Faculty Biographies
Middle School
Developmental Years
Developmental Years
Karl Blanke
Headmaster and 6th, 7th & 8th Grade Teacher
Karl Blanke is himself a product of Christian education. He completed 8th grade at Redeemer Lutheran in Ontario, California, and is an alumnus of Lutheran High School of Orange County. He completed his Bachelor of Arts at the University of Oklahoma where he majored in Letters and conducted research in the foundations of mathematics. He holds his Juris Doctorate from Georgetown University. He has served as an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps, a trial attorney, a wrestling and rugby coach, and as a Christian educator. Prior to starting Lux Christi Academy, Karl taught mathematics and Latin at the university, high school, and junior high level.
Developmental Years
Developmental Years
Developmental Years
Angie Apodaca
TK- Kindergarten
Angie Apodaca has a background in early childhood education and has been teaching preschool for over 30 years. Angie has been at Ramona Lutheran Church and School for five years now as the Preschool Director and previously served as the director for two preschool programs in Poway/Carmel Mountain. Angie is a Ramona native and has three beautiful daughters and three grandchildren who live here in Ramona. Angie is an avid hiker, camper, and loves spending time with friends and family.
Early Elementary
Developmental Years
Karina Cahill
1st & 2nd Grade Teacher
Karina Cahill completed her elementary and preparatory education in Mexico. During her service in the United States Marine Corps, serving as an Electro-Optics Ordinance Chief, she completed her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland. While serving in Japan she volunteered as the English club teacher for Tengan Shogako (a public Japanese school), held private tutoring sessions and taught at Christian summer camps for many years. She worked at the Bechtel Elementary School at Camp McTeoreous, the DoDEA Pacific South District in Okinawa, Japan. Before achieving her master’s degree in education she served as the early development coordinator at DaVinci Elementary School helping students with autism spectrum disorder among other disabilities. Upon her return from overseas, she decided to home school her children until she encountered Ramona Lutheran School where she currently serves.
Middle Elementary
Sara Collison
3rd & 4th & 5th Grade Teacher
Sara Collison completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Ashford University. She holds a Masters of Education from National University and her Teaching Certificate from Moreland University. Sara has been teaching for fourteen years in both Alaska and California. She has also been in youth leadership positions for both Tierrasanta Lutheran Church and Wasilla Lake Christian School. In her free time, she enjoys coaching softball, soccer, high school cross country, and traveling. Prior to her call to teacher, Sara was a college admissions counselor, corporate trainer and regional director for a communications company.
Agriculture
Agriculture
Bird
3rd & 4th & 5th Grade Teacher
Bird Maxwell possesses a comprehensive background in holistic childcare, with a focus on nurturing all facets of child development—spiritual, intellectual, and relational. Her teaching experience is rooted in the Charlotte Mason education model, and she brings ten years of experience in environmental science and nutrition. Having worked as a childcare professional for five years, Bird transitioned into agricultural education, where she specializes in organic and regenerative farming practices. She is dedicated to hands-on learning and fostering character development through responsibility, such as farm animal husbandry. She has a deep passion for health, God's creation, and is dedicated to nurturing children’s minds through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.