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
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
4/5 Teacher
Lezlie Hargrave
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.
Kindergarten - First Grade Teacher
Kara Rice
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.