Meet Our Faculty | Dedicated Educators at New Hope Academy

Faculty Directory

Head of School office

Dolores Muhammad

Principal

This Maryland native joined NHA in 2001, bringing eight years of laboratory experience from institutions like the National Institute of Health, following her Bachelor's in Medical Technology from Towson State University. After transitioning to education in 1994 and teaching various science subjects, she eventually moved into administration, serving as a high school student administrator before taking on a full administrative role in 2008.

Dolores Muhammad

Principal

Email:dmuhammad@newhopeacademy.org

Angela Tallack

Math Director, Assistant Administrator to the Principal

Angela Tallack

Math Director, Assistant Administrator to the Principal

Originally a Vice-Principal and math teacher in England, Angela Tallack joined New Hope Academy (NHA) in 2017 as a part-time instructor after moving to Bowie to be closer to her grandchildren. She has since expanded her role and is currently serving as NHA's Math Director and Assistant Administrator to the Principal.

Kathy Radulovich

Director of Education, Counselor

Kathy Radulovich

Director of Education, Counselor

My name is Kathy Radulovich. The students call me Mrs. R. I have over 30 years experience in teaching and counseling students in Baltimore County, Md. I am a dedicated and passionate educator. I foster a positive learning environment while promoting student success. I have a plethora of skills which are utilized through a comprehensive approach. I am focused on academics, as well as emotional and social issues. I focus on students and families. I do counseling individually, in groups, or in the classroom setting. Character education ensures the students are exposed to a variety of positive topics which can be applied to everyday living.

Shirley Robinson

Main Office

Shirley Robinson

Main Office

Shirley Robinson joined the New Hope Academy staff in 2015 as a substitute teacher. Shirley's passion for the school and their philosophy had such a big effect on her that she wanted to stay with the school after her granddaughter graduated from New Hope Academy in 2018. Shirley is a math assistant , the Early Care Supervisor /Lunchroom Supervisor.and Main office staff and a Certified Medical Technician.. Shirley studied at Prince George's Community College and University of Maryland. She is very pleased to be part of the New Hope Academy staff.

LaShawn Merryweather

Main Office

LaShawn Merryweather

Main Office

Business office

Janelle Hartley Cooke

Business Manager, Registrar

Janelle Hartley Cooke

Business Manager, Registrar

Janelle Hartley is the "hub" of New Hope Academy. A native of Guyana, raised in Brooklyn, NY, and married to a Jamaican, her multi-cultural background and family exemplify NHA's diverse school culture. She attended Pace University to pursue accounting and spent the majority of her career working for financial institutions. This allowed her to develop her strengths in management and customer service while fostering her desire to help those in need. "Mrs. Janelle" joined the school in 2006, along with her son, after transitioning her family to Maryland. "To be in a state without any relatives nearby is difficult," she said, "especially when you have a child. However, being at New Hope fills that void and has helped instill rare qualities in my son that are hard to find in today's society: respect, unity, ambition, and compassion. Everyone here is our extended family and has treated us as such." Mrs. Janelle wears many hats at NHA. She is the office manager, registrar, medical technician, international student representative, host family contact, and more. She is always willing to answer any questions or provide assistance when needed. If she doesn't have the answer, she will find it!

Habayattu Bah

Accounting

Habayattu Bah

Accounting

As a Prince George’s County native, my journey into accounting took an unexpected yet rewarding turn. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Banking and Finance, aiming for a career in banking in 2023. However, an internship with a nonprofit changed my perspective as I witnessed how strong financial management can drive meaningful change, igniting my interest in accounting. This led to my current role at NHA as an Accounting Assistant, where I am refining my financial skills. I appreciate the structure and problem-solving aspects of accounting, especially knowing my work serves a greater purpose. Outside of work, I am passionate about traveling and exploring new cultures. I am also pursuing my master’s in Cyberaccounting, with aspirations in fraud detection and auditing. With financial crimes on the rise, I aim to use my skills to protect organizations from fraud and ensure transparency. I'm excited about the opportunities ahead in my career and travels.

