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Meet the New Hope Christian School Board!

Learn more about our Advisory Board's personal histories, vision for the school, and commitment to educational excellence!

John Dennis

Board Chair
I grew up in a Christian home and accepted Christ at a young age.  In 1998, my wife and I moved from California to Grants Pass to start a business and a family.  New Hope has been a vital part of my life for over 22 years.  Both of my children graduated from New Hope and the skills they learned and experiences they have had from First Grade to graduation have been amazing.  New Hope has blessed my family in ways I cannot describe and I consider the people here as my extended family.   We have an amazing school board made up of business owners, pastors, and teachers and I’m very blessed to be serving and help guide and direct the school. New Hope has a bright future- changing lives of children to be effective for the ministry of Christ in our community.  I’m looking forward to what God has planned for the school, students, and staff!

Stefani Barnett

Board Treasurer
I am the wife of Chris Barnett and the mom to three beautiful girls!  I am blessed to have a supporting role in my husband's businesses and also work as a licensed real estate broker.  This allows me the freedom in my schedule to be able to attend and support all of my girls' activities which include Key Club, Athletics, Student Government, carpools, social circles and the like!
My children have attended Christian schools since pre-k and have always had a weekly memory verse, daily prayer, and/or chapel service as part of their school day – I feel so blessed that my children have that foundation to build on.  In addition to linking arms with like-minded families, I have loved the rigorous academics and the security of knowing that the chosen curriculums edit out the modern-day language that is unnecessary for children.
I am honored to serve on the School Board and contribute to building God’s kingdom through our students, His ambassadors!  I can do all things THROUGH CHRIST who strengthens me. Phil 4:13.

Jannelle Bahn

Board Secretary
Hi! I’m Jannelle Bahn, and I have had the privilege of serving on the New Hope Christian School board as Secretary since 2017. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Mathematics from Northern Arizona University. My husband is Michael Bahn, and I have three children, two of whom have attended New Hope. I am passionate about teaching, leading worship, and following Jesus. I also love exploring nature, learning, reading, spending time with family, and playing The Legend of Zelda. One of my favorite Bible verses is Galatians 6:9: “Let us not become weary in doing good for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” 

Rob Culton

Board Member
New Hope has had a special place in my heart since 1977, when I began 7 years of teaching 7th-8th grade Bible, History, and coaching.  Since then, we spent 15 years in Spain as missionaries, and 20 Pastoring Williams Community Bible Church.  My 3 children attended NH, the youngest graduated.  God's ideal is that the home, church, and school serve together to "bring them (children) up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."

DJ Lyon

Board Member
I was born and raised in Grants Pass and have been a small business owner here for many years.  As a Grants Pass native, I have had the privilege of knowing many current and former New Hope staff and students, including my own children.  The strength of character exhibited by those affiliated with New Hope motivated me to want to be a part of the school board.  My goal in being on the board is to use whatever gifts God has granted me to help improve and grow New Hope to reach more children for Christ.   

Austin Abbott

Board Member
As a 2014 New Hope Graduate, I understand the value firsthand of receiving a solid Christian education. After my time at NHCS, I served at River Valley as Local Outreach Director, where my job was to oversee events such as Serve GP. I married my wife Madie in 2018 before planting River Valley's fourth church in the city of Rogue River in October of 2019. I passionately believe that faith-based education will form a solid foundation that our students will rely on in this increasingly post-Christian, secular world, and that is why I was happy to join New Hope's board in 2022.