Hope Academy Staff

Kindergarten & First Grade

Samantha Crane

Sam has been teaching for 3 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!"

Second & Third Grades

Teahl Baldwin

Before Teahl was a teacher at Hope, she was working in Pediatric Nursing. For the past three 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!"

Fourth Grade

Alexus Chase

Alexus has an Associate's Degree in Math & Science. She also has 10 years of prior experience in the childcare industry. On Sundays, you can find her in our Hope Kids environments with the babies. She has taught at Hope Preschool for the last 2 years and loves how much fun the kids are! She enjoys getting to help them conquer so many new skills and learn so much!

"I love when they learn something new, and it's all they want to talk about because they are just so excited! It's so sweet to listen to them be so thrilled about what they just discovered!"

5th, 6th, & 7th Grades
​Health & Science

Hannah Cuomo

Hannah earned a Bachelor's in Biology and a Master's of Science in Teaching Adolescent Science from Oswego as well as 2 years of teaching experience at Watkins Glen Central School before joining the team at Hope Academy in 2023. She also worked as a swim coach for students from 5 years old to a collegiate team. She taught science and forensics and always had students requesting to take her classes. Her favorite class is science because she is fascinated by the way God created things to live and rely on each other and their environments.

"I love getting to watch as different topics spark new passions in students and when they ask questions that lead us down a path of curiosity and discovery. They become so engaged, and I love it!"

5th, 6th, & 7th Grades
​ELA, History, & Spanish 

Marissa Pionessa

Marissa has Bachelor's Degrees in Adolescence Education and Social Studies as well as a Master's in Literacy from birth through 12th Grades. She has been teaching at Hope Academy since 2016 and loves teaching History, the fascinating story of peoples' lives through time. She uses it as a way to teach students to find God in moments of life that feel uncertain and to look back and see His faithfulness. All of history points to the goodness of Jesus.

"I love watching students take on challenges in new skills, fresh mindsets about themselves, and subjects (even ones they might not like). I love when they see themselves accomplish something that they didn't think they were capable of. Thinking they can't, but realizing they can!"

Library/Computer Science

Amanda Basabakwinshi

Amanda has been a member of Hope Church for nearly 20 years, and all three of her
children attended Hope Academy. With experience as a substitute teacher at Hope
Academy and (many other schools) and a background in research, knowledge
management and information security, she brings a unique blend of skills to the classroom. This year, she will be teaching computers, focusing on digital literacy, well-being, and skill development. She previously worked at Corning Incorporated, where she managed knowledge and information security for a large team of  scientists and engineers. Her goal is to create an engaging and supportive learning environment for all students. She holds a master’s degree in education from Elmira College with a concentration in Biology. Outside of teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the outdoors, and participating in community service.

Leadership & Chapel

Pastor Jacques 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.

Principal

Pastor Noah Schultes

Noah started working at Hope Church in the summer of 2015 after graduating from Corning Community College with an Associates in Engineering Science. He also attended Hope Christian Academy from Kindergarten through 8th grade before going to Corning High School. Noah and Rachelle met at Hope Church, got married in 2018, and love adventures with their son. Rachelle is a full-time Nurse Practitioner. She comes from a legacy of family missionaries around the world, and Noah grew up going to Hope Church. He is passionate about the purpose that Jesus has given to him: to help others find and grow in their purpose connected to Jesus and to experience His freedom and grace in their lives.

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