Who We Are:
Our Dedicated Staff & Board
Meet OCCLC’s passionate staff and board united in pursuing academic excellence at an affordable cost, grounded in christian principles.
Darrick Garcia
Chief Executive Officer
(714) 614-1025
Darrick is an experienced education professional passionate about bringing Christ to the educational system. With 29 years of service in the public school setting, Darrick has significantly influenced the lives of students, families, and staff in Orange and San Bernardino counties. He has held various roles throughout his career, including Special Education Teacher, Principal, and Assistant Superintendent.
Driven by his deep faith and desire to share the Gospel, Darrick seeks to bring Christian values and teachings to as many children as possible through the educational system. He is dedicated to growing Christian schools and learning centers, where parental choice, access, and affordability are prioritized.
Program Director
Sheila Dunphy, Ed.D.
(949) 939-1118
Sheila serves as Program Director at Orange County Christian Learning Centers (OCCLC), bringing twenty-five years of expertise in general and special education from public schools. She has led professional development, coordinated Student Study Team meetings, and crafted 504 Plans and Individualized Education Programs for diverse learners. Her community service includes volunteering at a state hospital, a residential home for disabled children, and a treatment center for teen mothers. She also served on a Special Education Steering Committee for correctional facilities.
Guided by a lifelong devotion to Jesus, Sheila supports OCCLC’s staff and parents in delivering Christ-centered education. She holds a Doctorate in Education from Walden University and an Education Specialist Credential. A wife, mother, and grandmother, Sheila enjoys long walks, reading, and jet skiing. Her goal is to equip students to serve Jesus throughout their lives.
Chief Financial Officer
Todd R. Taylor
Todd brings over twenty years of experience in operational and financial management. He has held leadership roles in strategic financial planning, treasury management, and risk management, demonstrating success in guiding companies through complex liquidity challenges, developing strategic plans, and optimizing financial operations across multiple industries. For several years, Todd has provided CFO services to non-profit organizations on a part-time and voluntary basis, emphasizing financial and strategic discipline.
A Certified Public Accountant, he holds a degree in accounting from California State University, Fullerton. Todd resides in Laguna Hills, California, with his wife of thirty-one years. His passion is to collaborate with OCCLC, leveraging his CFO experience to drive financial excellence and foster a culture of growth, supporting the mission of affordable, Christ-centered education.
Board Member
Willard "Bill" Dunlap
Bill Dunlap brings a wealth of leadership to Orange County Christian Learning Centers (OCCLC), championing faith-based education. With a 35-year tenure leading a Bible study and experience teaching 6th grade, Bill fosters spiritual and academic growth. His extensive board experience includes serving as a trustee for Menlo College (2012–13) and Trinity Law School (2015–17), as well as a term on the Newport Beach Planning Commission (2016–18), alongside 21 years as a vestry member at St. James Anglican Church. Bill’s faith drives his service on the Parkway Ford Heritage Mission board, where he trains students in metal fabrication while sharing the Gospel.
A USC graduate with a BA in History and a Contractor's License, Bill, married to Jann for 42 years, with three children and two grandchildren, restores antique cars and boats. He aims to expand OCCLC’s reach, promoting its Christ-centered homeschooling to local churches.
Board Member
Don Harper
Board Member
Robert “Bob” Juneman
Bob Juneman, a founding board member of Orange County Christian Learning Centers (OCCLC), brings seasoned leadership to advance Christ-centered education. With a 37-year career in financial services as a registered representative, branch manager, and regional director, he honed strategic and fiscal oversight skills, ensuring sound stewardship for donors. A USAF Captain and Air Traffic Control Officer for eight years, Bob developed disciplined leadership. His extensive board experience includes eight years on Costa Mesa’s Finance and Pension Advisory Committee and presidency of the Mesa Verde Homeowners Association. As chair of the Finance Committee at Mesa Verde United Methodist Church, his faith drives OCCLC’s mission to empower families.
A UCLA graduate (BS, Physical Education), Bob, married to Ginger with two children and six grandchildren, enjoys painting as a creative outlet. He aims to sustain OCCLC’s growth as an affordable, faith-based alternative to public schools.
Board Member
Lee Ramos
Lee Ramos, a founding board member of Orange County Christian Learning Centers (OCCLC), brings steadfast dedication to faith-based education. As board chair for Christ Church by the Sea Learning Center School, he empowers families with Christian values. Lee’s leadership includes eight years as Senior Commissioner for Costa Mesa and chair of the Orange County Historical Commission (both ending 2023), alongside ongoing service on the Southern California Women’s Recovery Council advisory board. His faith shines through volunteering with Laguna Beach Food Pantry and Mariners Church, supporting seniors and families.
A CSUF and Chapman College history major, Lee, married 55 years with two children and three grandchildren, cherishes a weekly men’s prayer group. He drives OCCLC’s mission to expand affordable, Christ-centered homeschooling, fulfilling founder Tom Pollitt’s vision to transform lives for God’s glory.
In Loving Memory: Tom Pollitt
Founder of Orange County Christian Learning Centers
Tom's Vision
Tom Pollitt, Founder and Executive Director of Orange County Christian Learning Centers, was a visionary leader driven by a deep passion for providing affordable, Christ-centered education. He recognized the growing need for an alternative to the public school system, where growing concerns about curriculum, policy, and parental rights were prompting families to seek other options. Tom's vision was to create a haven for these families, a place where their children could receive an excellent education grounded in Christian values.
In 2021, Tom's dream became a reality. He and a group of Christian business men and women, united in prayer, established Orange County Christian Learning Centers. Their mission was built on four core values:
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Affordability: Tom believed that Christian education should be accessible to all families, regardless of their financial situation. He worked tirelessly to keep tuition costs low, understanding the challenges faced by working parents, single parents, and homeschooling families.
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Christ-Centered Education: Faith was at the heart of everything Tom did. He ensured that biblical principles permeated the learning environment, with daily homeroom activities including pledges to the American and Christian flags, the Lord's Prayer, Bible memorization, and devotions emphasizing character development.
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Flexibility: Tom understood that children learn at different paces. The smaller class sizes, supported by a teacher and teacher's aide in each classroom, allowed for individualized instruction, enabling students to excel in their strengths and receive extra support where needed.
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Excellent Education: Tom was committed to providing a high-quality academic experience. He recognized that families had choices, and he was determined to offer a program that met and exceeded their expectations.
Orange County Christian Learning Centers began with 14 students in September 2021 and quickly grew, doubling in size by the end of the year. The success continued, with a second campus opening in Garden Grove in March. This rapid growth is a testament to Tom's dedication and the positive impact the learning centers had on the community.
Tom's commitment extended beyond administration. He fostered strong partnerships with local churches and recruited volunteer teachers, many of whom were retired educators eager to share their skills, talents, and experience in a Christian environment. His ability to connect with and inspire others was instrumental in building the foundation of Orange County Christian Learning Centers.
Tom's legacy lives on through the learning centers he founded. His passion for Christ-centered education, his commitment to affordability, and his dedication to providing a nurturing and academically challenging environment will continue to shape the lives of countless students for years to come.