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.
Miss Rachel Hicks teaches Preschool 3's and 4's. She is originally fro Virginia and Tennessee, and has traveled into Mexico with her family as Christian missionaries. She moved to South Texas in 2009, earned a degree in Elementary Education, and serves as a youth leader at church. She enjoys working with the children, especially in developing creative skills.
She hopes to continue her education to earn advanced training and degrees.
She hopes to continue her education to earn advanced training and degrees.
Carmi Lima Louzada has been a faculty member at VCHS since 2005, having previously taught at Central Christian School.
She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education from the University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She has earned numerous certifications during her twenty-two years of teaching.
Born in Brazil, she speaks Portuguese, as well as Spanish and English. She and her husband came to the United States and very proudly became American citizens. She and Eliezer (Ph. D., Associate Professor, Texas A & M) have two grown daughters.
She teaches physical education and health, preschool, and has taught elementary, intermediate, and upper level classes as is needed. She is a team-builder and encourager to students and staff.
She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education from the University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She has earned numerous certifications during her twenty-two years of teaching.
Born in Brazil, she speaks Portuguese, as well as Spanish and English. She and her husband came to the United States and very proudly became American citizens. She and Eliezer (Ph. D., Associate Professor, Texas A & M) have two grown daughters.
She teaches physical education and health, preschool, and has taught elementary, intermediate, and upper level classes as is needed. She is a team-builder and encourager to students and staff.
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.