Jalaya Morrow has an immense connection with little learners or as she says, “little people”. Her interest in children began in her adolescence, working in the nursery at Hope United Methodist Church in Southfield, Mi. Born and raised in Detroit, Mi, where she graduated from the Detroit School of Arts with a focus in vocal music. Who knew her love for babies would emerge decades later? She is a 2x alumna of Alabama State University, where she studied Early Childhood Education and Theatre. She became an enrichment teacher for 3 years at Aldersgate Methodist Church in Montgomery, Al. She began her professional career teaching in Head Start/First-Class Pre-K in Montgomery, Al. In 2016, Jalaya earned the Teacher of the Year Runner-Up Award by the Alabama Head Start Association. After dedicating her service to Alabama’s families, she felt called to explore other opportunities within the field of education. She accepted the role of Quality Specialist for the Early Head Start Child Care Partnership at the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education. Jalaya was responsible for helping build the program’s Inter Agency Agreement. Her job’s role was to ensure programs succeed within the Head Start Performance Standards, while supporting directors and childcare providers. Currently, she is a Pre-K Coach serving several counties. She is proud to maintain the legacy of Pre-K in Alabama.

Presently, Jalaya is the Director and Founder of Business of Babies, Inc. She holds an Early Childhood Mental Health Endorsement, a certificate with the National Program for Playground Area Safety, is certified for Train the Trainer in Neurokinetics and a Certification in Early Educational Leadership presented by the Zaentz Professional Learning Academy from Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Jalaya S. Morrow, M.Ed, ECMH-E® - Director

Andrew has over 25 years of audit, accounting, consulting, and nonprofit leadership experience. He has a BS degree in Accounting from Wayne State University (Detroit, MI), a Master’s degree in public administration (MPA) from Capella University in Wisconsin, a Nonprofit Leadership Certification from Fordham University in New York. Andrew also is a Certified Public Accountant. His experience includes nonprofit Vice-President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial & Administrative Officer, President of an accounting firm and President of a consulting firm that specialized in nonprofit outsourced CFO Services, Nonprofit Turn-aRound Services and Audit Preparatory Services. Andrew has significant experience in day-today administration, finance, monthly and annual financial statements, business development, fund sourcing, grants, strategic planning, human resources, compliance, and risk management.

Andrew I. Melton , CPA, MPA - C.F.O.

Donielle Lepine is a current math and computer science teacher within the Montgomery Public School system.  She has been a teacher for over 10 years and thoroughly enjoys it.  Following her teaching responsibilities, Donielle is the cheerleading coach, prom coordinator and co-department head. She assists with the administration when needed and is a go-to person for many of her coworkers. In 2018, she was selected to be on the Superintendent's Advisory Council, where she would bring updates from the superintendent back to her colleagues. In 2020, she worked with the District Math Coach to form the pacing guide for the precalculus course offered to upperclassmen. Donielle also instructs first-year students at Troy University in Troy, Al. Donielle's biggest aspiration in teaching is to show young people there is more to life than what is seen in their community. She encourages ALL students to be a better version of themselves. Lepine graduated from Alabama State University in 2013 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Mathematics and from the University of West Alabama in 2023 with a Master’s of Education in Instructional Leadership.  While at ASU, she was chosen to be a Golden Ambassador in 2010 and became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in 2011. She still enjoys volunteering at ASU during the commencement exercises and with many departments since her graduation. Donielle grew up in a variety of states: Georgia, Alabama, and Oregon. She enjoyed seeing the United States with her family, who currently live in McKinney, Texas. Donielle lives in Montgomery, Alabama, with her beloved fur-baby Maguire, a beautifully blended shelter dog.

Donielle Lepine, M.Ed - C.O.O.

A Tuskegee, Alabama native, Dori Sippial is an educator with over 25 years of experience in teaching a variety of age and educational levels. Dori graduated with a Masters in Education Administration from Auburn University at Montgomery. She has been helping families build budgets and get out of debt for the last 20 years.  As a licensed financial advisor representative, broker and RVP for PFS, Dori has expanded her expertise into helping families build wealth and protect themselves as they become fiscally sound. Her creative style of educating crosses many social and economic barriers with the goal of making financial freedom more assessable.

