Marcella Cooper was born and raised in the city of Elizabeth, New Jersey, She attended Elizabeth Public Schools and graduated from Elizabeth High School in 1991.

After high school, Ms. Marcella Cooper was employed by Alexian Brothers as an Admissions Registrar and Elizabeth General Medical Center as an Emergency Room Registrar. Marcella remained in the healthcare field by taking classes as a Nurse’s Assistant. Furthering her passions in the field of nursing, Ms. Cooper began applying to nursing school. It was in this pursuit that Ms. Cooper had a health issue that would limit her activities and mobility. At that moment it temporarily took away her dreams of becoming a nurse.

As she struggled to come to terms with her illness, Ms. Cooper was determined to fight her way back. During this time, she was raising two young children and over the course of the years her health began to improve. She began to think, “I can go back to school and finalize my dream”. So, at the age of 40, Ms. Cooper decided to register for Health Sciences at Union County College.  Her passion was to finish what she started, and in May 2022, in the midst of a pandemic, Ms. Cooper graduated with her Associate’s Degree in Science

While still dealing with health issues, Ms. Cooper has applied to nursing school and is currently on the waiting list. While pursuing her nursing degree, Ms. Cooper has volunteered and worked part-time in many organizations that assist children. One of her passions is working with special needs children/young adults. 

Currently, Ms. Cooper is the Executive Secretary for Team Interrupters Incorporated (TII). Team Interrupters is a non-profit organization that mentor’s children and young adults. She also serves as a helper for the TII’s R.E.A.D.Y. Program(Recognizing, Educating and Developing Youth). The R.E.A.D.Y. Program assists young people in reaching their goals while engaging in exciting activities.

“Ms. Cooper was introduced to the R.E.A.D.Y. Program and TII’s Executive Director, Mr. John Brooks, because of the love that she has for children (with Pediatric Nursing as heranticipated studies) she decided to become a part of the TII family”. She has now been a part of the family since 2021. Her life’s theme is “I want to take care of every child in the world!”

In her personal time, she enjoys being a mentor, cruising to different countries, interacting with children and young adults as well as spending time with her children and grandson. Sheplans to incorporate a special needs website to assist her community in learning and understanding “Special Needs!”