“Assistance in Motion”

Dr. Mark Nicely is a seasoned educator with over twenty (20) years of service in the Jamaican Education Sector. He has served as principal at the Hayes Primary and Junior High School in Clarendon, and the Jamaica Baptist Union, William Knibb Memorial High School in Trelawny from 2004- 2011 and 2011 – 2015 respectively.

As a crowning achievement of his professional career, Dr. Nicely became the 49th President of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association and served in other notable roles such as Board Chairman at the One Way Group of Schools, External Examiner for the Joint Board of Teacher Education, Lecturer at The Mico University College, Northern Caribbean University, Heart Trust/NTA and the International University of the Caribbean. He also worked with the Ministry of Education to empanel several schools across the country and assisted with the training of new principals in school management and record keeping.

In his current role he occupies the post of Deputy Secretary General at the Jamaica Teachers’ Association with portfolio responsibility for Member Services and Industrial Relations, while extending his time to civic duties as Justice of the Peace for the parish of Kingston. He also volunteers at the EduCom Co-operative Credit Union where he is Former President and current Director on the Board; is a member of the Teachers’ Services Commission and a Director on the E-Learning Jamaica Company Limited Board.

Dr. Nicely is adept at resolving problems and making timely decisions, as a result of his intuitive ability to assimilate challenging situations. His operational knowledge and practice of psychology, enables him to demonstrate people skills and execute emotional intelligence, in galvanizing harmony among stakeholders. This commendable leader continues to maximize his skills to maintain efficiency and proficiency. He possesses high standards of performance and uses analytical approaches and strategic networking; which transitions into an in-depth understanding of life experiences. He is the founder and CEO of “Rise, Counselling and Empowerment Services Ja. Ltd and Rise with Hope Ministries Ja. Ltd.”

Dr. Nicely is a proud single parent of two girls, Abbigel and Amiya, who he considers to be part of life’s greatest blessings. They are a source of inspiration and treasured ingredients in living an amazing life. His mother, Jennie Webb –Connor, remains his mentor, spiritual mother, example setter, motivator and holds him accountable to acceptable moral values and ethical standards. He remains a patriotic Jamaican who is keen on giving back to the land of his birth.

Mrs. Jennie Connor is a retired Sales Personnel who also has experience working in the Care Giving Industry in the United Kingdom.

As a Devoted Christian who worships at the Boulevard Baptist Church, she is a member of the Women’s Federation where she is an immediate past president. She diligently serves as a member of the Evangelistic Committee, Usher Board and the Prayer Group.

Mrs. Connor enjoys swimming, playing board games and exercising. She lives by the mantra “Loving God, Loving Each Other.” She values honesty, kindness and compassion.

Her philanthropic nature enables and propels her to go beyond the call of duty to serve her fellow human beings. She believes in the restoration of the human spirit and that there are enough resources in the world to reduce the anguish of poverty, segregation and blockages to the acquisition of education. As a feature of her humanitarian activities, she visits the Horizon Home each month where she exhorts the virtues of Christianity through devotional exercise with the Elderly residents. She honours the command of discipleship through phone calls, WhatsApp messages and visits to sick members of her church family.

She believes that human beings are saved by grace and that Hope, Faith and humility are fundamental virtues of Christianity.

She is co-founder and company secretary of the companies Rise Counselling and Empowerment Services Ja. Ltd and Rise with Hope Ministries Ja. Ltd. She also serves as Vice Chairman on the Board of Rise with Hope Ja. Ltd.

Miss Sandra Hunter has an exemplary career of pedagogical experience spanning more than two decades; as a result of which she possesses extensive knowledge of working and relating to people. She is a result-oriented individual who has completed a Bachelor and a Masters’ Degree and is in the final stages of completing another academic journey.

She is adept at logistics planning and has worked collaboratively as a team member on a myriad of projects to realize positive outcomes. She is flexible, dependable, and motivated to succeed at facilitating her growth and that of others. As an individual who is interested in acquiring “new” knowledge, truthfulness, accuracy and solving problems; she is an avid reader and researcher, a skill strengthened by strong communication abilities. Miss Hunter has developed the reputation of being a beacon of information who is able to analyze, and inspire action.

As a lifelong learner she is able to adapt as life evolves, she rapidly assimilates and learns as changes becomes imperative. She is a pleasant and approachable individual who generously shares the benefits to be accrued from knowledge acquisition as one seeks to empower self.

