Our Team
Our Team
Co-Founder/COO (she/her)
Dr. troya L. ellis, EdD- Dr. Troya’s research on reducing negative discipline outcomes for Black male students, conducted during her doctoral dissertation, now serves as a cornerstone in her mission to shift educators’ lenses to see the students as more than their behavior. As a full-time professor in Alder Graduate School of Education as the Child Development Faculty and COO of Trajectory of Hope, she passionately advocates for a whole child and whole adult approach in teacher training. Dr. Troya’s unique expertise equips educators to create inclusive and compassionate learning environments that humanize all learners.
Co-Founder/CEO (she/her)
Britney Foster, MSW, PPSC- Britney Foster, the visionary CEO and co-founder of Trajectory of Hope, weaves together faith, social welfare, education, and entrepreneurship. Through restorative practices, she fosters compassion and reconciliation, transforming lives. With a background as a teacher, counselor, and Dean of Students, she deeply understands the profound impact of discipline on school communities. Her Master’s in Divinity from Harvard enriches her vision, as she extends hope to vulnerable children as an Emergency Response Children’s Social Worker. Britney’s journey intertwines countless human experiences, inspiring us to unlock our extraordinary potential for healing and growth.
Deputy Director of Operations
Erin Howard is the Deputy Director of Operations with Trajectory of Hope (TOH) in Los Angeles, California. She joins the TOH team with a background in Administration, Special Education, and Social Work. Raised in Southern California, Erin received her B.A. in Human Services Counseling from University of Nevada, Las Vegas. After moving to San Diego, California she went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Special Education and Educational Technology from the Azusa Pacific University. Prior to joining Trajectory of Hope, Erin served as a Social Services Practitioner with the County of Riverside working with pregnant and parenting youth. Additional experience Erin has accumulated over the years is: Directing and Managing a Children’s Ministry; Working with Child Welfare Services as Emergency Response Social Worker; and working with a grant funded program at Rady Children’s Hospital as a Developmental Specialist. Erin is dedicated to supporting the imperative and beautiful work of Trajectory of Hope and Project Flourish with efficient systems as we seek to make life more equitable for the children, youth, and families that we serve.
Social Emotional | Learning Specialist
McKenzie McClain is a SEL Specialist with Trajectory of Hope (TOH) in Los Angeles, California. She joins the TOH team with a background in Childhood and Family Mental Health and School Social Work. Raised in Louisiana, McKenzie received her B.A. in Broadcast Journalism from Louisiana State University (LSU) before transitioning to California and earning her MSW in Child, Youth and Family Social Work from the University of Southern California (USC). Prior to joining Trajectory of Hope, McKenzie served as a school social worker in the Los Angeles area to both primary and secondary aged populations. Her practice is informed by Motivational Interviewing due to its reflective nature and bond to rapport building. McKenzie is a proponent for protecting intersectionality of children and families, and she is dedicated to this partnership with Project Flourish as we seek to make life more equitable for those we impact.
Social Emotional Learning Specialist
Danielle is an Social Emotional Learning Specialist at Trajectory of Hope. She grew up in Los Angeles County and completed her B.A. in Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies and Minor in Psychology at California State University, Long Beach. She later went on to get a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential at Biola University. Before joining Trajectory of Hope, Danielle was a First Grade teacher in the Pico-Union area. During her time as a teacher, she discovered how to make Social Emotional Learning exciting and effective in the classroom. She is excited to support students and educators with Social Emotional Learning.
Learning Liberationist
Allison is passionate about working with educators to cultivate mindsets and develop practices that disrupt systems of oppression and ensure educational equity for all students. She began her career as a founding Special Education teacher at an elementary school in South Los Angeles and has worked as a Special Education coordinator, instructional coach, and Beginning Teacher Induction program leader. Through this experience, Allison has developed expertise in evidence-based literacy instruction, Universal Design for Learning, data-driven coaching and professional development facilitation. Currently as an education consultant, Allison works in partnership with district and school leaders across multiple states supporting instructional coaching, curriculum implementation efforts, and strengthening professional learning systems that empower educators to meet the diverse academic and social emotional needs of their students. Allison holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of California San Diego and a Master’s degree in Special Education from Mount Saint Mary’s University.