About Us
Now more than ever our community needs a Christ-centered, tuition-free school. With your help we can reach our goals.
WE BELIEVE
Our historical American values stem from the Biblical World View.
A rigorous academic foundation is key to a child’s future success. Therefore…
Christian education should be available to as many children as possible.
Together we can teach truth, the value of serving others, and transform lives.
faculty
Rod McLaughlin, Administrator
It is my blessing and pleasure to be the newly appointed principal of Hope Christian Academy when it opens in September of 2026. I would like to share with you how YHWH God has prepared me for this wonderful opportunity and great responsibility. In 1985 I graduated from Oswego State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Science. In 1990 I added a Master of Science degree in Education from Hofstra University. Then in 1998 at New Paltz University, I earned a 2nd Master of Science degree in Educational Administration & Supervision. My teaching career began in September of 1990 as a Middle School Science teacher in the Bellmore-Merrick School District. Then in 1994 my family and I moved to Beach Lake Pa., and I was appointed as a High School Science teacher/Dean of Students in the Tri-Valley School District. In 1998 I was hired by the Sullivan West Central School District to be the principal of the Elementary School. I served as a principal in Sullivan West District for 27 years, retiring from 35 years as a public-school educator & administrator on July 1, 2025. Over my 35-year career in public education, I was privileged to work with students from grades PK thru 12. In this I gained a strong understanding of each stage of student development and what is needed at each level for a well-rounded education. While still serving as principal in SWCSD, I was also called by the White Mills Community Church, in 2015, to the pastorate. Since April of 2015 I have been blessed to serve as senior pastor of WMCC.
On a personal level, the Lord has prepared me further for this responsibility by blessing my wife Keri and I with 5 wonderful children of our own and 6 grandchildren, with 2 more on the way in June of 2026. Through parenting and now grandparenting I have learned the finer details of how and when to exercise and administer the important virtues of self-discipline, patience, empathy, mercy and grace. In this, God has cultivated a heart in me, that views and treats each student as if they were my own. In all situations from educational situations to student discipline I always ask myself, “If this was my child, what would I want done?” In my 35-year education career this has always served me well and led to wisdom in my decision making. I look forward to serving the students of Hope Christian Academy as their principal.
board of directors
Joe Davis, Sr., Chairman of the Board
Education:
- Damascus High School graduate – 1964
Experience:
37 + years printing industry
- Press Helper 11 years, Journeymen pressman 7 years,
Various Management Positions 8 years - Plant Manager Moore Honesdale, PA 1998 – 1999 &
Moore Angola, IN 1999 – 2001 - Director of Quality Moore Corp. Chicago, IL 2001 – 2003
- Corp. V.P. Chicago, IL Moore – 2003, Moore/Wallace 2003 – 2004,
RRD 2004 – 2007
Nicholas A. Barna, Esq.,
Vice Chairman of the Board
Education:
- Bachelor of Arts from Wilkes University
- Juris Doctorate Degree (Law) from the University of North Dakota
Experience:
- Former District Attorney
- Practicing Attorney for 50 years
- Taught Bible, helped with yearbook, started and coached basketball at
Damascus Christian Academy for 15 years +
Pastor Lane Jones, Secretary
Education:
- Bachelor of Religious Education in Pastoral Studies from
Tennessee Temple University - Master of Ministry Degree from Bob Jones University
Experience:
- Taught Math and Science at North Pocono Christian Academy
for 11 years - Pastor at Wimmer’s Bible Fellowship Church 1985- 1986
- Pastor of Calkins Baptist Church 1996 – present
Bob Longnecker, Member
Education:
- Graduated with honors from Elizabethtown Area High School 1973
- Graduated magna cum laude from Hyles-Anderson College with B.S. Pastoral Theology 1982
- Graduated from Hyles-Anderson College with a M. Ed. In Christian School Administration 1982
Experience:
- Served as a monitor in Kreamer Christian Academy, an ACE School,
From Sept. 1973 – Dec. 1978 - After graduating from College, I served as a Supervisor at KCA for 3 years
- Director of Wayne-Pike CEF for 33 years from Sept. 1990 – 2023
Brian Bates, Member
Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Bob Jones University
- Middle School Add-on Certification
- TESL Level 1 Certification
- CELTA graduate from Cambridge English Program
Experience:
- Various Schools in China – English Teacher – 2 years
- Horizon Japan International School – Elementary Homeroom Teacher – 3 years
- Hope International Academy Okinawa
- Elementary/Middle School Homeroom Teacher – 2 years
- School Principal – 2018 – present
Nehemiah Jones, Member
Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from
Bob Jones University – 2018
Experience:
- Cybersecurity Consultant – 2018-2020
- Digital Forensics & Cybersecurity Senior Consultant 2020-Present
- Served as a summer missionary for CEF of
North Eastern PA for 4 summers
John Heminghous, Member
Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Bob Jones University – 2004
- Master of Science in Computer Science from Clemson University – 2006
- Software Engineer in US federal contracting and commercial markets with focuses in image processing, healthcare, and cyber security
- Instructor of computer science at university and high school levels
- Visiting lecturer of theology at university level (international)
- Held past roles of president, vice president, and treasurer of multiple board managed non-profit organizations
- Conducted multiple financial audits of non-profit organizations
Carley Bates, Member
Education:
- Bachelor of Science from Pensacola Christian College – 2017
- Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Marywood University – 201 Bachelors of Science from Pensacola Christian College 20179
- Advanced Diploma in Biblical Studies from Faith Bible Institute – 2022
- Urgent Care Physicians Assistant
- Youth group leader and teen girls Sunday school teacher
- Mom of two young boys
Minister Tony Barrera, Emeritus Member
Education:
- Rockbridge Seminary Master of Divinity – August 2019 – 2024
- State University of New York at Buffalo B.A. History
Experience:
- Public Relations and Admissions Kyoto International University
– KIU Academy April 2005 – Present – Kyoto, Japan - Minister, Kyoto Christian Fellowship Center – Oct. 2008 – Present
– Kyoto, Japan - Senior Manager, NCB English Language Institute
Nov. 1985 – Mar. 2005 – Nation-wide, Japan
support staff
Mandy Heminghous, Board Secretary
Hi! I’m Amanda, but I normally go by Mandy. I grew up in Milanville, Pennsylvania. I was raised in a Christian home, and I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior at the age of 15 after attending a revival meeting at Calkins Baptist Church. Following high school, I earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Elementary Education from Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina. It was there that I met my now-husband, John. We were married soon after I graduated from college. Ten days later, we moved to Melbourne, Florida where we would be for the next twelve and a half years. During that time, I had the privilege of teaching at a couple of Christian schools. I also tutored students in reading, spelling, and math.
John and I moved back to Pennsylvania in 2018. We attend Calkins Baptist Church where I teach the 3rd and 4th grade Sunday School class; John and I have the privilege of working with the youth group.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, baking, gardening, reading, and playing board games.
One of my favorite Bible verses is Isaiah 41:13.
Jennifer Warner, Treasurer
Education:
- Master of Science in Education from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania – in progress
- Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania – 1997
Experience:
- Care Manager at Wayne County Area Agency on Aging
- Conducted multiple financial audits of non-profit organizations
- Multiple roles in education including teaching, tutoring, and management