Miss Hunter is the chief researcher on the management team, with responsibility to coordinate literary output for use in various activities to be undertaken by the company.

Naceesha Gardner is a charismatic, results-oriented and motivated professional with over five (5) years’ experience in sales, service and administrative functions. She has contributed her skills to the advancement of diverse industries such as: healthcare, nonprofit organizations, tourism and fortune 500 companies; she practices excellent time-management, communication and people skills.

Naceesha attended the Excelsior Community College where she studied Hospitality and Tourism Management. It was at Excelsior she realized her passion for working with people and the service Industry. She presently works for Caribbean Airlines in the Reservation and Sales Department.

Naceesha is passionate about communications and Community Service. She currently volunteers at the Jamaica Aids Support for life as a Senior Health Ambassador, where she promotes mental, physical and sexual wellness for people living with and affected by HIV. She assists by using new media to connect people to care. She also presents as a regular guest and co-host on their weekly talk show “JASL After Dark.”

Naceesha intends to pursue Post Graduate Studies in Education, in hopes to further contribute to the development of her country and people.

Miss Gardner’s expertise is being utilized on the team in the areas Communications and Marketing as she supports the stated objectives of the company.

Ms. Jacqueline Donaldson who read for a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree; has an outstanding track record of exceeding work objectives, through dedication, collaboration and providing support to team members.

A veteran at tax compliance for over two decades, she has honed her craft implementing strategic monitoring through which she educates about and enforces awareness of policies and so realized targets for which she has been awarded. She is multifaceted and has participated in the development and implementation of strategies to increase Tax Compliance. Ms. Donaldson is keen on ensuring quality assurance through excellent customer service.”

Her core competencies are: extensive experience in customer service, excellent communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, knowledge retention and accountability.

She serves the team as the tax compliance advisor.

Tamashella Smith has been and educator for twenty years. She worked as a teacher at Golden Spring Primary for over a decade then transitioned to Mount Fletcher Primary where she accepted the post of principal. She holds a Diploma in Primary Education, B.Ed. in Language and Literacy and a M.Ed. in Educational Measurement

Miss Smith is a fun loving, passionate individual, who has a genuine love for the teaching profession and is always seeking ways of enhancing her growth, skills and abilities in order to become the consummate professional in the various portfolio responsibilities under her supervision. She has been known to approach every task assigned to her with a high level of energy and passion which has realized tremendous success for her, her students and the school as a whole.

She embodies the concept volunteerism and has served in various leadership positions in the Jamaica Teachers’ Association and on the TIP Friendly Society’s Board of Directors. Throughout the years, she has been a strong advocate for teachers. She has developed skills as an events planner which has been very useful as she functions in the roles ascribed to her. Her steadfast belief in fair play and activism have afforded her the opportunity to serve the teachers of Jamaica and she remains dedicated to working with stakeholders in order to enhance the teaching profession.

She is a member of the team as an events planner.

Rev. Dr. Austin George Alphonso Wright has been a career educator for over thirty-five years. He has served in the field of education at all levels; including as an Education Officer, member of the External Assessment Team for the Joint Board of Teacher Education (J.B.T.E.), teacher, lecturer, Chief External Examiner, Chairman of school boards and as a Principal. He obtained his Ecclesiastical License as a Professional Clinical Counsellor (Advanced Certification) with the National Christian Counselor’s Association (N.C.C.A) located in Sarasota, Florida. He has a Doctorate in Pastoral Counselling and Theology, a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Educational Administration and Development, a Master’s degree in Adult Education and Lifelong Learning, and a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management.

He has worked at multiple universities and colleges across the country and has been the recipient of multiple awards throughout his career two of which are national awards. In the category of National Honours and Awards, he is a recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award in 2010 and has also received the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service for his contributions to Religion, Education and Community Development in 2013. Dr. Wright was named Top Principal of Region 6 (the parishes of Clarendon and St. Catherine) in the Ministry of Education. He has also received a certificate from Jamaica Teaching Council as Teacher of Excellence in 2011.

Dr. Wright has much expertise as an entrepreneur. He founded the “One-Way Group of Schools” and his continued interest in education saw him establishing the “One-Way International Bible University” in collaboration with Cornerstone Christian University in 2016; he is a Professor and the University Chancellor. He remains passionately dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, performing and the monitoring of students and teachers.

