Pastor Louis D’Elia, Sr. Senior Pastor of NALWC
Pastor Louis D'Elia, Sr. served as an elder at Nutley Abundant Life Worship Center for over 15 years before he became the Senior Pastor in 2021. This was thirty years after he gave his heart to Christ here at the church. Abundant Life Academy was instrumental in Pastor Lou's conversion. His son, Louis Jr., was enrolled at the school and would come home with Bible verses and stories. Pastor Lou eventually surrendered his life to Christ.
A graduate of Rutgers University, Pastor Lou also worked at ALA for a few years as Development Director before moving into the Minister of Visitation position at NALWC.
Pastor Lou is happily married to First Lady Lillian who serves on the Board of NALWC.
Pastor John Kuebler
Pastor John Kuebler, the Principal of Abundant Life Academy, has served at ALA for 24 years. He is a graduate of William Paterson University and has done graduate studies at Liberty University. Mr. Kuebler is a former Social Studies teacher, elementary teacher, and Athletic Director.
Pastor Kuebler has served on numerous teams assisting other Christian schools to achieve accredited status. Currently, he also serves as the president of the Metro Christian Athletic Association.
He has been involved in various ministries at NALWC, including youth ministry and intercessory prayer, and he was an elder for 15 years. He became the Associate Pastor of the church in 2021.
Mr. Kuebler has been married for over 20 years. He and his wife, Jennifer, are blessed with three children, all of whom attend or did attend Abundant Life Academy.
"It's not just about test scores. Although they are important, our mission is about cultivating a deep love for the Lord, intellectual curiosity, and a propensity for excellence that lasts a lifetime." - Pastor John Kuebler
"Children flourish in love; that's why I want our school to be filled with the love of God every second of every day." - Pastor John Kuebler
Kay Chapman
Mrs. Chapman has served at ALA for over ten years after a career in finance, having graduated in Business. She then received a call of God to education. She attended the NJ Teacher Certification Program at Seton Hall University, after which she began teaching in a public school. Then the Lord called her into Christian education. She taught 3rd, 5th and 6th grade at ALA before becoming Vice-Principal. Mrs. Chapman also serves on the ACSI North Eastern Regional Accreditation Commission.
Mrs. Chapman is a super servant who is involved in the Greeters Ministry and Married Couples Ministry at Nutley Abundant Life Worship Center. She lives with her husband who is a scientist, an author, and a worship leader, and two children.
Jennifer Kuebler
Mrs. Kuebler has had the privilege of calling Abundant Life Academy her home since 1998. She taught several grades including PreK-4, 4th, 5th, and 6th grade. In addition to teaching, she was also the Summer Academy Director from its inception through Summer 2018. In September 2019, she transitioned to the school office as the Admissions Director. In this position, she is using her skill set to better serve parents and students as well as helping to support staff.
One thing she loves about Abundant Life Academy is the school climate and culture. She has experienced this both as a staff member and a parent. She and Pastor Kuebler have three children, all of whom have attended Abundant Life Academy since pre-school. She is excited to partner with new and returning members of the ALA community. She believes that, at ALA, we are a family.
Raquel Mazon
Mrs. Mazon has had the privilege of teaching at Abundant Life Academy for the past 14 years, after serving as a class mom and volunteer for many years and substitute teaching for over six months. She is currently celebrating her 8th year in K3 and her 7th year as Summer Academy Director. She previously taught 4th grade, served as the Athletic Director for seven years, and was the head coach of the middle school, varsity girls, and varsity boy’s volleyball teams for 13 years.
Before teaching at ALA, she attended concerts and special events to see her nephews and nieces perform. She was immediately drawn to the environment of love and kindness that seemed to permeate here. She knew that once she had her own children, she wanted them at ALA. All three of her children have attended since pre-school. One has since graduated, another is in his senior year, and her daughter is in the middle school.
She considers it a true privilege and blessing to teach at a school where the love of Christ is taught and lived, and where she can pray with and impact the life of her students in a positive and godly manner.
Lori Tokes
Favorite Scripture: “But continue to grow and increase in God’s grace and intimacy with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May He receive all the glory both now and until the day eternity begins. Amen!” 2 Peter 3:18 TPT
Miss Tokes has been in Christian education for 39 years. 2021-2022 marks her 34th year at ALA where she has served in many positions. She has taught all the elementary grades from K5-6th, middle school ELA, and high school Literature. Presently she is the Academic Advisor, Child Study Team and Special Needs Instruction Coordinator, and the High School Department Supervisor.
Miss Tokes received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Education from Louisiana Baptist University. She has taken graduate courses in Curriculum and Special Needs Instruction at Shasta Bible College and has ACSI Teacher Certification.
Nutley Abundant Life Worship Center has been her home church for 32 years where she has participated in Media Ministry.
Her hobbies are reading, photography, and LEGO Architecture.
Diane Apap
Favorite verse “The people who know their God shall be strong and carry out great exploits.” Daniel 11:32 NKJV
Mrs. Apap has been a teacher for 37 years. 2021-2022 marks her 34th year at ALA where she has taught every grade from K3 through 8th. She is currently the high school Math and Apologetics instructor. She oversees the Senior Staff and is Curriculum Advisor for the high school. She also is the Math Curriculum Advisor for all the grades.
She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Education from Louisiana Baptist University and has taken graduate courses in Curriculum Development at Colorado Christian University. She has ACSI Teacher Certification in Secondary Education.
Mrs. Apap has been married for over 43 years. She has four adult children, all graduates of Abundant Life Academy, and is a grandmother of four grandsons.
She has been a member of Nutley Abundant Life Worship Center for over 41 years, under the wonderful leadership of Bishop Bruno and now Pastor D’Elia. She is currently honored to be serving as an Elder. She holds a credential to preach under Abundant Life Ministries International.
Her goals are to honor the Lord Jesus Christ, to challenge students to know who they are in Christ, and to create a hunger and thirst in high school students to know the reality of a loving God. She wants them to carry the torch and do mighty exploits for the Kingdom of God.
Sarah Barrera
Mrs. Barrera joined our team in 2020 with over ten years of experience in accounting. The Lord led her to leave the corporate world after many years to fulfill her dream to work in ministry full time and to honor God with her gifts.
She has known the Lord since she was a child and has worked in leadership in ministry for many years. Her passion outside of accounting is worship ministry and she has worked in that area since she was 15. The Bible chapter that has always been her support is Isaiah 43. It is a reminder that whatever circumstance we face, God carries us safely through and loves us without condition.