"Teach a child in the way they should go and when they are old, they will not depart from it" -Proverbs 22:6
Meet the Director
Venera Manuli-Molina
Owner & Director, Venera, grew up in Deep River, CT and has worked in the field of Early Childhood Education professionally for the past 15 years. Venera earned her Bachelor's Degree in Sociology with a minor in Child Psychology and went on to teach Preschool upon graduating from Eastern CT State University. She obtained her Head Teaching Certification from the Office of Early Childhood & went on to obtain her Director's Credential.
Venera's passion for teaching and creating curriculum led her to become the Director of Christian Child Care Center in Branford, CT. Her dream has always been to own a Bible-based Preschool in the tri-town area. In Fall of 2022, that dream became a reality when she opened Hope Preschool!
She holds the scripture from Joshua 1:9 close to her heart:"Be strong & courageous, do not be afraid - for the Lord will be with you, wherever you go"
Meet the Teachers
Chris Waters
Pre-K Teacher
Ms. Chris has been working in the field of Early Childhood Education for the past 36 years; she earned her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education.
She loves to see the world through the eyes of a child; she finds it rewarding & a privilege to be able to watch children grow and discover new things! Ms. Chris' favorite Bible verse is Romans 12:12 - "Rejoice in hope, be patient in trubulation, and be constant in prayer"
Amber Golanski
Pre-K Teacher
Ms. Amber holds a Master's degree in Education and has been working in the field of Early Childhood Educaton for the past 26 years.
Her favorite thing about working with children is seeing the light in their eyes when they accomplish new tasts! Her go-to Bible verse is found in Romans 12:18 - "If it is possible, as as it depends on you - live at peace with everyone"
Payton Howser
Preschool Teacher
Ms. Payton has worked in the field of Early Childhood Education since 2017; she has earned a Bachelor's Degree in Child Studies. Ms. Payton also obtained a Head Teaching Certification from the Office of Early Childhood.
She has always loved working with children because of how rewarding it is; seeing a child succeed and reach their fullest potential is one of the best feelings to her! Ms. Payton's go-to Bible verse comes from Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you; plans to prosper & not to harm you - plans to give you a hope and a future"
Erin Murphy
Preschool Teacher
Ms. Erin has been working in the field of Early Childhood for the past 29 years; she has a Bachelor's degree in Child Studies. Ms. Erin also obtained a Head Teaching Certification from the OEC.
Her favorite part about working with children is witnessing the pride that they exude when trying something new! Ms. Erin's favorite Bible verse is Psalm 46:5 "God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day"
Samantha Sweet
Curriculum Coordinator
Ms. Sam holds her Bachelor's degree in Education; she is a certified Montessori teacher who has been working with children since 2019.
She is passionate about guiding children toward independence, self-pride, and becoming caring citizens in their communities! Ms. Sam's favorite Bible verse is - "Do to others as you would have them do to you" from Luke 6:31.
Danielle Vercillo
Substitute Teacher
Ms. Danielle holds a Masters Degree in Education; she has 25 years of experience working in the education field and obtained her Head Teaching Certification from the Office of Early Childhood.
She loves seeing a child's eyes light up when something becomes meaningful to them! Ms. Danielle's go-to Bible verse is Matthew 5:14 "You are the light of the world...let your light shine before others"
Mary Lewis
Substitute Teacher
Ms. Mary holds a Bacherlor's Degree in Elementary Education; and has over 30 years of experience working in the field of Early Childhood Eduaction.
What she loves most about working with children is their enthusiasm and sense of wonder! Ms. Mary's go-to Bible verse is Matthew 5:14 "You are the light of the world...let your light shine before others"