Pre-School Staff

Julia Aguirre

Assistant Pre-K Teacher

Julia Aguirre

Assistant Pre-K Teacher

What Julia Aguirre loves about teaching as a teacher assistant with Pre-K students, she delights in being a supportive guide and witness to their earliest educational adventures, watching them grow and flourish in these foundational years. She enjoys reading informative books, being with nature and physical training. Julia Aguirre serves as a PreK assistant at NHA, where she has dedicated the past two years to supporting the early education of young students. Her passion for her work is evident in her patience and joy in guiding children, and she takes pride in fostering a positive attitude towards education, not only in her students but also in their parents. Additionally, Julia is an avid reader of informative books and finds solace in spending time in nature.

Hyejung Rika Betancourt

Pre-K Teacher

Hyejung Rika Betancourt

Pre-K Teacher

Hyejung Rika Betancourt earned her bachelor's in early childhood education at Grand Canyon University. She joined New Hope Academy in 2021 as an assistant during the preschool summer program and moved to head Prek 4/5 teacher. She believes it is important to understand and create a positive, honest, and transparent relationship with young children and their families. She continues to learn the importance and impact of children's social-emotional development, which allows her to support and help guide young children, as each child is unique and special.

Kim Dadachanji

Pre-School Teacher

Kim Dadachanji

Pre-School Teacher

Kim Dadachanji teaches the preschool class for 3 year olds. She joined NHA as a substitute before she began teaching preschool in 1996. She is a graduate of the University of Vermont, and she attained her bachelor's degree in elementary education from APEX, an innovative teacher education program for developing experiential education. "Mrs. Kim's" experience includes working at The Vicarage School of Montessori/KinderCare in Hamden, CT. The school's founders were Montessori teacher trainers, and Mrs. Kim was exposed to a variety of Montessori materials and training. Her knowledge enables her to provide a joyful environment that stimulates her student's innate sense of wonder and develops their enthusiasm to discover, learn, and grow.

Somana Chowdury

Assistant Pre-K Teacher

Somana Chowdury

Assistant Pre-K Teacher

Somana Chowdhury is New Hope Academy's Pre-K 3 and Pre-K4 senior assistant teacher. She has been teaching in early childhood education for twenty five years. She has earned her bachelor's degree in psychology. She loves teaching and helping children grow and flourish.

Kisha Davenport

Preschool, Early, and Aftercare Director

Kisha Davenport

Preschool, Early, and Aftercare Director

Kisha Davenport joined New Hope Academy in January 2023. She is a native New Yorker, who has 14 years of experience working with preschool and school-age students. Kisha has a Bachelor of Nursing from Howard University. She believes that is is very important to meet each student where they are and allow them to grow from there. She loves pouring into the students and contributing to their overall growth and development. Kisha also enjoys spending time with her daughter Madison.

Elementary Staff

Comecha Lewis

Kindergarten Teacher

Comecha Lewis

Kindergarten Teacher

Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Mrs. Comecha Lewis is a dedicated educator with over 30 years of experience shaping young minds. She is a proud mother of three and a graduate of North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC, where she earned her degree in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Social Science. Throughout her career, Mrs. Lewis has worked extensively with DC Public and Charter Schools, teaching students from Pre-K through 2nd grade. Her passion for early childhood development led her to transition into childcare, where she played a pivotal role in opening and serving as the Director of Children of the Future CDC for a decade. There, she found immense joy in nurturing children from six weeks to five years old, fostering their growth and development. Now, as a devoted wife and mother, Mrs. Lewis continues to inspire young learners as a Kindergarten teacher at New Hope Academy in Hyattsville, MD. Her commitment to education and love for teaching remain at the heart of everything she does.

Wendell Brown

1st Grade Teacher

Wendell Brown

1st Grade Teacher

Mr. Brown joins New Hope Academy with over 15 years of teaching experience in subjects ranging from Biology and Earth Science to Math and elementary education. In addition to his classroom work, he has coached track and field for more than a decade, guiding athletes to the Junior Olympics and mentoring students who earned full athletic scholarships. He is also the founder of Boyz to Men, a youth program in Washington, D.C., dedicated to leadership, discipline, and community engagement.

