We encourage you to take the time to meet our teaching staff. Appointments are always available after school hours.
Eunice Barney
Principal
Mrs. Barney has worked in the field of education for over 20 years in both SDA schools as well as public schools. She has a passion for children being taught of the Lord, but also recognizes the importance of children having a sound education to be successful citizens in this world which we temporarily call home. She believes that all students are capable of learning and that it is important for children to learn in an atmosphere where they can be free to express and live out their beliefs without feeling out of place doing so.
Paola Pizarro
Business Manager
Mrs. Pizarro holds a degree in accounting from Peruvian Union Adventist University and she worked for several years as a treasurer of different Adventists schools in her native country. She received an MBA in business management from the Peruvian Union Adventist University in 2009. She got her second MBA in Human Resources from USI (University of Southern Indiana) in 2019. She has a very strong financial and management background, very familiar with school finances, and is able to oversee school operating finances and other matters related to operating school facilities. She has a passion for Adventist Education, and her commitment is to keep IJA’s finances strong and debt free.
Sandy Montoya
Hello! I am so honored to be your pre-k / k teacher for the year 2024-2025. I’m so excited to get to know your child and learn and grow together. This would be my first year on formal education, but I feel I have been working with kids my whole life. I started babysitting at 13 and since then I have worked in our church children’s Sabbath School Classes and with Adventurer’s. I graduated from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras (UNAH) in 2014 with a bachelor’s in finances and Banking at my home country Honduras, I also studied English as a Second Language at Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA and graduated in 2015. I went back to Honduras and worked in the banking industry and business financial management. Moved to the US in 2018 and started working in the customer service industry. I feel now humbled to serve the Lord’s little lambs and venture on the education field. I’m thrilled to be part of your kid’s first school experience and pray that we all will have a blessed year together.
Ana Elizabeth Cuevas
I graduated from University as a Registered Nurse and had the opportunity to care for and serve a lot of patients. Over time, God placed a new calling in my heart—the calling to teach. I once cared for patients in hospitals; now, I have the privilege of teaching and caring for students in the classroom. I am currently pursuing my teaching certifications and credentials, trusting God to guide me through this new journey.
For me, teaching is more than a profession; it is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. My desire is to share God’s love, reveal Jesus through my life and teaching, and encourage each student to grow in knowledge, confidence, and purpose. I pray that His love will touch every heart and His wisdom inspire every mind.
Mrs. Ana
Heather Magombo
Bio pending
Carlos Valencia
I’ve been an educator for over 22 years, with experience teaching at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Most of my work has focused on fourth and fifth graders and middle school students, including gifted and talented learners. I am passionate about helping students grow academically, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. My goal is to create a safe, Christ-centered classroom where every student feels valued, supported, and challenged to reach their God-given potential.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Gladys, and our two wonderful children, Daniela and David, as well as our lively little dog, Benji. I’m excited for a school year filled with learning, growth, and collaboration with IJA students, families, and the entire school community.
