Deb Ocot

Deb Ocot

High School Bible Teacher

Education: B.A. - English Education, Montclair State University
M.A. - Biblical Literature, Alliance Theological Seminary

Deborah and her husband, Nathaniel, have three grown, married children (Brielle, Taylor, and Nathaniel) who all attended EC and are serving the LORD. She is blessed with several grandchildren! Deborah has been serving Jesus Christ in the classroom for twenty years, many of them at EC. It’s her prayer that through the work of the Holy Spirit, she helps students discover who they are in Christ, she guides them to understand the importance of a Biblical worldview, and that they see that because of His love for them, God has a plan and a purpose for their lives. Outside the classroom Deborah serves in a variety of other ministries at her church and in the local community. She loves to walk, bike, hike, crochet, study Scripture, and has recently taken up pickleball. Deborah is a lifelong resident of Clifton and attends Bethany Church in Wyckoff.

Dave Haney

High School Bible Teacher

EC Start Date: 2023

Education: B.A. - Biblical Studies, Cairn University
M.S. - Bible, Cairn University

Dave is happily married to Becky and they have two daughters Bella and Lizzie. Dave is passionate about teaching the Word of God and helping people grow in their understanding of God’s Word and the love Jesus has for them. Dave also serves as the Senior Pastor of Hoboken Free Church in Hoboken, NJ. When not teaching or serving at the church Dave loves to spend time with and going on adventures with his family. Dave is also a big sports fan.

Nate Ottens

Grades 6 Social Studies and Bible Teacher, MS Cross Country Coach, MS Track Coach

EC Start Date: 2022

Education: AA - Liberal Arts, Sussex County Community College
BA - Secondary Education & Bible, Cairn University

Nate is recently and joyfully married to his wife Melissa. They are living in Hamburg, NJ and attending Sparta Evangelical Free Church where they have served leading Bible studies. Nate was a student at Eastern Christian School growing up until he and his family moved to Sussex County where they continue to live. Nate is passionate about the Bible and appreciates how well it connects to History. He enjoys teaching Biblical truth in hopes that it will inspire his students to seek the Lord fervently wherever He has them go. Apart from education, Nate enjoys exercising, boardgames and fellowshipping.

Adam CulpEC Graduate 1997

High School Bible Teacher, Girls' and Boys' Varsity Tennis Coach, Varsity Indoor Track Coach

EC Start Date: 2001

Education: Health and Physical Education, Messiah College
Reformed Theological Seminary - Continuing Education

Adam and his wife Kate live with their three boys in Ringwood, NJ. He enjoys biblical theology, outdoor activities, music, sports, and exploring the world with his family. The Culps attends All Souls Community Church, where Adam helps lead the boys Brigade program. His interest in theology has led him to continue his studies at Reformed Theological Seminary.

Laurie Kuipers

Grades 7-8 Bible Teacher

EC Start Date: 1995-98 & 2014

Education: B.M. - Classical Music, William Paterson University

Laurie’s career path has always centered around the Bible, music and education, leading to volunteer opportunities in worship ministry and professional teaching in general music, choir directing, elementary education, and middle school Bible. She graduated as a music performance major at William Paterson University and, as a life-long learner, has taken coursework at Teachers College/Columbia University and Gordon-Conwell Seminary. Teaching Bible literacy is her passion, and she is humbled that God would use her at Eastern Christian where she can pour herself into Bible study and have it overflow into her teaching. Laurie and her husband Rich Kuipers have been married for over 20 years and they have three children: Elisabeth, Anneliese, and Benjamin. The Kuipers reside in North Haledon and attend Restore Church.