Jenny Levine, Director
Jenny is beyond thrilled to join the Hope Ridge community for her 2nd year after experiencing the other side of Hope Ridge as a Preschool parent during the 2022-2023 school year.
Jenny received her Bachelor’s Degree from Baldwin Wallace University and has worked with children in various educational settings for over 10 years. She currently lives in Fairport Harbor with her husband of 12 years and her two children.
She is excited to bring her love of children and learning to Hope Ridge. She is dedicated to creating an inclusive, play-based learning environment that encourages children to be creative, social, and confident learners. She truly understands the importance of a strong connection between not only the church and the preschool in this shared ministry, but also between school and family to continue to make Hope Ridge a place “where children love to learn and learn with love”.
Hannah Barnes
Hannah is a recent high school graduate, and has always had a heart for helping young children grow, play, and feel seen.
She especially enjoys using creativity—through crafts, painting, and storytelling—to make learning fun and meaningful. Hannah loves reading, fitness and spending time with friends and family. Most importantly, her faith is a big part of who she is, and she feels grateful to be part of an environment where kids are loved just as they are.
Michele Blakeslee
Michele has been working in Early Childhood Education for over 15 years and received a bachelors degree in Education. She currently lives in Fairport Harbor with her husband and their 8 year old daughter. She also has a Basset Hound named Norman. Outside of work, Michele loves to spend time with her family, enjoys coffee, and taking family strolls to the local ice cream parlor. This is Michele’s first year teaching at Hope Ridge Preschool and is looking forward to the new school year.
Rachel Bordonaro
Rachel Bordonaro has a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toledo and has worked in early childhood as an intervention specialist for 9 years. She lives in Concord with her husband, 10 year old son, and 7 year old daughter. She is loves being in the preschool classroom!
Marcia Kubiak
Marcia Kubiak is new to working in preschool. She holds a Bachelors and a Masters degree from Gannon University in Erie, PA. Marcia and her husband Mark live in Painesville with their daughter Claire and son Evan (a recent Hope Ridge graduate). When she is not at Hope Ridge, Marcia enjoys being a mom, reading, crafting, and spending time outdoors with her family.
Emma Hildebrecht
Emma has enjoyed more than 15 years working with preschoolers, and although she has had experience with all age groups, three-year-olds are her absolute favorite! In 2005 she graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. Emma lives in Concord with her husband and their three boys, Connor, Cody and Colton. Aside from working with children, she loves reading, online shopping, hiking, and camping with her family.
Jennifer Loparo
Jennifer Loparo has been in elementary education for 15 years as a teacher aide and librarian. Prior to that, she had the privilege of being a stay-at-home mom to her two children. She received her bachelor's degree in history from Paul Quinn College in Dallas, Texas. She currently lives in Mentor, Ohio with her husband and enjoys spending time with her two adult children (one of whom is a Hope Ridge Alum) and taking her two dogs for a walk. Books are her passion, and she is looking forward to sharing her love of children's literature with the students at Hope Ridge.
Chelsea Nay
Chelsea Nay has a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. She currently lives in Kirtland, Ohio with her husband and 4 kids, all of whom have attended Hope Ridge preschool and loved it. She's so excited to be back in the classroom as a Lead Teacher as well as an Assistant Teacher. She loves attending her kids activities, taking walks, reading, and family game night.
Sharyce Newby
Sharyce has an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Development and over 20 years’ experience as a teacher/assistant in preschool classrooms. She is passionate about supporting young children as they learn and grow in a caring environment.
She lives in Mentor and is a mom of three (21, 20 and 16). In her spare time, she enjoys life with her husband, a good book, and road-trips around the US whenever she gets the chance.
Stacey Shaver
Stacey has been teaching at the preschool level for the over 22 years! She maintains a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Notre Dame College of Ohio. Stacey is passionate about learning what is new in the field and has attended numerous conferences to remain up to date in early childhood education. Stacey and her husband live in Middlefield. She enjoys walking their dog, traveling, watching movies, and spending time with friends and family.
Sharon Smith
Sharon lives in Painesville Township, She enjoys crafts and taking care of her Koi pond. She has been involved with the Ohio Department of Education for over 40 years . In August 2020, she retired as the Transportation Director for Deepwood in Mentor. She has also worked for Riverside local school district as a certified bus driver and certified onboard instructor for 30 years. She taught children safety and taught adults to become certified bus drivers. Her safety of children paired with hands-on skills with special needs will be beneficial in the classroom.
Meg Wolowiecki previously worked as assistant teacher here at Hope Ridge. She is currently the Administrative Assistant. She resides in Mentor and has two wonderful sons. She is thrilled to be here and a part of Hope Ridge Preschool!.