Mr. Edwin Cabrera – Principal and Grades 7&8
Professional Background: BS in Health and Human Performance and Secondary Education from Union College in 2008
Since 2008 Mr. Cabrera has been at Tampa Adventist Academy in Florida teaching Biology, Health, Spanish, Living Skills, and Art. He served as Athletic Director for pre-K-10, and was the head coach of the gymnastics and girls basketball teams.
Joined AVAS in 2011 and in addition to his administrative duties, is teaching 7th and 8th grade Bible, English, science and art
Personal: Mr. Cabrera loves to travel, draw, paint, and play sports. He was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, but has spent the last 22 years living in Florida, and claims Sushi as his favorite food.
Mr. Cabrera Says…
I am pleased that God opened the doors for me to join the AVAS family this year. John 15:11 holds special meaning for me; “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”
Mrs. Billie Odell – Kindergarten
Professional Background: AA Degree in Early Childhood Education from Antelope Valley College in 2001
Has taught kindergarten at AVAS since 1984
Personal: Mrs. Odell and her husband have two grown children and three grandchildren. Her favorite activities include walking, biking and gardening.
Mrs. Odell Says…
This year my class includes 3 girls and 2 boys. My current favorite Bible verses is Psalm 36:7 – 9; “How excellent is thy loving kindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.”
Mrs. Teresa Bietz – Grades 1 & 2
Professional Background: BA from Loma Linda University
Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction
Credentials Include California State Multiple Subject and Professional Seventh-day Adventist.
Teaching experience includes public and private education, primarily in grades K through 2
Personal: Mrs. Bietz grew up in a family with 4 generations of Adventist teachers, school principals, college professors, preachers, and foreign missionaries. During her time at university she spent a year in Thailand as a student missionary. The influence of her family guided her professional choice to become a teacher.
Mrs. Bietz Says…
I love teaching first and second graders! It’s so rewarding to see their progress in reading and other areas. We are like one big, happy family of 23 this year!
Psalms 31:24 is special to me. This text was often quoted by my grandfather to encourage family and friends. “Be of good Courage and He shall strengthen your heart.”
Mrs. Cecilia S. Wallace – Grades 3 & 4
Professional Background: BS from La Sierra University in Child Development with a concentration in Early Elementary Education
Teaching experience includes Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and grades 1 through 3Has taught at AVAS since 2002
Personal: Mrs. Wallace was born and raised in southern California. Her parents instilled in her a love of God at an early age. Her husband, James C. Wallace, is known on campus as Coach Wallace. Together they share their love of athletics with students at AVAS. She is the proud mother of a daughter and a son.
Mrs. Wallace Says…
It is my desire to get to know each of my students and their families better. It is an honor to be entrusted with your child’s education. As a Christian educator I take my calling seriously. I endeavor to educate for success in this world, and in the world to come. May our Lord grant us wisdom as parents and teachers to inspire our wonderful children to become all they were created to be.
Ms. Barbara Pekarek Grades 5&6
Professional Background: BS and post graduate study in Elementary Education from Walla Walla College
In 43 years as an educator, Mrs. Pekarek has taught all grade levels 1-8, and worked 3 years as principal.
Has taught at AVAS for 9 years
Personal: Mrs. Pekarek has one daughter and three grandchildren. Her eleven-year marriage to Roland ended with his death in 1992. She has enjoyed traveling to 38 states, including Alaska and Hawaii, as well as Canada.
Mrs Pekarek Says…
Time goes fast when you enjoy your job! This year I am teaching seven 5th graders and nine 6th graders. What an Awesome Bunch! My favorite pastimes involve observing nature. Clear nights in the Antelope Valley offer many opportunities for spotting my favorite constellation, Orion, and imagining future space travel.
I enjoy the promise in 1 Corinthians 2:9, “However, as it is written: ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.”
Ms. Sophia Worrell – Administrative Assistant
Ms. Maria Tena – Daily Lunch Preparation; Custodian
