Department: Admissions

Candace joined the American Christian School family in 2026 as Admissions Director, bringing with her a deep commitment to faith, service, and community. She has a heart for serving others and is passionate about supporting families as they navigate their educational journey.
Candace attended Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida, and later earned her degree in Psychology and Counseling from Pillar College in New Jersey. Her professional background includes extensive experience in human resources, administration, and business, equipping her with both practical expertise and a relational approach to her work.

In addition to her role at ACS, Candace serves as the Worship and Creative Arts Leader at Resurgent Church in Far Hills. She also co-owns and operates a family HVAC business alongside her husband, Jon. Originally from South Carolina, Candace has called New Jersey home for the past 18 years. She and her husband have been married for nearly 18 years and are the proud parents of seven children, including two foster children. Their family is deeply passionate about foster care and is committed to supporting families while bringing Christ-centered hope to those in need.

Candace is excited to help grow and strengthen the ACS community, building meaningful relationships with parents and students. She is dedicated to serving the Lord through her work and looks forward to partnering with families as they consider making ACS part of their educational journey.

God brought Gina Maria to American Christian School in the summer of 2019, where she has had the joy of teaching a variety of subjects over the years, most notably Theater & Public Speaking and Rhetoric. After investing in students across these disciplines, she is now especially enjoying the opportunity to focus her gifts and experience on marketing and helping grow the school’s mission and reach.

Gina Maria is blessed to be the wife of Adam and the mother of Donna and Benjamin. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts with a concentration in Theater from Rider University and later obtained her Master’s in Education from JIU Online University.

Outside of her work at ACS, Gina Maria enjoys singing, laughing, and spending time with loved ones. She is a Deacon at Yellow Frame Presbyterian Church in Fredon, where she helps lead worship through song. Gina Maria is passionate about encouraging young adults to communicate with confidence and reminding them that, with God in their corner, there is nothing to fear—on stage or in life.

FUN FACT: Gina is considered a professional national anthem singer, having sung it over 1,000 times in her life for various events.