LaKenya Kirkendoll grew up in Milwaukee, WI and received her formal education in Milwaukee Public Schools.  She attended UW-Whitewater receiving a Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology. She went on to attend UW- Milwaukee where she received her Master’s in Social Work.   LaKenya has been trained in various studies through out her career in child welfare, one being Trauma Informed Care.

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LaKenya has worked in child welfare for numerous years beginning her career at the Vel Phillips Juvenile Justice Center. LaKenya has always had a passion for helping others and enjoys working with children and families.  LaKenya has dedicated her life to helping foster children and has a passion to focus on foster children who have aged out of the child welfare system.  LaKenya believes that with the proper tools every child can be successful adults, and every child has the right to a successful life.  

Sheila Hageny grew up in Northern Wisconsin and has resided in the Milwaukee area for the past 30 years.  Sheila earned a bachelors and Master’s Degree in Social Work, with an emphasis on Child Welfare from UW Milwaukee.  In the fall of 2019, Sheila and her business partner, LaKenya Kirkendoll, embarked on an exciting new venture and opened H.O.P.E. LLC after having worked in the field for over 30 years.   Prior to opening H.O.P.E., she held various positions within the Child Welfare system and was recognized and promoted by her former employers for her compassion, dedication and commitment to serving children and youth.   Throughout her career in Child Welfare she has received numerous certificates of training from local, state, and national agencies with a focus on Trauma Informed Therapy. Her passion is rooted in helping children and families in her community which is the motivation behind opening H.O.P.E.  Sheila can think of nothing greater than offering hope and faith to children and families she serves!