Rock CAPA Staff

Mrs. Jacquelin Copeland, 

Principal

Jacquelin Copeland wife, mother of twin boys, actress, entrepreneur, songwriter, singer, ordained elder and teacher is a graduate of The College of Saint Elizabeth where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Film,Drama and Oral Interpretation of Literature and a minor inBusiness Management. She receivede her Masters degree in Biblical Studies at Nyack Alliance Theological Seminary May 2021.In 2006, Mrs. Copeland began her career in education at Immaculate Conception High School in Montclair, NJ. She later taught an organizational communications class at Career Works in Newark NJ.

Currently, she is an educator at Rock Christian Academy Performing Arts School in Newark, NJ, teaching classes to K-8 th grade students, where her education in Fine Arts is utilized and helping children discover their own gifts and talents to serve God, while also equipping them with education for success in high school and beyond. Jacquelin Copeland has aspired and continues to aspire as others invested in her at a young age, to invest in the youth of our tomorrow. She has lived by the quote her mom told her at a young age, “The time you spend complaining about it you could be doing it!” In other words there is no time for complaining, but rather only action towards the goal. You can and you will always, with the help of God!

Mrs. Brenda Smith, 

Coordinator of Student Services

Mrs. Smith joins the Rock CAPA Team with more than 25 years of administrative experience in the corporate and retail industry. She is a wife, mother of three adult sons, a mother-in-love to three beautiful daughters, and a grandmother of seven. Mrs. Smith served faithfully on her church usher board, where she was elected president due to her gifting to combine organization skills with love, warmth and compassion in her leadership.

Rock CAPA is blessed to have Mrs. Smith coordinate our non-publc 407-1 services and state entitlement grants, fundraising and school accounts. 

Pamela Maxine White,

Hospitality, Home Economics, and Meal  Service

Ms. White is a grandmother of 6, a retired Chemist and former Sunday School teacher. Affectiionately known to our students as "Mother" White, Ms. White was wife to  the late Clinton White, Sr. for 43 years. Mr. and Mrs. White opened their doors to many over the years, often hosting neigborhood barbeques, school events, family reunions, and wedding receptions for young couples who would otherwise not be able to afford such celebrations. Upon her husband's passing,  taking the love they shared for hospitality and service, and her formula experience as a chemist, Ms. White found her "new normal" within the catering indistry. Along with two of her adult children, she opened Maxine's Cuisine Catering in October 2013.  It is this love for service and hosptality that she brings to the students of Rock CAPA each day with breakfast and lunch. Our students break bread, learn table etiquette, and fellowship daily toghether at meal time. Student's help plan and prepare weekly menus as an elective and our 8-12th grade students have the opportunity to intern with Maxine's Cuisine! for school credit (and salary)!

Khetiwe Khumalo, 

Vocal Teacher, and Violin Instructor 

Khetiwe is a professional singer and violinist blessed to grace stages including Lincoln Center, the Apollo, and Carnegie Hall. 

Early on, she demonstrated her love for singing and began singing in church. This opened the door for her to sing background, eventually leading to her church and her music. She simultaneously served as a choir director and music director over the teen music ministry at her local church. 

Ms. Khumalo became a vocal teacher in high school. This formal instruction sparked a passion for understanding vocal technique. Since then, she has committed to enriching her understanding of vocals. This passion opened up a natural doorway to instructing others. She is now still a full-time performer, songwriter, and vocal instructor.

Ursula S Derios, 

Director, and Founder