Our Team

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, Dean of instruction, and Principal at HOPE Fortis. Takeyla exemplifies positive, professional leadership that makes a difference in the lives of the students and staff at HOPE Fortis. She has led the implementation of 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”. 

Rukiya is committed to uplifting community members to help them reach their full academic and personal potential. She shares that commitment as part of her professional growth plan. She has a desire to strengthen systems and programs for organizations that care about making a difference for youth in the Milwaukee community.  She exudes a strong passion for leading teams who will further develop and implement well rounded programs for youth and adult programming.  

Ms. Jalayne serves as the HOPE Christian School Fortis School Office Manager.  She joined us with nearly 30 years of office and administration experience.  She uses her skills to help keep the Fortis office running smoothly!  She is truly the face of Fortis ensuring that all of scholars and their families have a pleasant experience.  She loves watching scholars grow and learn, always reminding them that there is nothing impossible for them or out or their reach.  You can hear her any given day sharing with scholars just how brilliant, loved, and cared for they are.  Her favorite job is handing out hugs and hanging artwork made by the scholars.   

My goal as an educator is to create a challenging learning environment with engaging lessons   and clear expectations. Understanding the need to show up personally and professionally. Under my care, students will have both the freedoms of expression and creativity to aid in developing character and accountability.  Student development is important, particularly for students of color. My method of citizenship pursuance within standards and students provides an alternative model of masculinity, steering scholars in the path of empowerment and relatively leadership and responsibility roles.  In addition, my practiced style of building and reinforcing children will focus on sought after skills, tools and abilities necessary for scholars to be successful in life.  Creating culturally responsive systems, structures and strategies that principle influence, identity and self confidence. My goal is simple. Create awareness, instruct that there is a path and the discoveries are endless.

Kercia Scott has always had a sincere love for helping others within her community, especially our youth. This is what prompted her to receive her Bachelor of Science degree in Community Education from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee in 2003.

Kercia taught school for five years in Milwaukee before pursuing a career in the mortgage industry. She continued to make a difference in the life of others by helping them to purchase/ refinance their dream home.

Still never leaving behind her love of children. She worked as the Youth Director at her church. She still currently holds a position within the youth department in her church working side by side with the current director as an advisor.

Following God’s instruction she returned back to her passion of working back in the school system. She accepted the School Admission Manager position with HOPE Fortis in October. Kercia stands on Philippians 4:13 -I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.