MOUNT HOPE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL - Key Persons


Ann DiFonte

Job Titles:
  • Assistant

Becky Doyle

Job Titles:
  • Receptionist

Bernie Driscoll

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Faculty and Staff

Beverly Picariello

Job Titles:
  • Receptionist

Brianna Lavery

Brianna is a recent graduate of Saint Michaels College located in Burlington, Vermont. During her time there she took early childhood education courses and really began to understand the importance of growth and development in the classroom. She is so excited to be joining the team at Mount Hope and pursuing her passion as a preschool teacher. Brianna is looking forward to creating a nurturing environment for all her students to come to every day! Brianna also enjoys hiking in the woods with her dog, going to the beach and spending time with her family and friends. Candy Kenton Preschool Red Room Prior to coming to Mount Hope, Candy worked in a law firm after receiving an Associates Degree from Aquinas College. Later she attended Middlesex Community College and obtained her Lead Teacher Certification. Candy has taught at Mount Hope since 2004 and is passionate about teaching her students anything and everything. She loves to see their enthusiasm when they relate what they learn to the world around them! Candy lives in Woburn with her husband and their three children, two of whom attended Mount Hope. In the summer you can find her at the beach and taking walks with her dog. Lee Pariseau Preschool Stay tuned, my bio is coming soon! Kimberly Johnson Kindergarten Kimberly is a recent graduate of Lesley University with a major in English and Education. She completed multiple teaching experiences in Medford, Cambridge and Burlington. With coming to Mount Hope, Kimberly has felt extremely welcomed and supported; She believes that a strong and nurturing community is an important aspect in creating a positive and expressive learning environment for all students. Kimberly enjoys spending time with her family, reading and being outside.

Connor Simpson

Job Titles:
  • Physical Education and Computers
Connor comes from a strong Christian education background, having attended Christian school since preschool. He completed his undergraduate degree in global business with a minor in sports management from Eastern Nazarene College. While attending ENC, Connor was a 4-year member of the varsity baseball team, serving as captain for his junior and senior year. Connor recently graduated with his Master of Education from Salem University in West Virginia. Coaching youth sports has been an important part of his life, coaching both baseball and basketball. Connor is looking forward to impacting the lives of students teaching both gym and computer classes, all the while aiming to support the Mount Hope Christian School mission of creating strong Christian students.

Donna Sweeney

Job Titles:
  • 1st Grade Assistant

Eliza Alex

Job Titles:
  • Preschool Assistant Teacher

Felicia Dela Cruz

Job Titles:
  • School Nurse
Felicia is a Graduate of Salem State College, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She has been a Cardiac Registered Nurse for 17 years, where she has had experience caring from Newborns to School-aged children, as well as Adult to Geriatric patients. Felicia came to Mount Hope as a parent, where her son is now a graduate. She appreciates the safe and loving environment Mount Hope provides for their children. Felicia believes that an encouraging and nurturing approach creates a positive atmosphere where children can feel the ability to express their needs and enjoy feeling happy and cared for while they are away from home. It makes her smile to see children laughing and having fun. During her free time, Felicia enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, helping others, cooking, and reading.

Fernanda Carvalho

Job Titles:
  • Preschool Assistant Teacher

Fred DeStefano

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Faculty and Staff

Helena Domingos

Job Titles:
  • Preschool Assistant Teacher

Janice Bertolami

Job Titles:
  • Preschool Assistant Teacher

Jay Titus

Job Titles:
  • Chairman of the Faculty and Staff

Jen Benson

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Vice - Principal
Jennifer has worked for several years at Mount Hope and worked in childcare for many years prior to joining the Mount Hope community. "I have enjoyed working with young children for as long as I can remember. I finally found my passion working in Kindergarten." She likes to create diverse learning opportunities for the students in the classroom, including learning centers to develop individual skills and group activities that encourage teamwork and communication. In her free time, Jen likes hiking with her husband and 2 children, cooking and playing word games.

Joe Freni

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Faculty and Staff
  • Administration

Karen Legrow

Job Titles:
  • Student Services

Karen Noonan

Job Titles:
  • Student Services

Karen Sullivan

Job Titles:
  • PRESCHOOL ASSISTANT TEACHER

Kathy Walton

Joanne graduated with an Early Childhood Education Associate Degree from Dean Jr. College, a Bachelors in Social Work from Wheelock College and Masters of Science in Administration from Boston University. She then received her EEC Lead Teacher Certification. She has worked at Mount Hope for 12 years: the first 8 as an assistant and the last 4 as a co-teacher in the blue room. Joanne loves working with the younger preschoolers as she believes that this age is so important for them to be able to form trust and bonding with teachers and peers. "Children who feel safe in their environment, will flourish and be ready for their next step." Joanne lives in Burlington with her husband and three children. Brigette Dinkel Preschool Stay tuned, my bio is coming soon! Kelsie Spear Preschool Stay tuned, my bio is coming soon! Marianne Ribeiro Preschool Stay tuned, my bio is coming soon!