Email:wbrown@newhopeacademy.org

Justin Green

2nd/3rd Grade Teacher

Justin Green

2nd/3rd Grade Teacher

Hello everyone! My name is Justin Green, and I joined New Hope Academy in 2022. I come with over 10 years of experience in Education. I graduated from North Carolina Central University with a degree in Recreation Administration and a minor in Business. Following college, I began to work at a Boys and Girls Club as a Group Leader/Teen Director. Soon after, I began my semi professional basketball career, and played in the ABA league for 4 years. Since ending my basketball career, I have furthered my educational background being a Teaching Assistant, as well as Site Director/Area Manager for before and after school programs. In my free time, I enjoy teaching, especially Math (my favorite subject). I also enjoy producing music/instrumentals, spending time with my family, my wife, and my dog Nina.

Vondale Mack

4th-5th Grade Teacher/Cohort Lead for Middle School

Vondale Mack

4th-5th Grade Teacher/Cohort Lead for Middle School

Vondale Mack joined New Hope Academy as a substitute before becoming a teacher in January 2018. Vondale received her Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a Criminal Justice minor from Bowie State University. Vondale is passionate about childhood education and empowerment, and has worked for over 20 years providing wrap around services for youth and families who suffered trauma ranging from child abuse, sexual assault, bullying, domestic violence, and homicide. Her motto is learning should be both educational and fun.

Upper Staff

Reginald Jackson

6th-7th Grade Teacher

Reginald Jackson

6th-7th Grade Teacher

Randy Monroe is a veteran educator with 26 years of experience teaching Earth, Life, and Physical Sciences, specializing in project-based learning, critical thinking, and scientific inquiry at New Hope Academy. A CSU East Bay alumnus with advanced credentials in science and education technology leadership, Randy has collaborated with NASA, Johns Hopkins APL, and the Department of Energy on groundbreaking missions including New Horizons to Pluto, MAVEN to Mars, and microbial ecology research. His teaching is enriched by real-world science, from field study trips to collaborations with leading scientists, inspiring students to explore space, Earth systems, and environmental stewardship.

William Pointer

HS Social Studies Instructor

William Pointer

HS Social Studies Instructor

William Pointer is excited to be at New Hope Academy as the 8-12th grade teacher. Although recently joining New Hope Academy, he has been teaching for over 18 years in public schools in Detroit and Washington, DC. His interests include non-profit organizations, community building, sports, chess, and role playing games. He is looking forward to discovering the gifts uncovered throughout the year with his students and having them advocate for what is important to them. Mr. Pointer has a Master's Degree from the University of Michigan in Education and a Master's Degree from the University of Phoenix in Curriculum and Instruction.

Alice Hughes

HS Language Arts Instructor

Alice Hughes

HS Language Arts Instructor

Alice Hughes is excited to formally return to the classroom. She has spent the last few years focusing on her growing family, you can see her 3 kids attending classes here at New Hope. She has also worked to build and coach a local volleyball club as well as develop and run the volleyball program at New Hope. After teaching at various schools in New York she most recently was a teacher and volleyball coach at Archbishop Carroll High School, DC. She attended SUNY Cortland, NY for both her Undergraduate and Masters degree. Hughes is a big college sports fan, GO TERPS!

Randy Monroe

HS Science Instructor

Randy Monroe

HS Science Instructor

Specialties

Anthony Jones

Music Teacher

Anthony Jones

Music Teacher

Omar Truitt

Math Specialist, Webmaster

Omar Truitt

Math Specialist, Webmaster

My name is Omar Truitt, and I am excited to be joining the teaching community this year as a 4th-grade math and Algebra 2 instructor. I am originally from Prince George's County, MD, and this is my first year teaching. In addition to my teaching role, I also manage the design and maintenance of our school’s website, ensuring it’s a helpful resource for students, parents, and staff. Before transitioning into education, I was a football player at the University of Iowa, which taught me valuable lessons about teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. I hold an Associate's degree in Business Administration from ASA College, and I later earned my Bachelor's degree in Software Development and Security from the University of Maryland Global Campus. I'm passionate about creating an engaging and dynamic learning environment where my students can develop both their math skills and critical thinking abilities. I look forward to supporting my students as they embark on their educational journeys and helping them achieve their fullest potential.

