Meet the Core Team
The Heart Behind H.O.P.E.
We are more than a team—we are a family dedicated to building brighter futures. Every person on our team plays a vital role in nurturing the minds, bodies, and spirits of those we serve. Get to know the people working behind the scenes and on the front lines at BTW H.O.P.E. Center.
Executive Director
Dr. Angela S. Gibson
Dr. Angela S. Gibson is the Executive Director and Founder of BTW H.O.P.E. Center, a visionary leader with a heart for community transformation and youth empowerment. With over a decade of service as a Youth Pastor and national Youth Director, she has dedicated her life to nurturing the spiritual, academic, and personal growth of young people.
She is the creator of Whiz Kids, a reading initiative launched at the Trenton Public Library, where children read two books over the summer, wrote author feedback, and created their own short stories—an innovative program designed to inspire literacy and creativity.
A published author and passionate advocate for inner-city youth, Dr. Gibson works to help young people discover and develop their unique gifts.
She holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Thomas Edison State College and has been awarded two Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy Degrees—one in Business Administration and Entrepreneurship, and the other in Divinity with a focus on Marketplace Ministry.
In 2025, Dr. Gibson was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award, a testament to her unwavering commitment to service, education, and leadership.
Director of Operations
Pastor Tina Douglas - Gibson
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Deputy Director
Pastor Harvey J. Gibson, Jr.
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Board
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Behind every great mission is a team of dedicated stewards. Our board members serve with wisdom, heart, and vision—guiding BTW H.O.P.E. Center as we continue to serve families, children, and our broader community with integrity and purpose.
Board Chair
Jacqueline Gibson - Oscari
Jacqueline Ocasio is a multifaceted community leader and retired professional. She serves as Chairperson of Beyond the Walls Hope Center and holds various roles at New Holy Cross Church, including the Director of Children’s Church, a Deaconess, and a member of the Department of Education committee. She is a retired veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a retired high school teacher from the East Orange School District, She holds degrees from Southern Illinois University and has a Master of Science in Business Administration. Jacqueline is also a devoted family woman, being wife to Jose Ocasio, mother of 3 adult children, and a grandmother of 2 grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys hobbies such as traveling, reading, line dancing, and exploring her genealogy.
Treasurer
Evette Hodges
Lady Evette Hodges serves as the Board Treasurer at BTW H.O.P.E. Center, where she is known for her dedication, versatility, and heart for service. A true team player, she faithfully steps in wherever needed to support the mission of the organization. With over a decade of experience as President and Overseer of Treasury at her local church, Lady Evette brings strong leadership and financial stewardship to every role she holds. She is also gifted in poetry, marriage counseling, and cooking. She is a devoted family member, Wife to Pastor Hardy Hodges, III, and Mother of Quinton Hodges. Her passion for outreach is reflected in her hands-on efforts to serve the homeless, donate safety supplies to women’s shelters, and coordinate with organizations like HomeFront. She has organized and served Thanksgiving meals to families in need, demonstrating her deep commitment to uplifting the community through compassion and action.
Board Member
Lexis Gibson
Lexis Gibson is a dedicated Board Member of BTW H.O.P.E. Center, where she contributes her insight, leadership, and passion for community development. With a strong commitment to service and empowerment, Lexis supports the Center’s mission to uplift individuals and families through programs that foster healing, education, and outreach. Lexis brings a fresh perspective and collaborative spirit to the board, helping to shape initiatives that make a lasting impact. She is especially passionate about youth development, wellness, and creating spaces where every voice is valued. She is a dedicated wife and mother to 3 children.
Board Secretary
Porsche S. Merricks
Porsche S. Merricks serves as a valued Board Member and Administrator for BTW H.O.P.E. Center, bringing a strong blend of leadership, integrity, and administrative expertise to the organization. With a heart for service and a clear vision for impact, Porsche plays a key role in shaping strategic initiatives and supporting the day-to-day operations that drive the Center’s mission forward. As a dedicated community advocate, she is known for her ability to bring structure, coordination, and care to every project she touches. Her commitment to excellence and her passion for helping others make her an indispensable member of the Board and the broader H.O.P.E. Center family.