Staff & Teachers
Carrie Gulliford, Head of School
carrie.gulliford@victorycs.org
Carrie Gulliford is an honors graduate from Western Governors University, where she earned her Master’s in Educational Studies with an emphasis on Curriculum Design. She is a “National Society of Leadership and a Success” member, committing both years of her graduate studies to the NSLS. Carrie is also a graduate of William Jessup University. There, she earned her B.A. in English with an emphasis on Education. She minored in Biblical Theology. Carrie is motivated and ambitious and would like her students to appreciate and understand the importance of educating themselves today so they can live the life they hope for tomorrow. Carrie’s desire for her students when they leave Victory is that they will be committed to the Lord and have received an exceptional education that sets them apart from their peers in college.
Carrie brings a breadth of knowledge of the English Language Arts, standards, modern teaching methods, curriculum development and design, and assessment systems.
Carrie loves DOGS, tacos, Swedish fish, chocolate, gardening, birds, books, poetry, sewing, photography, and adventures with her husband and children.
Her favorite bible verse is;
Deuteronomy 32:2
“Let my teaching fall like rain
And my words descend like dew,
like showers on new grass,
like abundant rain on tender plants.”
Tyler Withers,
Campus Pastor and High School Bible Teacher
twithers@victorycs.org
Mr. Tyler Withers is a graduate from Mid-America Christian University in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. There he received his Bachelor of Science in Christian Ministries along with his Master of Ministry. Mr. Withers also teaches as an Adjunct Professor within the School of Theology and Christian Leadership at William Jessup University. He has been in full time vocational ministry for over a decade spanning across California, Texas, and Georgia. His leadership extends through ministries for all youth ages.
Mr. Withers and his wife Amanda are parents of two children with special needs. Their two sons are diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum. Mr. Withers and his wife see this as a gift and minister to families who also have children with special needs. He loves spending time with his wife, playing with his two sons, reading good books, and loves Chick-Fil-A sweet tea.
One of Mr. Withers favorite verses is Psalm 145:4-7, “One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness. They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.”
Katy Cantrell,
Academic Advisor, Alumni Relations, JH Bible Teacher
katy.cantrell@victorycs.org
Mrs. Cantrell has a BA in Bible and Theology and a minor in Youth Ministry from William Jessup University. She has 5 children who also attend VCS. Before coming to VCS, she was a homeschool teacher for 4 years. She has worked in youth ministry in varying roles for 20 years. In her free time Mrs. Cantrell loves to hike, play tennis and spend time with her family.
Mrs. Cantrell’s favorite verse is:
“You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.”
Psalms 63:1 NIV
Allie Souto, Athletic Director
allie.souto@victorycs.org
Ms. Souto grew up and attended high school in Rocklin, where she participated in Cheer and won a Stunt State championship. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science from Arizona State University. She has spent the past several years coaching and coordinating the Rocklin High School cheer program. In her free time,Ms. Souto enjoys cooking, traveling, attending baseball and college football games, running, and spending time with friends and her golden retriever.
Ms. Souto’s favorite verse is 1 Corinthians 9:25 “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
STAFF
Marci Doria
JH/HS Office Manager / Registrar
mdoria@victorycs.org | (916) 488-5601 (ext. 101)
Mrs. Marci Doria started working with Victory in October of 2016. She is a former graduate of Victory, class of 2000. She has a B.A. degree in Liberal Studies from Simpson University. Prior to coming to Victory, she has spent her time as a Coordinator in the recreation field, building schedules, developing curriculum, and connecting with families. She loves being able to build positive relationships. Mrs. Doria is married with two children who both attend Victory.
Mrs. Doria enjoys spending time with her family, being active outdoors or playing sports, and writing creative stories in her spare time. She has a passion for seeing student needs and helping them to succeed academically, relationally, and spiritually.
Her favorite verse is Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.'”
Julia Jones
Administrative Assistant to the Executive Principal
jjones@victorycs.org | (916) 488-5601
Mrs Jones is the Administrative Assistant to the Executive Principal, Mrs. Gulliford. She spent her early years as a student at Victory and came on staff in summer of 2017. In 1996, she married her best friend, Rob. They have three children, the youngest of whom is a student at Victory. Mrs. Jones has a B.S. in Human Development and a minor in Religious Studies from UC Davis.