He has worked extensively in his community being a member of the Justice of

the Peace and as an Ordained Minister. This compassionate educator, and minister has also worked with various organizations namely; Peace and Love in School (P.A.L.S), Peace Corp, and the Hope for Children Development. In the furtherance of his commitment to community development he had developed a radio programme – “Called to Witness,” an initiative designed to reach the radio community through prayer and worship.

He has much expertise in management, has made presentations at conferences, and is Chairman and President of the One-Way Apostolic Faith Mission Churches International.

He serves the team as an education advisor.

Ms. Kaydiann Woodcock is a Jamaican educator who has given excellent service to the profession for more than twenty years. Her educational journey has seen her reading for a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education & Sports. Her skills extend beyond physical education and she now practice her craft as a teacher of special education.

As an avid team player, she has excelled at her craft and has extended her service to her community. She has been an advisor on the Morant Bay Uprising Netball Club Board; Church Youth group leader 2014- 2020 and Youth Department 2nd Vice President from 2020 up to present. This skilled motivator has also been giving voluntary service to the Jamaica Teachers’ Association for six years.

Ms. Woodcock is a selfless and determined individual who is also fun loving, loyal and committed. She is cognizant that there is much more to learnt and is willing to be guided on a path to being empowered.

Her Philosophy epitomizes a line from the Desiderata which states “Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism”

She supports the communication and marketing arm of the company.

Kerron is a dedicated wife who has been married for more than 15 years. She is also a mother to a 12 year old daughter. Kerron is a philanthropist and a dedicated Christian. She assumes the role of Secretary and is a Deacon in her church where she has been a member for over 5 years.

Kerron is an IT Manager who holds a BSc. in Actuarial Science and MSc. in Computer Based Management Information System. She is a People manager and is responsible for implementing IT policies and objectives in line with strategies at Red Stripe. She is a result oriented, forward thinking professional with 16.5+ years of experience and proven knowledge of Business Processes, Service and Project Management. She is a versatile leader who thrives in dynamic, challenging and fast paced environments. Kerron is adept at coordinating and managing multiple projects simultaneously. She began building her corporate acumen when she accepted the Assistant Pension Adminstrator position at Jamaica National Building Society before she moved on to Red Stripe as Sales Data Analyst then Business Systems Manager.

Kerron has a passion for children. She has volunteered as a Teacher at Gregory Park Baptist Learning Centre, teaching Mathematics and Computer for three years and has played an active role in the Parents Teachers Association at Our Lady of the Angels Preparatory School. Kerron lives by the mantra “Do what you can with all you have wherever you are.” Theodore Roosevelt

She serves as a member of the management team of “Rise-Counselling and Empowerment Services Jamaica Ltd,” and members of the board of “Rise with Hope Jamaica Ltd.”

Mr. Davrice Richards is a highly skilled expert at Information Technology with an emphasis in Security Systems. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Information and Communications Technology, (Hons).

His technical skills cover a gamut of security issues namely: information security, security configurations, implementation and testing, compliance scans, vulnerability scans, remediation, training, reporting, pc repairs, hardware configurations, assembly, advanced troubleshooting, network configurations, network security and programming.

Davrice Richards as an Information Security Associate uses his skills to make a significant impact on the IT industry and is involved in core projects, team leading, training sessions and software procurement. He performs security checks and assessments on user accounts and systems, and implements and test group policies to enforce security standards. Additionally, Mr. Richards implements and maintains security applications, monitors network for any breaches in security and carries out remediation strategies on each. He also conducts induction training to facilitate skills acquisition. educating individuals about security policies and standards.

He serves the team as Information Technology Specialist.

Dr. Mark Nicely is a seasoned educator with over twenty (20) years of service in the Jamaican Education Sector. He has served as principal at the Hayes Primary and Junior High School in Clarendon, and the Jamaica Baptist Union, William Knibb Memorial High School in Trelawny from 2004- 2011 and 2011 – 2015 respectively.

As a crowning achievement of his professional career, Dr. Nicely became the 49th President of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association and served in other notable roles such as Board Chairman at the One Way Group of Schools, External Examiner for the Joint Board of Teacher Education, Lecturer at The Mico University College, Northern Caribbean University, Heart Trust/NTA and the International University of the Caribbean. He also worked with the Ministry of Education to empanel several schools across the country and assisted with the training of new principals in school management and record keeping.

In his current role he occupies the post of Deputy Secretary General at the Jamaica Teachers’ Association with portfolio responsibility for Member Services and Industrial Relations, while extending his time to civic duties as Justice of the Peace for the parish of Kingston. He also volunteers at the EduCom Co-operative Credit Union where he is Former President and current Director on the Board; is a member of the Teachers’ Services Commission and a Director on the E-Learning Jamaica Company Limited Board.