Katie Anderson

Job Titles:
  • Preschool Assistant Teacher

Kayla D'Alleva

Job Titles:
  • 2ND GRADE ASSISTANT

Kristen Aurilio

Job Titles:
  • Food Services Coordinator

Kristen Baker

Job Titles:
  • Administration Toddler Town and Extended Care

Leanne Coppinger

Job Titles:
  • 1st Grade Assistant

Lisa Burns

Job Titles:
  • 2nd Grade Assistant

Margo Bunker

Crystal has worked with preschool, kindergarten and first grade students throughout the last twelve years. She earned a bachelor's degree from UMASS Amherst and a master's degree from American International College, both in Early Childhood Education. Crystal is excited to bring her love of learning through games to Mount Hope. In her free time, Crystal enjoys spending time with her husband, Tom, and travelling to Texas to visit her niece and nephews. Kendra Polson 1st Grade Kendra graduated from Eastern Nazarene College with her degree in teaching. She has been working at Mount Hope for more than 12 years. She has two children, one has graduated from Mount Hope and the other attends. Gabriella Paredes 2nd Grade A graduate from Salem State University with a Bachelors in Early Education and Psychology, Gabby joined Mount Hope in 2012. She completed her practicum and student teaching here and was subsequently hired as a lead teacher in the Preschool. Prior to coming to Mount Hope, Gabby worked at other EEC certified preschools. She worked in the public school system grades K-12 for two years as a substitute teacher. Gabby has over 15 years' experience working one on one with children with disabilities and with children from infancy to middle school as a nanny. Tricia Oliveira 2nd Grade Stay tuned, my bio is coming soon!

Marina Minasian

Job Titles:
  • Elementary Vice Principal / Vice Principal
Marina started her educational career at Mount Hope over twenty years ago. She taught preschool for many years along with mentoring and leading the professional development and curricular needs of the school. She is a graduate of Northeastern University with B.S. and holds Master's Degrees in Education and Early Education Leadership from Gordon College and Harvard School of Graduate Education. Marina is a certified national and international trainer of trainers in many aspects of education. She is passionate about tying spiritual skills with cognitive skills and enjoys teaching science, literature, and music. Marina enjoys being outdoors, playing piano, reading, traveling, and spending time with her three daughters, all of whom attended Mt. Hope Christian School.

Mary Lou Binnall

Job Titles:
  • Student Services

Meralis Rodgers

Job Titles:
  • Kindergarten Assistant Teacher

Michelle Kane

Job Titles:
  • Preschool Assistant Teacher

Michelle Milo

Job Titles:
  • Preschool Assistant Teacher

Nancy Paredes

Job Titles:
  • Finance Manager

Peggy Richardson

Job Titles:
  • 1ST GRADE ASSISTANT

Peter D'Agostino

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Faculty and Staff

Rebeca Lacerda

Job Titles:
  • Preschool Assistant Teacher

Rev. Elaine Driscoll

Job Titles:
  • Member of the School Board
  • Principal
Elaine Driscoll became Mount Hope Christian School's Principal in 1995. Leaving her role as a classroom teacher in the Arlington Public School system to join Mount Hope Christian School was a calling from God that she could not ignore. She went on to become certified as the Reverend Elaine Driscoll in her dedication to minister to the staff, children and families of the Mount Hope Christian School community. Her greatest responsibility is ensuring that every child who comes to Mount Hope has a chance to hear and respond to a clear presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She consistently works to maintain a school of excellence in academic education, social and emotional needs, and spiritual growth. Mrs. Driscoll and her husband live in Burlington and enjoy spending time with their two children and four grandchildren.

Sona Jeknavorian - CCO

Job Titles:
  • Director of Communications

Stephanie Woodward

Job Titles:
  • Preschool Assistant Teacher

Sue Forti

Job Titles:
  • Lead Teacher

Sue Ruff

Job Titles:
  • Assistant

Tina Magnisalis

Job Titles:
  • Lead Teacher

Zhenya Villa

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Faculty and Staff