Our Team
Jennifer Adema
Jennifer comes to Hilltop with a strong background in educational operations, enrollment management, and strategic school administration, bringing nearly a decade of experience supporting the mission and growth of Christian education. She is looking forward to meeting the families at Hilltop, working alongside trusted educators, and building community that makes others want to be a part of.
Jennifer and her husband Alex have four kids. Jennifer loves all that Utah has to offer and can frequently be found skiing or running on the trails in the mountains. She feels closest to God when she is in His creation!
Director
Samantha moved to Utah about three months ago from Texas and is excited to join the Hilltop team! Samantha works part-time at South Mountain Community Church in their student ministry and will join Hilltop in our 3/4 classroom. She worked with children in Texas for over 10 years, specifically with ages 3 years-Kindergarten.
Samantha spent one year at Weatherford College studying education and also spent time student teaching and substitute teaching. She’s so excited to step into this new school year!
3/4 Teacher
Samantha Jones
Daniela Gonzalez
3/4 Teacher
Daniela is excited to be teaching preschool at Hilltop! She has experience teaching both third grade and kindergarten and holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Elementary Education. She loves working with young children and helping them learn, grow, and discover new things. She believes learning should be fun, hands-on, and filled with opportunities to explore.
Outside of school, Daniela enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her dog, Stella. She is looking forward to getting to know her students and families and creating a classroom filled with learning, laughter, and wonderful memories!
Sami Purcell
3/4 and 4/5 Teacher
Samantha comes to Hilltop with a strong knowledge of special education and elementary education, and she is excited to join the team. She has worked with children for 13 years in Wisconsin and co-taught second grade for one year in Utah. Samantha moved to Utah a little over a year ago for her boyfriend's job. She loves working with young children and teaching them the foundations of education, believing that learning should be fostered through hands-on play, songs, games, and art.
When Samantha isn't in the classroom, she can be found hiking, skiing, hosting family and friends, and exploring different national parks on the weekends. She has already visited nine parks in just one year!
Carissa Nelson
Carrisa comes to Hilltop with a passion for creating a safe, loving environment where your little ones can explore and grow. She is originally from Washington State where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human Development with a focus on Early Childhood Education. Carrisa and her family relocated to Utah 11 years ago. Six of the past eleven years have been spent working as a teacher’s aide, paraeducator, and a substitute teacher across Pre-K through 2nd grade.
When she is not in the classroom, Carrisa loves going on outdoor adventures with her family including hiking, rock climbing, skiing, and walking her dog.
3/4 Teacher
Lezlie previously taught at Hilltop Christian School and is excited to be returning this year! She is originally from the coast of Southern California, but has lived most of her adult life here in beautiful Utah. Lezlie has worked with children in one capacity or another since she was 16 years old, and has held the position of lead teacher for the past ten years in different classrooms. Lezlie is happiest and joyful when she is able to teach students about Jesus, while also helping them excel academically.
Lezlie is a life long learner, and is currently a student at UVU. In her spare time she enjoys walking her dogs, working in her yard/garden, reading, hanging with my family and going on any kind of adventure she can find.
4/5 Teacher
Lezlie Hargrave
Kara joins Hilltop bringing a passion for teaching the fundamentals with her. She will weave lessons on God's love into her reading, math, and writing lessons. Kara looks forward to partnering with families to grow the students in their learning, and understanding who God created them to be! Kara has a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and comes to Hilltop with six years of classroom experience with Kindergarten and 2nd grade.
Kara enjoys reading, running and spending time with her two dogs, Aspen and Summit.
Kindergarten - First Grade Teacher
Kara Rice
Elora is excited to join the Hilltop team this year! Born and raised in Utah, her passion for working with children grew through opportunities to serve in a variety of settings with students of all ages. She is passionate about building relationships that help students feel known, loved, and encouraged while supporting them as they grow and discover the unique ways God has created them.
Elora is currently pursuing a degree in English Secondary Education at UVU, driven by a passion for both education and ministry. When she's not at school, Elora enjoys reading, exploring coffee shops, spending time with family and friends, and being outside.
2.5/3 Teacher