Meet The Team

Mikkel Christie, an alumnus of Shaw University and Wilmington University, brings extensive experience from both nonprofit and corporate roles. He was College Ave Student Loans' 14th employee a decade ago, significantly contributing to their financial operations. For 14 years, Mikkel has been deeply involved with Thomas A. Edison Charter School in Wilmington, DE, serving as Board Treasurer for six years and then as Chair for the past eight.

Dorla Christie brings over 20 years of banking operations experience, leveraging her passion for organization to create efficient systems. She also has three years of nonprofit experience with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), notably as PurpleStride and Affiliate Chair for Delaware, where she led a $135,000 fundraising effort. Dorla now focuses on the Brenda and Wesley Charity for Hope and Education Inc., advocating for pancreatic cancer patients.

April Christie brings over 18 years of education experience, with 16 in kindergarten classrooms, and has served as a teacher mentor and curriculum team member. With undergraduate and graduate degrees in education, she is deeply committed to the crucial role of early learning in a child's educational journey. Outside of her professional role, April is an active church member, serving as an usher and youth mentor. She is honored to help connect her church's mission with the hearts of those they serve, demonstrating a passion for both foundational education and community engagement.

Cheryl Francis brings over 30 years of Corporate America experience, now serving as the Event Experience & Décor Coordinator for the Brenda & Wesley Charity for Hope and Education. Recently retired, she looks forward to traveling and cherishing family time. Cheryl possesses a keen eye for designing beautiful centerpieces and transforming spaces, ensuring memorable event experiences. It is an honor for her to contribute her talents to this meaningful mission, celebrating the memory of her dear friend. Her dedication enhances the charity's impact through exquisite event planning.

Stephenie Sar brings over 15 years of experience as a business professional and entrepreneur, excelling in operational management, creating positive service experiences, and fostering innovation through strategic planning. As a Human Resources professional with the Department of Justice, she delivers an essential and intangible service. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management from Temple University’s Fox School of Business, Stephenie is excited to join the Brenda & Wesley Charity for Hope and Education, contributing to its vision of fostering community growth.

Yachira Torres brings 15 years of experience working with middle and high school boys. A lifelong learner, she earned her Bachelor’s from College of the Holy Cross and Master’s from Clark University. She has served as Lead Teacher, Administrator, and Principal at Nativity Schools. For three years, she’s been Salesianum School's Director of Equity and Inclusion and a Teacher Mentor, also teaching Spanish. Her passion is supporting the community through service and mentorship, and she eagerly looks forward to living out the BWC mission.

Dr. Adrian Harewood, a Barbados native, graduated from Shaw University in 1996 with a B.S. in Biology before earning his M.D. from East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine. He is a practicing general surgeon in Philadelphia. In his free time, Dr. Harewood enjoys cycling, traveling, and spending time with his teenage daughter, who attends St. Mark’s High School.

Coleen Daniels Curry dedicated over 35 years to leading, guiding, and directing young people, from preschool to higher education, in both public and private institutions. She worked with a diverse range of students, including those considered "at risk" and those identified as "gifted."

Ms. Curry is a retiree from The University of Akron, where she began her career in 1990 as a retention specialist. In this role, she developed and implemented success strategies specifically for low-income and first-generation students. After several years, she advanced to an Assistant Dean position before serving as Special Assistant to the Provost.

Before her retirement, Ms. Curry was highly successful in grant writing, securing as many as eight U.S. Department of Education grants that collectively totaled over five million dollars annually.