Since college, Mrs. Jones has been involved raising, training and placing assistance dogs with people with disabilities. On Sundays, you’ll find her behind the information desk in the lobby at church, where she loves welcoming people and helping them get connected. She enjoys encouraging students and adults to connect the dots of Biblical truth and marvel at the grace and mercy of our Father in our everyday lives. Her favorite things are making memories with her family, gardening, training dogs and shopping at thrift stores.
One of Mrs. Jones’ favorite verses is John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
Letty Smith
High School Office Receptionist
Letty currently works as the High School office receptionist. Before working at VCS, she was a stay home mom, and she loved it!
She serves at her church as a Lead in the Nursery Department and in the JH group on Sunday mornings. She is married with 3 boys that attend VCS. Her other interests are music, spending time with her family and watching her boys play sports.
Her favorite Bible passage is Ephesians 3:16-19, “I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.”
TEACHERS
Emily Baginski, Secondary Teacher
emily.baginski@victorycs.org
Mrs. Emily Baginski graduated from Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon where she received a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts in Teaching. She taught high school in Portland, Oregon and Roseville, California.
Mrs. Baginski enjoys reading, running, and adventuring in the outdoors with her family. She is passionate about pursuing Jesus and sharing her love of literature and writing while engaging in great conversations with students at Victory this year.
One of her favorite passages of Scripture is Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Christy Bowen, Physical Education, Weight Training
christy.bowen@victorycs.org
Mrs. Bowen is a Victory Christian Alumni. A dedicated athlete, Mrs. Bowen played soccer and basketball for 13 years and was a tri-sport athlete in High School. She received her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a minor in Nutrition from California Baptist University. In her free time, Mrs. Bowen loves to work out, be in the great outdoors, and spend time with family.
Mrs. Bowen’s favorite verse is Romans 12:2:
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Dan de Masi, JH Math and Science
dan.demasi@victorycs.org
Mr. de Masi was raised in Arizona and is a graduate of Arizona State University. He completed graduate work at ASU, Sacramento State University and UNC. Prior to teaching at Victory Christian, he worked in the Soil Science Department of the University of Arizona and served as a teacher and program manager in the San Juan Unified School District. Mr. de Masi is married and has two children.
Mr. de Masi’s favorite Bible verses are Proverbs 1:7 – “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline” and Psalm 27:1 – “The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is my stronghold – of whom should I be afraid?”
Ken Jeffrey, Band
kjeffrey@victorycs.org | (916) 488-5601 (ext. 302)
Mr. Ken Jeffrey began teaching at VCS in 1988-1992, and returned to VCS in 1997. He has a B.S.in Music Education and Bible from Maranatha Baptist Bible College. He attended the American Conservatory of Music. He has worked with eight different Christian schools in the Sacramento area with their band programs. He also has a janitorial business where he has worked for 30 years. Mr. Jeffrey is involved with the pep band which plays for pep rallies and home basketball games. Mr. Jeffrey’s favorite thing about teaching at VCS is that he is free to teach the whole truth about God and how He is involved in every facet of our lives.
Mr. Jeffrey enjoys bicycling, N-scale trains, and playing with his granddaughter, Lily. He has been involved in church music since he was saved. He plays the saxophone, flute, clarinet, and the piano. He is involved in his church worship team and practices at least one hour each day on his instruments.
Mr. Jeffrey’s favorite verse is John 15:4-5, “‘Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine; so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.‘”
Lydia Jones, Music
lnolandjones@victorycs.org
Raised by musical parents, Mrs. Lydia Jones grew up in Sacramento, and graduated from Del Campo High School. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance at Converse Women’s College, Spartanburg, SC, followed by a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance from New England Conservatory, Boston, MA. Mrs. Jones has performed with companies such as Shreveport Opera, Ashlawn Opera, and the Sacramento Opera. After becoming a mother, Mrs. Jones knew God was leading her away from performing and into teaching as a way to use the gifts God has given her. In addition to teaching at Victory, she maintains a private voice studio, and leads worship and directs the children’s choir at Christ Community Church in Carmichael.
Mrs. Jones loves spending time with her husband and children, enjoys cooking, dancing, and experiencing new things!
