Meet Our Faculty | Dedicated Educators at New Hope Academy

Head of School

Dolores Muhammad

Principal

A Maryland native, Principal Muhammad joined New Hope Academy (NHA) in 2001, bringing eight years of valuable laboratory experience backed by a Bachelor’s in Medical Technology from Towson State University. She transitioned to education in 1994, gaining diverse experience teaching every grade level from Kindergarten through 8th grade before joining NHA as a high school science teacher. In 2008, she moved into administration as a high school student administrator, stepping into a full administrative role in 2022. After serving as vice principal for three years, Mrs. Muhammad was honored to take on the role of Principal in the spring of 2025.

Joy Morrow

Executive Director/Founding Principal

New Hope Academy Executive Director and Founding Principal Joy Morrow has dedicated her career to building a nurturing, globally minded learning community where students are encouraged to grow academically, creatively, and personally. As a founding leader of New Hope Academy, she has helped shape the school’s mission of developing the next generation of compassionate, confident, and purpose-driven leaders. With a passion for whole-child education, Mrs. Morrow continues to champion an environment that values academic excellence, character development, innovation, and cultural diversity for students from Preschool through Grade 12.

Office Staff

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

Kathy Radulovich, affectionately known by students as “Mrs. R,” brings more than 30 years of experience in teaching and counseling students in Baltimore County, Maryland. She is a dedicated and passionate educator committed to creating a positive and supportive learning environment. Mrs. R takes a comprehensive approach to student success, focusing not only on academics but also on students’ social and emotional well-being. She works closely with both students and families and provides counseling through individual sessions, small groups, and classroom settings. She also incorporates character education to expose students to positive, practical topics that can be applied to everyday life. Her goal is to help students grow academically, socially, and personally while feeling supported throughout their educational journey.

Janelle Cooke

Business Manager, Registrar

Janelle Cooke

Business Manager, Registrar

Janelle Cooke, formerly 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!

Email:jhartley@newhopeacademy.org

LaShawn Merryweather

Main Office

LaShawn Merryweather

Main Office

Preschool Staff

Sierra Morris

Preschool Teacher

Sierra Morris

Preschool Teacher

Email:smorris@newhopeacademy.org

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.

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.

FACULTY

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

Tylia Mawu

2nd Grade Teacher

Tylia Mawu

2nd Grade Teacher

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.

Justin Green

3rd Grade Teacher

Justin Green

3rd Grade Teacher

Justin Green joined New Hope Academy in 2022, bringing more than 10 years of experience in education and youth development. He earned a degree in Recreation Administration with a minor in Business from North Carolina Central University. After college, Mr. Green served as a Group Leader and Teen Director at a Boys & Girls Club before beginning a four-year semi-professional basketball career in the American Basketball Association (ABA). He later continued his work in education as a teaching assistant and as a site director and area manager for before- and after-school programs. Mr. Green especially enjoys teaching math and helping students grow academically and personally. Outside the classroom, he enjoys producing music and instrumentals and spending time with his wife, family, and dog, Nina.

Veronica Makowski

6th Grade Teacher

Veronica Makowski

6th Grade Teacher

Reginald Jackson

7th Grade Teacher

Reginald Jackson

7th Grade Teacher

William Pointer

HS Social Studies Teacher

William Pointer

HS Social Studies Teacher

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.

Aisha Faison

Director of STEM Education, Math, Health, K-7 Technology

Aisha Faison

Director of STEM Education, Math, Health, K-7 Technology

Aisha Faison serves as the Director of STEM Education at New Hope Academy, where she leads the strategic development and integration of STEM programs across all grade levels. With a passion for hands-on, real-world learning, she is dedicated to equipping students with the skills they need to succeed in a technology-driven world. Since joining New Hope Academy in 2006, Aisha Faison has taught AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles, Pre-Calculus, Health, Pre-Algebra and Technology from Kindergarten through high school. She previously served as the school’s Robotics Coach and has since integrated robotics directly into the seventh-grade technology curriculum to ensure every student gains exposure to engineering, coding, and problem-solving. Her visionary approach has brought coding into classrooms as early as Kindergarten and expanded the school’s offerings to include AI and creative computing at the middle and high school levels. She has led partnerships with Amazon Future Engineers and the USA Science & Engineering Festival.

Randy Monroe

HS Science Teacher

Randy Monroe

HS Science 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.

Soo Jung Park

Korean Teacher

Soo Jung Park

Korean Teacher

Soo Jung Park has been teaching Korean at New Hope Academy since 2022. She holds academic backgrounds in Psychology and Paralegal Studies, bringing a unique combination of interpersonal insight and educational expertise to her teaching. Having lived and worked closely within both Korean and American communities, Ms. Park possesses a deep understanding of the languages, cultures, and values of both countries. She has been recognized by the National Institute of Korean Language and the Overseas Korean Agency for successfully completing the Korean School Teacher Certification Program Levels 1 and 2. Throughout her teaching career, Ms. Park has dedicated herself to helping non-Korean-speaking students learn the Korean language, history, and culture. With patience, encouragement, and a student-centered approach, she helps learners overcome the challenges and anxieties often associated with acquiring a second language. She finds great fulfillment in guiding students as they develop their Korean language skills, explore Korean culture, and build meaningful connections through communication. As the Korean Language Teacher at New Hope Academy, Ms. Park is passionate about inspiring students to become confident global citizens through language and cultural understanding.

Luz Hughes

Spanish Teacher

Luz Hughes

Spanish Teacher

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

8-12th Tech Teacher / Tech support

Jathan Wright

8-12th Tech Teacher / 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.

Xavier Hendon

Music Teacher

Xavier Hendon

Music Teacher

Xavier Alexander Hendon, also known as itsCODEX, is a composer, choreographer, musician, and educator with a strong background in both performance and music education. His love for music began through church and community involvement, where he participated in choir and praise step teams. Since 2006, he has performed with a variety of notable artists and organizations, including Chris Brown, Ashanti, Step Afrika, the Norfolk State University Spartan “Legion” Marching Band, and others. He currently serves as music director for local artist L-Stringz. Mr. Hendon earned a Bachelor of Music Education in 2021 and a Master of Music in Theory & Composition in 2024 from Norfolk State University. He has worked as a music educator and now also leads several creative businesses focused on music production, performance, education, and supporting underrepresented artists and composers. His experience as both an educator and professional musician allows him to bring creativity, discipline, and a passion for music into the classroom.

Danielle Cornwall

Elementary Reading Specialist

Danielle Cornwall

Elementary Reading Specialist

Julia Aguirre

After Care

Julia Aguirre

After Care

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.

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.

Shirley Robinson

After Care

Shirley Robinson

After Care

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.