For Christina and her family, Manuia has become a home away from home. After relocating from the Bay Area to Roseville, they found the sense of community and belonging they had been searching for. Since enrolling her daughter, Penny, in October 2023, Christina has been an active member of Manuia, supporting costume making, volunteering at performances, participating in Mehura classes, and discovering her passion for Polynesian drumming.
As Manuia Rocklin’s Drumming Lead, Christina brings a unique combination of technical expertise, educational experience, and enthusiasm for teaching. A licensed Civil Engineer with over a decade of experience, she has developed strong analytical, mathematical, and organizational skills that translate naturally to understanding rhythmic patterns, timing, and musical arrangements. She applies these strengths by learning new drumming material, creating detailed drumming tabs, and sharing her knowledge to help fellow students develop their skills.
Christina also works as a Transitional Kindergarten Aide at a local elementary school, where she supports a classroom of 20 five-year-olds. Her experience in education has strengthened her patience, communication, and ability to break down complex concepts into approachable lessons. These qualities, combined with her engineering background, make her well-suited to lead drumming practices, guide students through new material, and foster a positive, collaborative learning environment.
A dedicated team player, Christina finds joy in helping others learn and succeed. Her enthusiasm for drumming is infectious, and she is grateful for the opportunity to contribute her talents while continuing to grow alongside Manuia’s drummers.
Outside the studio, Christina lives a faith-centered life and enjoys spending time with her husband, Chris, and their daughter, Penny. When she finds a rare quiet moment, she loves indulging in snacks and catching up on her favorite K-Dramas on Netflix!
Christina Manuel