Her favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”
Peggy Marriott, Spanish
pmarriott@victorycs.org | (916) 488-5601 (ext. 304)
Mrs. Peggy Marriott is a graduate of California State University Sacramento with post graduate work at U. C. Davis. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish with a minor in Speech Communication. Mrs.Marriott previously taught at preschools in Turlock, California and Sacramento as she earned her degree. Additionally she was a teacher’s assistant for two years in a third/fourth grade class in Lincoln, California prior to coming to Victory in the fall of 1979.
Mrs. Marriott enjoys reading, working puzzles (crosswords, Sudoku, and all other types), gardening, spending time with her family and playing with Zorro, her cat. She “retired” in 2018 for 6 months and traveled across country for a month. After careful and prayerful consideration, she returned part-time to Victory in January of 2019. She loves teaching!
Her favorite passage is Philippians 4:4-8 “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known to all, the Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think on these things.”
Claudia Paduraru, English and Art
claudia.paduraru@victorycs.org
Mrs. Paduraru is originally from Romania. She graduated from Babeș-Bolyai University, a prestigious Transylvania university, where she earned a BA in English and French Language and Literature. After teaching ESL in Romania for a few years (mostly high school level), she moved to California and earned her California Teaching Credential for English. “As much as I love languages and literature, I love kids more, and Jesus the most!” Mrs. Paduraru declares. Along with her two children, Mrs. Paduraru joined Victory in 2023, where she is happy, honored and blessed to serve the Lord in JR/High School, shaping the hearts and minds of a new generation for Christ. When not in school, Mrs. Paduraru loves spending time with her family, reading, going on nature walks and kayaking, cooking delicious meals and tending to her plants.
The verses that drive Mrs. Paduraru’s life, whether in the classroom, at home, or out in the world, are Jesus’s words found in Matthew 22:36-39 –“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” and “You shall love your neighbor as Yourself.”
Natalie Richardson, JH/HS Math / AP Calculus
nrichardson@victorycs.org | (916) 488-5601 (ext.300)
Mrs. Natalie Richardson began teaching at VCS in 2005. She has her MAT. in Mathematics from the University of California, Davis. Before coming to Victory, she worked for the California Department of Water Resources, taught at Sacramento Country Day School, and taught at Sacramento City College. Mrs. Richardson and her husband have four children. All four children have graduated from VCS. Mrs. Richardson coaches junior varsity volleyball and elementary basketball, as well as advising the chess club and honor society. Her favorite part of teaching at Victory is the students.
Mrs. Richardson enjoys reading, sports, and Bible study in her free time.
Her favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:28, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.“
Nicole Thom, Biology / AP Biology / Chemistry / Physical Science
nthom@victorycs.org | (916) 488-5601 (ext.301)
Ms. Nicole Thom graduated in 2010 from Bethel University with a B.A. degree in physics and a B.S. degree in chemistry. She completed her M.S. degree in chemistry in 2012 at Pennsylvania State University. Before coming to Victory, Miss Thom was a teaching assistant and also worked as a Technical Aide at 3M.
Ms. Thom is excited to teach in an environment where she can teach science and talk about God.
Her favorite verses are Matthew 6:33-34, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Roger Welborn, Physics / AP Physics
rwelborn@victorycs.org | (916) 488-5601 (ext. 305)
Mr. Roger Welborn began teaching at VCS January of 2007. He has a B.S. in Physics from Texas A & M University. He has been a computer engineer for 30 years. Besides teaching Physics, he is involved in coaching golf and JV girls basketball.
Mr. Welborn has 3 daughters who have graduated from Victory. His favorite part about teaching at VCS is seeing students understand new concepts. Mr. Welborn has 3 brothers who are all ministers of the Gospel. Mr. Welborn enjoys astronomy, golf, and racewalking.
Mr. Welborn’s favorite verse is Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.“
Seth Williams, Secondary Teacher
seth.williams@victorycs.org
Mr. Seth Williams is a graduate from Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan. There he received his Bachelor of Arts in Accounting. He completed his Social Science Teaching Credential in 2008 at CSUSTANISLAUS. He has worked in Christian Schools since 2003.
Galatians 5:13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.