Our Teachers, Staff & Volunteers : Templeton Hills Adventist® School Templeton CA

Our Teachers & Staff & Volunteers

Grace Sanchez - Principal, Teacher K-5

Meet Grace Sanchez
THAS Educator & Advocate for Christ-Centered Learning

Grace Sanchez joins THAS with more than 20 years of rich and diverse experience in education, bringing a passion for nurturing both the hearts and minds of children. Hailing from the San Diego and Los Angeles areas, Grace has served in a variety of educational settings — from Early Intervention services to Community Court Schools, Juvenile Detention Centers, and K–12 public schools. She also served as a Garden & Nutrition Education Specialist for a nonprofit, helping students connect healthy living with hands-on learning.

Throughout her career, Grace has embraced a wide spectrum of roles that have allowed her to support children across all age groups, partner with multidisciplinary teams of therapists, and engage with families from diverse backgrounds. Her work with community organizations has been rooted in a deep commitment to personalized early intervention, ensuring each child is met where they are — and guided forward with care, speed, and excellence. Her creative approach to teaching includes designing and implementing dynamic, inclusive lesson plans that engage learners of all styles and needs.

Grace holds a Master’s degree in Teaching with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction. She also carries a California State Teaching Credential and an SDA Professional Certificate. Her guiding philosophy is grounded in her belief that “a quality education in a Christ-filled environment” can change the course of a child's life. She deeply values the connection between a child’s spiritual growth and their academic and social development.

As she often reflects, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6) — a verse that captures the heart of her mission. She sees her role as not only an educator, but as a builder of strong, faith-filled foundations that prepare children for life’s challenges and joys.

Beyond the classroom, Grace is an enthusiastic advocate for STEAM education and healthy lifestyles. Through her volunteer work with the STEAM Outreach Program, she has partnered with government and professional organizations to promote science literacy in underrepresented San Diego communities. She has also proudly contributed to events such as the San Diego State University Robotics Fair.

Today, Grace makes her home in Paso Robles with her husband, Rich. In her free time, she loves reading, running, cooking, hiking, and exploring new places — always eager to keep learning, growing, and living life with purpose and passion.