EC Blog

Eastern Christian welcomes alumna Karyn Hytrek as preschool paraprofessional.  Having attended EC from preschool to high school graduation, Karyn is grateful to be back in Northern New Jersey and back in the EC community. She earned a bachelor’s in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Messiah and is mom to four children who represent the…

On August 22, nine teachers presented their projects to the Eastern Christian Educational Council as part of the school’s innovative Pathway Program. Developed in 2013, the leadership development program represents a distinctive of Eastern Christian and a win-win for teachers and students.  The program provides a way for experienced teachers with a master’s to go…

Eastern Christian welcomes Sara Hook as transitional kindergarten teacher. Graduating from Covenant College with a bachelor’s in History and Sociology, Hook fondly recalls her own early childhood education at Eastern Christian, and is thrilled to take on the role of TK teacher at EC. She is dedicated to creating a classroom of little learners who…

Eastern Christian is pleased to welcome Christina Strange as second grade paraprofessional. Strange is New Jersey state certified in World Language and holds a bachelor’s in Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing from The College of New Jersey. She also holds a TESOL certificate. Tell us about yourself Born and raised in New…

Eastern Christian is pleased to welcome Eileen McGowan as preschool paraprofessional. McGowan is a loving mother and grandmother of ten. She recently retired after 49 years working in public safety communications and is very excited to be working for Eastern Christian Elementary Preschool. McGowan attends Van Riper Ellis Broadway Baptist Church in Fair Lawn. Tell…

Eastern Christian is pleased to welcome Fernando Garcia as high school art teacher! Garcia, a current EC parent, is a 5x Emmy Award-winning television director and producer with 20+ years of experience in broadcasting productions, event activations and advertising design. He received his associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in Visual Communications at F.I.T. State University in…

Hebrews 11 lists a number of biblical characters who were commended for their faith. And in Hebrews 12, the author reveals that the purpose for publishing these short narratives was for our encouragement: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin…

Eastern Christian is pleased to welcome Faith Kerlen as high school math and physics teacher. Kerlen earned a bachelor's in mechanical engineering from Messiah University. Having grown up in Hawthorne, Kerlen is excited to be back in North Jersey and to be part of the EC community. After graduating from Messiah University with a degree…

Eastern Christian is pleased to welcome Heather Westra as high school English teacher. Westra earned a bachelor’s in Literature and Creative Writing from Ramapo College and a master’s in Creative Writing from the University of Maryland. She taught at various universities before she felt called to teach at Eastern Christian School. Passionate about literature, poetry…