Beverley Locke

Beverley Locke

High School Humanities Teacher

EC Start Date: 2023

Education: B.A. - English, Nyack College
M.A., M.Ed, Columbia University

Beverley is pleased to be on the Eastern Christian team after 20+ years of serving in college teaching and administration. She is passionate about preparing students both academically and spiritually. When she is not in the classroom or mentoring beloved students, Beverley loves to spend time eating “great” food with her husband Steve, and reading and reflecting on the goodness of God in her life. She lives in Rockland County with her husband Stephen, and together they have one son. Beverley and her husband are a part of the ministry at the International Gathering at Beth Rapha in Pomona, New York.

Stephanie Roa

Grades 5 Science & Social Studies Teacher

EC Start Date: 2023

Education: B.A. - English, Montclair State University

Stephanie has a passion to teach. Growing up, she always loved to help the Sunday school teachers with the lesson and her mom and aunts who were teachers as well. Stephanie went to a Christian school most of all her schooling years and graduated from there with honors and as valedictorian of her class. She later when on to teach Kindergarten at the same school she graduated high school from, and discovered her passion to serve the Lord in Christian education. Stephanie is a classical taught pianist for over 15 years, as well as a singer, and has used her talents to lead and help in worship at her church her whole life. Stephanie also loves to paint, draw, weight lift, and spending time with her friends.

Soli Nieves

High School Social Studies Teacher

EC Start Date: 2022

Education: B.S. & B.A Psychology

MDiv (In Progress): Alliance Theological Seminary

Soli is married to Steven Nieves; together, they have a dog named Kobe. Soli is passionate about serving and living a missional life. Soli has traveled overseas to Haiti, Africa and Southeast Asia, leading mission teams and to grow in her understanding of culture and Jesus. When Soli isn’t teaching, you may find her reading, cooking and experimenting with new food and hanging out with friends and family. Soli has been a lifelong NJ resident and attends The Plant Church where her and her husband serve as worship leaders.

Nate Ottens

Grades 5-6 Social Studies Teacher, Upper Elementary & Middle School Afterschool

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.

Teresa Sippel

Upper Elementary & Middle School Educational Support Services, Girls' MS Volleyball Coach

EC Start Date: 2017

Education: B.A. - Elementary (K-6) Education, Warner University

Marchelle Roniet

High School Social Studies Teacher

EC Start Date: 2016

James Uitermarkt

High School Social Studies Teacher

EC Start Date: 2010

Education: B.A. - Secondary Education & History, Calvin College

Terry Allen

Grades 6-8 Social Studies Teacher, MS Track Coach, MS Cross Country Coach

EC Start Date: 1990

Education: B.S. & M.A., Western Oregon State College
M.A. & Ed.D., Montclair State University

Dr. Allen and his wife Annette have been married 54 years. They have four adult children and a dozen grandchildren. He’s in his 51st year of teaching; 29 of which have been at Eastern Christian School. The Allen family moved from Salem, Oregon, in 1990 with their youngest daughter Trella (2000). While teaching at ECMS, Dr. Allen was able to earn both a M.A. and Ed. D. in Pedagogy and Teaching Philosophy to Children at Montclair State University. Through the study of the Bible and in answered prayer we daily affirm God’s presence in and relevance to our lives. God is alive and well, and we love Him. Dr. Allen has developed a respect and love for thinking philosophically, not only because there is so much to think about, but because this approach to education encourages children and helps them develop a voice for themselves. He wants his students to be open to honest thought and significant questions of faith and truth. His practice in teaching is to strive for a “Pedagogy of Asking.” He hopes that his students will learn to think for themselves and have legitimate and rational answers to life’s ultimate questions. The Allens enjoy Manhattan, and we also find ourselves traveling the country and world to stay connected to interesting places and to the interesting lives of our children and their families.