Dr. Nicely is adept at resolving problems and making timely decisions, as a result of his intuitive ability to assimilate challenging situations. His operational knowledge and practice of psychology, enables him to demonstrate people skills and execute emotional intelligence, in galvanizing harmony among stakeholders. This commendable leader continues to maximize his skills to maintain efficiency and proficiency. He possesses high standards of performance and uses analytical approaches and strategic networking; which transitions into an in-depth understanding of life experiences. He is the founder and CEO of “Rise, Counselling and Empowerment Services Ja. Ltd and Rise with Hope Ministries Ja. Ltd.”

Dr. Nicely is a proud single parent of two girls, Abbigel and Amiya, who he considers to be part of life’s greatest blessings. They are a source of inspiration and treasured ingredients in living an amazing life. His mother, Jennie Webb –Connor, remains his mentor, spiritual mother, example setter, motivator and holds him accountable to acceptable moral values and ethical standards. He remains a patriotic Jamaican who is keen on giving back to the land of his birth.

Mrs. Jennie Connor is a retired Sales Personnel who also has experience working in the Care Giving Industry in the United Kingdom.

As a Devoted Christian who worships at the Boulevard Baptist Church, she is a member of the Women’s Federation where she is an immediate past president. She diligently serves as a member of the Evangelistic Committee, Usher Board and the Prayer Group.

Mrs. Connor enjoys swimming, playing board games and exercising. She lives by the mantra “Loving God, Loving Each Other.” She values honesty, kindness and compassion.

Her philanthropic nature enables and propels her to go beyond the call of duty to serve her fellow human beings. She believes in the restoration of the human spirit and that there are enough resources in the world to reduce the anguish of poverty, segregation and blockages to the acquisition of education. As a feature of her humanitarian activities, she visits the Horizon Home each month where she exhorts the virtues of Christianity through devotional exercise with the Elderly residents. She honours the command of discipleship through phone calls, WhatsApp messages and visits to sick members of her church family.

She believes that human beings are saved by grace and that Hope, Faith and humility are fundamental virtues of Christianity.

She is co-founder and company secretary of the companies Rise Counselling and Empowerment Services Ja. Ltd and Rise with Hope Ministries Ja. Ltd. She also serves as Vice Chairman on the Board of Rise with Hope Ja. Ltd.

Dr. Vanessa White-Barrow is a Registered Nutritionist and Senior lecturer at the University of Technology, Jamaica in the College of Health Sciences. She is presently the Head of the School of Allied Health and Wellness.

She has a PhD in Nutrition, a MSc. Degree in Nutrition, a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biochemistry and Zoology as well as a diploma in Teaching (Science Education). She also has a Certificate in Supervisory Management and was licensed as a Primary and then as a Master Sports Nutritionist with the US National Association of Sports Nutrition.

She is the Treasurer and a past president of the Jamaica Association of Professionals in Nutrition and Dietetics (JAPINAD), a member of the Caribbean Association of Nutritionists and Dietitians (CANDi), the Society of Nutrition Education and Behaviour (SNEB); as well as of the Jamaica Statistical Society (JSS).

Her research interests include consumer nutrition education, household food security, adolescent health and eating behaviours; as well as science education.

She is a central member in the empowerment arm of the company and will coordinate the health and wellness portfolio of the business.

Mrs. Annette Robinson has been blessed with an upbeat spirit, this consummate entrepreneur established her own business in Kingston and provided goods and services to her many clients. In she migrated to the United States of America where her organisational skills, adeptness and entrepreneurial savvy flourished. A natural leader and no-nonsense individual, Annette recognized the need to allow the Lord to be in control of her life and surrendered to Him in 1997. The Lord has blessed her with the gift of insight, counselling and being a cheerful giver.

Always the encourager; she can be depended on for her involvement in outreach programmes for the youth and elderly alike. A true patriotic daughter of the Rock, her undeniable love for her fellowman has led her to embrace those in need and to provide them with temporary safe haven in her own family home. One can always be assured that this loving heart will temporarily provide the comforts of home for those in need. One can also be assured that if you wish for a prayer partner, regardless of the hour of day or night, Annette will be there.

