Samantha Medore
Director
I am so thankful and excited to be a part of the New Life community. I began at NLCCS in 2020 as an Assistant Director and fell in love with the families, students, and staff. As director, I am dedicated to ensuring that New Life Community Christian School is a safe environment filled with Christ-centered learning and heart-felt joy.
I have three children: Caitlyn, Max, and Hadley. We enjoy board games, thrift-shopping, and quality time with our extended family. If I’m not at school I am most likely at one of my children’s sporting events. We have been members of New Life church for the past 7 years, and I am a Children’s Ministry volunteer.
Alyssa Hernandez
Assistant Director
Hi everyone! My name is Alyssa, and I've been working in childcare for almost 10 years now. This is my second year serving as the Assistant Director here at New Life, and I'm thrilled to be approaching my fifth year with this wonderful team.
Starting this September, I'll also be taking on the role of Children's Ministry Lead, and I truly can't wait to see all that God has in store for me and for your child as we journey together here at New Life!
Marisa Cedano
Office Assistant
I’m Ms. Marisa, and I’m so excited to be part of this amazing preschool family! This year, you’ll find me in the office helping plan fun events, organizing curriculum magic, and keeping our social media full of smiles and sweet moments! I’ve been teaching at this preschool for the past three years, but my journey here started long before that—I actually attended this very preschool as a kid! I’ve been part of this church and school community my whole life, growing up involved in the church since I was a youth. It’s truly my home away from home.
I feel so blessed to be here in this new role. It gives me the chance to stay connected to the place I love while also pursuing another dream of mine: a career in the United States Marine Corps. I’m all about passion, purpose, and preschool fun. I can’t wait to share an amazing year with you and your little ones!
Kristina Van Gent
Infant Lead Teacher
I'm originally from Southern California and move to Texas in 2022. I've been married for 12 years to my husband, Douglas. We have 3 wonderful boys: Hunter (11), Jacob (8), and Nolan (4). I enjoy crafting, photography, and going to Disneyland with my family.​
I have worked with children in many capacities for the past five years. After subbing at New Life for a couple of days, I fell in love with the children and the Christ-centered environment. I look forward to watching my students grow and having the opportunity to build relationships with families.
Sarah Smithwick
Infant Assistant Teacher
I grew up attending New Life Church and am blessed to now be a part of the school! Working with children has been a love of mine since I was young, from volunteering at VBS to teaching ballet to all ages. I graduated from Texas A&M and love the family history of being a 6th generation Aggie. I am excited to embark on this new adventure learning with the NLCCS students and watching them grow!
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I have three children: Liam, Jack, and Eleanor. We continue on my family's Friday night tradition of pizza, popcorn, and a movie nearly every week. Christmas is our favorite holiday and we all share the favorite color of blue (plus the other favorite colors).
Brenna Fricks
Infant Aftercare Teacher
I have lived in the Houston area all my life. In my spare time I like to craft and spend time with my family.​I started taking care of children at age 16 and nannied for a year before I started working at NLCCS. My favorite thing about childcare is watching children grow and seeing their personalities develop.
Krystalynn Starks
First Steps Lead Teacher
Jennifer Alvarado
Toddler Lead Teacher
Leslie Branscum
2s Lead Teacher
I am originally from Arizona and moved to Houston in 1988. I am blessed to have 3 awesome children. Ashlyn (24), Ty (20), and my caboose, Maci (13). We have 1 dog named Dexter and he is the 5th member of the family. I attended Stephan F. Austin and received my bachelors. I have over 10 years of experience in early childcare. ​I give my free time to a ministry called The Balm of The Branch which seeks to help those with sickness/disease freedom through spiritual healing. Serving children is also something I love. My goal is to help your child be the best version of themselves while helping them succeed.
Mallory Feigenbaum
Twos and Toddlers Assistant Teacher
Joann Feigenbaum
PreK 3 Teacher
Hello, my name is Ms. JoAnn. I was born and raised in Houston. My family and I moved to the East Coast in 1977. I have one daughter and a grand dog named Lillie who is very spoiled. I moved back to Houston in 2007 to be near my family. I have been in childcare for 3 years. I like to garden and to cook. Being a teacher at New Life has brought me much joy. It's a pleasure helping educate your child and spread the word of God.
Jatziry Cerrillo
Prek4 and Kindergarten Assistant Teacher
Hi, I’m Jatziry! I’ve served in children’s ministry for 7 years and have worked in schools for 3 years. I’m passionate about teaching and helping kids grow both spiritually and academically. I also have 5 years of experience in church media, specifically using ProPresenter, and I’ve been managing the media team for the past year. This has allowed me to serve creatively and faithfully. I take pride in serving the Lord and strive to do it with excellence in all I do.
Jazmin Perez
PreK 4 & Kindergarten
Lead Teacher
I have been in Early Childhood Education for 10 years. During those years I obtained my CDA better help students in my class. Leading with love & grace in our classroom is what I take pride in. My husband and I have 2 sweet girls (Sofia and Penelope) and 2 wild dogs and a cat. When I'm not at work, I spend my time loving them the best way I can.
Silvana Casares
Foater
