Kristina Hartzell has been officially named the next Director of the St. John’s Baptist Church Weekday School. Having first joined as a classroom teacher in 2014, she taught both the 3s and Transitional Kindergarten. Kristina was named Assistant Director of the Weekday School in 2023. In 2025, she assumed responsibilities as the Interim Director of the Weekday school, following the retirement of Lydia Olmsted, whose leadership tenure spanned nearly two decades.

Kristina holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from UNC-Charlotte. Her master’s degree focused on the importance of social learning in early childhood, and Kristina designed the learning program “How to Be a Changemaker,” which promotes young children’s social and emotional health through meaningful classroom conversations. This educational program is now incorporated into the Transitional Kindergarten curriculum.

A Charlotte resident since 2012, Kristina is originally from Philadelphia, PA. She and her husband, Dave, are the proud parents of three boys, all of whom are Weekday School alumni.

Kristina will begin her official duties as Director of the Weekday School on August 1, 2026. A ministry of St. John’s Baptist Church, the Weekday School provides a learning environment that nurtures a child’s growing awareness and relationship with God.