Our Leadership Team — Neuroniche

NATALIE BEAZER

Natalie Beazer is a seasoned educator, advocate, and community builder with over, 35 years of experience in disability services and education. As a mother of three, including two adult sons on the autism spectrum, Natalie brings deep personal, insight and professional expertise to everything she does.
Natalie is the founder of NeuroNiche inc, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering neurodivergent individuals and their families. Through parent coaching, targeted support, and upcoming community education offerings like podcasts, NeuroNiche fosters inclusive housing, employment, and community connection.

Founder & CEO

NOLEENE COUNTS

Noleene Counts is a dedicated healthcare professional with a strong reputation in Minnesota for her expertise in personal care assistance and CFSS support services. With more than five years of hands-on experience, she has provided compassionate care to both pediatric and adult clients with complex medical conditions such as seizures, autism, and sensory challenges. Her structured approach to care has made her a trusted figure in trauma-informed and overnight support services, ensuring clients receive stability and quality assistance. With formal training from Harris School of Business and certifications from the MN Department of Human Services and the American Red Cross, she brings both skill and knowledge to her work.

Co - Founder

PRUDENCE MPOFU

Prudence Mpofu, MSN, APRN, CNP, is a dedicated and highly skilled Nurse Practitioner with more than 11 years of diverse experience in the healthcare field. In her current role at Kavira Health, she is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care, with a strong emphasis on preventive health services and community wellness. Her approach focuses on building meaningful relationships with patients while promoting long-term health outcomes through education and early intervention.

Vice Chairperson

JUNNETH JENKINS

Junneth is a dedicated and results-oriented Business Education Teacher with over 18 years of experience in secondary and tertiary education. Skilled in teaching a wide range of business-related subjects, fostering academic excellence, and developing students’ professional and interpersonal competencies. Committed to holistic education, community engagement, and advocacy for teachers’ welfare and student empowerment.

Secretary

WARREN J. COUNTS Jr.

Chief Financial Officer [CFO]

Warren J. Counts Jr. serves as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of NeuroNiche, bringing a background in accounting, financial operations, tax preparation, business administration, and organizational leadership to NeuroNiche’s mission of building more accessible and sustainable communities for neurodivergent individuals and families. With experience spanning accounting, tax preparation, financial analysis, business operations, security leadership, and entrepreneurship, Warren contributes a practical, financially focused perspective to NeuroNiche’s growth and development. His work supports NeuroNiche’s efforts to create an integrated ecosystem connecting housing, independent living, employment, education, family support, financial empowerment, and community participation.

NICKESHA PHILLIP

Nekisha is a purpose-driven entrepreneur, community-minded leader, wife, mother, and culinary professional with a passion for people, service, creativity, and building opportunities that positively impact her community. Nekisha brings to the NeuroNiche Board a unique perspective shaped by entrepreneurship, community engagement, family, and a genuine desire to see people empowered to discover their potential. She believes that meaningful progress happens when people from different backgrounds and areas of expertise come together, share knowledge, and create

Board member

CARRIE ZELLIN JOHNSON

Board Chairperson / President

Carrie Zelin Johnson M.Ed has helped individuals, organizations, schools and communities advance their vision and mission for nearly 30 years. She has a master’s degree in Educational Leadership with a minor in Educational Psychology from the University of Minnesota. Where she also earned a degree in Architecture with a minor in Social & Cultural Perspectives and Urban & Housing Design. Carrie has coached executive leaders, teachers and providers in diverse settings and across sectors. She has led home visiting programs, directed and founded community-based schools and initiatives. Working in philanthropy, public policy, education, non-profit and the mental health sectors has fueled her passion to innovate equitable solutions and impact systems change. Much of this drive was ignited by her own experiences as a parent of African American children with exceptional needs. She is an advocate for social emotional learning, literacy, housing, the arts, and equity. She is the CEO and Founder of Zelin Johnson Companies.

CHAUNCY WILLIAMS BAREFIELD

Chauncy williams is a realtor with over a decade of experience. I am a listing agent that prides myself on beautifully marketing my listings online with stunning photography, videography, 3-D tours, and more. My objective is to draw in buyers quickly and sell your property for top dollar. I also use paid advertising on Google, all the top social media platforms, and Zillow to ensure my listings are being seen by the most possible buyers which will result in a faster sale and more money in my client’s pocket. With my years of experience, I can also expertly navigate buyer through the home buying process as well.

Board treasurer