From a city judge to a Newport Beach lawyer, from a member of Team USA to a local pastor, Valley Christian graduates leave prepared to make a difference in the world.
Featured After Valley Stories
Shayla (Loomer) Van Hofwegen ’04
After Valley, Shayla went on to study Elementary and Special Education at Grand Canyon University- graduating with her Bachelor’s in 2008. That same year, Shayla married her high school sweetheart, and began trying to start a family. God had a lot more planned for Shayla and her husband those first 6 years of marriage, than they could have ever imagined.
They struggled with years of infertility, losing 6 babies, and Shayla eventually shifted her focus to help others also struggling and began a nonprofit called Owl Love You Forever. Running the 501(c)3 was Shayla’s “baby” and became her true passion. Then God blessed the Van Hofwegen’s beyond measure with the adoption of their daughter, and the birth of their 3 biological sons. Shayla stayed home their 4 children until they were all in school full time. For the past year now, Shayla has had the amazing opportunity to work at their children’s school, West Valley Christian School!
Brianna Widger ’18
After Valley, Brianna attended GCU and majored in Secondary Education for Mathematics. In her time at GCU, Brianna was an RA and tutored Math at the GCU K12 Learning Lounge. Immediately after completing her coursework, Brianna came back to VCS, this time as a staff member where she taught Geometry and Pre-Calculus in January 2022.
Brianna always knew she wanted to come back to Valley to teach and is so thankful God opened the doors to make that dream a reality
After Valley Stories
Jason Gregg ’96
After Valley, Jason went to Arizona Christian University to do my undergraduate teaching degree where he was also able to play basketball. It was here at ACU that he met his wife, Linda. As soon as Jason and his wife both graduated, they felt like God was calling them to move overseas to use teaching as a platform to serve God and missionary families. For the next 23 years Jason ended up working in Christian schools in Portugal, Morocco, China, and most recently Taiwan. During that time Jason and Linda had and raised 4 amazing kids. Two years ago they moved back to the USA and now continue to serve today by both working full time at Valley Christian Schools. Regardless, nothing has changed, their mission is to serve people through working to help provide a Christian education to those who want it here in Arizona.
Kevin Malina ’07
After Valley, Kevin attended Arizona State University, earning his Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing before he earned his Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University. Later, he also obtained his Doctor of Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Psychology while simultaneously serving in the United States Air Force. Kevin is now a fully licensed clinical psychologist at Anderson Air Force Base in Guam where he will be stationed until September 2023!
Denae (Templeton) Downs ’03
Denae lives in Ferrara, Italy, planting churches and serving the Lord with her husband, David. Every day looks different, ranging from leading worship and Bible studies to making videos, recording CDs, cleaning bathrooms, doing drywall work, being a shoulder to cry on, and more. Denae is the oldest daughter of longtime Speech and Drama Teacher, Sheri, and former VCHS Bible Teacher, Dennis.
Austin ’05 & Alicia (Lewis) ’04 Gifford
Austin & Alicia are two of more than 100 married alumni couples from VCHS. After spending some years in the Caribbean and then Iowa, the Giffords are back in Arizona, where Austin works as a veterinarian and Alicia currently stays at home with their two children, Landon and Nora. They started dating while at VCHS, ran cross country together, and were married shortly after high school. They each treasure the friendships they made while at Valley Christian, and stay in touch with many of their high school friends.
Mikaela Bruce ’04
Mikaela Bruce ’04 is doing some incredible things in Spain, especially in raising awareness of sex trafficking in that region. Mikaela is a filmmaker currently living in Madrid, Spain. She makes films that challenge the culture and breathe kingdom values into Spain’s post-dictatorship, postmodern culture. Mikaela is currently working on bringing awareness to sex trafficking in Spain through her short film project, Pasărea (The Bird), not only addressing this social injustice but also pointing out the spiritual, internal issues that lead us as people to seek things to fill in our emptiness.
DAVID ERHART ’00
After Valley, David graduated from Arizona State University and gained extensive experience in strategic marketing, sales, product management and finance across a wide range of industries. He has a heart for ministry and an aptitude for teaching which led him to found Christianity Engaged, an online Christian ministry helping people overcome barriers to faith and grow in a closer relationship with God through the power of video and other online media. He wants everyone to know how much God loves them and to trust in the finished work of Jesus. David enjoys lifting weights, playing bass guitar and spending time with his three children.
Sean McConnell ’08
After Valley, Sean married his beautiful wife Alex and followed God’s call on their life to become foster parents. Sean is now the father of 4 incredible children and with the opening of VCS Elementary, Sean is now one of many “Legacy Families. He’s also a web designer and a radio host. What can’t this guy do?!
James Fitzgerald ’10
After Valley, James attended and played football at Cal Lutheran and Scottsdale Community College. After a back injury, he was offered a coaching position and has been coaching ever since. He has led teams to state championships, record breaking seasons, and was named the youngest head varsity football coach in Arizona. James is now part of the coaching staff here at VCS!
Nick Barker ’05
Right after Valley Christian, Nick attended ASU. During his time as a Sun Devil he had a pastoral internship with a local church in Tempe and was commonly in the front row of the student section at football games. It was during this time that Nick met his future wife, Danni.
Today, Nick serves as the Spiritual Life Director at Scottsdale Christian Academy. His position there entails overseeing the annual high school missions trips and retreat, weekly chapel and small groups, heading the Bible department, leading faculty devotions, and more!
