LaKenya Kirkendoll grew up in Milwaukee, WI, and received her formal education in Milwaukee Public Schools. She attended UW-Whitewater, earning a Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology. She then pursued her Master’s in Social Work at UW-Milwaukee. LaKenya has received training in various studies throughout her career in child welfare, including 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. She 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 for focusing on foster children who have aged out of the child welfare system. She believes that with the proper tools, every child can become 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 bachelor's 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 the children and families she serves!