Our Team
At HOPEful Beginnings, our team is more than childcare providers—we’re a community committed to helping children grow, learn, and thrive. As a Christ-centered preschool and childcare center, we work alongside parents to nurture each child physically, socially, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
Get to know the caring people who help make HOPEful Beginnings a place where children feel loved, supported, and encouraged every day.
Sarah Schindler, Executive Director
Sarah has been part of HOPEful Beginnings since its founding in 2015 and is passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences for young children. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education, a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, and an Online College Teaching Certificate. In 2019, Sarah earned the Aim4Excellence National Director’s Credential through the McCormick Center.
Sarah is especially passionate about early literacy and helping children build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. She enjoys supporting teachers, partnering with families, and creating a nurturing environment where children can grow physically, socially, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
Outside of work, Sarah enjoys exploring new places through travel and spending quality time with family and friends.
Jaci Roemmich, School-age Director
Jaci began working at Hopeful Beginnings in 2015, spending most of her time in the Preschool 3 classroom. In 2018, she graduated from the University of North Dakota with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education and a minor in Special Education.
After graduating, she moved to China, where she taught English to students from preschool through second grade. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, Jaci returned to the United States and eventually made her way back to Grand Forks. Jaci taught second grade for five years before returning to Hopeful Beginnings in 2025 and now serves as the School Age Director.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, their two boys, and their dogs. As a family, they love cheering on UND hockey, traveling on weekends to visit family and friends, enjoying the outdoors, and attending concerts.
Victoria Cannon, Infant/Toddler Director
Vicki has been part of the HOPEful Beginnings family since 2021. Vicki has worked in early childhood education for over 16 years and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education with an emphasis in Administration. Vicki also earned the Aim4Excellence National Director’s Credential from the McCormick Center.
Vicki is very passionate about working with children and creating a safe, loving, and positive environment for them to learn and grow! She also really enjoys supporting our teachers and families and being part of a team that makes a difference in the lives of children.
Outside of work, Vicki loves spending time with her family and making memories with her 3 kids. She also enjoys being creative, relaxing at home, and spending time doing the things she loves with the people who mean the most to her!
Naomi Mathsen, Office Manager
Naomi Mathsen is currently the Office Manager at Hopeful Beginnings. Naomi has been with Hopeful Beginnings since 2016, where she has served as an Infant Lead Teacher and now as the Office Manager.
Naomi received her LPN degree following high school. She also holds an Associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant and a Bachelor’s in Health Care Administration. Naomi currently holds her CDA, which allows her to be a lead teacher for infants and toddlers.
Naomi is passionate about living each day as Jesus would want her to. She loves her job and all the children and adults she comes into contact with each day.
In her free time she enjoys reading and doing crafts, but most of all she loves spending time watching her grandkids’ activities and just being with family.