About Us
Hope Academy GSO provides children who have historically lacked access to high-quality Christian educational opportunities with a place to learn and grow. Our work is made possible through the generosity and support of our surrounding community.
Our Mission
Through the hope and power of Christ, we partner with families and the community to educate, encourage, and equip children for lifelong transformation.
Educate
We provide a strong academic foundation that challenges students to think critically, grow in confidence, and develop a love of learning.
Encourage
We encourage children to trust God’s plans for their lives, experience ongoing spiritual growth and formation, and know that they are uniquely and intentionally made for His purpose.
Equip
We prepare children not only for the next grade, but for lives of purpose, service, and impact.
Our Vision
Our children will know they are deeply loved by God and recognize their unique gifts. They will see themselves as part of God’s story at every stage of life and use their gifts to bring renewal to a broken world.
Faculty & Staff
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Mattie Neese
Head of School
Adam Hubert
Athletics Director
6th – 8th Grade Science Teacher
Director of Student and Family Services
Kristine Hammer
Director of Learning
Bre Johnson
Director of Marketing and School Engagement
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
Shawntina Dennis
Executive Assistant to the Head of School
Gayla Renslow
Donor Care
Administrative Support
TEACHERS
Amanda Robinson
Kindergarten Teacher
Berkeley Arias
Elementary Department Chair
1st Grade Teacher
Manasés Arias
2nd Grade Teacher
Abeba Merga
K-2 Co-Teacher
Kindra Chambers
3rd Grade Teacher
Sarah Cobb
4th Grade Teacher
Gabriel Tolson
5th Grade Teacher
Dominick Pittman
Middle School Department Chair
3rd – 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Assistant Athletic Director
Mary Elizabeth Caldwell
6th - 8th Grade Math Teacher
Susan Long
6th - 8th Grade English Teacher
Adam Hubert
Athletics Director
6th – 8th Grade Science Teacher
Director of Student and Family Services
Gabrielle Warren
K – 4th Grade Outdoor
Education Teacher
Ansel Talbert
5th – 8th Grade Physical
Education Teacher
SPECIAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
Stephanie Weaver
Special Education Teacher
Jacki Saslow
Instructional Support Specialist
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Vivian Mestre
Lead NEST Coordinator
Ava Gallant
NEST Support Staff
Deijah Mcauley
NEST Support Staff
Adam Hubert
Athletics Director
6th – 8th Grade Science Teacher
Director of Student and Family Services
Dominick Pittman
Middle School Department Chair
3rd – 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Assistant Athletic Director
KITCHEN & FACILITIES
Nikki Harris
Food Service
Tomeka Collins
Food Service
Joao Gomez
Facilities Support
Regina Carson
Van Driver
Board of Directors
Charles Amisial
Hope Parent
Michelle Brooks
Volunteer
James Goins
Pastor of Rooted City Fellowship
Gerard Clodomir
Hope Alumni Parent
Susie Guhne
Women's Ministry Director
Rich Newman
President at Pennybyrn
Tom Paulsen
Retired Experienced Educator
Barry Utesch
Chairman of the Board
Jeanna Hawkins
Statement of Faith
We believe in the only true God, the almighty Creator of all things, existing eternally in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, full of love and glory.
We believe in Jesus Christ, fully human and fully divine, who lived as a perfect example, who assumed the judgment due sinners by dying in our place, and who was bodily raised from the dead and ascended as Savior and Lord.
We believe in the unique divine inspiration, entire trustworthiness, and authority of the Bible.
We believe in the value and dignity of all people: created in God’s image to live in love and holiness, but alienated from God and each other because of our sin and guilt, and justly subject to God’s wrath.
We believe in Justification by God’s grace to all who repent and put their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.
We believe in the indwelling presence and transforming power of the Holy Spirit, who gives to all believers a new life and a new calling to fruitful service.
We believe in the unity of all believers in Jesus Christ, manifest in worshiping, witnessing and making disciples throughout the world.
We believe in the victorious reign and future personal return of Jesus Christ, who will judge all people with justice and mercy, giving over the unrepentant to eternal condemnation but receiving the redeemed into eternal life.
To God be the glory forever.