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, MPA Candidate
Head of School
Adam Hubert, M.Ed.
Director of Student and Family Services
Athletics Director
Kristine Hammer, M.Ed., M.S.Ed. Candidate
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
Jacki Saslow, M.Ed.
Instructional Support Specialist
Accreditation Coordinator
Michael Robinson
Bookkeeper
TEACHERS
Amanda Robinson
Kindergarten Teacher
Berkeley Arias
Elementary Department Chair
1st Grade Teacher
Manasés Arias
2nd Grade Teacher
Abeba Merga, M.Ed.
K-2 Co-Teacher
Tanea Parker
3rd Grade Teacher
Sarah Cobb
4th Grade Teacher
Kimberly Hines
5th Grade Teacher
Dominick Pittman
Middle School Department Chair
3rd – 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Assistant Athletic Director
Anthony Del Priore
6th - 8th Grade Math Teacher
Susan Long, M.S.
6th - 8th Grade English Teacher
Gabrielle Warren
K – 4th Grade Outdoor
Education Teacher
Ansel Talbert
5th – 8th Grade Physical
Education Teacher
SPECIAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
Stephanie Weaver, MA
Special Education Teacher
Jacki Saslow, M.Ed.
Instructional Support Specialist
Accreditation Coordinator
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Vivian Mestre
Lead NEST Coordinator
Ava Gallant
NEST Support Staff
Trashawn Dennis
NEST Support Staff
Adam Hubert, M.Ed.
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
Hope Academy Annual Report
Every year, we look forward to sharing all the wonderful things happening in our school and our community. Our annual report honors God’s never-ending faithfulness by celebrating our students’ achievements and showcasing the work of our teachers, staff, and volunteers. Our community is vital to our growth, and we thank you for making Hope Academy a safe and vibrant place for children to become who God created them to be.
Board of Trustees
As the Board of Trustees of Hope Academy, we recognize that we have been entrusted with stewarding not only the school of today, but the school that future generations of children will experience. We are committed to strengthening and sustaining Hope Academy so it continues to faithfully serve children for years to come.
Susie Guhne
Interim Board President
Women’s Ministry Director
Former Director of Development, Hope Academy
David Childs
Treasurer
CEO, Spartan Planning
Gerard Clodomir
Board Secretary
Labor & Employment Attorney
Hope Alumni Parent
Charles Amisial
Head Stewardship Committee
Financial Advisor
Former School Guidance Counselor, Florida
Hope Parent
Tom Paulsen
Development Committee Member
Retired Associate Superintendent, Illinois
Michelle Brooks
Development Committee Member
Former Nurse Educator, New York
Hope Academy Volunteer
James Goins
Building & Ground Committee Chair
Production Manager, UNCG Auditorium
Lead Pastor, Rooted City Fellowship
Jeanna Hawkins
Head Stewardship Committee
Jane Trevey
Development Committee
Community Volunteer and Non-profit Board Service
Thomas Andrews
Finance Committee
Chief Accounting Officer at Smart Choice
Mattie Neese
Head of School
Hope Parent
Regina Clark
Founder and Board Emeritus
Retired
Marshall Benbow
Founder and Board Emeritus
Lead Pastor, Grace Community Church
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.