Our Team + Board
Get to know our staff and board of directors.
Staff Members
Yolo Akili Robinson (he/him)
Founder and Executive Director
Yolo Akili Robinson (he/him/his) is a non binary award-winning writer, healing justice worker, yoga teacher and the founder and Executive Director of BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective). BEAM is a national organization that builds ecosystems of care for Black communities through training, funding and resourcing networks of therapists, community leaders and wellness practitioners across the world.
Yolo has over 20 years experience in community mental health, with emphasis on intimate partner/violence intervention counseling, HIV/AIDS counseling /case management and TLBQ+ youth peer care under CDC and NIH funded projects. Under Yolo's Leadership, BEAM has developed evidence-based interventions that teach Black centered crisis support skills, emotionally intelligent leadership strategies for community activists and anti-patriarchal mental health for Black masculine folks and men.
BEAM has been supported by many foundations including the MacArthur Foundation, Ford Foundation, Ben and Jerry’s Foundation, and the Wellspring Philanthropic Fund while also receiving support from celebrities such as Jordan Peele, Kelly Rowland, Chloe x Halle, Tia Mowry and many more. For his work, Yolo has received numerous accolades including being recognized by the Surgeon General of the United States, Dr. Vivek Murthy for Minority Mental Health Month 2023. He received the prestigious Robert Wood Johnson Foundation "Health Equity Award" in 2018, was featured at the 2020 BET Awards, and is a 2024 Ford Foundation Global Fellow. He has been an invited presenter at the National Academy of Sciences, Math and Engineering, The Milken Institute, The Congressional Black Caucus Conference and much more.
His writings and work have appeared on Shondaland, GQ, Women's Health, USA Today, Vice, And Ebony. He is the author of the social justice themed affirmation book, "Dear Universe: Letters of Affirmation & Empowerment for All of Us" (Michael Todd Books, 2012) and a contributor to the New York Times Best Seller; Tarana Burke and Dr. Brené Brown's anthology on Black vulnerability and shame resilience, "You are Your Best Thing" (2021, Random House Books). He lives in Los Angeles, California.
Khadijah R. Barber (she/her)
Finance and Operations Senior Manager
Khadijah has served in clinical research, academia, the nonprofit sector and as an entrepreneur working with her family business. She brings passion to structure and enjoys creating processes that support growth. She has BA in psychology and a PhD in LIFE — living, learning, unlearning and learning anew. She enjoys reading, traveling with her family, and creating spaces that support calmness, relaxation and healing, specifically for Black women.
Skye Barclay (she/her)
Creative Project Manager
Skye is a social media and communications specialist. She is committed to amplifying voices in the Black community and spreading mental health resources to communities of color. After over half a decade of working on numerous wide-reaching marketing campaigns, she has developed a community-oriented approach for creating meaningful content that resonates with people. In her free time, she can be found traveling the world, learning different languages, and roller skating. Skye holds a B.F.A. in Film & Television from Chapman University where she minored in Advertising.
Natalie Ferguson(she/her)
Senior Project Manager, Media and PR
A multi-disciplined creative storyteller and certified project management professional, Natalie has worked in the non-profit sector for over 17 years creating impactful initiatives and systems with a purpose. Her professional career and philanthropic endeavors have focused on uplifting and supporting the experiences of marginalized communities through an earnest, respectful, and empowering lens. She served as board chair for Grace Place, an outreach program for youth experiencing homelessness of all sexualities and genders, and currently fosters neonatal kittens with Houston SPCA. A proud Houstonian and avid lover of good stories, Natalie’s love for adventure extends into her hobbies, from traveling to new places to creating new worlds through table top games with her wife and friends.
Chaun Lewis-Green (she/her)
Senior Facilitation Manager
Chaun Lewis-Green is a passionate creator who enjoys helping people make complex strategies a bit more simple. During her 1700 hour service year with AmeriCorp, her affinity for passion-driven work evolved and opened the door for her eleven year career in Non-Profit. Chaun has been able to tackle program management, recruitment, admissions, selections and also strategic ideation and implementation. Above all else, she is most connected to the impact she has had through organizational leadership and her emotionally intelligent approach to management. Chaun is an intuitive facilitator and moderator that enjoys talking about the “hard” stuff that we all experience, but don’t often share. Chaun is dedicated to self-study and investigating the individualized journey of self-remembrance.
