Our Team
- Renea Taylor, HOPE Fortis Principal
- Lakesha Curtain, Dean of Instruction
- Freddie Riley, Dean of Students
Renea Taylor, HOPE Fortis Principal
My name is Ms. Renea Taylor and I’m honored to serve as your Principal for HOPE Fortis. Ephesians 6:10 “Be strong in the Lord and his mighty power.” We stand Fortis Strong!
About me: I have 3 beautiful children (2 girls and 1 boy). I love dance and music. My favorite color is burgundy. I bring with me 11 years of experience in the field of education, having served as a middle school math educator in the Milwaukee area, including 6 years at HOPE Fortis. Last year I was Dean of Students at HOPE Fidelis where my duties were to build and support student success. I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Alverno College, and I will graduate in December 2024 with a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Wisconsin Lutheran College (in partnership with the Center for Urban Teaching).
I am committed to building a culture that cultivates a love for Christ and learning in the classroom. At HOPE Fortis, my primary goal is to ensure that each student feels valued, supported, and motivated to achieve their full potential. I believe a successful school is built on strong relationships among scholars, parents, and staff, and I am dedicated to working collaboratively with all members of our community to uphold the high standards and traditions of HOPE Fortis. Communication and partnership with parents are crucial to the success of our scholars, and I am committed to maintaining an open and transparent dialogue. Together, we can create a nurturing and challenging environment that prepares our scholars for success in school and beyond.
“Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” –Jack Welch, former GE chairman and CEO. I believe that instructional leadership skills, restorative practices and effective teaching are directly related to the success of the scholars in a classroom setting. By allowing God to lead me in this role I know positive connections and lasting success of scholars and staff will be made.
Lakesha Curtain, Dean of Instruction
Mrs. Curtain is a thought-provoking educational leader with 19 years of experience in the early childhood and educational fields. Working with scholars and their families is her calling. “I believe all students can excel through opportunities for meaningful learning and given the appropriate resources.” Mrs. Curtain also believes that partnering with families and displaying the love of God creates the most desirable learning environments. Mrs. Curtain earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Cardinal Stritch University and her Master of Education and Leadership from National Louis University. Mrs. Curtain is also passionate about ministry, serving her community through programs led by her faith-based organization, and family.
“By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35
Freddie Riley, Dean of Students
As Dean of Students, my mission will focus on Christ centered values, while collaboratively working with my Administration team to promote and maintain a climate that is conducive to student learning, emphasizing mutual respect and safety. I will focus on attendance rates and disciplinary issues as I foster strong relationships with staff, scholars, and parents. Under my care, scholars will have the freedom of expression and creativity to aid in developing character and accountability. Scholar development is vital to the growth of our youth, particularly in middle school. My mission is to create the path that produces responsible young people that are empowered, responsible, and has cultivated leadership skills that will trailblaze the future for the next generation.