Meet the Team
"Led by Purpose. Anchored in Hope. Committed to Supporting Change."
Denice Martin-Thompson
Executive Director
Denice Martin-Thompson is a visionary educator, reading specialist, author, and poet who has served the New York City Department of Education for nearly 20 years. For the past 14 years, she has worked directly with court-involved youth, offering more than instruction; she offers hope, healing, and purpose.
She is the CEO of Dee’s Passion Filled Experience, LLC, a consulting and coaching business that curates literacy-based, healing-centered experiences. Her work blends faith, education, creativity, and transformation, building spaces that challenge people to write, reflect, and rise.
As the founder of H.O.P.E. (Helping Overlooked People Evolve), Denice created a nonprofit grounded in purpose and restoration, where overlooked youth can Rest, Reset, and Rejuvenate so they can revolutionize their lives without worrying about the cost.
Beyond the titles, Denice is a proud wife, mother, and creative. She doesn’t just believe in hope. She lives it, gives it, and builds it into every space she creates. Her joy is rooted in the little things that make life complete: Writer’s notebooks, creating art, working out, eating great food, dancing, reading, music, poetry, and traveling.
Executive Director
Denice Martin-Thompson is a visionary educator, reading specialist, author, and poet who has served the New York City Department of Education for nearly 20 years. For the past 14 years, she has worked directly with court-involved youth, offering more than instruction; she offers hope, healing, and purpose.
She is the CEO of Dee’s Passion Filled Experience, LLC, a consulting and coaching business that curates literacy-based, healing-centered experiences. Her work blends faith, education, creativity, and transformation, building spaces that challenge people to write, reflect, and rise.
As the founder of H.O.P.E. (Helping Overlooked People Evolve), Denice created a nonprofit grounded in purpose and restoration, where overlooked youth can Rest, Reset, and Rejuvenate so they can revolutionize their lives without worrying about the cost.
Beyond the titles, Denice is a proud wife, mother, and creative. She doesn’t just believe in hope. She lives it, gives it, and builds it into every space she creates. Her joy is rooted in the little things that make life complete: Writer’s notebooks, creating art, working out, eating great food, dancing, reading, music, poetry, and traveling.
Tracy Martin
Treasurer
Tracy Martin is the eldest of four siblings and a vibrant force of warmth and wisdom. With 9 years of experience as a Human Resources Administrative Assistant, she brings strong organizational skills, discernment, and heart to the work of H.O.P.E.
Tracy is a lover of travel, a connoisseur of good food, and a fan of all genres of music—especially anything with soul and depth. She’s known for her contagious laugh, calm presence, and her gift for building genuine connections.
She currently lives in New York with her partner of 22 years, building a life rooted in love, loyalty, and laughter. Outside of work, she treasures quality time, deep conversations, and staying grounded in joy and simplicity.
Treasurer
Tracy Martin is the eldest of four siblings and a vibrant force of warmth and wisdom. With 9 years of experience as a Human Resources Administrative Assistant, she brings strong organizational skills, discernment, and heart to the work of H.O.P.E.
Tracy is a lover of travel, a connoisseur of good food, and a fan of all genres of music—especially anything with soul and depth. She’s known for her contagious laugh, calm presence, and her gift for building genuine connections.
She currently lives in New York with her partner of 22 years, building a life rooted in love, loyalty, and laughter. Outside of work, she treasures quality time, deep conversations, and staying grounded in joy and simplicity.
Jerriann Martin
Secretary
Jerriann Martin serves as the Secretary for H.O.P.E., offering a steady and thoughtful presence that ensures the organization’s day-to-day operations are grounded in order, clarity, and care. With her keen attention to detail and consistent follow-through, Jerriann plays a vital role in keeping the team organized and aligned with its mission.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and Communication from The City College of New York and has been teaching for over 10 years. Her classroom is a safe haven where children are empowered to learn, express themselves, and grow. Jerriann is passionate about fostering environments that nurture both the mind and the heart.
The third of four siblings and lovingly known as the baby sister, Jerriann is also a proud mother to a 21-year-old son. She finds peace and restoration in nature and enjoys hiking and long walks as a way to reconnect with herself and her purpose. Her calming presence and deep sense of loyalty make her a trusted anchor within the H.O.P.E. family.
In her role as Secretary, Jerriann brings more than organization; she brings heart. Her quiet leadership, reliability, and grounded spirit are key to how we continue to build spaces where overlooked youth can rest, reset, and rise.
Secretary
Jerriann Martin serves as the Secretary for H.O.P.E., offering a steady and thoughtful presence that ensures the organization’s day-to-day operations are grounded in order, clarity, and care. With her keen attention to detail and consistent follow-through, Jerriann plays a vital role in keeping the team organized and aligned with its mission.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and Communication from The City College of New York and has been teaching for over 10 years. Her classroom is a safe haven where children are empowered to learn, express themselves, and grow. Jerriann is passionate about fostering environments that nurture both the mind and the heart.
The third of four siblings and lovingly known as the baby sister, Jerriann is also a proud mother to a 21-year-old son. She finds peace and restoration in nature and enjoys hiking and long walks as a way to reconnect with herself and her purpose. Her calming presence and deep sense of loyalty make her a trusted anchor within the H.O.P.E. family.
In her role as Secretary, Jerriann brings more than organization; she brings heart. Her quiet leadership, reliability, and grounded spirit are key to how we continue to build spaces where overlooked youth can rest, reset, and rise.
Karen Brown
Founding Director
Karen Brown is a seasoned educator with 24 years of experience, including 9 years dedicated to alternative education and 15 years supporting students with disabilities. Her compassionate and innovative approach has empowered countless learners across diverse settings. Beyond the classroom, she has devoted over 50 years to volunteering in the East New York Brooklyn community, offering cultural enrichment, academic support, and martial arts instruction. Her lifelong commitment reflects a deep passion for equity, empowerment, and holistic development.
Founding Director
Karen Brown is a seasoned educator with 24 years of experience, including 9 years dedicated to alternative education and 15 years supporting students with disabilities. Her compassionate and innovative approach has empowered countless learners across diverse settings. Beyond the classroom, she has devoted over 50 years to volunteering in the East New York Brooklyn community, offering cultural enrichment, academic support, and martial arts instruction. Her lifelong commitment reflects a deep passion for equity, empowerment, and holistic development.