Our Values
Accountability: We are responsible to do our best and work our hardest to ensure children are safe, healthy, and learning.
Integrity: We are honest and act according to strong moral principles. We follow our policies, procedures to ensure the dignity, respect, and safety of all.
Teamwork: We work together to run effective, excellent programs for safety, health, and education. We respect each other.
Equality: We treat everyone with fairness. We ensure that all students, staff, and community members are supported with opportunities to thrive.
Gratitude: We show appreciation for each other and for the opportunity that we have to grow and learn every day.
Empathy: We seek to understand how others feel and experience the world. We design our programs to meet the unique circumstances of our students and communities, listening and seeking to understand their needs and desires. We care about our students, our team, and our country. We nurture each other’s growth and well-being.
OUR TEAM
SYLVESTINE GBESSAGEE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & DIRECTOR OF SAFEGUARDING
Sylvestine brings over 25 years of direct social work experience working with at-risk and marginalized populations including children, young adults, the elderly, women, and others in need of therapeutic counseling and support. Sylvestine is a Professor of Social Work at the University of Liberia. She holds a BA and a Master's of Social Work, as well as a certificate of training in Gender, Governance, and Transformative leadership from UNESCO. At Hilltop Schools, Sylvestine serves as Executive Director and Director of Safeguarding. As Executive Director, she oversees the everyday operations of Hilltop Schools Inc. As Director of Safeguarding, she is responsible for the management and oversight of psychosocial support, well-being, and safety of More Than Me Academy students, scholarship and alumni students, and survivors.
THOMAS WILLIAMS, HR GENERALIST/ ED ASSISTANT
Thomas has over 15 years of work experience as Community Outreach Specialist, NRECA-Int’l., HR-Generalist, WVS Tubman University, Director, Clubs & Activities, WVS Tubman University, Credit Officer, Access Bank-The Micro-Finance Bank-LTD. Thomas earned a BSc. in Economics, pursuing a Master's in Econometrics from the University of Liberia, and Cuttington Graduate Sch., respectively. In his role as HR-Generalist, HSI, Thomas is responsible for recruitment, communicating policies, procedures, laws, standards, and gov’t. regulations to other staff, etc.
ROSELINE MN JOHNSON, SOCIAL WORK LEAD
Roseline NM Johnson is a dedicated and experienced social work professional currently leads the Social Work team at Hilltop Schools since 2021. With a strong background in providing social work services, developing programs to support student well-being, and collaborating with teachers and staff, Roseline has been instrumental in advocating for students and their families within the school and community. Additionally, Roseline is a Field Practicum Instructor and Liaison Officer at AME University, where she supervise and mentor social work students during their field practicum. Roseline holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Liberia and has completed various certifications, including Computer Education and Event Planning.
PRECIOUS TAY BROPLEH, PRINCIPAL MTMA
Precious is a dedicated and passionate educator with over 10 years of experience working as an educator, counselor, social worker, and trainer. With a background in sociology and a certificate in counseling and trauma healing, Precious brings a unique perspective to her leadership role. She is committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment for her students, ensuring they have the support and resources they need to succeed academically and emotionally. Currently, Precious is pursuing a master’s degree in education, she is constantly seeking to improve her skills and knowledge to better serve her students and community.
She is a strong advocate for educational equity and believes that every child deserves access to a quality education. Precious has worked as a Social Worker and Trainer at the Liberia National Red Cross Society and as a Guidance Counselor at the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS). Through her work at More Than Me Academy, Precious is making a positive impact on the lives of her students and inspiring them to reach their full potential.
SALLY LABLAH, PARENT ENGAGEMENT OFFICER (ACTING)
JOSHUA G. KANGAR, FINANCE MANAGER
LUCELIA M. WAH, BUSINESS LIAISON OFFICER
GERALD HODGES, DIRECTOR OF GROWTH
Gerald is a Development Management Professional and Entrepreneur with close to ten years of experience within the development sector. He believes in a world where everyone flourishes, and therefore, he is committed to developing and supporting solutions that empower people to achieve their potential and fight poverty. Gerald currently serves as Growth Director at Hilltop Schools Inc, where he leads its resource mobilization efforts to educate and protect Liberia’s female leaders at its all-girls tuition-free school in Monrovia. He is a Watson and DAAD alumnus, 2019 UNLEASH Innovation Lab Talent, a Resolution Social Impact Fellow, Global Shaper of the World Economic Forum (WEF), and 2021 Mandela Washington Fellow.
