Our Teachers | Hope Christian Schoo

Our Team.

At Hope Christian School, we believe the foundation of exceptional education lies in the dedication of our staff. Our team of experienced and certified educators is the heart of our program, continually going above and beyond to create a nurturing and stimulating learning environment. Each teacher brings unique skills and a personal commitment to ensure every child is well-prepared for their educational journey. From shaping young minds to fostering the spirit of curiosity, our staff is committed to instilling Christian values and academic excellence, making Hope Christian not just an educational institution but a home away from home for your child.

Meet Our Staff

Judy Canfield

Director

I am proud to be the Director of Hope Christian School. I have been in the Early Childhood field as teacher and director in New Jersey for over 40 years. I have my Bachelor of Arts degrees in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. I have my Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and my New Jersey State School Supervisory Certificate. It is an honor to be part of this family of wonderful teachers and staff and in a school with a 60+ year tradition of excellence in offering quality educational programs to the children of the community!

Jennifer Bandilla

Assistant Director

I have been in the Early Childhood Education Field for over 20 years as a Teacher, as well as an Assistant Director. I have my Teaching Certification through Rasmussen College. I believe that all children deserve to have a happy and safe Educational Environment in which they can learn and thrive! I am very happy to be a part of Hope Christian School! When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with my husband and 4 children.

Cheryl Hurd

Office Administrator

Cheryl started at Hope in 2017, taking over for the very well known and loved former Administrator, Wanda Nebiolo.

She lives in Freehold NJ with her daughter, Adalyn, and a few rescue animals. Outside of work, Cheryl has a huge passion for animals, tattoos and travel, a love for word games, puzzles, sunrises, waterfalls, the beach and spending time with family of course!

Cheryl plans to be part of the HLC team for a long time, so stop in and say "Hi" if you haven't already!

Ed Kropa

Pastor of Hope Lutheran Church

Pastor Edward Kropa (Pastor Ed) is the Leader of Hope Lutheran Church. Pastor was raised here in Freehold Township before moving out of state. The pastor has fond memories of Hope Christian School as his mother, Gloria Kropa, was the first-ever teacher of Hope Christian School! During his 32 years of pastoral leadership, Pastor Ed and his wife Jeanette have served 6 churches and raised 3 daughters. He is excited to be back in Freehold and to be helping keep Hope Christian school anchored in Faith!

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Josh Renik-Staudinger

Director of Faith Formation and Music at Hope Lutheran Church

Josh Staudinger joined Hope Lutheran Church in 2019 as Minister of Music, bringing 30 years of experience playing piano and organ. He serves as Hope’s organist and choir director and has helped grow the music ministry through the contemporary worship service and praise band. Josh is also actively involved with Hope’s youth and family ministries and Hope Christian School. Outside of church, Josh teaches piano and enjoys traveling and spending time with his husband, Karol, and their two dogs, Ayva and Pluto.

Eileen Flohr

Teacher

I teach 3 year olds and 4 year olds at Hope Christian School. I graduated from Seton Hall University with a BS in Education. I am a NJ Certified Teacher with certification in Early Childhood (Pre-K) as well as Elementary Education (K-8). I am a certified Catechist and have been teaching CCD for over 30 years.

I am happily married with 3 children. I have taught primary grades in addition to teaching for over 25 years at HCS. My favorite color is RED and my favorite book is the Giving Tree. I love collecting sea glass at the beach and listening to Christian music. During the summer months, you can catch me reading, gardening and cuddling with my dog, Buttercup. Thank you, God for allowing me to joyfully teach children at Hope Christian School.

Melissa Tempest

Teacher

Mrs. Tempest teaches the 3 year olds at Hope Christian School. She has a Bachelor's Degree from the College of Staten Island in Psychology and her Master's Degree in Education. Mrs. Tempest and her husband have two daughters and a son. Mrs. Tempest has been with Hope Christian School as a parent since her daughter's Mommy & Me days over 12 years ago. Her classroom is full of her boundless energy and creativity!!

Rachel Colbert

Teacher

I am happy to be teaching at Hope Christian School. Prior to coming here, I taught Pre-K for the past 20 years and was also a tutorial Phonics Teacher. I have my teaching certification from Rasmussen College.

When not at school, I enjoy spending family time at home with my husband and 5 children.

Shannon Imregi

Teacher

I come to Hope Christian with a Master's of Arts in Teaching from Simmons University in Boston and almost 15 years of teaching experience specifically in early childhood and literacy development. I've served as a classroom and resource teacher, an adjunct professor, and most recently a literacy coach, working with teachers to implement Best Practices in K-3 classrooms. In my free time, I enjoy gardening, and spending time with my ten year old son, husband and very energetic dog, Maggie!

Dana Tabone

Teacher

Hope Christian School has a special place in my heart as both my children attended here and I

was very grateful when I was given the opportunity to also work here. I have my Bachelors from

Ramapo College and Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. I believe that the most

important thing I can do as a teacher is provide a safe and loving environment for the children

while also teaching them. In my free time you can catch my husband Joe and I at the soccer

fields cheering on my son or dance competitions cheering my daughter on

Christina Labrit

Teacher

I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Dance from The College of Staten Island. Afterwards, I received my Masters Degree in Special Education from Grand Canyon University. I am a New Jersey certified teacher originally from New York, where I taught for 9 years. I moved to Freehold a few years ago with my husband and three little girls. I am so excited for another great school year of fun and learning here at Hope Christian School, while making lasting memories!

Justine Denino

Teacher

I am so excited to be back at Hope Christian School! I have both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Education and am certified in Early Childhood Education and Special Education in both New York and New Jersey.

Before coming to Hope, I taught students in grades K–3. I then joined the Hope family, where I had the joy of teaching our three-year-old program. After taking some time away to be with my family, I am thrilled to be back!

This year, I am excited to take on a new role teaching the four-year-old program. I am looking forward to getting to know my students and their families, creating a fun and nurturing classroom environment, and making this a wonderful year of learning and growth!

Kimberly Mazan

Teacher

Annie Smith

Teacher

I am a dedicated and compassionate educator with extensive experience working with children in early childhood education, dance instruction, and recreational settings. Skilled in creating engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences while fostering positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Dance and Business Management from Manhattanville University. I am now pursuing a Master of Education in Elementary Education and Special Education from Grand Canyon University. In my free time I like to dance, spend time with my family and dog Penny, do yoga, and travel. I am so excited for my journey here at Hope Christian School and look forward to making lasting memories within the school!