Kim Barber – Director & Transitional Kindergarten Teacher
Kim served as both a teacher and, later as E-Kids Coordinator, for Emerge Church from 2015 – 2020. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Special Education from the University of North Texas. She holds a Master’s Degree in Teaching and Curriculum from Penn State University as well as a Director’s Credential. While working on her second Master’s program at Penn State, she had to imagine a program where she would be the director, designing an entire portfolio about the program she was envisioning. It was at that time that the idea for a school at Emerge began. Kim is excited for the future of Emerge Academy and is looking forward to the positive impact it will have on our local community. Kim has four children and lives with her husband Craig in Hanover.
Renatta Brice – 2/3 Grade Teacher
Renatta Jones-Brice (Mrs. Brice) was born and raised in Pontiac, Michigan, USA. She recently moved to Hanover, PA with her family. She is a dedicated mother, minister, educator and wife.
Mrs. Brice currently holds an Associates of Arts in Business along with a Bachelor and Master of Science in Psychology. She began her teaching career with National Heritage Academies in 2011 as a substitute teacher and has since worked as an intervention & special education paraprofessional, tutor, coach and most recently classroom teacher. She has a passion for differentiated learning as well as assisting at-risk youth and families in achieving academic and life skills success. She truly believes that even though every child learns differently, every child can learn.
In addition to Renatta’s educational accomplishments and ministerial endeavors, she is a published author and poet. In 2020 she released her first children’s book entitled, “The Easter Skunk.” She has been blessed to travel to several African countries and Paris, France. Her favorite hobbies include reading, gardening, playing board games and going for walks.
Julie Swope – Kindergarten Grade Teacher
Julie has taught over 20 years in public and private schools in Frederick County Maryland and in Gettysburg, PA. She taught Kindergarten, 1st through 4th grade and was a reading specialist. She holds a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Mount Saint Mary’s University. She has earned her Reading Certification from Mount Saint Mary’s. Julie is looking forward to partnering with families in the Hanover Community. Julie lives with her husband Gary in Hanover.
Gail Larmen – Volunteer
Gail has been attending Emerge Church for two years. During this time, she has served in the children’s ministry. She has a passion to see children grow in their walk with the Lord, and is excited to be a part of the ECA team. Gail enjoys spending time with her daughter and family.
Yvette Hersh – Volunteer
Yvette Hersh has served at Emerge Church since 2019 in the children’s and youth area. She is excited to be a part of this new life-giving school that is bringing up the next generation. Yvette has two children and lives with her husband in Gettysburg.