CHRISTOPHER J. RICHARDS, ICT LEAD
HARRIET DENNIS, OPERATION/ CASH OFFICER
ONESIMUS KIADII, IMPACT OFFICER/ EXTRACURRICULAR LEAD
JEREDINE K. GWILLY, HEAD NURSE
OUR BOARD
EUGENE GRAY
Eugene is currently the Education Program Manager for a DAI project funding through the USAID Liberia Accountability and Voice Initiative (LAVI). In this role, Eugene is the primary technical lead for the Education Thematic Window and provides overall technical direction and accountability for the Thematic Window quality and success. Eugene has 12 years of experience managing and implementing education programs and projects, and has extensive understanding and detailed knowledge of learning abilities and appropriate strategies and methods, management and financial oversight on complex and large-scale multi-year projects and programs with international and local non-governmental organizations, and government entities.
Mr. Gray is the Current Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Hilltop Schools Inc.
JAMES DORBOR JALLAH
James Dorbor Jallah brings a wealth of experience and integrity, covering 30 years, to his role as a board member of Hilltop Schools. Currently serving as the Commissioner General of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), Jallah is committed to enhancing domestic resource mobilization efforts. Before joining the LRA, Jallah served as the Country Representative for Liberia at The Carter Center & Emory University, overseeing all programs and operations since 2019. Prior to that, he served as the Executive Director & CEO of the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC), where he ensured government-wide compliance with procurement standards. He also strengthened the capacity and operational efficiency of the Liberian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (LICPA) as Executive Director/Project Manager.
Jallah’s achievements include leading a remarkable turnaround of Ecobank Liberia, steering the institution from loss-making to profit-making within four years. He increased profit before tax (PBT) and return on equity (ROE) by 279% and 350%, respectively, and reduced cost-to-income ratio (CIR) and non-performing loans (NPL) by 21% and 55%, respectively. During Liberia’s emergency Ebola response, he led and coordinated support services, contributing to the containment of the pandemic. Jallah is also an accomplished educator, initiating reforms to strengthen integrity in several high institutions of learning including the University of Liberia and Stella Maris Polytechnic. His multifaceted expertise, strategic vision, and commitment to excellence make him a distinguished leader in driving organizational growth and societal development
Viola Lassanah Lincoln
Viola Lassanah Lincoln is a dedicated community leader with over 15 years of experience in financial management, community engagement, and leadership. Originating from Liberia, Viola's journey has been guided by the values of hard work, resilience, and dedication to community service. Currently, she serves as the Community Chairperson and Assistant Chairperson of the Development Council for District Number Two, where she collaborates with local leaders, advocates for resources, and organizes initiatives that bring positive change to her neighborhood. Viola also contributes her financial expertise as a board member of Mountain Dew Group of Companies, ensuring fiscal responsibility and supporting their missions.
In addition to her community service roles, Viola has held significant positions such as Financial Aid and Scholarship Director at William V.S. Tubman University and Senior Accounting Manager with USAID Green Powered Technology. Her work on the Beyond the Grid project as Finance Manager has deepened her understanding of sustainable energy solutions. Viola's diverse experiences have enriched her career, broadened her perspective, and allowed her to contribute meaningfully to various communities and organizations.
J. KERKULA FOEDAY
Dr. J Kerkula Foeday is a detail-oriented, results-focused licensed graduate social worker with a blend of skills in advocacy, research, teaching, writing, and over five years of experience working with individuals with developmental challenges. Currently, Dr. Foeday serves as the Chair of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology in the College of Social Sciences & Humanities at the University of Liberia. Additionally, Dr. Foeday is the Founder & President of the Grain Coast Professionals (GCP), a multi-sector consultancy in Liberia, and the current President of the National Association of Social Workers of Liberia (NASOWL)
TANYA DEBBLAY-Burrell
Tanya Debblay-Burrell has over 20 years of global and digital experience as an IT and Business Process professional working for a number of financial institutions including Wells Fargo, JP Morgan Chase, and Citibank, delivering exceptional value to senior management in the areas of Data Research, Business Analysis and Project Management.
Born in United States and spent 15 years in Liberia with her Father J. Bennie Debblay, until the civil war. Tanya has dedicated herself to transforming the lives of children and women around the globe by working for several foundations and organizations in the United States and Africa.
Member
PTA Member
MORRIS SIASSAY
Mr. Siassay represents the West Point Community and has been deeply involved in parent and student advocacy at the Academy.
SOLOMON DENUE
Mr. Denue serves on the PTA Leadership Board for The Academy and is a Parent Representative on the Board. Both Morris and Solomon represent an important voice for community needs, experiences, and perspective on the Board of Directors.