Meet The Team
Amare El Jamii
| Program Director
​After working for a number of years in multiple industries, Amare El Jamii enrolled in community college with the intent on pursuing a more fulfilling career. He obtained his associate degrees in both Mathematics and Computer Information Systems and his bachelor degrees in Statistics and Applied Mathematics from Norco College and UCLA respectfully. Since graduating in 2013 he has worked in education, specifically with students from underrepresented communities. His work experience includes Non-profit organizations, Norco Community College, CSULB and UCLA. He is currently a partner in an educational consulting company named Cultivating Hope and also holds a position at Bridges Academic Center of Excellence as a Program Director where he oversees a number of college-bound based programs for local students in the Carson, Long Beach, South LA, Compton and the Watts communities.
Barak has over 20 years of experience in public and private education. He has served as a tutor, teacher, vice principal and principal for grades 6 through 12 with a 100% four-year college acceptance rate for his graduating classes of black and brown students. Barak consults in education with school districts throughout California in Oakland, Compton, Los Angeles, Long Beach and Riverside to improve educational outcomes for students of color. Numerous organizations have invited him to speak including the internationally acclaimed House of Blues Foundation. Barak was awarded a commendation by the Mayor of Inglewood for his service to the city’s youth and also recognized with proclamations by California Senator Don Perata and former Mayor Jerry Brown for his educational leadership in his hometown East Oakland. Barak co-founded Unearth and Empower Communities, a 501 c3 non profit organization dedicated to mentoring and teaching literacy, entrepreneurship and arts education to K-12 students in Compton. He is the visionary behind Cultivating Hope, an educational consulting company that coaches educators to build the whole village through Math Proficiency, Equity, Diversity & Race and Social Emotional Learning. Barak earned his Bachelor of Arts in English from Dartmouth College and his Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from San Jose State University, where he graduated with highest honors. Barak is currently working on his Doctorate in Ministry to provide affordable resources to communities interested in building the whole person through education. Barak is married and is the father of two sons.
Jeffery is a Los Angeles native and accomplished communications professional with a deep commitment to youth development, mentorship, and community empowerment. He attended Cypress College, where he earned an Associate’s degree in Graphic Design and Electronic Music Production, and continued his education at Compton College and California State University, Dominguez Hills. Jeffery began his journey with JTM Academy in 2019 as the Soft Skills Instructor and has since become an integral part of the organization’s mission to prepare students for long-term success through strong communication, professionalism, and leadership development. ​ In addition to his role at JTM Academy, Jeffery serves as the Program Director of B4UC, a local boys’ mentoring program dedicated to shaping young boys into model men and future community leaders. His professional background includes working as an Educational Coach at Centennial High School in Compton and at California State University, Long Beach, as well as serving as a Math Coach with the Pasadena Unified School District. Outside of his professional work, Jeffery is the owner and operator of Thomas Project Productions, a creative venture that blends technology, design, and music. A self-described resident techie, he enjoys building projects, engaging with youth, community involvement, and spending time outdoors with his family.
Barak Bomani
Jeffery Thomas
| Board President
| Communications & Media Manager
LaReina Whatley
| Resource Manager
LaReina serves as the Resource Manager at JTM Academy, bringing a strong educational foundation and a passion for community empowerment to her role. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of La Verne and went on to complete a Master’s degree in Teaching and Education from the University of Redlands. In addition to her work in education and workforce development, LaReina is the owner and lead dance instructor of Divine Energy Dance & Fitness, where she promotes movement, wellness, and personal growth. She is a dedicated advocate for yoga, self-care, and fitness, and believes in the importance of nurturing both mental and physical well-being as a pathway to success. LaReina is deeply committed to using her education, leadership, and wellness expertise to further the community-driven mission of JTM Academy, ensuring participants are supported holistically as they pursue life-changing career opportunities.
Justin Bond
| Instructor
His passion for physics and math has allowed him to complete a B.S. in Physics at UC Santa Cruz and a M.S. in Physics at UC San Diego. Justin's educational background therefore was highly math intensive and has given him wide knowledge and experience with advanced math subjects including Statistics, Calculus, Algebra, Complex Analysis, and many others. During his four years at UC San Diego, Justin served as a teaching assistant, running the physics lab and giving lectures. That experience developed his ability to communicate complicated subject matter to students who felt uncomfortable with physics and math. Justin also worked at the Cambridge Learning Center, JEI Learning Center and Sylvan Learning Center, helping K-12 students with all subjects. In these positions he helped students understand and conceptualize SAT/ACT/ISEE math, AP Statistics, AP Calculus, AP Physics, and all other standard math curricula including the Integrated Math 1, 2, and 3.
Makonnen Tendaji
| Case Manager
Makonnen is a seasoned education professional with more than eight years of experience spanning program coordination, organizational consulting, and project management. He specializes in the design and execution of high-impact educational initiatives that advance institutional effectiveness and student success. His expertise includes restorative justice practices, social-emotional learning frameworks, and innovative curriculum development.
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