Ellen Moyer

Ellen Moyer was mayor of the City of Annapolis when Kids at Hope was first introduced there in 2006. It was her deep understanding and commitment to young people that KAH flourished throughout Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, becoming a Kids at Hope City. Prior to serving as mayor, Moyer was a member of the Annapolis City Council and the Maryland Racing Commission. She also taught a year of fifth grade in Baltimore County and served as executive director of the Maryland Commission for Women in the late 1970s, as a lobbyist of the Maryland Teacher's Association, and as a member of the Strategic Committee on the State Plan for Higher Education.

Herndon Parks and Recreation

Herndon Parks and Recreation secured early funding from the National Recreation Foundation in partnership with Neighbors United to seed the KAH initiative throughout the entire Herndon community and beyond. The community was selected as one of the very first KAH models in the country beginning in 2005. 

 Representing Herndon Parks and Recreation: 

• Cindy Roeder 
•  Krestin Severin 

William L. Bates Jr.:

As an inspired leader and treasure hunter, William Bates personifies the commitment needed to ensure the success of all kids, No Exceptions. William was introduced to Kids at Hope and Hope Science when he served as principal of Herndon High School. As he pursued his professional goals, he ensured that BELIEVING-CONNECTING-TIME TRAVELING was part of his professional and personal strategy. He  is “The Johnny Appleseed” of HOPE. As the current Chief Academic Officer for the Falls Church City Public Schools, William Bates continues to travel at the Speed of HOPE.

Christine Hodgson:

Christine has been the biggest champion and treasure hunter of the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services and the Fairfax Out-of-School Time Network. In addition to being the lead training facilitator for both, she is always ensuring that all approaches to youth and teen initiatives are keeping true to the Kids at Hope principles. Christine continues to keep Hope Alive and is a great ambassador to the continued partnership between Fairfax County and Kids at Hope.

Jesse Ellis:

As the former Prevention Manager for Neighborhood and Community Services, Jesse’s cross-system efforts often saw him reference the Kids at Hope philosophy and worked tirelessly to ensure those in the system had a better understanding of what “All youth succeeding, no exceptions” looked like in practice. While he has moved into a different role for the county, Jesse continues to be an advocate and treasure hunter.

 Lloyd Tucker:

As the Agency Director for the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, Lloyd has been a strong advocate for embedding Kids at Hope in all things Youth related for the agency. A Masters Institute graduate, Lloyd has continued to ensure his agency is ready to help guide youth and teens on their journey to believing, connecting, and time traveling.

Patrick Garland

Patrick is the consummate treasure hunter and a soldier in the fight for ensuring that All kids reach their highest dreams. Whether it is supporting student engagement in social justice work or mentoring young men in the community, Patrick cultivates hope and inspiration in others and never gives up on kids! Patrick believes All Kids Are Capable of Success, No Exceptions!

Ghada Khalaf

Ghada serves as a social worker at Meridian High School and is a treasure hunter at heart. She is the cornerstone of the social services team and has become a reliable and trusted source of care, empathy, and inspiration to her students and families. She brings a gentle and helpful spirit into every space she enters, and she is relentless in her advocacy for All students. 

Sara Tennyson:

Sara is more than a special education teacher, doctoral student, and restorative justice expert. She is the caring adult that our students need in their lives. She is always going above and beyond her call of duty to motivate, inspire and care for kids, especially those who are marginalized. Sara is an advocate for all students and serves as a voice for the voiceless. 

Fairfax County Public Schools Interagency Alternative Schools Program

Six years ago, the Interagency Alternative Schools was introduced to the Kids at Hope cultural framework and have been a long-standing supporter and practitioner ever since. 

With the leadership of Ms. Carey Williams, Ms. Jennifer Knox, and Mr. Dave Penland the Kids at Hope initiative, which demonstrates that all kids are capable of success, No Exceptions, has supported Fairfax County Public Schools’ students and families with positive outcomes and has made a transformational impact in the lives of those they served. 

