TENDAJI TEAM
With decades of combined experience, our staff of caring, nurturing, and motivated professionals is focused on the development of each student and their family.
Shelia Hayes
Executive Director
Shelia M. Hayes is the Executive Director of Educational Services for Tendaji Community Development Corporation. She attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville where she earned her Bachelors in Vocational Education with emphasis in Human Resource Development and her Masters in Adult Education. Mrs. Hayes has several certifications, including: Certified Trainer in Alternative to Suspension, Second Step Facilitator Training, Trainer and External Assessor for the State of Arkansas, and a Trainer of Trainers for Certified Life Skills Curriculum and Second Step Violence Prevention. In addition to her education and extensive training, she has over — years of experience working with youth in the community. She is the founder of three very successful after-school youth programs: SUCCEED at Henderson Middle School, SUCCEED at Lawson Elementary School, and Program IMPACT at Tendaji CDC Youth Center. All of these programs center around providing youth with an opportunity to gain insight into the arts and aid in their education.
Her passion surrounding restorative justice prompted her to build a team to begin the Reclaiming Scholars Program. This program offers the opportunity for students that have been suspended to learn behavior modification skills through one-to-one counseling, and receive academic assistance for the duration of their suspension. Wrap around services also provide parents or guardians with a parent workshop equipping them to better support their students’ academic success.
Once students complete the program they have the opportunity to have their suspension removed from their record. This unique partnership with schools and parents provides the student with a new beginning toward a brighter future. Mrs. Hayes believes that these types of programs are vital to our communities as they provide the youth and adults with new opportunities to become better citizens.
Shelia Hayes is a native of Arkansas. Her upbringing, love, and pride for her state has transformed her into an advocate for at-risk youth. She strongly believes that her “passion lies in serving the community and addressing the needs of our youth.”
Braelond Simmons
Program & Facility Manager
Braelond Simmons was born and raised in Little Rock Arkansas. He is a product of the Little Rock School District and serves as Program Manager for Tendaji CDC. He attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock where he received a bachelor’s in psychology and is currently finishing up his Master’s Degree in Business Administration at Webster University. He has over 14 years of experience with youth and is a strong believer that anyone can overcome their circumstances to succeed in life.
Erica Joyner
HR Advisor
Erica Joyner is an established expert in Administrative and Employee Services, with a professional journey spanning over 15 years in various leadership capacities.
Her prowess in human resources is marked by a certification in Human Resources Senior Management showcasing her depth of knowledge and commitment to excellence in this field. Her certifications extend to Human Resource Law, FMLA Compliance, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration, equipping her with a comprehensive skill set to address diverse HR challenges.
At Tendaji CDC, Erica serves as the HR Consultant, where she provides specialized support in maintaining the integrity of people management, adhering to employment laws, and building a culture of advancement and growth. Her role is pivotal in crafting competitive compensation packages, advancing employee development initiatives, and ensuring compliance with State and Federal employment regulations.
As the founder of Joyner People Solutions, LLC, a woman-owned business specializing in HR services for small businesses, Erica brings a unique perspective to HR management. This venture reflects her understanding of the nuances in HR challenges faced by different organizations, including those at Tendaji CDC.
Erica has served as an active member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) since 2011 and the Central Arkansas Human Resources Association (CAHRA) since 2013. In 2021, Erica was elected to contribute her expertise by serving on CAHRA’s Legislative and DEIB Committees.
In her role at Tendaji CDC, Erica’s passion for fostering a positive workplace culture and her dedication to employee engagement shine through. She is known for her ability to streamline administrative operations effectively, ensuring that the organization’s HR processes align seamlessly with its strategic objectives.
Jared B. Green
Senior Behavior Specialist
Jared Green was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas. He also attended grade school in the Little Rock School District. He attended the University of Arkansas Fayetteville where he majored in Sociology. Mr. Green also received his master’s degree in management and leadership at the University of Webster. As a former defensive lineman for the Razorbacks, he has a very strong background in sports, team building, and leadership. He has six years of experience working with the youth in the community.
Jasmine Wakefield
Senior Behavior Specialist
Jasmine Wakefield is a Behavior Specialist for the Tendaji Reclaiming Scholars Program. She attended Hampton University where she obtained her bachelor’s in psychology and completed Masters work in Counseling with a concentration in Community Agency. Education, mental health awareness, and public service are the areas that she is the most passionate about. Her passions have led her to become a youth advocate and community activist. She has 10 years of experience working with youth in various communities. She is an active member of various community and non-profit organizations all with one common goal: to make a difference and serve the members of the community. Her philosophy is that our success can only be measured by the positive impact that we have on others.
Johnathan M. Green
Behavior Specialist II
Mr. Johnathan Green is a proud graduate of The University of Central Arkansas, where he received his bachelor’s degree in health science, then furthering his education receiving his master’s in health administration. Mr. Green is a High School Physical Science teacher in the Little Rock School District. He has worked with after school for the past six years. Mr. Green has a love for putting things together, building new things, and introducing students to new and exciting adventures through STEM.
Dominque Thomas
Behavior Specialist II
Mr. Dominque Thomas received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and master’s degree in student affairs from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is working on his Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary. Mr. Thomas is passionate about mentorship and leadership. He loves to work with children by providing them with the tools they need to be successful.
Tiffany Wallace
Behavior Specialist I
Ms. Wallace was raised in Little Rock, AR and graduated from UA-PTC with an associate degree in liberal arts and sciences with a concentration in social work. She then pursued her bachelor’s in social work and is now attending the University of Texas at Arlington for her Master’s. Ms. Wallace is a licensed Social Worker for the state of Arkansas and has worked with children for over 12 years.