Jessica Johnson (she/her)
Deputy Director
With over a decade experience in the nonprofit sector, Jessica is an advocate for equity and justice in the workplace and beyond. As a licensed attorney, Jessica’s legal career assisting low-income Texans and survivors of interpersonal violence informs her current work helping nonprofit organizations create cultures rooted in non-violence that welcome generative conflict, growth, and change. Jessica is a facilitator and builder of organizational cultures and processes whose life goal is to help organizations and individuals operationalize liberation. She is also a creative, a former Texas Rollergirl, an audiobook lover, and a travel enthusiast. She received her Juris Doctorate from University of Texas School of Law in Austin, Texas, and her bachelors degree from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Adeline Gutierrez Nunez (she/her)
Senior Training & Programs Logistics Manager
With a background in academia, journalism, publishing, and the nonprofit sector, Adeline (she/her) is a multi-hyphenate creative and logistics queen. Skilled at working with others to execute a collective vision, she’s collaborated on projects with major brands like Netflix, The Boston Globe, ESPN, CBS, and Penguin Random House. Her positive obsession is healing and wholeness, which leads her to cultivate sacred spaces for people to show up as their full and messy selves. Outside of work, you can find her teaching Yoga, podcasting, writing, flexing her interview skills, and traveling the world.
Amanda Poole, Ph.D. (she/her)
Senior Strategy & Implementation Manager
Proudly Cleveland born, Dr. Amanda is an educator-activist with specializations in liberation pedagogy, education equity, community organizing, and social justice advocacy. She began her work in grassroots anti-human trafficking movements in Ohio and Ghana, West Africa. Dr. Amanda’s career has seen several iterations as a social worker, therapist, instructor, and researcher. In every role she remains committed to the service of centering those who ‘move at the margins’. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and Master of Social Work from Ohio State University, Master of Education from Arizona State University, and a Doctorate in Humanities and African American Studies from Clark Atlanta University. Dr. Amanda is a lover of all things nature and outdoors. Most days you can find her cuddled with a book, dancing, or on auntie duty.
Collaborators
D. Dionne Bates, PhD, LPC (she/her)
Facilitator
D. Dionne Bates, PhD, LPC is a licensed professional counselor in private practice who holds a B.A. in Sociology (with emphasis in deviant behavior), an M.A. in Counseling Psychology, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. In clinical practice almost 20 years, Dr. Bates has observed that the root of many individuals’ emotional and psychological distress is their inability to integrate their “true” selves into various realms of their lives. The author of the Self-SOULstice Model of Affirmation and the Emotional Lifeline and Mapping Journal, Dr. Bates works with her clients to help them reach optimal mental health by affirming self, affirming others, and living authentically. From 2010-2015 Dr. Bates was an Educational Psychologist at Georgia Southern University’s (GSU) Counseling Center where she had responsibility for the students’ mental health needs as well as providing education and support to faculty and staff. She also served as SAFE SPACE Coordinator and represented the Counseling Center on the university’s Professional Development Council. Dr. Bates taught graduate studies, serving as adjunct professor in GSU’s College of Education and Alabama A&M University’s Department of Psychology and Counseling. The owner of Self-SOULstice, LLC in Marietta, Georgia, she provides a range of psychotherapeutic and supervision services, and has provided consultative services to several agencies and organizations, including the award winning Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM), where she served as Senior Mental Health Advisor (2017-2022). Dr. Bates has participated in discussions on human sexuality and sexual health with first year Emory University medical students. Her research has included identity development, LGBT issues, and a stage model of affirming self and others. Her writings have been featured in the Atlanta Tribune, Blavity.com, Your Tango, Dailyworth and numerous in regional, national, and international newspapers and academic journals.
Marilyn J. Brown, LMFT (she/her)
Facilitator
Marilyn Julia Brown, MA., LMFT, RYT-200, is a licensed psychotherapist, registered yoga teacher, writer, podcaster, reiki master, sound healer, and energy healer residing in sunny Southern California! Marilyn firmly believes in the liberation of all beings and works specifically to liberate Black folks across the globe because she believes none of us are free until we are all free. Her offerings are culturally and LGBTQ+ affirming and Marilyn is committed to decolonizing the mental health field and wellness spaces to bring true equity across all marginalized populations. Marilyn utilizes her talents for writing, music, and speaking to cultivate spaces for healing and liberation. She firmly believes true healing must address the mind, body, and spirit and her mission is to connect each person her work touches to the powerful well of healing energy that lives within them to promote collective healing across the planet.
Ulester Douglas (he/him)
Facilitator
Ulester Douglas is a social justice advocate, licensed psychotherapist, former executive, and nationally recognized leader in the movement to end violence against women. He earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and served as an adjunct professor at Emory University. Douglas has provided consultation, training, and keynote presentations in over 40 states, Europe, and the Caribbean to various organizations, including the British Foreign Office and the U.S. Departments of Defense and State. He has been honored for his advocacy against domestic violence and received numerous awards for exemplary humanitarian efforts. Douglas has been featured by CNN and The New York Times and has authored articles and curricula on family violence and social justice, including contributions to peer-reviewed journals. He proudly hails from St. Kitts and resides in Atlanta.
