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About Us

Who We Are

Hillcrest Christian Academy is viewed as a ministry of Hillcrest Baptist Church under our Children’s Ministry Program. We strive to provide a regular association with other children of the same age in a Christian atmosphere. This Christian atmosphere will aid the children in their growth spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically.

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Classroom photo

Our Vision

To raise up generations of Christian leaders who transform
the community and the world for the glory of God.

Meet the Staff

We are blessed to have a dedicated and highly qualified faculty. Our teachers are passionate about their subjects and committed to helping each student reach their full potential.

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Ezekiel Turk

Principal

Pastors

Jim Johnson

Pastor of Administration

Seth Franke

Pastor of Worship

Gene Marsh

Pastor of Missions

Bruce Tarver

Pastor of Congregational Care

Eric Roberts

Pastor of Discipleship

Faculty/Staff
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Regan Frazier

Secretary

2 Year-Old Teachers
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Miranda Hoffpauir

Ericca Mendoza

Lucinda Damron

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Brittany Davis

3 Year-Old Teachers
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Amy Reeves

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Beverly Hebert

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Christine Norris

Destiny LaBarge

Jenna Perry

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Sara Stewart

Pre-Kindergarten Teachers
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Amanda Graham

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Laura Polk

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Amber Campbell

Pre-Kindergarten Aides
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Michele Hipps

Meghan Baumgardner

Jessica Best

Kindergarten Teachers
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Marlise Hövener

Brenda Gentry

1st Grade Teachers
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Julissa Pham

2nd Grade Teachers

Alli Stein

Kitchen Coordinator
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Terri Osgood

Our Core Philosophy

God

  • To develop love and passion for
    God in the heart of students.
  • To lead students to know the Lord Jesus Christ personally and intimately.
  • To develop an appreciation and love
    the for inerrant Word of God.

World

  • To teach students concerning the
    world as God’s handiwork.
  • To show God’s sovereignty
    in His creation.
  • To awaken a realization that God
    has a purpose for every life.
Gym photo

Man

  • To teach the biblical view
    of man - his creation, nature,
    history, and destiny.
  • To cultivate critical thinking.
  • To discover individual
    aptitudes and talents.
Gym photo

Truth

  • To show students the unity in all
    God’s truth, especially the
    truth of Scripture.
  • To aid students in learning
    how truth is known.
  • To develop the students’ ability
    to discern truth and error.
Classroom photo

Values

  • To point out that true values are
    rooted in an eternal God.
  • To lead students to know
    good from evil and to pursue that which is good.
  • To inspire an appreciation
    of worthwhile activities.
Prayer
read our statement of faith

About Hillcrest

Preaching the Gospel clearly and unashamedly. We love Jesus and we honor His Word, the Bible. Expect to be a part of a loving community that is serious about obeying the commands of Jesus to live holy lives and to share the Gospel with the world. We believe the Bible to be the inerrant Word of God, inspired by God, and it is the sole authority of our faith and practice.

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Ezekiel Turk

My name is Ezekiel Turk. This is my 10th year in education, and my first year as principal of HCA. I have been working behind the scenes with the school for a number of years, but I am excited to take on a more active role. I have a bachelor’s degree from Lamar University and a Master of Theological Studies from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. I live in Nederland with my wife Elise, to whom I have been married for 8 years, and my children Everly and Adelynn.

Regan Frazier

My name is Regan Frazier and this is my 4th year as a 2 year old teacher at Learning Hands. I have a Bachelors in Child Development and this is my 7th year teaching. I live in Fannett with my husband Bret and 3 kids. A few of my favorite things are coffee, spending time with family, reading, and chocolate.

Miranda Hoffpauir

My name is Miranda Hoffpauir. This is my first year teaching at HCA in the 2 year old class and I have previous experience in childcare. I live in Port Neches with my 2 daughters. Some of my favorite things include serving and fellowshipping at church, being with friends and family, and shopping.

Brittany Davis

My name is Brittany Davis. This will be my second year at Hillcrest but my first year teaching. I have over a decade of childcare experience and five years experience working in a classroom. Some of my favorite things are crafting, reading and trying new things.

Amy Reeves

My name is Amy Reeves and this is my 5th year at Learning Hands teaching in the 3 year old class. I live in Port Neches with my husband, Chris and our 2 children. A few of my favorite things are spending time with my family, Target, Hobby Lobby, Chick-fil-A and Sonic.

Beverly Hebert

My name is Beverly Hebert and I have taught at Learning Hands for 11 years. I  was previously a Pre-K assistant and I am currently a teacher in the 3 year old class. I live in Mid-County with my husband, Martin and have 4 kids and 5 grandkids. Some of my favorite things are traveling, gardening, reading, Sonic, Target and TJ Maxx.

Christine Norris

My name is Christine Norris and this is my second year as a 3 year old teacher at Hillcrest Christian Academy. I graduated from Lamar university with a bachelors degree in elementary education. I live in Nederland with my husband Kaleb and our 2 boys. A few of my favorite things are spending time with my family, crawfish, chick-fil-a and Amazon!

Sara Stewart

My name is Sara Stewart. This is my second year working at Learning Hands as the Kitchen Coordinator and Permanent Substitute. I have several years of childcare experience. I live in Nederland with my husband Johnathan and 3 kids. Some of my favorite things are going on adventures with my family, volunteering, playing board games, Baubles and Bliss, Ross and Mexican food.

