Our Team

Jameela believes that God has a purpose and a plan for every teacher and scholar at HOPE and is very fortunate for the opportunity to help each scholar and teacher reach their full potential. Jameela comes to the role as principal of HOPE Semper after serving in various roles in her educational career.  She has served in schools in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi bringing a wealth of experience to her new role. She began her educational career as a Teacher Assistant, lead teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, and now principal at HOPE Semper.

Mrs. Lee is a graduate of Southern University and A&M college in Baton Rouge, LA where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications. She went on to earn a master’s degree in educational leadership from William Carey University in Gulfport, MS. While serving as Assistant principal in Gulfport, Jameela also completed the National Institute for School Leadership through the University of Mississippi.

Jameela has a passion for teaching others about Christ and is able to fulfill her passion at Christ the King Baptist church. She is a member of the Family life ministry and teaches Sunday School and Wednesday night bible study. Jameela feels blessed to be part of an organization that embodies her belief of Christ first, College and building strong character in the next generation.

Cora Edwards is a native of Milwaukee and a product of Milwaukee public schools.  Cora Edwards has served in the Milwaukee community as an advocate for domestic violence and substance abuse through organizations such as:  The Milwaukee Women's Center and Meta House for many years. She later transitioned to HOPE Christian School: Semper in 2013 as a teaching assistant. Ms.Edwards was promoted in 2018 to the Cultural Specialist position. Cora enjoys building relationships with scholars and parents.She continues to work within the Milwaukee community with at-risk youth at Running Rebel. In Ms. Edwards’ free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading and crafting. Cora is a member of Holy Cathedral Church of God in Christ. Ms. Edwards believes in spreading the fruits of the spirit wherever she goes. Galatians 5:22-23 “The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace,patience, kindness, goodness,faithfulness,gentleness, self-control.”

Danesha Washington is a native of Milwaukee, WI and was educated through the Milwaukee Public Schools. She has been employed at HOPE Christian School: Semper since the founding year of 2012. Ms. Washington began her career at HOPE Semper as the Office Manager. Through this position, she has created valuable and indispensable relationships with parents and scholars. Through hard work, dedication, and commitment,  in September of 2019, Ms. Washington was promoted to School Operations Manager. As School Operations Manager, she oversees the daily operations of the school to ensure the safety of the scholars and the viability and maintenance of the school. 

Ms. Washington enjoys working with all of the amazing scholars, building lasting partnerships with parents, and being a servant leader. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her four wonderful children, watching movies, playing board games, and making memories with family and friends. 

Ms. Washington lives out her mission in service as a member of St Marcus Lutheran Church. Her favorite scripture is-“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”Galatians 6:9 King James Version (KJV)

I am a life-long learner who enjoys sharing my knowledge with others. I especially love teaching! I began my teaching career twenty-two years ago, before I even knew it was something I would want to spend my life doing. I have found so much joy in educating children, and now, at HOPE I have the opportunity to couple my faith and my love for teaching to cultivate the minds of Milwaukee’s youth! I truly believe that when students are given the right tools, they can be successful, and I want to help make sure that the students I work with have a full toolbox.

During my years as a classroom teacher, I received multiple recognitions and awards, including the Outstanding Teacher Award from the Milwaukee Association of Ministers in 2010 and 2013.

I am a proud graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, earning a BA in Africology, where my focus was school in African-American life. I went on to earn a Master’s degree in Management with a focus on leading multicultural organizations. I am so proud to soon be able to share with my family and friends the excitement surrounding earning my PhD in African and African Diaspora Studies with an outside concentration in Urban Education.

As a Dean of Instruction at HOPE-Semper, I will continue to help meet the needs of our scholars with optimism and excitement. I look forward to many more years of being a difference-maker to the children I serve. 

A native of the Milwaukee area, Jacarra Moore is a graduate of Milwaukee Area Technical College where she received her Associates Degree in Human Services in 2014. Where her love for people begins.

Jacarra began working with HOPE Christian School: Semper in fall of 2019 as the Office Manager. She accepted the role of School Admissions Manager right before the 2020-2021 school year began. 

Prior to joining the team at HOPE Christian School: Semper, Jacarra was a Family Advocate for a headstart program in the Milwaukee area. And has multiple years in the Workforce field. Jacarra's passion is to help teen girls in the community become successful women one teen at a time. She volunteers every summer for Milwaukee Teen Reach Adventures Camp (MTRAC). She has been a youth counselor for 4 years now with MTRAC. In her spare time, she loves to lift people up in prayer or an encouraging word, read books, attend women events and church. Her favorite motto is “What you do today, will affect your Future later”.

Takeyla Sirmons has been an educator for 18 years. She joined HOPE Christian School in 2015. During her time at HOPE, she has held various positions as teaching assistant, lead teacher, regional literacy lead and Dean of instruction. Takeyla exemplifies positive, professional leadership that makes a difference in the lives of the students and staff at HOPE: Semper. She has led the implementation for new programs and best practices for teaching and learning. Takeyla continues to grow in her walk with Christ, as a leader, and teacher by building positive relationships with co-workers and families. Her favorite scripture is Luke 1:37 “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”

Takeyla’s tenacity, organization skills, capacity for curriculum and standards alignment, as well as lifting instructional rigor led her to be appointed to Regional Literacy Leader, where she supported literacy instruction for all HOPE Christian Schools.  While still maintaining her duties as Dean of Instruction, Takeyla served on a committee with other HOPE Principals to plan, develop, and deliver summer professional development to the entire HOPE network.

Takeyla received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from University of Phoenix, and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Arizona state University. She lives by the quote, “Yesterday is history, Tomorrow is a mystery, Today is a gift”. 

My name is Randall Coopwood and I was born in Illinois and raised in Milwaukee, WI.I started my career as a public speaker for ARCW( AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin) speaking publicly about abstinence from sex, drugs etc. I traveled throughout the state speaking to middle and high school students and staff. This position afforded me the opportunity to exercise my passion for mentoring and ministering to the youth of my beloved state of Wisconsin.  As years progressed, I transitioned to the role of a teacher at Northcutt head start program.  This began my pathway of training and college courses in early childhood education. I  found myself working  to gain knowledge and skills working with children and youth development and leadership programs to lead youth in character development, knowledge and new work skills.  I have been a HOPE Semper team member  for four years, a job I have cherished and given my all. I believe that teaching children and youth critical thinking and character skills is the key to transforming the world.