Hope Academy Staff
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KindergartenSamantha CraneSam 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!" |
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First GradeEvelyn Schultes
Evelyn raised 5 kids through Hope Academy, taught Second Grade, and operated a small business for several years. Now Evelyn is excited to teach First Grade and also 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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Second GradeTeahl 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!" |
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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
Ms. J, as she is affectionately known, has 11 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 Grades
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5th, 6th, & 7th Grades
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Music & ChoirSam Stiles
More coming soon!
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Library/Computer ScienceAmanda 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. |
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Leadership & ChapelPastor 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.
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PrincipalPastor 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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