Teaching Staff

Amber Hostkoetter- Lead Pre-K Teacher 

Hello My name is Mrs. Amber. I graduated from Lindenwood University with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. I attended Immanuel Lutheran School from Preschool through 8th grade and then attended St. Charles High School. I have two brothers and a sister. I married my high school sweetheart. We have an awesome little boy and a beautiful baby girl. In my free time, I like to spend time with family and friends, and play with my dog Ozzie. I have been teaching at Hope since 2015!

My Mrs. Ambers Favorite Things

Paula Wagner – Lead Preschool Teacher/Asst. Director

My bachelors degree is in Elementary Education from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, where I also started my graduate work in Educational Psychology. I’ve been married to Jason for over 20+ years. Together we have a beautiful daughter, Liz. In those 20+ years I’ve taught elementary school, been a preschool/daycare teacher and director, and for the past several years I’ve lead the Youth St. Vincent de Paul group at St. Charles Burromeo School. I have been working at Hope since 2016. I feel very blessed to be a part of the lives of our special students at HLCP.

All Mrs. Paula’s Favorite Things

Taylor Hill-  Pre-K Teacher Assistant

I was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. I have two siblings a younger brother, Cy and a younger sister, Tess. I went to Our Lady of Fatima when I was younger. Then I went to St. Elisabeth Academy high school and graduated in 2009. I graduated from Stephens College in 2013, with a major in Liberal Studies and a minor in Early Childhood Education. I wanted to go into those fields at Stephens College because I love art and I want to teach children about art. I took a lot of art classes while I was growing up. I practiced every day to get better. In 2014, I started working at Hope and I have loved it ever since!

All Miss Taylor’s Favorite Things

Kathy Fritsche – Pre-K Teacher Assistant

I have been married to my wonderful husband Mike for over 40+ years.  We have 2 grown sons and have awesome grandchildren that we devote a lot of our times to. I retired from SSM after 33 years. I’ve been at Hope since 2018. I love being part of the Hope Lutheran Family.  I love children and feel I have found where I should be! 

All Mrs. Kathy’s Favorite Things

Ashley Simmons – Preschool Teacher Assistant and Lead aftercare

I’ve been married to my husband Jamie for over 10+ years and we have 2 wonderful children, my son Lucas, went to Hope through his preschool years. My daughter, Avery just started here in 2021.  As I was studying in college for nursing, my husband joined the Army and off we went.  Over the years we started a family and I became a stay at home mom.  Now that they are off to school, I decided to find my calling.  I love working with children. The kids always put a smile on my face! I have been working at HLCP since 2021 and I have loved it ever since. In my free time I love hanging out with my family, going camping and traveling!

 All Mrs. Ashley’s Favorite Things

Mallory Cline – Pre-K Teacher Assistant and Lead Aftercare

Hi! My name is Mallory and I love working with kids! I have been at HLCP since 2022. In 2021, I graduated from Francis Howell North. I am currently going to St. Charles Community College and getting a degree for autism specialist. I have worked with kids for awhile and absolutely love it!