James Gordon
Founder and CEO

James Gordon is founder and CEO of Jumbe Prep. He is a former substitute teacher, counselor and coach at La Chiem. He later became Director of Youth Services at Career Resources Development Center (CRDC) where he taught entry-level computer skills and spearheaded a Youth Entrepreneurship Program.

Mr. Gordon left a 17-year career as a mortgage broker to dedicate his life to promoting and providing higher education opportunities for African American men.

He earned a BA in economics from the University of Illinois, where he received an athletic scholarship, in 1988.

Mr. Gordon spends his time working with college counselors and other staff members to further develop our program. He is dedicated to transforming young African American men into future leaders, professionals and entrepreneurs.

Jason Drake, M.S.
Executive Director

Jason Drake has over 15 years experience as a social worker. He has worked in group homes and provided individual and family counseling. Mr. Drake has vast experience working with families in crisis and helping them find community services to fit their needs. He is a social worker with the Department of Health & Human Services where he works to improve the lives of clients.

Mr. Drake also works closely with students in foster care to help them develop life skills as they prepare for emancipation.

Mr. Drake earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Sonoma State University and a Masters in Social Work from Sacramento State University.

Anthony Hunter
Operations Director

Anthony Hunter works directly with our students and coordinates the personal & professional skills training programs. He has worked as a youth counselor in the California Juvenile System for over 10 years and has a strong track record of successfully rehabilitating his clients.

Also a former athlete, Mr. Hunter understands the concept of teamwork which is one of the driving principles at Jumbe Prep.

He earned his Bachelor’s of Arts degree from Sonoma State University.

Sheila Murphy, M.S.
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

Sheila provides individual counseling services to our students. She has worked with children and adolescents for over 16 years focusing on inner city kids, gang affiliated youth, emotionally disturbed kids and foster care youth. She has provided counseling for schools, Medi-Cal populations and juvenile hall.

Sheila is the catalyst behind Jumbe Prep’s team culture – from students to staff. She works directly with each student to help them transition into the program and achieve their goals.

Sheila earned her Master of Science (MS) in Counseling Psychology from Dominican College.

Derrick Mann
Outreach Director

Derrick has worked with youth on the grassroots level for over 10 years. He is the innovator of several key programs and Founder of New California Arts & Development, a non-profit organization that addresses negative images affecting our youth.

He has worked directly with high schools to develop programs, such as: High School Compilation, Film-Art-In-The-Hood (F.A.I.T.H) and Showcase High Magazine.

Derrick is also the creator of High School’s Hottest a high school reality television show.

Dwayne Fontana
Sports Outreach Director

Dwayne Fontana is the point of contact for all new applicants for Jumbe Prep. He works with local high schools to provide information about our program and is one of the panelists during student face-to-face interviews.

Mr. Fontana, a former Arizona State basketball player, is also a high school basketball coach. During the summer, he works with college basketball prospects to help them understand the demands of college academics and athletics. He has helped several student-athletes successfully transition into the college-athlete lifestyle.