Anna Marie Ulibarri´ - Prinicipal
Anna Marie received her Master’s degree from UNM in Educational
Administration. She has certification in the area of Bilingual Education and holds an ESL endorsement. Anna Marie has had the opportunity to work in education for over 30 years as a
teacher, Clinical Supervisor at UNM, assistant principal, principal and
Instructional Manager for Title I. She is the proud grandmother of two grandchildren.
Sharon Halstead — Kindergarten Teacher
Sharon received her degree and teaching certificate from Loretto Heights College, now Regis
University, Denver Colorado in 1987. She and her husband, Gregg have 4
children and have been active members at Cross of Hope since 1993. Sharon’s
hobbies include screenwriting, playing the piano, gaelic singing, and gardening. She is
especially interested in the social sciences and loves to “dabble” in history.Carla Rael - Educational Assistant
Carla has been an educational assistant for over 8 years. She loves student’s “Ah-Ha” moments
and the silliness and joy kindergartners bring to her life. She is married and has an awesome
daughter. It is a blessing to Carla to be working at Cross of Hope.
Jill Philby-First Grade Teacher
Jill is excited to be teaching first grade at Cross of Hope School. She has been a part of the
school before it existed. She served on the school board for 4 years, during which time she
helped develop and order curriculum, among many other duties. Jill has been a public school
teacher for over 10 years both in Iowa and in Albuquerque. Her favorite part of teaching first
grade, is teaching children to read!! Jill feels it is a blessing to be a part of God’s wonderful
school in a place that is already home to her! Rosalie Hipple - Second and Third Grade Teacher
Rosalie is a native New Mexican with a large and very close family. She has experience Marilee Thompson — Third/Fourth Grade Teacher
Marilee and her husband have been in New Mexico since October 2003. They have a married
daughter. Marilee has been a teacher since 1998, receiving a degree from Metropolitan State
College in Denver, Colorado. She has a keen interest in Math, the Sciences, Art and Literacy.
Laurie Adams-4th/5th Grade Teacher
Laurie and her family have been attending Cross of Hope since 1995. She
has a Master's Degree in education from UNM. She is looking forward to the opportunity to
educate students in all academic areas as well as nurture their spiritual growth. Laurie is
excited to be teaching in a setting where she can let Jesus' light shine through her teach-
ing! Laurie enjoys spending time with her husband and their two young daughters.
Susan Case-Elementary School P.E. Instructor
Susan is a native of Albuquerque. She lives on the west side with her husband and their two
children. Her daughter attends Cross of Hope School. She has a BS in nursing and a MS in
Health Education. Susan works with all students at Cross of Hope School providing P.E.
instruction. Susan also works part time with our Preschool.
Elementary School Music Instructor: Richard Hielkema
Richard Hielkema serves as the music director for Cross of Hope Church as well as the music
instructor in the elementary school. Richard holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education,
K-12, and a Master’s degree in Music Education. Richard enjoys spending time with his family
whether it is playing in the backyard or out camping. He and his wife Erin have three children.
Other hobbies include playing golf, skiing, and watching most any type of sports that might be on TV.