Amanda Graham

My name is Amanda Graham and this is my 7th year at HCA. I have previously taught in the 2 and 3 year old class, and have been a pre-k assistant as well. This year I will be teaching science and social studies for the pre-k classes. I have an English degree from Texas A&M. I live in Nederland with my husband, Nick and our 4 children. Some of my favorite things are loaded teas, Chick-Fil-A, Target, reading and puzzles.

Laura Polk

My name is Laura Polk and I have taught for 15 years. This is my 9th year at Learning Hands as the Pre-K Math teacher. I graduated from Lamar University with my Bachelors in Elementary Education. I live in Nederland with my husband, John and our 2 daughters. A few of my favorite things are Bai drinks, Chick-Fil-A, cooking and Bath and Body Works.

Amber Campbell

My name is Amber Campbell. I am married to my husband, Jason and we have four beautiful children: Jackson, Lucas, Gwendolyn, and Maddox. I have 10 years of teaching experience at the elementary level. Teaching is definitely a passion of mine and I love kids. A few of my favorite things are Tex-Mex, Diet Dr. Pepper, and shopping!

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Michele Hipps

My name is Michele Hipps and this is my second year at HCA. This will be my seventh year in the classroom and I look forward to many more. I live in Nederland with my husband Tal and our 3 boys: Kyler, Kason, and Kowen. A few of my favorite things include spending time with my family, traveling, Mexican food, and reading.

Marlise Hövener

Hi, my name is Marlise Hövener and this is my second year of having the privilege to teach the Kindergarten class at HCA. I live in Bridge City with my husband, Dietrich, and our daughter, son and 2 dogs. Our heart’s desire is to bring God glory in each day of our lives. Some of my favorite things would be hot lattes, being outdoors and spending time with my family.

Julissa Pham

Hi, my Name is Julissa Pham and this is my 12th year teaching.  This is my first year at Hillcrest Christian Academy as the first grade teacher.  I have my bachelor’s degree in education from Lamar University.  I live in Nederland with my husband, Danny, and our three children, Noah, Elena and Jaxon. A few of my favorite things are family time, coffee and Target.

Terri Osgood

My name is Terri Osgood and I have taught at HCA for 11 years. I have worked in the classroom from 18 months to Pre-K assistant. I’m currently teaching in a 3 year old class. I live in Nederland with my wonderful husband Ronnie. We have been blessed with 5 amazing children. A few of my favorite things are serving at my church, traveling, going out to eat and spoiling our precious grandchildren.

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Rachel Sexton

My name is Rachel Sexton and I have been teaching for 12 years. This is my 5th year at Learning Hands and I am currently the Pre-K Science teacher. I graduated from Lamar with an Education degree in Kinesiology. I live in Port Neches with my husband, Cody and our 2 kids. A few of my favorite things are Mexican food, Amazon, working out, and playing with my kids.

Lindsay Freeman

My name is Lindsay Freeman and this is my 9th year teaching at Learning Hands. I previously taught as a Pre-K assistant and I am currently a teacher in the 3 year old class. I live in Bridge City with my husband, John and our son. Some of my favorite things are spending time with my family, being outdoors, crafting, Target and coffee.

Kayla Melancon

My name is Kayla Melancon and this is my first year teaching at Learning Hands. I am currently a 3 year old teacher with 3 years of child care experience. I live in Nederland with my husband Mike and our 2 kids. Some of my favorite things are hunting, Taco Rey, Amazon and coffee.

Morgan Watts

My name is Morgan Watts and this is my 3rd year teaching at Learning Hands in the 3 year old class. I graduated from Lamar with a Bachelors degree in Education. I live in Port Neches with my husband, Nick and our 4 daughters. A few of my favorite things are golfing, My Tribe Nutrition and Target.

Jessica Sifuentes

My name is Jessica Sifuentes and this is my first year teaching at Learning Hands in the 3 year old class. I live in Bridge City with my husband, Juan and our 2 children. A few of my favorite things are funny movies, Target, Amazon, coffee and candles.

Connie Johnson

My name is Connie Johnson and I have taught at Learning Hands for 11 ½ years as a 2 year old teacher. I am married to my husband, Tommy, and have 2 children and 1 grandchild on the way. Some of my favorite things are coffee, Sonic sweet tea, sweet and salty snacks, Walmart and puzzles.

Amber Harwood

My name is Amber Harwood, and this will be my 5th year at Learning Hands and 4th year as the Assistant Director. I graduated from Lamar University with a Bachelors degree in Education and I also have my Lifetime Director Certification. I live in Nederland with my husband, Carey, and 2 daughters. A few of my favorite things are spending time with my family, crafting, Chick-Fil-A and chocolate.

Didi Serna

My name is Didi Serna and I am the Director of Learning Hands Preschool. I’ve been married to my husband, Frank, for 16 years and we have 3 children. I have been with Learning Hands since 2014 and this is my 5th year as Director. During my time at Learning Hands, I have obtained my Lifetime Director Certification. My goal is to provide our preschoolers with the best education program, while laying a strong Christian foundation. A few of my favorite things are going to the movies, Jason’s Deli, Target and manicures/pedicures.

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Hillcrest Christian Academy endeavors to equip students to embrace biblical truth, strive for academic excellence, and model Christ-like leadership to influence their homes, communities, and the world for Christ.