Hope Preschool Staff

Teacher
Whitney Gakwaya

Whitney taught Kindergarten for one year and helped to start Hope Preschool in 2022. She is passionate about making learning fun and coaching students through a challenging skill until they are finally successful at reaching their goals!

"I love seeing preschoolers excited to see their friends in the morning. They are always excited to work together on a puzzle or fun task!"​

Teacher
​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!"

Teacher
Nicolle Ferreira 

Nicolle has her AAS from Finger Lakes Community College and 5 years of experience with an after school program. This will be her first year at Hope Academy where she is looking forward to showing kids how what they learn can be applied in their lives, like using math and measuring while baking.

"I love seeing the creativity in children during playtime, like making pizza with pepperoni or a doughnut with sprinkles out of playdough."

Teacher
Mara Van Gorder

Tammara has an Associate's Degree in Human Services with 8 years in different childcare facilities as an assistant and head teacher. She has been teaching at Hope Preschool for 2 years and is also currently working on her Bachelor's Degree.

"My favorite thing is when the children develop and love any new skill like walking, crawling, or even being able to clean up after themselves or feed themselves."
Security Policies & Procedures