Meet The Team

Christopher Ortiz

Chris comes from a background in retail and property management. He is an entrepreneur starting multiple successful startups. The skills he learned in these challenging environments along with being an Ordained Minister with the National Association of Christian Ministers and Senior Pastor of House of Prayer and Restoration Christian Church have led him into the nonprofit sector. He is constantly looking at ways to keep overhead and cost down to be able to invest maximum donation into the programs they offer. He has served on multiple boards in varying roles throughout the years, most recently as board president of Hopar’s Christian Family Center.

Chris is currently working on writing his first book on developmental leadership based on the teachings of Jesus Christ and his management and entrepreneurial experience. He is passionate about the Rochester community and helping families, youth, and children realize their potential.

Jose diaz antuna

Jose has worked in accounting for 35+ years in the telecommunication and banking industries along with 20+ years in the nonprofit sector. He has held various board positions on local charities and places of faith. He is A Apostile at House of Prayer and Restoration Has been married to his wife Sonia for 40+ years . They they raised 4 kids have multiple grand-children. They are passionate about helping the community and helping families succeed.

Maria Velazquez

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Carmen Adorno

Carmen has been active in the Rochester Community with Y.A.N.A. ministries helping the homeless and underserved in the inner city. She is a Chaplin for House of prayer and Restoration Christian Church. She Received her Chaplaincy from the UCSNY in 2019 and is working towards her bachelorette currently. 

Joshua Ortiz

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Juanita Velazquez

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Ruban Rodriguez

Ruban Rodriguez is the director of environmental services at Hopar's Christian Family Center (HoparCFC). He is also a certified electrician who has studied electrical at Electrician Technical School in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. He has been working in the cleaning industry for most of his career, starting from the ground up and holding various leadership roles. Currently, he is the men's ministry leader at House of Prayer and Restoration Christian Church (HOPAR), a thriving congregation in Rochester, New York that is dedicated to the teachings of Jesus Christ . He loves serving others and seeing them grow to their potential, which brings him the greatest satisfaction.

Jill Stojkovic

Jill Stojkovic has been serving in ministry for over 30 years. She is married to Larry and they have three children and two son-in-laws. Jill’s passion comes from the scripture verses God engraved on her heart years ago, verses 1-4 from Isaiah chapter 61. She lives to imitate Christ in all areas of her life, including Roc City Kids, a day camp at HOPAR church that she directs and i61 Underground, a ministry she leads for 20 somethings. She loves the city of Rochester and longs to see the “ancient walls” rebuilt through the reconciling and redeeming work of Christ.

Javier and Karen Chona

Javier Chona

Born and raised in Mexico City, Mexico. At 21 I met Christ as my Savior. In 1980 I became a commercial pilot in Mexico then I worked at Pemex as a commercial pilot.  In 1988 I came to Lima, NY to study 3 years at Elim Bible Institute in Urban Missions. After graduation, I worked at NYSUM (New York School of Urban Ministry) in New York City from 1991 to 1996.  I came back to Rochester, NY in 1996.  Worked at Walmart for 23 years, in 2010 I became an Adult Instructor (GED & ESL) working for Rochester City School District/ OACES. In 2014 Graduated from Nazareth College with a Master Degree in Adolescence Education and Mathematics.  Presently, working at OACES as an adult instructor and providing free tutoring to the community at HOPARCFC On Wednesdays.

Karen Chona

Born in San Jose, Costa Rica, met the Lord Jesus at very young age. I came to the United States at 12 years old.  I homeschooled my 3 sons for ten years.  I graduated from Nazareth College in 2012 with a Master Degree in Bilingual education. I hold a certification as Elementary and Bilingual teacher in the State of New York. Presently, working as an elementary teacher in Rochester, NY. at Rochester City School District and providing free tutoring to the community at HOPARCFC.

Deannise Morales

Deannise Ednid Morales Lopez is the Director of Hopars Christian Family Center Child daycare with 9 years of experience in early childhood education. She is passionate about being an example and sowing the seed of knowledge to obtain valuable and concrete fruits.

She has worked as a Teacher for the Department of Education for 6 years and Head Start for 2 years. She was also an Education Supervisor at Head Start for 1 year.

Deannise has knowledge in technology, assertive communication, ability to work in teams, and good interpersonal relationships. She holds a Master’s degree from the University of Turabo, PR (2014).

She has received several awards and honors including Recognition of Improvement and Challenges (Head Start), Certificate Ministerial Arts, and Certificate in Education Arts.

Deannise enjoys taking care of her family, sharing with different people, exploring new adventures, and sports. She believes in GOD.

Juana Ortiz

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Laudy Obaez

Laudy Obaez is a Financial Coordinator with 13 years of experience in business accounting and customer service. She is passionate about helping people and communities in need and is committed to providing assistance and support.

Laudy has worked at Oak Hill Country Club as a Manager for 12 ½ years where she was responsible for budgeting, schedules, ordering, events setting and kitchen. She also worked at BOCES #1 and Salvation Army for 4 years as a child counseling care provider and paraprofessional.

Laudy was named Employee of the Year in 2013, 2014, and 2017.

She has strong communication skills and is supportive and respectful. She is proficient in MS Office, emails, Google Drive, QuickBooks, research, math, planning, writing and phone skills. Laudy has leadership skills and is adept at problem-solving, adaptability, teamwork, project management and negotiation.

Laudy holds an Associate degree in accounting from the College University of Puerto Rico in Carolina PR. She also has two years of Human Resources from Junior College in San Juan PR and a Medical Secretary degree from IEOC Rochester NY and Vocational High School in San Juan PR.

In her free time, Laudy enjoys organizing, reading, writing, cooking, volunteering and yoga.

Ana Pagan

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Ana Morales

Ana Morales is the Donations Center Lead at Hopars CHristian Family Center. Ana has a loving and caring heart for those in need and has been a missionary for over 10 years. She feels the call to help those in need either through her work in the donations center or cooking a hot meal to those who need one. She enjoys showing people the love that Jesus has shown her, by giving back and being the hands and feet of Jesus. She has seen the impact that it makes in their lives and hopes to inspire others to join her in this mission.