Meet the Team
Jameka Walker, Executive Director
Jameka Walker brings 16 years of experience in urban education and many years in the non-profit sector to her role as Executive Director at Catholic Partnership Schools. Prior to assuming her current role as Executive Director, Jameka served as the Instructional Coach for Catholic Partnership Schools and most recently, as the Chief Academic Officer. Jameka is an award winning educator, receiving the Young Women’s Leadership Network Blue Ribbon Teaching Award for Excellence in All Girls’ Education in 2008-2009 and the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Distinguished High School Educator Award in 2014-2015. Jameka understands all students can achieve at high levels when they receive solid instruction from a knowledgeable and caring educator. She attributes the academic success of Catholic Partnership Schools to the solid instructional model and kind and dedicated educators.
Prior to joining CPS, Jameka served several roles in K-16 schools including Business and Computer Science teacher, Math teacher, Roster Chair, Small Learning Community Coordinator, Instructional Support Officer, and Adjunct and Full-Time Instructor. Jameka is thrilled to use this experience to lead the teachers and principals working in the Partnership’s schools.
Jameka earned a Master’s degree in Education from Edinboro University of PA with an Principal K-12 Certification, a Master’s degree in Education with an Instructional Technology Specialist Certification from Drexel University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from Peirce College. She possesses certification as a K-12 Principal, a K-6 Elementary Educator, a 7-9 Middle School Math Educator and K-12 Business/Computer Science Educator. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family and watching Women’s College Basketball, particularly, the UCONN Huskies.
Contact: [email protected] | Extension 103
Yolina Owens, Executive Assistant
Yolina holds a Bachelor's Degree in Communication and Marketing from Johnson C. Smith University, a Master’s Degree in Communication Information Management Systems from Bay Path College, a Master’s Degree in Education from Grand Canyon University, and is enrolled in a doctorate program at Lancaster Bible College.
Outside of the office, Yolina is a Certified Life Coach and Wellness Facilitator, helping teens and their families with grounding tools to use through life transitions. She is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., an International Non-Profit Organization built on the ideals of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood. She loves to travel, have brunch with friends, read novels, attend Broadway shows, and go to the movie theater with her husband of 17 years and their teen daughter. Yolina has a strong faith background, was raised in the church, and believes in its principles.
Contact: [email protected]
Dr. Deirdre M. Rood, Ed.D., Parnershipwide Assistant Principal & Holy Name Middle School ELA Teacher
Dr. Deirdre M. Rood, Ed.D., is an educational professional with over 20 years of classroom experience, predominantly in urban schools, dedicated to integrating Catholic values into her teaching. Beginning her career as a CCD volunteer, she emphasizes empathy, compassion, and service in her educational approach. Driven by a passion for inclusive learning environments and innovative teaching methods, she strives to empower students with critical thinking skills and social responsibility.
Being a Lead English teacher, Dr. Rood specializes in differentiated instruction and data-driven teaching practices. She leverages technology to enhance learning outcomes and has taught a variety of courses from ELL to honors classes.
Beyond teaching, Dr. Rood served as an Adjunct Instructor for Seton Hall Project Accelerate, teaching Intro to Education and psychology courses. She also demonstrated leadership at Joseph A. Taub Middle School, Lawnside School and other institutions, serving on the DEI committee, as 8th Grade Lead Teacher, Yearbook Advisor, and Lead Google Classroom teacher, fostering schoolwide professional development and mentoring colleagues.
Dr. Rood's commitment to education extends to her involvement in honor societies and educational associations, including Kappa Delta Pi, NERO, NERA and NCEA. She holds a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership & Social Justice, a Master of Education in Leadership from WIlliam Paterson University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Education from Monmouth University. She holds certifications in teaching Elementary K-8, English 6-8, Supervision K-12, Principal K-12 Certification and Google education.
Focused on advancing educational practices and promoting equity, Dr. Rood presents regularly at conferences on topics such as student engagement and cultural competence. Her extensive background and dedication ensure academic excellence and student success in every endeavor.
