Oaks Classical Faculty

Jesse Gerkey - Head of School

In Ephesians 6, Scripture commands fathers to raise their children “in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Education is a vital domain in which this formation occurs. The essential question becomes: What are our children being trained in? It is a privilege to join Oaks Classical Academy in its mission to partner with parents to cultivate the hearts and minds of students in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

I was raised in Arizona and attended various private Christian schools throughout my K–12 education. I later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministries, with an emphasis in Youth Ministry, from Arizona Christian University, where I also competed in collegiate soccer for four years. Following my graduation in 2015, I relocated to North County and married my wife, Melinda, in 2016.

Since that time, I have served in both the public and private Christian school settings for nearly a decade, with experience in teaching mathematics, mentoring students, and coaching soccer. In 2021, I completed a Master of Education in Secondary Education from Grand Canyon University. My background in education, youth ministry, and athletics has deepened my conviction that students thrive when they are discipled in an environment that intentionally shepherds both the heart and the intellect toward a love for Christ and His truth.

Melinda and I have been married for nearly nine years and are the grateful parents of three children: Amos, Joel, and Naomi. Our family has been blessed to be part of San Diego Reformed Church for the past four years. As a family, we enjoy spending time in family worship, catechizing our children in biblical truth, and delighting in God’s creation through outdoor activities such as beach outings, camping, and hiking.

Eric Chappell - Teacher

Eric Chappell is excited to learn and grow alongside the students at Oaks Classical Academy. Originally from San Diego, he now lives in the area with his wife, Katie, and their four children—Enoch, Eunice, Elsie Jo, and Ephraim. He serves as a pastor at El Camino Presbyterian Church in Oceanside and is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). When he’s not reading Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, or John Newton, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, doing CrossFit, and traveling.

Jackie Hoare - Teacher

Originally from the East Coast, Jackie Hoare has fallen in love with the beautiful landscape of God’s great creations in Encinitas, CA, which has been her home since 2017. She comes from a long line of Educators and earned a BA in Elementary Education from Bloomsburg University and a M. Ed. in Educational Technology from Pepperdine University. As an educator, she has experience teaching in Public School Education, Private Tutoring, Teacher Coaching, and Homeschool Enrichment Centers. She has also homeschooled her own children for the last five years. Jackie enjoys seeking education that meets each of her child’s needs and is passionate about keeping God’s truth at the center of all things. She is driven to pour into her community to help children bear God’s image and learn to discern God's truth in the world around them. Jackie and her husband, Chad, love staying involved in the interests of their five children through church, school and sports.

Robyn Saneff - Teacher

Robyn Saneff has called Southern California home for the past twenty years… just long enough for her Boston accent to nearly disappear! She has been joyfully married to her best friend Sasha for 23 years. Together they have treasured every stage of raising their family of two children and two dogs.

A lifelong learner, Robyn was blessed to homeschool their children with a biblical worldview. Her homeschool journey sparked a deep interest in learning and teaching styles. Drawing from her favorite psychology classes at Liberty University, she spent years investigating different instructional methods. Eventually she embraced a blend of classical education and Charlotte Mason approaches - both of which emphasize age-appropriate, ordered learning while nurturing curiosity, character, beauty and wisdom.

Robyn is passionate about cultivating safe, inspiring learning environments that promote respect, critical thinking, hands-on exploration, academic excellence and point to our Creator. Her experience as a homeschool mom, co-op leader, and student ministry leader has taught her the power of building meaningful relationships in both the classroom and everyday life. She hopes to grow this philosophy in her students. Her prayer is that every student would know they are seen, known, and loved in class, but more importantly, by God, who created them uniquely and with divine purpose.

Outside the classroom, Robyn enjoys spending time with family and friends, and hopes to visit all seven continents, learn how to play pickleball and keep her garden alive past July.

Lauren Sanner - Teacher

Lauren Sanner is passionate about helping students think critically, live faithfully, and pursue Christ wholeheartedly. She finds great joy in building meaningful relationships and walking alongside students in both their academic and spiritual growth. Her background in student ministry has deepened her love for mentoring young people as they grow in their understanding of God, His Word, and their purpose. Currently engaged and preparing for marriage in August, Lauren is excited to enter this new season of life while continuing to invest in students. She now attends her fiancé’s church, where she serves alongside him in various ministry roles. Lauren holds a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Theology and feels deeply called to Christian education. She believes education is not just about academics, but about shaping the heart, soul, and mind to live out the gospel. Outside the classroom, Lauren enjoys hosting Christ-centered gatherings—especially tea parties that bring people together through fellowship and uplifting conversation. She also loves spending time outdoors, particularly at the beach, and enjoys walking, biking, and swimming. Above all, Lauren sees the classroom as a place of transformation, where students grow not only in knowledge but in Christlike character—equipped to live as faithful ambassadors of Christ in every area of life.

Monica Spiker - Teacher

Monica Spiker was born in Bucharest, Romania during the communist reign. She moved to Southern California at age seven and quickly learned about God‘s faithfulness. She has since lived all over the country including San Francisco, Boston, Los Angeles and settled down in San Diego with its lovely nature and outdoor lifestyle. Monica earned a B.A. in Organizational Management from Ashford University, and her California state teaching credential in Multiple Subjects from California State, Los Angeles. After working in the corporate world for over 28 years, Monica decided to shift her energy toward her family and opened a private daycare where she could spend her days with her young children and her nights studying for her teaching credential exams. Monica has been teaching in both the public school and Christian private school sector for 5 years. In addition to teaching, Monica runs a summer adventure camp for children where they can learn hands on through nature of Gods eternal hope and salvation.

Monica and her husband, Brian are blessed with two beautiful children, Fiona, age eight, and Finneas, seven. Monica loves teaching the next generation about Jesus, children and the great outdoors!