Faculty
Our faculty members are more than educators—they are mentors, encouragers, partners, and faithful examples who take the time to understand the students entrusted to their care. Because OCA is intentionally small by design, students aren’t simply names on a roster. They are known—their strengths, their struggles, their personalities, their potential, and the unique gifts God has placed within them.
Our teachers challenge students to work hard and pursue excellence, while creating an environment where they feel safe to ask questions, make mistakes, grow in confidence, and experience the joy of truly mastering something difficult. Just as importantly, they partner closely with parents, honoring the vital role of the family in each child’s education.
Faith isn’t separate from that relationship. Our faculty seeks to model Christ through the way they teach, encourage, correct, serve, and care for students each day.
Cy Cole
PRINCIPAL 5th-8th TEACHER
Mr. Cole has a proven track record of creating and growing highly successful schools. He is at the forefront of the development of innovative instructional designs, combining the latest in brain science with proven traditional approaches to teaching and learning. His love for God and commitment to kids’ success are what motivate him to offer this academically rigorous school, based on Christian principles, to the families of Oakdale. Mr. Cole’s youngest son is in the 12th grade at OCA.
“It’s just such a joy to get to work in a place every day dedicated to the pure purpose of introducing kids to the love and character of Christ. All of us, together, striving to serve in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. What a privilege! Phillipians 1:27”
Josh Benziger
HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER
Mr. Josh Benziger brings a unique combination of education, ministry, and mentorship to Oakdale Christian Academy. His longtime work with young people extends beyond the classroom through his involvement in youth ministry at Living Hope Christian Fellowship, where he has helped lead students in Bible teaching, fellowship, and community outreach; local reporting also identifies him among Oakdale-area youth pastors who collaborated to bring Christian students together through The Merge.
Josh understands that preparing teenagers for life requires more than academics. He brings a heart for helping students grow in faith, develop strong character, think for themselves, and discover the purpose God has for their lives—a natural reflection of The OCA Way.
Josette Bonora
2nd-4th TEACHER
Mrs. Bonora has over 15 years experience in teaching in the classroom and in the church as a Sunday school teacher. She is a veteran of the armed forces and supports local veteran organizations. When she is not teaching, you can find her in the garden or spending time with her many farm animals. She is the proud mother of two children, thirteen and twenty one. Her daughter attends OCA and is in the middle school classroom.
“I feel extremely blessed and honored to teach children at Oakdale Christian Academy. My joy comes from instilling in them a love of learning and helping them in growing their relationship with God.”
“All your children will be taught by the LORD, and great will be their peace”- Isaiah 54:13
Jennyfer Padilla
TK-1st TEACHER
With a heart for both education and young children, I have spent the past four years working in the classroom, including teaching kindergarten and serving as a substitute teacher for Modesto City Schools. I graduated from California State University, Stanislaus with a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies and earned my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.
My passion for working with children also extends into my church, where I enjoy teaching Sunday School to children ages 3–5 and helping introduce them to God’s love during these important early years.
Outside the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my husband. We were married in April 2026 and are excited to begin this new chapter together. I feel incredibly blessed to be part of the Oakdale Christian Academy family and to have the opportunity to encourage students as they grow academically, personally, and in their faith.
Ashley Freeman
2nd-4th TEACHER’S ASSISTANT
Ms. Freeman is excited to be helping in the elementary class this year. She brings with her twelve years of experience as a homeschool mom, almost a decade of youth ministry work, and wears a collection of hats at her home church. She has two children, 17 and 12, and a chaotic farm full of animals. In her free time, she enjoys crafting, napping, and going on adventures with her kids.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Joyel Armanious
2nd-4th TEACHER’S ASSISTANT, AFTERCARE
Joyel Armanious is a graduate of James Enochs High School and is currently in her second year of college. Her faith has been an important part of her life from an early age, and she has been an active member of One Church Modesto since middle school.
This past summer, Joyel had the opportunity to put her faith into action through a mission trip to East Africa, where she served others and shared the message of the Gospel. She brings to OCA a genuine heart for faith, service, and encouraging young people to grow in their relationship with Christ.
Jennifer Perreira
TK-1st TEACHER’S ASSISTANT
Mrs. Perreira has been a valued part of the Oakdale Christian Academy family for the past nine years, serving our students and families with warmth, dedication, and a heart for Christian education. She and her husband, Frank, have been married for 33 years and are proud parents to their son, who is nearly 21.
Favorite Scripture, Proverbs 3:5–6, reflects the faith she brings to OCA each day—a reminder to trust in the Lord, seek His direction, and allow Him to guide the path ahead.
Meg Cole
P.E. TEACHER, CONSULTANT
Mrs. Cole is a missionary kid born and raised in Costa Rica. Because she has taught internationally for many years she brings a rich, multicultural perspective to her classroom. She believes in teaching critical thinking skills so students will know what they believe and why. Of paramount importance in her classroom is that learning be relevant and exciting, and always through a Christian world view lens. Instruction is highly individualized so that all students are successful. Mrs. Cole has two adult children and a son attending 10th grade at OCA.
“It has been such a blessing to work at Oakdale Christian Academy. Every year has been exceedingly and abundantly above and beyond what we had imagined. It is exciting to see all the growth and God’s blessing upon our school. Ephesians 3:20”
Kassi Van Vilet
OFFICE MANAGER
Ms. Kassi brings a unique perspective to the OCA family as both our Office Manager and an OCA mom. After homeschooling her five children for 11 years, she and her family are embracing the new friendships, experiences, and opportunities they’ve found at Oakdale Christian Academy.
Her faith and family are at the heart of everything she does. Outside of OCA, Ms. Kassi loves worshipping the Lord through singing, spending time with her family, walking, swimming, and soaking up the sunshine.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
1 Peter 4:10