Brian Eggleston and Ryan Yarbrough ’94
Brian and Ryan were not only best friends in high school, but have maintained an inspiring friendship today despite the distance between them (Ryan lives in London, Brian in The Netherlands). Brian and Ryan have each worked for Shell Oil since 1999 and each play key roles in the company’s success. Their story is an inspiring look at how a friendship that started at Valley Christian has impacted the lives and careers of two successful VCHS graduates.
Lindsay Viker ’10
Lindsay is a proud Valley Christian and ASU alumna, having studied Entrepreneurship and Marketing at the W.P. Carey School of Business. Every day looks different for the Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Couture in the Suburbs, as she works to expose talented individuals in fashion, beauty, and culture to a wide audience. Lindsay’s advice for current students is to be involved in as many things as they can. You can find her business at CoutureInTheSuburbs.com, on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Dwight Nield ’11
After Valley, Dwight went on to ASU to double major in Supply Chain Management and Business Legal Studies. After interning with Southwest Airlines in Dallas, and after an internship with Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, Dwight took a position with Southwest Airlines, where he now works as a Senior Associate in their Supply Chain Management Department. Dwight has also been called into ministry, and is currently working toward a Master of Theology at Dallas Theological Seminary. He plans to work as a bi-vocational pastor once he completes his Master’s degree.
Clint Sanniec ’10
Clint Sanniec ’10 has become a licensed massage therapist and spends his time helping people to feel relaxed and get back on their feet. He also devotes his time to missionary work and travels internationally to do so. Clint and his family were an essential part of the team that dreamed up and put together the VINE program at Valley Christian.
**Clint was also the starting kicker when VCS Football won the State Championship in 2009**
Nathan Sanchez ’08
Nathan Sanchez ’08 is currently the producer of the nationally syndicated radio program, The Steve Sanchez Show. It is heard in 100 markets across the nation. Nathan feels very fortunate to be able to work in the entertainment business, and has even met the president on several occasions. Prior to this, he received his BA in Film and Broadcasting from the Art Institute of Phoenix. Nathan is married to his best friend, Heather. They have two children, Leo and Gabriel.
Tanner Allen ’07
After Valley, Tanner earned his degree in Kinesiology at Arizona State University, and in 2010 he started personal training at 24hr fitness. He then branched off on his own and eventually bought out a private studio gym where he founded Journey Training in 2012.
Jayce Maxwell ’20
After Valley, Jayce attended his first year of college at GCU. Due to some personal and family reasons, he withdrew and completed his next year of college online while working full time. In 2021, Jayce was hired at his alma mater, Valley Christian Schools, as an Esports coach. Esports has been a passion for Jayce since his time on the team during his senior year in 2020. In 2023, Jayce was hired full-time at VCS as a technology specialist. Today, Jayce remains at Valley Christian Schools, working to develop Esports into a competitive program as well as continuing his work in the IT department.
Austin Moorhead ’03
Austin studied guitar performance, earning his undergraduate degree at ASU before finishing his Master’s at Yale. He has spent time playing in Germany, traveling around Europe, and living in New York City, playing for shows like “Jersey Boys,” “Mary Poppings,” “Chicago,” and more. Austin recently relocated to Nashville and is touring with country artist Michael Ray.
Alison (Henry) Pattison ’91
Alison, our earliest featured graduate to date, manages the daily operations of training and education at Arion Care Solutions. She also runs a nonprofit called Hope 4 Single Moms AZ, committed to empowering single parents through education, resources, and practical assistance. Alison lives in the Phoenix area, teaching online at GCU while completing her doctorate in Education.
Kyle Unfug ’00
You may know her as “Kyle from Johnjay and Rich” or “Kyle from Your Life to A to Z,” but we know her as Kyle Unfug, Class of 2000. Kyle lives in Phoenix with her husband and daughter, and spends her days entertaining the East Valley at KissFM and Channel 3. An ASU graduate, Kyle is grateful for the ability to meet so many interesting people in the entertainment industry. Kyle is also the daughter of longtime VCHS art teacher, Susie Lynch.
Brad Zehring ’00
After Valley, Brad went onto ASU, then worked for Mayo Clinic Hospital as a surgical technologist and then in the Perioperative Business office. After applying to and then graduating from medical school, Brad matched into his Psychiatry residency program at the University of Arizona’s College of Medicine. He recently opened his own Psychiatric private practice (Arizona Restorative Psychiatry), and works at Doorways, LLS. He is passionate about caring for and educating people with mental illness.
Skylar Cavanaugh ’15
After Valley, Skylar headed to Annapolis, Maryland as a member of the class of 2019 United States Naval Academy. She has a rigorous schedule which also includes being a member of the Navy Cheer team. She has fond memories of her time at VCHS and had many great teachers impact her high school career. In November of 2018 she will learn what community she will serve for the next 5 years.
Garrett Kidd ’09
After Valley, Garrett went to Arizona State University to study Communications with a minor in Marketing and where he met his wife, Shaina. The two joined a team from their church and have moved to Cambodia to plant a church and work to combat the human sex trafficking problem in that part of the world.
Austin Walker ’11
After graduation from Valley in 2011, Austin continued his education at Grand Canyon University, studying Sports Management and Marketing. After a successful internship with the Arizona Diamondbacks in college, he was hired on full-time. Austin now works at Valley Christian as the Development Manager, Events.
Archived After Valley Stories
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