that I am God.”
Psalm 46:10
ssturm@escschool.com
(510) 223-2242
Pearis tavares
6th Grade teacher & 7-8th english teacher
Pearis is a Bay Area Native and an El Sobrante Christian School alumni. Upon graduating from ESCS in 2016, she obtained her Bachelors in Sociology with an emphasis in Human Services. For the past three years, she has worked in the education field as a tutor and administrator with experience in educational planning. Pearis is excited to rejoin her alma mater as a staff member and to continue her passion for sharing the love of Christ with the youth of today.
ptavares@escschool.com
(510) 223-2242
scott cox
seventh & eighth grade
Mr. Cox grew up in the El Sobrante area, graduating from De Anza High School in 1970. He subsequently graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a BS degree in Chemical Engineering with a teaching emphasis. Mr. Cox worked as a laboratory technician for Chevron Chemical Company (1971-1982), a formulation chemist for the Clorox Company (1982-1994), and as a Managing Director of computer operations for Bank of America (1994-2010). He started substitute teaching at the ESCS high school campus in 2010, and then became a full-time math and science teacher in 2011. Mr. Cox has been married for 40 years, is an elder in his church, and loves reading, photography, natural history, and traveling.
"Being confident of this very thing,
that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it."
Philippians 1:6
scox@escschool.com
(510) 223-2242 x114
jean bradbury
Computers, Library
Jean wears many hats at ESCS. She teaches computer class for the second through sixth grade students. She also is the librarian for the elementary campus. Jean spent 8 years as a parent volunteer before she began working at ESCS in 2002. Jean loves all her students and her co-workers. She cheers for the bay area teams and the UC Davis Softball team. In her free time, Jean loves taking tap/jazz dance classes, watching her daughter play softball, and playing with her granddaughter.
"Three things will last forever: faith, hope, and love.
And the greatest of these is love."
1 Corinthians 13:13
jbradbury@escschool.com
(510) 223-2242 ext. 113
danny gomez
P.E. Teacher & facilities supervisor
Danny is our facilities supervisor and our go to guy here at ESCS. He does all the maintenance, making sure everything works and that our school looks wonderful everyday. Danny started working at ESCS in 2011. He loves cooking and hanging out at the beach. Rooting for the Warriors, Raiders, and Giants, he fits right in!
"For no word from God will ever fail.”
Luke 1:37
