Welcome, Belen Araneda!

Tell us about yourself.
I grew up in northern NJ and graduated from Hackensack Christian School in 2005. I attended Montclair State University and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Mathematics. After graduating, I spent some time working as a web designer. What started as a hobby of mine turned into a business. I enjoyed it very much, but I felt God calling me to a new career. An opportunity to work at the high school I graduated from came up and I knew that this is where God was calling me to next. I started teaching high school math and found my passion. While teaching, I also had the opportunity to coach basketball. Outside of school, I really enjoy spending time with my family and friends and traveling.

How did God bring you to work at EC?
After following God’s call into the teaching field, I decided to enter the Alternate Route Program in NJ to attain my teaching certificate. This led me to working at Wayne Valley High School for one year, after working at Hackensack Christian School for 3 years. Now in my fifth year of teaching, I’m happy to be part of the ECHS family where I am teaching high school math. In addition to teaching, I’m also very excited to be coaching girls’ basketball this upcoming season. I’m excited about what God is already doing at ECHS and looking forward to being a part of His plans.

What sets EC apart?
In my transition to a new school, it’s been a great experience getting to know the teachers, faculty, and students; everyone has been really welcoming. It’s been wonderful to see EC students taking on roles of leadership in the classroom and outside the classroom, in places like Class Council, Math Club, and the Worship Team. It’s such an encouragement to be a part of these teams and see young men and women following God’s leading in their lives.