ABOUT US
OUR STORY
Hope4Families Autism Foundation was born out of a deep desire to give back to my home country, Nigeria. After 17 years in the public education system, I began to sense in 2019 that a season was ending—though what lay ahead was still unclear.
At the time, I considered pursuing a doctoral degree in education reform, hoping to support systemic change within Nigeria’s educational landscape.
That same year, during a family visit to Nigeria, a profound burden was placed on my heart for children with special needs, their families, and the professionals who support them. I quickly realized that while the need was great, I lacked the specialized skills to respond effectively. Upon returning to the United States in January 2020, I began researching special education programs.
This search led me to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Although unfamiliar with ABA at the time, a meeting with the program coordinator at University of Memphis proved pivotal. Soon after, I applied for a doctoral program in ABA.
In the fall of 2020, I officially began my journey toward becoming a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and earning a Doctor of Education (EdD) with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. Throughout my training, I was privileged to gain diverse experiences working with individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities across a variety of settings.
One particularly meaningful experience was serving as a volunteer consulting BCBA at Regional Intervention Program, where families of individuals with developmental disabilities receive behavioral and counseling support to address challenging behaviors.
I have also worked with autistic adults in group homes and day programs, as well as children with autism in clinic and school-based environments.
Currently, I serve as a BCBA-D within a school district in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex.
In December 2024, I successfully defended my dissertation—Evaluating the Effects of Tactile Prompting and Reinforcement on Parental Adherence to Behavioral Training—thereby completing my doctoral program.
Over time, Hope4Families Autism Foundation has grown through the dedication of like-minded professionals who share this vision.
The organization was officially launched in January 2025, beginning with monthly virtual trainings for caregivers worldwide. These sessions have since transitioned to bi-monthly events to better serve our community.
Looking ahead, we are preparing for our first in-person caregiver training, scheduled for June 2026 at the University of Ibadan. This program will feature hands-on training led by a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including psychotherapists, occupational therapists, and Board-Certified Behavior Analysts.
In addition, we will host an Autism Awareness outreach program for the local community.
Hope4Families Autism Foundation is a fully registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States and a registered NGO in Nigeria.
We are actively seeking partnerships with corporate organizations and individuals who share our passion for empowering families affected by autism.
As we continue to pursue this vision, we invite you to support us—through partnership, giving, and prayer.
Founder
Dr. Josephine Tope-Ojo
EdD, BCBA-D, LBA
Our Mission statement is: Our mission is to educate, train, and support caregivers—families and teachers—of individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities by providing evidence-based strategies, resources, and a safe, supportive community. We strive to increase awareness and reduce stigma while building caregiver confidence and capacity.
Our Vision Statement: Our vision is to cultivate empowered caregivers and inclusive communities where individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities are understood, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive. Through education, training, and collaboration, we aim to transform caregiving experiences and outcomes.
Our Appeal: The work ahead is vast, and we are trusting in God’s guidance to bring this vision to fruition. We know we can’t do it alone, and we humbly ask for the support of our friends and family.
Your financial contributions and professional resources are crucial to helping us move forward and create a lasting impact for children with special needs and their caregivers.
OUR TEAM
Baretta McKinney
Baretta McKinney is a Transition Consulting Teacher for the Department of Exceptional Children and Health Services, Memphis Shelby County Schools. Prior to this position, she was a Functional Skills High School Teacher. Ms. McKinney is also a dedicated parent of a young adult with special needs. She volunteers with Madonna Learning Center as a Parent Alumni Coordinator and with Hope Church Special Needs Day Program as a Board Member.
Ms. McKinney attended the University of Arkansas – Fayetteville, AR, Lane College – Jackson, TN, and the University of Memphis, Memphis, TN where she obtained a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and several special education endorsements. She is also a graduate of the State of Tennessee Partners in Policymaking Program. Currently, she is taking post graduate courses in Special Education Leadership.
During her free time, she enjoys making memories with her family.
Albert Tope-Ojo (Topman)
Topman, is a dynamic force in the world of ministry and relationships. With a rich history of serving in Christian leadership roles from a young age, his extensive experience spans local, national, and international platforms. He is a renowned Public Speaker, Relationship Expert, Pastor, and Certified Pastoral Counselor. His remarkable journey along his wife, Josephine Temitope, began in 1990, and together, they have nurtured both their family and their ministry. TopMan’s commitment extends to nurturing and sustaining healthy relationships in all aspects of life.
Jacqueline Smith
Jacqueline came to know Christ in 1974, and she has since then served in various roles in the kingdom of God. 39 years ago, she got married to Rufus Smith, the senior pastor of Hope Church Memphis. She occupies the position of a full-time helpmate to her husband, at home, in ministry, and business. She is the mother of three adult children, Ruth Abigail Smith-Gardner, Rufus Smith, V, and Rhoda Anna Smith. She is also the grandmother of two boys, Malachi (13) and Shiloh (2.5). Since 2010, she has been actively engaged in writing Bible studies and her autobiography/memoir.
Margaret Isabel
Margaret was born in Lagos State, Nigeria to William and Ibiere Benibo of Obonoma in Rivers State, Nigeria. She, along with her siblings travelled with their father, a career Diplomat on his various postings to Hong Kong, Switzerland and Ethiopia.
Her Father’s return to Nigeria brought the family back to their homeland where she began to learn so much about her family, roots and culture. Her brief visit to the UK brought her into contact with a native Memphian, Charles Isabel who would later become her husband.
Months later, she returned to Nigeria with Charles to introduce him to her parents and the rest of her family, and got married, Customarily and in the Church. Almost 2 years later, their son Charles Henry Isabel III was born in Memphis, TN in 2005.
As parents, they began to notice some developmental milestones that their son Charles was lacking at his age. An appointment with a Pediatric Neurologist informed them that Charles was diagnosed with autism. Though the news was both shocking and devastating, Margaret sprung into action to find ways to help Charles with speech, physical and occupational therapies. She connects with other mothers of Special Needs children in her Church and various places to encourage, share and pray with them about their children.