Our Staff

The Staff of Hope & Play Preschool and Early Learning Center have obtained all the requirements to teach in an Early Learning Environment.  Most of all they share the love of our Savior Jesus Christ, the children and their families.  

Lisa Pizzolato - Preschool Director

Hello, my name is Lisa Pizzolato and I am the Director of Hope & Play Preschool and Early Learning Center.  I started at Hope teaching in the 3's class for 7 years.  Then I transitioned to the Director's role.  I have been at Hope & Play for a total of 20 years. I absoulutely love working with the staff and children! God truly has blessed me and HE lead me here to serve all the families and children for all these amazing years!  I have been married to my husband Tony for 34 years and we have 3 grown children.  I received my CDA from MTEC in 2001 and obtained my Director's credential from SCTI in 2007.  I am a member of Hope United Methodist Church and feel blessed to be a part of this amazing church and preschool.

Jungle Room - VPK

Hello, my name is Brenda Golnik.  I have been married for 33 years.  My husband and I have 4 children and 4 grand children.  I obtained a CDA in Child Development and have worked at Hope & Play for 19 year.  I have taught in the 2's and 3's rooms and have been the Lead VPK teacher for 12 years.  I also worked in childcare at the YMCA for 10 years.  It is my passion and love to teach and work with the children.   











Hi, my name is Pamela Thompson.  I have been married for 33 years.  I met my husband in Germany where we both were stationed in the United States Army.  We have one son who is attending college at FGCU.  I have worked at Hope & Play for 15 years in the twos class and currently I am the assistant in the M-F VPK room.  I love watching the children grow and learn. 

Garden Room - VPK


GARDEN ROOM - VPK - 2'S T/TH

Hello, my name is Jennifer Kory.  I have been married to my husband Chuck for 14 years.  We have 3 children. Kendra (21), Ireanna (11) and Charlie (6).  We have one grandson Karsyn (5 months).  I have been working with children since high school and have experience with all ages. i worked at two preschools from 1999-2005, in which time I took several classes earning my CDA.  I became an IA at HSEC for a couple years before we started a family.  I am now currently at Hope & Play Preschool.  I worked in the twos class for 2 years and now I'm working in the MWF VPK class and T/TH 3's class.  I am so grateful and thankful for the opportunity to be at this amazing school.  

Ocean Room 3's

Hello, my name is Jennifer Lummus and I am the lead Threes teacher in the Ocean Room.  A year and a half ago I started in the Two's room.  Then I made the amazing move to the Three's where I have been for 3 years and love every minute.  My husband and I have been married for 19 years and we have been blessed with 3 children, Daniel (17), Amelia (!4) and Rylan (9).  I spent most of my years raising my children and volunteering at their schools.  I found a huge love for the family at Hope while all three of my children attended here.  Then I was blessed with a teacher position where I look forward to many more years with our Hope family and the children of Hope & Play Preschool.







Hello, my name is Vivian Asensio.  I have been blessed to be at Hope & Play preschool for 16 years, doing what I love to do!  Currently, I am the assistant in the three's room, but I've also worked with the two's and VPK.  I have a Bachelors degree in Business with a minor in computers and worked in the corporate world until 2000 when I relocated to Florida from NJ and became a stay-at-home mom.  My husband and I have been happily married for 31 years.  We have two girls, 25 and 20, along with a crazy dog.  All 3 girls keep me on my toes, but I couldn't love them more.  My faith and love for Jesus is immense.  One of my favorite quotes is, "without God I am no one."  I believe that early childhood is a time of creativity, curiosity, excitement.  My goal is to make their first experience with school a positive one, full of the love for learning and the love for Christ.  Nothing makes me happier than to hear a child say "I Love coming to school."  It is a privilege to spend my days watching the children grow academically, socially and spiritually.

Ark Room 2's

  














Hi! My name is Janine Lynch and I have been working with young children for the last 14 years.  I have been married for 23 years and have four wonderful adult children.  I started my career as a licensed home daycare provider, running my daycare for over 10 years while my children were little.  In 2011 I was given the opportunity to be an assistant teacher in the infant room at Kids Quest in Long Island NY.  Within 6 months, I became the lead teacher of the two year old class.  I always strive to provide an environment where children could learn and grow in a classroom that built confidence.  In 2019 we made the decision to move to Florida.  In September of 2020, I was offered a position here at Hope & Play.  It has been so nice working with young ones again in such a wonderful, warm hearted environment. I continue to educate myself and look forward to many more years of nurturing and caring