Her philosophy on life is that “with God’s help Jamaica can indeed play her part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race”. Her favourite scripture is from the book of Psalms, chapter 66, verses 18 to 20 “If I regard iniquity in my heart the Lord will not hear me …… nor His mercy from me”.

She serves the team as a part of the charity.

Kerron is a dedicated wife who has been married for more than 15 years. She is also a mother to a 12 year old daughter. Kerron is a philanthropist and a dedicated Christian. She assumes the role of Secretary and is a Deacon in her church where she has been a member for over 5 years.

Kerron is an IT Manager who holds a BSc. in Actuarial Science and MSc. in Computer Based Management Information System. She is a People manager and is responsible for implementing IT policies and objectives in line with strategies at Red Stripe. She is a result oriented, forward thinking professional with 16.5+ years of experience and proven knowledge of Business Processes, Service and Project Management. She is a versatile leader who thrives in dynamic, challenging and fast paced environments. Kerron is adept at coordinating and managing multiple projects simultaneously. She began building her corporate acumen when she accepted the Assistant Pension Adminstrator position at Jamaica National Building Society before she moved on to Red Stripe as Sales Data Analyst then Business Systems Manager.

Kerron has a passion for children. She has volunteered as a Teacher at Gregory Park Baptist Learning Centre, teaching Mathematics and Computer for three years and has played an active role in the Parents Teachers Association at Our Lady of the Angels Preparatory School. Kerron lives by the mantra “Do what you can with all you have wherever you are.” Theodore Roosevelt

She serves as a member of the management team of “Rise-Counselling and Empowerment Services Jamaica Ltd,” and members of the board of “Rise with Hope Jamaica Ltd.”

Davia Turner is currently in her first year at the Immaculate Conception High School for Girls. Prior to Immaculate, she attended St. Peter & Paul Preparatory where she was the Deputy Head Girl and very active in the school community at large.

She is an energetic student who is known for her unique personality, determination and eagerness to learn new things to enhance her knowledge base which she shares with others. Davia excels in English and as such is an avid reader who enjoys reading fantasy books, manga (Japanese comics), manhwa (Korean comics), manhua (Chinese comics) and has recently added historical books to her library.

She is a writer and a poet who has been writing short stories and poems since age 7. She also loves dancing, an extra-curricular activity she has been engaged in since age 3. To relax, she listens to music or watches anime.Davia is an excellent debater – a skill that leads many to think she wants to be a lawyer. However, she is interested in the arts and psychology because of her keen interest in learning about human behaviour.

She is a leader with a mind of her own. She is confident in herself and her abilities and is totally unbothered and unaffected by what others may say about her. Davia thinks of and treats everyone equally and firmly believes that if she rises she has a responsibility to lift others up with her in keeping with the adage “If I want to get there fast, I go alone, but if I want to get farther, I take others along with me.”

Abbigel Nicely is a 13-year-old second form student who attends The Immaculate Conception High School. Her favourite subjects are Geography and Information Technology.
On a trajectory to enhancing her humanitarian and leadership skills as well as develop her ability to serve: she has become an active member of the Key Club, the Immaculate Conception Environmental Club (I.C.E), the Photography Club, the Chess Club and the Tennis Club. In her leisure time, she enjoys playing Tennis, Swimming, Singing and Dancing.
Her interest in the preservation of marine life has generated the aspiration to become a Marine Biologist. Consequently, much of her reading reflects an interest in aquatic organisms.
Abbigel attends the Sydenham Baptist Church where she is an active member of the Sunday school and the Boulevard Baptist Church where she is a part of the Guides, the Youth Dance Group and is also a member of the Sunday school.
Her Philosophy is “The Possibilities are endless; once you work hard, is committed, dedicated and relies on God’s enabling power.”
Her friends describe her as goofy, understandable and genuine. She is keen on participating in charitable activities as soon as they present themselves.
Abbigel embraces the opportunity to serve as a director of “Rise with Hope Ja. Ltd.”

Amiya Nicely is an eight (8) year-old third (3rd ) grade student at the Immaculate Conception Preparatory School. She enjoys doing Art and Craft, playing tennis and swimming. At school she is a member of the Tennis Club. Her favourite subject is Art and she exhibits artistic characteristics and much creativity.
She has an avid interest in aviation and presently “dreams” of becoming a pilot.
She attends the Sydenham Baptist Church where she is an active member of the Sunday school and the Boulevard Baptist Church where she is a Brownie and also an active member of their Sunday school. Amiya is a precocious child who is fun loving and the life of the party.