Directors
Lisa Richardson Hall Founder, Rays of Hope
Director
Ms. Richardson Hall is the visionary founder of Rays of Hope (ROH), a youth-led community service organization dedicated to developing future leaders through service, advocacy, and civic engagement. Her passion for empowering young people stems from her own journey in service, beginning as a Girl Scout and later becoming a leader in her community. Recognizing a need for youth to have a platform where they could learn the value of giving back while developing leadership skills, she established ROH to provide meaningful opportunities for young people to make a tangible impact.
Since its founding, ROH has grown into a thriving organization with members from across Central Jersey, engaging youth ages 8–18 in initiatives that foster personal growth and community responsibility. Under Ms. Richardson Hall’s leadership, ROH has organized annual college tours, leadership workshops, and service projects ranging from food and clothing drives to prom dress collections for underserved youth. She has also guided young activists in organizing marches, petition campaigns, and forums that address pressing social issues, ensuring that youth have a voice in shaping their communities.
Beyond service, Ms. Richardson Hall has instilled in ROH members the belief that advocacy and civic engagement are key to long-term change. Her leadership has led to youth-driven initiatives, such as the campaign to end lunch shaming in New Jersey, which gained national attention. Through her unwavering dedication, she has created a space where young people can not only serve but also lead, speak up, and make lasting contributions to society. Through Rays of Hope, Ms. Richardson Hall continues to inspire the next generation, proving that when young people are empowered with the right tools and opportunities, they can be the driving force behind meaningful change.
Tyniesha Douglas
Assistant Director
Tyniesha is a dynamic educator with over 23 years experience. Over her career, she has served as Assistant Principal, Academic Supervisor for English, Social Studies, ELL, Music, Art and Family & Consumer, District Supervisor of Language Arts for Grades 6-12, as well as an English teacher.
Over her career, Tyniesha has worked with thousands of students in various extracurricular activities as club Advisor to various student organizations and Cheerleading Coach. She has mentored hundreds of students through their high school and college careers.
She has served in many volunteer capacities including Founding President of the Jersey Shore Chapter of Mocha Moms and Program Director, Teen Advisor and Lead Teen Advisor of the Jersey Shore Chapter of Jack and Jill, Inc. Additionally, she is also an active member of the Zeta Epsilon Chapter of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa where she currently serves as the 1st Anti-Basileus and Youth Advisor that launched the chapter’s Xinos Club mentoring group.
Tyniesha earned a Master’s of Arts in Teaching and a Bachelors of Arts in English from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She is a NJ state certified School Administrator, Principal, Supervisor and English Teacher.
Tyniesha is married to her husband of 20 years, and is the proud mom of twin daughters and twin sons.
When she is not working, she enjoys reading, watching movies, listening to music, traveling, attending Broadway Shows and spending quality time with her family.