Aisha Faison

Math, Health, K-7th Grade Computer

Aisha Faison

Math, Health, K-7th Grade Computer

Aisha Faison is an innovative educator and leader with a proven track record in integrating technology, computer science, and cross-disciplinary learning into K-12 education. With over 15 years of experience in teaching math, science, computer science, and health, Aisha Faison has developed and expanded school technology programs to include AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles, and middle school AI courses. As a Robotics Coach, Board Member, and advocate for equity in education, Aisha Faison is passionate about creating engaging learning environments that prepare students for real-world challenges. Through strategic partnerships, curriculum development, and grant acquisition, Mrs.Faison continues to expand access to high quality STEM education and inspire the next generation of innovators.

Soo Jung Park

Korean Instructor

Soo Jung Park

Korean Instructor

Soo Jung Park has general erudition and intimate familiarity with both Korean and American cultures, having been proximate to both communities throughout the years of her life. For many years she taught Korean language and history and culture to non Korean speaking students and helped them overcome the difficulty and fear of trying to learn Korean as their second language. It is her great pleasure to be the Korean language teacher at New Hope Academy to see her students learn Korean and experience Korean culture.

Luz Hughes

Spanish Language

Luz Hughes

Spanish Language

Luz Hughes has been teaching Spanish to grades K-12 at NHA since 2005. She was born and raised in the Dominican Republic. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and minored in Liberal Arts from the University of the District of Columbia. She is a candidate for her Master's in Education & Language. Mrs. Hughes' experience includes teaching for eight years in PG County and six years in DC (Spanish and AP Spanish Language & Literature). She believes it is important to "connect with the students" in order for them to learn and appreciate what is being taught. She takes responsibility to mentor her students, hoping to impact their lives. Nominated by her students, Mrs. Hughes has been recognized in Who's Who for making a difference in the lives of children.

Tionna Cortez

Art Teacher

Tionna Cortez

Art Teacher

Tionna Cortez joined New Hope Academy in April 2024 as an Art teacher. Native to Washington DC she received her BFA from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. Tionna decided to pursue art because it was therapeutic to her as well as many others. Tionna has had many shows within DC and Maryland like the WOCAX 365, The Black Girl Art Show, Rhizome just to name a few. Her favorite artists are Yayoi Kusama, Georgia O’Keefe, Akira Toriyama, and Hayao Miyazaki. Her favorite quote from Georgia O’Keefe is “To create one’s world in any of the arts takes courage”.

Jathan Wright

Tech Teacher 8-12/Tech support

Jathan Wright

Tech Teacher 8-12/Tech support

Jathan Wright teaches Computer Science to 8th grade and high school students, and also works as a hardware and software technician at NHA. He received his bachelor’s degree in Digital Media and Web Technology in May 2015, and became the official web designer for the Georgetown-Howard Universities Translational Biomedical Science Program in August 2015. Mr. Wright also knows graphic design, computer programming, video game programming, animation, and more. He is an alumni of NHA who graduated in December 2010 and is determined to help the school become the best that it can be.

Concha Marchitelli

Performing Arts Director

Concha Marchitelli

Performing Arts Director

Beverly Berdnt

Reading Specialist

Beverly Berdnt

Reading Specialist

Athletics

Shaun Houston

Athletic Director/PE Teacher

Shaun Houston

Athletic Director/PE Teacher

Shaun Houston has been an educator, athletic director, and coach for over 20 years. At New Hope Academy, he teaches Health, Physical Education, and Math. He is dedicated to teaching young people how to maintain healthy and fit lifestyles because of the importance it has on fitness levels, academic performance, and behavior. Coach Houston has taught at private, public, and charter schools throughout the region including DC Public Schools, Friendship Public Charter School, Prince George’s County Public Schools, Fusion Academy Private School, and Rock Creek Academy. He is regarded as consistently reliable by his colleagues, and professionally committed by parents and students. In addition to success in the classroom, Coach Houston’s leadership and organizational skills positioned him to manage the entire New Hope Academy sports program as a former athletic director. He also coached several sports including basketball, football, soccer and baseball. His success as a coach earned him Coach of the Year in 2001, 2003, and 2004. He continues to mentor former students who have gone on to play in competitive college sports programs, serve in the military, and begin their careers; all of whom attest that Coach Houston’s influence on their lives as an educator, coach, and role model have helped them to succeed. In his free time, Coach Houston enjoys spending time with his family, watching football, and he is an avid golfer.

Faculty Directory

Head of School office

Business office

Pre-School Staff

Elementary Staff

Upper Staff

Specialties

Athletics

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