Contact: [email protected]
Eileen Andreotti, Finance Team: Bookkeeping
Eileen brings 25 years of bookkeeping experience to Catholic Partnership Schools. After studying accounting at Brookdale Community College, Eileen worked in a variety of industries, non-profit organizations and CPA offices. Her prior experience has given her the knowledge to ensure proper maintenance of records and billing. Nancy Berenato, Finance Team: Accountant
Nancy is a detail driven accountant who is enthusiastic about helping clients thrive in their businesses. As a Business Administrator for a Private School for Students with Disabilities she has experience in non-profit accounting, audit preparation, month-end closings, account reconciliations and financial statement preparation. Nancy was responsible for proper implementation of accounting procedures set forth in the State of New Jersey Fiscal Code. She also served as the Food Service Director and was responsible to oversee the daily operations of the food service program to meet the requirements of the federal and state USDA regulations. Nancy collaborated with Principal and Director to prepare an annual balanced budget that was enter in the Department of Education’s portal. She prepared all student annual tuition contract and monthly tuition billings. She provides hands-on service to clients large and small, offering timely guidance and solutions.
Contact: [email protected]
Glenna M. Harkins, MSOD, Director of Enrollment & Family Engagement
Glenna Harkins has been with CPS since 2012, and brings nearly 20 years’ experience in nonprofit leadership to her position at Catholic Partnership Schools. Prior to joining the CPS team, Glenna served as director of development and communications at Romero Center Ministries in East Camden, and director of community education at Lutheran Settlement House in Philadelphia.
Glenna has spent the bulk of her career ensuring that youth, adults, and families have access to high quality educational and supportive services. In her role with CPS, Glenna works with the Family Support Team to provide students and families with academic and enrichment activities that support students’ academic success at CPS and beyond. She also is responsible for community outreach, admissions and enrollment, and the annual Dreams of our Children event, among other initiatives.
Glenna earned a Master’s degree in Organizational Dynamics from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish and History at the University of Scranton.
Contact: [email protected] | Extension 107
Kevin Soriano De Pineda, Alumni Relations Coordinator
Kevin Soriano De Pineda, who is also known around the Partnership as Mr. S, has been with Catholic Partnership Schools since 2016. Kevin started as an aide in the after school program and worked as a substitute teacher at St. Joseph Pro-Cathedral. The connection he had with the students and families were instant and demonstrated his true calling to serve. His passion has always been creating and maintaining relationships that strengthen student confidence and success. Coming from a first generation hispanic family has helped him in identifying the needs of many families in our Partnership.
Contact: [email protected] | Extension 109
Dorriane Judge, Marketing Associate
Dorriane, who is also known by most as Dora, has been with the partnership since 2016. She began as the Coordinator of Family and Graduate Support with a special emphasis on high school readiness for students in middle school. Dora has now transitioned into the role of Marketing Associate for Catholic Partnership Schools.
As native of Puerto Rico who grew up in Camden, Dora received her Bachelor's degree from Rutgers University-Camden, and always envisioned working in the city that she calls home. Prior to joining CPS, Dora was the supervisor of two Family Success Centers in both Woodbury and Camden as well as being the Volunteer and Community Partnership Coordinator. Dora runs her own business as a maternity and newborn photographer, and currently resides in West Deptford with her husband, Ronald and two daughters, Aria and Arielle.
Contact: [email protected] | Extension 105
Rudy Vidal, Coordinator of Outreach & Engagement
Rodolfo Vidal also known as Mr. Rudy, brings 14 years of experience working in education to his role at Catholic Partnership Schools. Prior to joining the CPS team,
Mr. Rudy worked as a 9th and 10th Guidance Counselor, Head of the Parent and School Association, and Community Liaison for Community Academy of Philadelphia Charter School. Most recently, Rudy worked for Cambridge Network in Waltham, MA as the Student Development Manager for Chinese international high school students in the Philadelphia region. Rudy was born and raised in Philadelphia, and understands first hand the level of support that is needed for our students and families to be successful. Mr. Rudy is a graduate of Arcadia University where he earned his bachelor degree in Sociology. Mr. Rudy looks forward to working closely with all of our CPS families.
Contact: [email protected] | Extension 106