Mikka Atkins

Chief Operating Officer

Mikka Atkins is a change agent that seeks to make a difference in the community. She was born in Temple, Texas, but raised in Memphis, TN. Mikka credits her mother with introducing her to the concept of serving others. As a child, she volunteered with several programs and worked in different capacities.

Initially, Mikka planned to become a doctor, however while in college, she was inspired to educate children instead. She began her career as an educator and began teaching science that lasted for close to 25 years. Not only does she impart knowledge to others, but she also believes in educating herself. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from LeMoyne-Owen College, a Masters in Teaching from Union University, Masters in Reading Instruction from Grand Canyon University, and a Masters in Human Resource Management from Northcentral University. Throughout her career she has helped with many different initiatives and programs. While teaching, she managed to infuse her love for volunteerism to her students and they sponsored a school wide initiative to provide the unhoused in the community with food and gifts for Christmas. Mikka has a true gift for befriending and encouraging others. She has never met a stranger and seeks to make a positive impact on everyone she encounters.

Dedriene Rogers

President of Board of Advisors

Ms. Dedriene Rogers is an Exceptional Children Charter School Advisor. She taught at Cypress Middle School and Craigmont Middle School before transitioning to an AFS/FS consulting teacher then to a SPED Charter School Advisor for Department of Exceptional Children and Health Services. Ms., Dedriene Rogers is also the Owner/Operator of D AND R Trucking Company, LLC, and Co- Founder of the non- profit agency “The Sterling Foundation”. She has a love for her job with Shelby County Schools DECHS because of the ability to help students, parents and teachers achieve their best in the educational setting. In her spare time, she loves planning and decorating festive activities for family, friends, and colleagues.

Chavon Van Hooks

Treasurer

Chavon VanHooks is driven to make a difference. Born and raised in Flint, MI, Chavon discovered her passion for serving others early in life through her mother who showed her the value of giving back to the community. Volunteering around the city, donating to charities, and assisting the elderly were just a few ways Chavon and her family served.

This passion to serve and create opportunities for all led Chavon into the field of Education. Chavon earned her Education Specialist degree (emphasis in Educational Leadership) and Master of Education degree (in Curriculum and Instruction) from Union University and her Bachelor of Science in Education degree (emphasis in mathematics) from Central Michigan University. She has been giving back through her work in Education for almost 2 decades.

Chavon believes in the definition of leadership by Harvard Business School, that, “Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.” From her early days in Flint to her present days of guiding teachers all over the country and volunteering in the Memphis, TN, and Southaven, MS communities, she always strives to leave a lasting impact.

Sharron Millbrook

Secretary

Sharron Millbrook, was born to serve and support those in need. She is an educator for children and adults with exceptionalities. This is my 16th year in the field of special education stemming from collegiate education at the University of Memphis, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree: Business Education, Master’s degree: Special Education/Social work and Special Education licensure at Freed Hardeman University. Her college and career experiences have not only granted her the task of working with children but also supporting their families as they are faced with many challenges that impact their lives heavily. She believes in supporting others from a holistic approach by building strong social emotional skills, healthy communication skills and self-help life skills that empower individuals to become their best version. Healthy humans make a healthy nation!

Atara Dorsey

Program Planner

Atara L. Dorsey is a 27-year educator with Memphis-Shelby County Schools. She is a native of West Memphis, Arkansas. She received her Bachelors of Science in Education from LeMoyne-Owen College, her Masters in Education and her Education Specialist degrees from Union University. Atara is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, where is an active and financial member of the West Memphis Area Alumnae Chapter.

Atara has a passion for children and for the elderly. Her motto is: Life is like a camera. Focus on what’s important, capture the good times, develop from the negatives, and if things don’t work out, take another shot.

Vicki Atkins

Volunteer Services Coordinator

Vicki Frazier Atkins is an optimist. She believes a little kindness can go a long way. Her parents were her examples. She is the mother of four and taught her children that giving back and lending a helping hand should be a way of life. When the retired contract administrator saw an opportunity to help someone, she quietly did so. She’s optimistic that reaching out to help someone can make a difference.

Marlena Shorter

Recruiter

Marlena Shorter is a native of Memphis, Tennessee. She is an educator with Shelby County Schools. She has become a beacon of hope to the Memphis community through cultivation, service, and leadership.
Marlena has a passion for youth and young adults and empowers them to foster awareness regarding post-secondary goals and career readiness. She is devoted to providing insight to close the gap of financial literacy in her community. She has never met a stranger and is a mentor to many.

Myra Stuckey

Program Planner

Native Memphian Myra Stuckey is serving as Program Planner for the Metamorphosis project. Getting the call to serve her community came natural as her parents were activists in her school and community . “I was taught at a young age that I was blessed to be a blessing to others. I have always had a nurturing and philanthropic spirit. I always knew God gave me a big mouth for a reason.” Myra’s philanthropy spans across the city and globe as she has always supported anyone looking to make the world a better place for All humans. Myra graduated from Carver high school and attended Lemoyne Owen College. Currently a kindergarten teacher pursuing a SPED certification to continue to be there for those in need.