"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 14 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
Kathy Burns
Pre-K Teacher
Ms. Kathy has been working in the field of Early Childhood Education for 33 years. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology & Associate's Degree in Human Services; Ms. Kathy also obtained her Head Teaching Certification from the Office of Early Childhood.
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She loves being able to witness the children's confidence grow - hearing a child say: "I did it!" is the best feeling for her! Ms. Kathy's go-to Bible verse is Proverbs 3: 5 & 6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight"
Christine Waters
Pre-K Teacher
Ms. Chris has been working in the field of Early Childhood Education for the past 35 years; she earned her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. ​
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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 tribulation, and be constant in prayer"
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Payton Howser
Preschool Teacher
Ms. Payton has worked in the field of Early Childhood Education for seven years; 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 Matthew 19:26 "With God, all things are possible"
Alanna Kelly
Preschool Teacher
Ms. Alanna has been working in the field of Early Childhood since 2016; she is currently working towards a degree in Psychology.
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She loves being able to create meaningful bonds with children in her care; getting to witness them develop & learn new skills is one of the best parts for her! Ms. Alanna's favorite Bible verse is Psalms 25:5..."Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long"
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.
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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 & Bachelor's Degree in Psychology; she has 25 years of experience working in the education field and obtained her Head Teaching Certification from the Office of Early Childhood.
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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"