Our Faculty
All our faculty and staff at Valley Christian Heritage School share a passion for teaching children and helping them be successful as they learn through the "nurture and admonition of the Lord."
Mary Rydl, Superintendent and full-time classroom teacher at VCHS since 1978, began teaching in 1965 in public school. She has taught all subjects and all grade levels but especially enjoys kindergarten and first grade. Her "Teddy Bear Week" is legendary, as well as all the other fun activities utilized to make a lasting impact and memory for her students. She teaches Bible for all levels, sharing her love for God.
She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and Health-Physical Education, a Master's Degree in Educational Administration with emphasis on Curriculum Development, and Superintendent's Certificate at Pan American University.
She has served on the National Christian School Association Board of Trustees since 1997, was honored as National Educator of the Year in Washington, D. C., in 1997, and as the National Administrator of the Year in 2010.
Mary and her husband Les (Ph. D., Texas A & M) have three children and eight grandchildren.
She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and Health-Physical Education, a Master's Degree in Educational Administration with emphasis on Curriculum Development, and Superintendent's Certificate at Pan American University.
She has served on the National Christian School Association Board of Trustees since 1997, was honored as National Educator of the Year in Washington, D. C., in 1997, and as the National Administrator of the Year in 2010.
Mary and her husband Les (Ph. D., Texas A & M) have three children and eight grandchildren.
Michelle Avila earned her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Texas - Pan American, with a major in interdisciplinary studies and a minor in Special Education.
She is certified EC-6, and in Special Education EC-12. She has worked as a Registered Behavioral Technician applying ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis), focusing on social, educational, and life skills goals for children in the autism community. She has experience in the elementary classroom, and loves to help all her students reach their highest achievement goals.
She is certified EC-6, and in Special Education EC-12. She has worked as a Registered Behavioral Technician applying ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis), focusing on social, educational, and life skills goals for children in the autism community. She has experience in the elementary classroom, and loves to help all her students reach their highest achievement goals.
Griselda Rosado began her teaching career at VCHS in 2014. She is a VCHS alumnus, having enrolled as a student in elementary and continuing as an honor student through her senior year.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Emmaus Bible College and Liberty University, along with Certification in Biblical Studies and in Classroom Management and Professional Development.
Born in Edinburg, she has lived in many places, traveling summers with her family to do migrant work in Iowa, Illinois, and other northern states. She, like all our faculty members, has a very strong work ethic and fully understands students' having to make transitions and changes in difficult times.
She is the mother of her adopted son and a kind and compassionate teacher, dedicated to individualizing instruction for every child. She has taught all subjects but especially enjoys the intermediate grades. Students love her many games and fun learning activities.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Emmaus Bible College and Liberty University, along with Certification in Biblical Studies and in Classroom Management and Professional Development.
Born in Edinburg, she has lived in many places, traveling summers with her family to do migrant work in Iowa, Illinois, and other northern states. She, like all our faculty members, has a very strong work ethic and fully understands students' having to make transitions and changes in difficult times.
She is the mother of her adopted son and a kind and compassionate teacher, dedicated to individualizing instruction for every child. She has taught all subjects but especially enjoys the intermediate grades. Students love her many games and fun learning activities.
Becky Martinez Peterson is a proud graduate of VCHS. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and Psychology at the University of Texas - RGV and has earned numerous certifications.
She began teaching at VCHS in 2016, teaching all areas of science and secondary English. She has a passion for instilling a love for curiosity and intrigue in science investigations. Her hobbies include ichthyology and herpetology activities (discovering the many amphibian and reptile species of the valley). You are likely to see her gently carrying a snake to her classroom to show. She aspires to teach students the intricate and gentle nature of God's creatures. Kids love her exciting, constant lab experiments.
She and her husband Caleb (also a VCHS alumnus) are the parents of two small children.
As an honor graduate of VCHS, she knows the values and goals of our school and strives to instill the love of learning in all her students.
She began teaching at VCHS in 2016, teaching all areas of science and secondary English. She has a passion for instilling a love for curiosity and intrigue in science investigations. Her hobbies include ichthyology and herpetology activities (discovering the many amphibian and reptile species of the valley). You are likely to see her gently carrying a snake to her classroom to show. She aspires to teach students the intricate and gentle nature of God's creatures. Kids love her exciting, constant lab experiments.
She and her husband Caleb (also a VCHS alumnus) are the parents of two small children.
As an honor graduate of VCHS, she knows the values and goals of our school and strives to instill the love of learning in all her students.
Dr. Les Rydl teaches mathematics and statistics for grades 7-12 as a volunteer educator. He has a Bachelor's Degree in mathematics, Master's in computer science, and his Ph. D. from Texas A & M in statistics. He taught at Edinburg and PSJA secondary schools before teaching at UTPA for many years.
Ms. Sara Garcia is our devoted preschool teacher whose career has been a remarkable journey of nurturing young minds. With a wealth of experience spanning many years, Ms. Garcia has truly become an integral part of countless children's early education. Through years of hands-on-experience, she honed her teaching techniques, adapting and refining her methods to suit the unique needs of each child. Her genuine connection with her students and their families has made her a cherished figure in the community.