Eastern Christian School welcomes Jesse Fritzsch

Eastern Christian School welcomes Jesse Fritzsch as our preschool and elementary school art teacher. An EC alumna, she graduated from Messiah College with a bachelor’s degree in studio art and a minor in psychology. She also holds a master’s in art therapy from School of Visual Arts in New York. 

Please tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised in New Jersey and continue to reside in North Haledon. My interests include being creative in many areas (painting, crocheting, crafting, instructing, etc.) and spending time with the people that are important in my life. I have a dog named Phoebe who is a happy and chill studio dog. My favorite place to be is at the lake in Green Pond, NJ.

Tell the story of how you got to EC.

As I continue to reflect on how God has brought me to work at EC, it seems He has been preparing me for this role in quiet and meaningful ways over many years. As an EC alumna (K-12, Class of 2009), I experienced the impact of a Christ-centered education firsthand. I went on to study Art and Psychology at Messiah College, followed by a Master’s degree in Art Therapy from School of Visual Arts. For five years, I worked as an art therapist, supporting the emotional and developmental needs of individuals through creative expression. Following this professional experience, I opened my own art studio and discovered a deep love for teaching children of all ages. I began to sense God calling me to fold my experience as an art therapist into the world of education, using creativity not only for healing, but also for building confidence, communication, and joy in learning.

When the opportunity at EC opened up, it felt like a full-circle moment. I’m honored and excited to bring my background, my love for teaching, and my faith back into a place that helped shape who I am today.

What sets EC apart?

What sets Eastern Christian apart is its deep commitment to nurturing the whole child—academically, creatively, emotionally, and spiritually. As someone who experienced EC as a student and has now returned as an educator, I can clearly see how this community creates space for students to grow in both knowledge and faith.

At EC, students are not only encouraged to pursue excellence, but to understand that their identity is rooted in Christ. That perspective changes everything—it creates a culture of purpose, grace, and genuine care. Whether in the classroom, on the playground, or during chapel, I see God working in the lives of EC students as they learn to connect their gifts and learning to something bigger than themselves.

In the art room, I am excited to see students come alive when they realize that creativity is a reflection of the Creator. They gain confidence, express themselves in new ways, and learn that their voice and perspective matter. It’s an incredible privilege to help cultivate that process in an environment where faith is woven into everything we do.