Dori Sippial, M.Ed - Staff

Marcia Morrow has over 29 years of experience in education. She started off substitute teaching at Brighton Elementary and Brighton High School in Alabama, where she attended both schools as a student. She attended nursing school at UAB, then moved to Detroit, Mi in 1986. Shortly thereafter, she earned her B.S. in Education with a major in English and a minor in Social Studies. She then graduated from  U of D Mercy and received her Masters in Elementary Administration leading to her employment with Detroit Public Schools (DPS). Marcia began teaching 2nd grade, then taught 1st grade for 12 years and 3rd grade for 3 years. She became the Assistant Principal at Mae C. Jemison Academy for 4 years, before moving into administration for a 9 year stretch. Over the course of her years in administration, she partnered with a school in Africa for 3 years through the Beyond Basics Program. During her principalship, she was able to reconstruct 5 schools who were deemed as needing improvement. She also was the 1st school in DPS authorized to be an International Baccalaureate School. Not to mention she was nationally recognized from the U.S. Department of Education in Washington DC. Marcia has since retired in 2013 but currently supports Pontiac Public School District.

Marcia Morrow, M.A. - Staff

Ericka was born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama and has continued to live in Montgomery for most of her life. Ericka is a graduate of Jefferson Davis High School. She graduated with honors from Alabama State University with a Bachelor of Science degree concentrating in criminal justice and minoring in English Writing. During her time at Alabama State, Ericka was a dedicated member of the Alabama State Cheerleading team. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and was inducted into Alpha Kappa Mu National Honor Society. She graduated with honors from Auburn University Montgomery with her Master’s degree in justice and public safety concentrating in legal studies. In 2014, Ericka began serving students as a high school teacher teaching grades 9th- 12th where she cultivated a healthy teacher- student relationship and further developed a passion for ensuring that students receive a proper education. Ericka is committed to achieving academic success for students of all ages and all learning styles. In 2018, Ericka received her Juris Doctorate from Thomas Goode Jones School of Law at Faulkner University. With her unique background as a former teacher turned attorney, Ericka began representing clients in special education disputes, domestic relations, and juvenile dependency cases as Principal attorney at E. Powell Law. She later began her role as Deputy District Attorney in Montgomery County and now currently serves as the General Counsel of the Montgomery Board of Education. 

Ericka Powell, Esq. - Risk Management

Kynidi Luster is a proud Spring 2024 graduate of Tuskegee University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Food Science. Originally from the historic and vibrant city of Birmingham, Alabama, Kynidi has always been driven by a passion for science, service, and community development. Throughout her academic journey and early career, Kynidi has been deeply involved in service to others. In both Birmingham and Tuskegee, she has organized and participated in numerous community service initiatives, demonstrating her dedication to making a positive impact on those around her. Her leadership and commitment to service reflect her belief in the importance of uplifting communities and creating opportunities for growth and development. Looking to the future, Kynidi plans to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, with the ultimate goal of becoming a pediatrician. Combining her scientific expertise, business acumen and compassionate nature, Kynidi aspires to not only provide exceptional care to children but also serve as a role model and advocate for youth in her community. She envisions a future where she can inspire young minds to dream big and work hard, proving that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible. She currently works as a Food Scientist at Dawn Food Products, based in Louisville, Kentucky, where she contributes to innovative food solutions and supports the company’s commitment to quality and excellence. As she continues to advance in her career and education, she remains dedicated to her mission of building a better future for the next generation.

Kynidi A. Luster, B.A. Food Science - Media Specialist

La’Toya Lee was born, raised and currently resides in Birmingham, Alabama. She is an aunt to five nieces and two nephews. At an early age, La’Toya has always had a passion for helping others. After graduating from Wenonah High School, she decided to continue her educational journey at The Alabama State University. Graduating in 2007 with a Bachelor’s in Social Work. Her professional career began as a Family Advocate for Montgomery Community Action Agency (MCAA) from 2008-2016. Her role was to support families in the capacity of social services. She also worked in the community as a peer counselor, servicing young girls between the ages of 5-17. La’Toya also substituted for one year for Birmingham City Schools. She also worked for Jefferson County Committee for Economic Opportunity as a PFCE worker. Lee ran for City Council in 2021. Currently, La’Toya works at Exchange Club Cap Center as the Safe Kids Coordinator. She travels throughout Jefferson County speaking to youth on topics regarding Child and Sexual Abuse. Her passion is to continue growth in the community. 

LaToya Lee, M.Ed - Staff

 FAQs

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.