Tori began her educational journey at the University of Scranton, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She later completed a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction and has continued her professional development with numerous graduate-level courses in special education and reading instruction. Tori has also participated in a wide range of workshops focused on differentiation, classroom management, enrichment, reading and writing workshops, preschool development, and preschool administration.

Her teaching experience spans many years and grade levels, including kindergarten and first grade in Connecticut, and first through third grade at Hilltop Elementary School in Mendham Borough. Before becoming Director in 2021, Tori taught the Pre-K Fours and Kindergarten Prep Enrichment classes at HCNS.

Tori lives in Mendham Township with her husband, Michael, their three children—Grace, Peter, and Michael—and their dog, Coco. Teaching chapel and working with preschoolers brings her immense joy, and she feels truly blessed to be part of the HCNS community.

A lifelong Mendham resident, Maura has been a valued member of the HCNS community since 2000. Over the years, she has served in a variety of roles, including assistant teacher in the Twos, Threes, and Fours classes, as well as lead teacher in the Threes. Today, Maura works in the school office, where she supports the Director and enjoys visiting classrooms to share her warmth and enthusiasm with students and staff alike.

Maura holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the College of St. Elizabeth (now St. Elizabeth University). She and her husband, Jeff, have two sons—one of whom is a proud graduate of Hilltop Christian Nursery School.

Amanda lives in Mendham with her husband and two children, ages 11 and 9—both proud alumni of HCNS. She began her teaching career in pre-kindergarten classrooms at Our Lady of Assumption School and Hoboken Catholic Academy. After taking time off to raise her children, Amanda returned to teaching at HCNS in 2018.

Since then, she has brought her warmth and enthusiasm to many roles, assisting in the Twos, Threes, and Fours classes, and teaching Kindergarten Prep on Fridays. She later became the lead teacher for the Pre-K Enrichment program and is now thrilled to begin a new role leading the morning Twos class while continuing to teach afternoon enrichment and Kindergarten Prep.

Amanda specializes in hands-on, center-based learning that encourages inquiry and exploration—fostering active engagement and a love of learning in young children. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Mathematics from Rowan University.

Jen has always had a passion for working with children. After earning her B.S. in Elementary Education and Mathematics from The College of New Jersey, she taught second grade in the Livingston Public School District before taking time off to raise her three children.

Since moving to Mendham Borough in 2014, Jen has been an active part of the HCNS community—as a parent, Parent Council member, substitute teacher, and assistant teacher. She also volunteers locally through the school HSA and as a Girl Scout leader.

This year, Jen is excited to be teaching our morning Twos class, Friday Toddler Time sessions, and Afternoon Threes Enrichment. She brings warmth, energy, and creativity to everything she does and is dedicated to helping young children develop a love for school from the very start.

Vanessa began her career in business after earning a B.S. from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. After working in NYC and Washington, DC for 10 years, she followed her passion for education, earning her teaching certificate and a dual Master’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from Montclair State University.

A Mendham resident, Vanessa lives with her husband, three children, and their dog. She stays active in the community through the local HSA and her children’s many activities. After her three children graduated from HCNS, she knew she wasn’t ready to say goodbye. Since then, she’s worked in a variety of classrooms, assisting in the 2’s, 3’s, and 4’s programs.

This year, Vanessa is thrilled to be teaching the Threes class and Kindergarten Prep, where she looks forward to combining her experience and enthusiasm to create a warm, engaging learning environment for her students.

Betsy Drew loves our little happy place at Hilltop Christian Nursery School! She holds a degree in Education from Miami University and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, with over 30 years of experience in the field.

She began her career as a middle school English teacher before becoming a full-time mom, actively involved in the HSA and Mendham Girl Scouts. Originally from Chicago, Betsy raised her three daughters in Mendham and has been part of the HCNS community ever since.

Betsy has taught across all age groups—including 2s, 3s, and Kindergarten Prep—and is currently leading our Pre-K Fours class. She brings joy to the classroom every day through music, stories, and dancing, creating a fun and nurturing environment for her students..

Liz has been a dedicated member of the HCNS community since 2000. Over the years, she has taught both the Twos and Threes classes, developed curriculum for multi-age enrichment programs, and helped establish the HCNS Summer Camp, which she has directed and taught for more than a decade.

Before joining HCNS, Liz taught first and second grade at Gill St. Bernard's School. She holds a B.S. in Elementary and Kindergarten Education from Penn State and a Master’s in Reading from Montclair State University. Passionate about lifelong learning, Liz continues to pursue professional development whenever she can.

Liz and her husband, Joe, have lived in Mendham since 1996, where they’ve enjoyed raising their four children and being active members of the community.

After a career in Business and Marketing and time spent as a stay-at-home mom, Eileen discovered her true passion—working with preschoolers. When her daughters attended HCNS, she quickly realized what a special place it was and knew she wanted to be part of it.

Eileen has been with HCNS since 2008, beginning as an assistant in the 2’s, 3’s, and 4’s classes. During this time she taught the 2’s and Mommy & Me programs, and assisted with Enrichment. This year, she is excited to be teaching the January twos class, threes enrichment program, and the fours STEM Lego class.

Eileen holds a B.S. from Montclair State University and continues to grow her skills through various teaching certifications and programs. She lives in Mendham with her husband and two daughters and is an active community member.

Cindy began teaching at HCNS in 2017 as a Twos teacher and has since taught Threes, multi-age Enrichment classes, and currently leads our Fours class. She brings a wealth of early childhood experience and a warm, thoughtful approach to the classroom.

Cindy started her teaching career in Kindergarten classrooms at Far Hills Country Day School and the Millburn School District. She holds a B.S. in Psychology from Syracuse University and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Kean University.

Cindy lives in Chester with her husband, Duane, and is proud that both of her now-grown children—who live in Manhattan—are HCNS alumni.

Nicole has been part of the HCNS teaching team since 2010. While she has taught across several age groups—including Twos, Mommy & Me, and as an assistant in the Threes and Fours—her primary role has been as a Threes teacher, where she brings warmth, patience, and experience to the classroom.

Before staying home to raise her children, Nicole taught Pre-K, first, and second grade. She holds a B.A. from Gettysburg College and a Master’s in Elementary Education from St. Peter’s College.

Nicole lives in Mendham with her husband and three children—all proud HCNS alumni—and loves being part of the school community that helped shape her own family.