board leaders

 Dr. Mateba Harris is the Chief Executive Officer at Totally Committed Educational Services. She has held leadership positions with two urban school districts as principal and assistant principal. 

Mateba K. Harris earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) focused in Urban Education and Leadership from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. 

 Dr. Mateba Harris is the Chief Executive Officer at Totally Committed Educational Services. She has held leadership positions with two urban school districts as principal and assistant principal. 

Mateba K. Harris earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) focused in Urban Education and Leadership from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She has authored/co-authored over 15 publications on leadership, cultural competence, and equity. One of Mateba’s favorite children’s books is A Bear Called Paddington. 

Danielle Akobundu has 25 years of experience providing social services to vulnerable and underserved populations in Milwaukee. Danielle has supported families by providing early intervention services to children, licensing foster parents, supervising youth workers, and providing resources to seniors. Program director, services coordinator

Danielle Akobundu has 25 years of experience providing social services to vulnerable and underserved populations in Milwaukee. Danielle has supported families by providing early intervention services to children, licensing foster parents, supervising youth workers, and providing resources to seniors. Program director, services coordinator,  and licensing specialist are all titles Danielle has held in the social services field.  Danielle holds a B.S. and M.S. in Social Work from Upper Iowa University. One of Danielle’s favorite children’s books is The Secret of Nimh. 

Brenda Sykes has worked in urban schools for over 25 years. Having earned both a M.S and B.S.  in education, Brenda holds  an administrative and teaching license. She has worked as a teacher, mentor, supervisor, content lead and lead teacher in Milwaukee. Brenda also assisted as business services manager and  supervised numerous practicum

Brenda Sykes has worked in urban schools for over 25 years. Having earned both a M.S and B.S.  in education, Brenda holds  an administrative and teaching license. She has worked as a teacher, mentor, supervisor, content lead and lead teacher in Milwaukee. Brenda also assisted as business services manager and  supervised numerous practicum  students. She is a true leader in education. Teaching, tutoring, and supporting students and families comes natural to Brenda. She remains active in her church, community, as well as in underserved schools.  One of Brenda’s  favorite book is  Pink and Say.

Crystal Simpson received a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin Parkside in Sociology and an M.A. from Marquette University. Crystal is committed to providing mental health services to underrepresented communities. She has served urban communities for over 2 decades. As a clinical supervisor, Crystal is passionate about supporting the pr

Crystal Simpson received a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin Parkside in Sociology and an M.A. from Marquette University. Crystal is committed to providing mental health services to underrepresented communities. She has served urban communities for over 2 decades. As a clinical supervisor, Crystal is passionate about supporting the professional development of clinicians. She enjoys supporting students in training. Crystal also serves in her community through outreach along side her husband and their children at their church, Second Chance Ministries, Inc. One of Crystal's favorite children's books is Lyle Lyle Crocodile. 

Sabrina has taught in inner city schools for over 25 years. She has served students as: a classroom teacher, title I reading teacher, reading intervention specialist and school counselor. Sabrina earned a B.S. in Social Science Education from Alabama State University, M.S. in Professional Counseling, and  M.Ed. in School Counseling both

Sabrina has taught in inner city schools for over 25 years. She has served students as: a classroom teacher, title I reading teacher, reading intervention specialist and school counselor. Sabrina earned a B.S. in Social Science Education from Alabama State University, M.S. in Professional Counseling, and  M.Ed. in School Counseling both from Concordia University in  Wisconsin.

One of Sabrina’s favorite children’s books is Corduroy.

Marybeth Picard graduated from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee with a B.S. in Elementary Education. She earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Grand Canyon University. Marybeth  has dedicated 29 years to educating youth in Wisconsin. Marybeth goes above and beyond for the students she teaches. She builds a great rapport with stu

Marybeth Picard graduated from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee with a B.S. in Elementary Education. She earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Grand Canyon University. Marybeth  has dedicated 29 years to educating youth in Wisconsin. Marybeth goes above and beyond for the students she teaches. She builds a great rapport with students, their families, and colleagues. Marybeth is a leader and plays a vital role in the Mathematics department at her school. One of her favorite books is Boxcar Children. 

Lichelle McElroy is an Early Childhood Literacy Coach for Milwaukee Public Schools where she supports early literacy development at multiple  schools in MPS. Lichelle earned a bachelor’s degree from Marquette University and a master’s degree in Literacy and Language Development from Cardinal Stritch University. Lichelle has worked in educ

Lichelle McElroy is an Early Childhood Literacy Coach for Milwaukee Public Schools where she supports early literacy development at multiple  schools in MPS. Lichelle earned a bachelor’s degree from Marquette University and a master’s degree in Literacy and Language Development from Cardinal Stritch University. Lichelle has worked in education for over 30 years. In 2018, Lichelle earned MMABSE's Teacher of the Year honor. Lichelle has successfully completed Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling training for Early Childhood and is currently working on LETRS training for primary grades. Her expertise and passion is in early childhood education. One of Lichelle’s favorite books is Pete the Cat I Love My White Shoes.