In honor of the many years of their Treasure Hunting efforts, it is with great pleasure that HOPE Honors the Interagency Alternative Schools. Thank you for keeping HOPE alive in Fairfax County Public Schools. 

Representing FCPS – IAS are:

• Dave Penland
• Carey Williams
• Jennifer Knox

Fairfax County Public Schools – Family and School Partnerships

Since 2006, Family and School Partnerships has been a faithful supporter of the Kids at Hope Cultural Framework, believing that children and youth are capable of success without exception. With the unwavering support of key leaders such as, Robin Hamby and Dr. Renee LaHuffman-Jackson, Family and School Partnerships has been the driving force behind the Kids at Hope initiative in Fairfax County Public Schools. In honor of the many years of their Treasure Hunting efforts, it is with great pleasure that HOPE Honors Family and School Partnerships for their long-standing support. Thank you for the past sixteen years of keeping HOPE alive in Fairfax County Public Schools.

Representing FCPS-FSP

• Dr. Renee LaHuffman-Jackson

Raheel Ahmed-Litz

Raheel was born in Washington D.C. and has called Alexandria Virginia home since 1970. She has worked with Fairfax County Public Schools for the past 24 years. She has held various roles and is currently in the Office of Family and School Partnerships as the South Asian Cultural Outreach for FCPS. She has been part of the Kids at Hope movement for the past 15 years. Raheel actively continues to spread HOPE and is a true Treasure Hunter- always seeking to discover the talents, skills and intelligence that exist in all children and youth! Hope Honors Raheel Ahmed- Litz for the many years and contributions to keeping hope alive in FCPS.

Kelly Gineczki 

Kelly is currently serving as a School Counselor at Herndon High School in Herndon, Virginia. Kelly has spent the last 30+ years as a teacher, coach, counselor, and most importantly, a constant in the lives of thousands of students in the Herndon Community. Kelly has been an early adopter of the Kids at Hope movement. She is one of the original Treasure Hunters when Kids at Hope was first introduced to the Herndon community through a National Parks grant back in 2006. Kelly continues to spread HOPE and is a Treasure Hunter at heart- always seeking to discover the talents, skills and intelligence that exist in all children and youth! 

Dr. Akeda Pearson

Akeda is the founder, CEO & Senior Consultant at her company, Premier Training and Professional Development. She has been a Kids at Hope Trainer for almost 10 years. She was one of the first trainers for schools and community organizations under the former Equity Office for Anne Arundel County Public Schools. She facilitated training at two Baltimore City charter schools and most recently to leaders and student services personnel for Vance County Public School system in North Carolina. Her leadership in the Bowie State University Teaching, Learning & Professional Development Department for the College of Education has influenced the engagement of the university in Kids at Hope.  

Lisa Keough

Lisa is a licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. Prior to opening her own practice in 2022, Lisa served as the social worker for Annapolis Middle School. Lisa was a member of the first class of Kids at Hope trainer graduates. Her long-term commitment has seeded HOPE in countless youth, families, staff, and community. 

Walton Rogers:   

Walton Rogers is a semi-retired businessman and financial advisor. Walton’s leadership provided the first grant in support of the launch of Kids at Hope in Annapolis. His early leadership and financial support provided resources to launch Kids at Hope in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County. 

Reginald Broddie 

Reginald is the co-founder of the Annapolis & Anne Arundel Scholarship Trust and is responsible for the executive leadership and direction of the organization. With a 35-year career as a strategic and innovative leader whose skills in creating vision, executing action plans; encouraging positive community relationships have resulted in success building capacity and sustainability in the non-profit sector. As leader of the Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Boys & Girls Clubs for almost 25 years, Reggie was responsible for a $5.4 million budget, providing leadership to six club locations and over 100 staff members. He sponsored the initial training of Kids at Hope Annapolis and Anne Arundel County and supported the movement to grow in schools and in multiple non-profit youth serving organizations.  He continues to be a Treasure Hunter.