Kim Barber – Director & TK/ Lower Elementary 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 – Upper Elementary 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.
Sammantha Cooke – Administrative Assistant

Sammantha Cooke was born in San Diego, California, and grew up in Pennsylvania. She is a licensed pastor and has worked for Emerge Church since 2022. She has been involved in various roles that have allowed her to learn extensively over the years. Sammantha is passionate about acquiring new skills and supporting the needs of those she serves. In her free time, she enjoys reading books, running, practicing MMA, creating various projects, and discovering new hobbies.

Sammantha is a hands-on learner. Piano was the first instrument she learned when she was 8 years old. Since then, worship has always been an important part of her life and continues to be her favorite way to spend time with the Lord. Sammantha’s hope and prayer for all the students and families is for them to know and love Jesus; He is so kind.

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.
Jeff Toal – Volunteer
Jeff currently volunteers in our Kindergarten and First grade hybrid classroom. He is a member of Emerge Church and regularly volunteers for the Sunday School program. He has added so much to the program through his musical talent and love for the children.