Richard Ford III (he/him)
Graphic Designer
Born in Detroit, Michigan, Richard Ford III (RF3RD) works as a visual artist in New York City. Holding a BFA in Illustration from Columbia College Chicago, his work is influenced by the aesthetics of anime and manga, which he compliments with his background in graffiti/ street art, giving his work attitude, dimension, color, and personality. Richard’s work ranges from collaborative large scale murals for Naomi Osaka (Bodyarmor SuperDrink) to animated illustrations for Universal Music Japan’s Wagakki Band (Sakura Rising).
Donnie Hue Frazier III (he/him)
Community Relations + Engagement
Donnie Hue Frazier III is an actor, filmmaker, creative director, and public health consultant. Having earned a degree in Sociology and Psychology with a concentration in Human Services, Donnie Hue has worked in the field of Public Health as a consultant for organizations serving the LGBTQ+ community. Donnie's primary scopes of focus in this work are sexual health, prevention, and mental health. Donnie is also the founder of Shades of Hue LLC, which was developed as a production company for cultural entertainment, community engagement, and creative consulting purposes.
Noelle Folden-McDowell (she/her)
Fractional CFO
Noelle is an Accounting/Finance superstar with over 10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. She is committed to uplifting equality for the Black community, and creating work environments where we all have a seat at the table. She received her undergraduate degree at DeVry University in Business/Accounting, and her MBA at Keller Graduate School of Management. During her free time, she loves to travel and spend time with her family.
Vanessa Jackson (she/her)
Facilitator
Vanessa Jackson is a Soul Doula and social worker who is passionate about creating healing spaces and supporting individuals and communities in being powerful and authentic. She is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis-George Warren Brown School of Social Work. She practices her craft in Atlanta, Georgia and worldwide via Skype.
Amir Khadar (they/them)
Graphic Designer
Amir is a Designer, Artist, and Educator originally from Minneapolis, MN. Their work has been central in creating visual language in social change movements centered on decolonization, de-carceration, and environmentalism.
Allen Lipscomb, Psy.D., LCSW (he/him)
Facilitator
Dr. Allen Lipscomb is an Associate Professor and Director of Online and Offsite MSW Programs as well as Director of Minority Male Mentoring (M3) and Student Success Allies (SSA) program at California State University Northridge in the Department of Social Work. Dr. Lipscomb is a clinical psychologist by highest degree earned and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of California. Dr. Lipscomb received his doctorate in Psychology (Psy.D.) with a clinical emphasis in marriage, family and child psychotherapy from Ryokan College and his Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Southern California.
Nina Mack (she/her)
Facilitator
Nina Mack is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, Mindset Coach, and an experienced community-builder. An enduring student of various healing traditions and integrative health practices, Nina takes a sustainable mind-body-spirit approach to support the wellness of people and communities. Nina has several years of experience supporting and empowering others in the health technology, social services, education, and advocacy spaces. She brings a passion for reducing health disparities and improving health outcomes for folks from marginalized and underserved communities and those who do care work. With her dedication to social change and healing justice, she has participated in several community conversations and panels about the social determinants of health, self-care, and community care. Nina has facilitated health coaching and wellness sessions for survivors of child sexual abuse and those fighting to end all forms of sexual violence in the African diaspora. She currently supports patients managing autoimmune disease and others seeking to transform their lives so they can fully and authentically show up for themselves, and the people and causes they care about. Nina enjoys exploring new places, spending time in nature, dancing, and spending time with loved ones.
Dr. Amber Reid (she/her)
Strategic Programs and Grants Consultant
Dr. Amber is ATL born and proudly raised in Trenton, NJ. She is a National Board Certified Counselor, independent scholar, and community-based researcher. Dr. Amber received a B.A. in Psychology and Child Development from Spelman College, a M.A. degree in Community Counseling and Family & Marriage Therapy from Argosy University Atlanta, and a Ph.D. in Humanities and African American Studies from Clark Atlanta University. She has served as a therapist, HIV & STD prevention specialist, professor, and researcher. She is dedicated to creating pathways for individual and collective wellness and liberation by centering mental health, sexual and reproductive health, African diasporic history, dance, spirituality, and culture. Outside of the work, you can find Dr. Amber hanging with her loved ones, dancing, enjoying music and art, or chilling at home.
C.J. Robinson (he/him)
Graphic Designer
C.J. Robinson is an art director, designer, and illustrator from Atlanta, GA, currently based in Brooklyn. He received his BFA from Syracuse University where he studied Communications Design. He specializes in creative direction, editorial illustration, brand strategy, and visual identity, and also has passion for fashion and music, which influences his work. His work has been featured in GQ, Esquire, Oprah Daily, and NBC.
Board of Directors
Dannielle Thomas, MA
Board Chair
Chief Operations Officer, Social Insights Research
Miracle Jones
Board Secretary
Director of Policy & Advocacy, 1Hood
Martine Seiden Agatston, JD
Board Treasurer
Associate, Proskauer Rose LLP
Saundra Davis, MSFP
Board Member
Executive Director, Sage Financial Solutions Founder, FFC®
