Hope Academy Staff
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KindergartenSamantha CraneSam has been teaching for 2 years at Hope Academy and was a substitute teacher at Corning Children's Center before that. She has four kids of her own, and loves finding fun ways to teach new things with games and activities. Her favorite thing to teach is writing. She has noticed that once students learn how to write they gain a world of confidence and new excitement.
"I love when students learn anything for the very first time. The way their faces light up in excitement when something clicks brings me so much joy!" |
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First GradeJennifer Royce
With an Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts from CCC and experience working in a daycare facility, after school care, summer kids programs with Americorp, babysitting jobs, the US Navy, adult education classes at Keuka College, and raising her own two sons, Jen is moving from a substitute teacher at Hope Academy to the full-time teacher of First Grade. Her experience and expertise are a valuable addition to the team, and her passion for helping people thrive makes her a perfect fit. Jen loves reading and teaching students how to read because leaders are readers!
"My favorite part of teachings is seeing students engage with one another and with adults with curiosity, compassion, and a desire to learn and grow." |
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Second GradeTeahl Baldwin
Before Teahl was a teacher at Hope, she was working in Pediatric Nursing. For the past two years, she has uncovered her passion for helping students discover what they can do and who they are! Phonics has become her favorite subject to teach as students grow in their confidence and ability to write out entire sentences and realize just how many things they can write! They love to write letters and cards to their friends and family. When she's not teaching, Teahl loves to be outside hiking, gardening, or adding to their family homestead.
"I love seeing students realize how capable and talented they are! It opens up a whole new world of learning as their confidence grows, not only in education, but in every area of their lives!" |
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Third GradeKelsey Schultes
Kelsey started teaching at Hope in 2018. She has her Bachelor's Degree in Marketing from Brockport where she worked in a daycare during her free time and is a mother of three. Her students love how she makes material fun and applicable while parents appreciate the time and attention she gives to knowing their children individually and calling them to be their best. Kelsey loves to teach math as a fun puzzle they get to solve and to uncover the cool things God made as she shares in their curiosity through science.
"It's so fun to see students go from 'I can't do this' to 'I've got this' over the course of the year. To look back and see how far they've come! It's the best!" |
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Fourth GradeJeannine Staller
Mrs. Staller has 10 years of experience in various roles at Hope Academy, from art teacher to substitute. All 5 of her children are alumni of our school, including Mrs. Pionessa, our 5th-8th grade English, History, and Spanish teacher. Mrs. Staller’s favorite subject to teach is math, helping students learn problem solving skills through the beauty and balance of numbers.
In her words, “My goal is to provide a loving and nurturing classroom that allows their education to be exciting and encourages their academic and personal growth.” |
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5th, 6th, 7th, & 8th Grades
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5th, 6th, 7th, & 8th Grades
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DramaEvelyn Schultes
Evelyn raised 5 kids through Hope Academy, taught Second Grade, and operated a small business for several years. Now she enjoys teaching Drama to all of the classes. She teaches them foundational skills in acting, emoting, memorizing, and public speaking all while producing a live play for parents and families of students to enjoy! Sometimes she even writes her own scripts, creates wardrobes, and choreographs dances!
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Art & TypingJess Hall
Jess has a Master’s of Science in Speech and Language Pathology from SUNY Fredonia and works as a Speech Pathologist when not teaching at Hope. She has worked with children in different capacities for 20 years. She is a youth leader at Grace Bible Baptist Church where her husband is pastor. She has three daughters who love Hope!
During Art, they learn foundational skills like coloring, cutting, color theory, drawing, painting, paper mache, art history, and more! She is always bringing fun new projects for the students to experiment with their creativity and put on display in the halls of the school! Jess also teaches basic computer skills during Typing to prepare students for research and writing papers. “It brings me joy to be a part of the team at Hope! I love watching students learn and grow into who God made them to be. There is never a dull moment. The energy the kiddos bring to school each day is contagious. They are sure to make you smile. The best part of teaching is that you never know what a day will bring. There’s room to grow here!” |
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LeadershipJacques Gakwaya
Jacques joined Hope Church staff in 2015. Prior to being on staff he was a part of inner city mission work in Pittsburgh. He has been the Hope Youth director since 2021. Jacques has always been passionate about people. He wants to see the next generation discover who God created them to be and find true freedom in Jesus. He believes all people belong in God’s family and are worthy of love, no matter your age or background. Leadership is an optional special that helps students to realize the influence they have to serve the people around them.
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Physical EducationJohn Cuomo
John began working at Hope Church in 2016 as the Business Director after graduation from Oneonta University. After many seasons of playing on a homeschool basketball league, he went on to coach the team for several years. He still enjoys playing pickup games every week. His passion for sports makes him an amazing Phys Ed teacher and is known by the students as Coach John. They learn the fundamentals of team sports, strategies, and coordination as well as different sports rules.
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