About Us
Our Team
Our leadership team guides Younity’s mission with compassion, expertise, and a commitment to creating a safer community for all. Together, they drive our efforts to support victim-survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, advocating for change and providing vital services. Meet the individuals who lead with heart and ensure our programs, outreach, and support services make a lasting impact.
Nathalie S. Nelson
Chief Executive Officer & President
As CEO and President, Nathalie provides strategic vision and operational leadership for Younity, overseeing all programs, services, and community partnerships. She works closely with the Board of Directors, staff, and funders to ensure the agency’s mission is carried out with integrity, accountability, and measurable impact. Under her leadership, Younity continues to expand access to trauma-informed care, strengthen response systems, and build pathways to safety and stability for victim-survivors and their families.
Drawing on a broad professional background that spans biology, criminal justice, emergency medicine, human resources, and public administration, Nathalie approaches leadership with both analytical precision and empathy. She believes collaboration is the foundation of progress—aligning partners, staff, and communities to create sustainable change.
For Nathalie, true leadership is measured in people, not metrics. It’s in the staff who grow into their potential, the partners who find common ground, and the families who rediscover safety and strength. She leads with the conviction that when people are supported and connected, change becomes not only possible—but lasting.
Melissa Allen, MSW, LSW
Vice President of Program Operations
As Younity’s Vice President of Program Operations, Melissa oversees programs and works across the organization to strengthen services, support staff, and help ensure that Younity responds effectively to the needs of victim-survivors and the community. She brings more than 15 years of leadership experience in nonprofit and public service organizations, including senior leadership roles with AmeriCorps, where she oversaw large-scale programs and supported staff across multiple regions.
Melissa’s connection to Younity, however, began long before she joined the staff. For nearly a decade, she served as a volunteer Crisis Response Team advocate, supporting victim-survivors during some of their most difficult moments. She also taught yoga classes for clients and remained connected to Younity over the years. That experience gives her a unique perspective on the organization, from the deeply personal work of supporting someone in crisis to the larger systems that make that support possible.
A social worker and educator, Melissa brings a thoughtful, people-centered approach to leadership and a strong belief in the importance of building programs that work well for both the people they serve and the staff who deliver them. She holds a Master of Social Work from Rutgers University with a concentration in Nonprofit and Public Management and is a Licensed Social Worker. She also teaches social work courses at Rutgers University and Montclair State University.
Outside of Younity, Melissa volunteers as a dog walker at EASEL Animal Rescue League, enjoys baking, and loves exploring national parks.
Lauren Nazarian
Vice President of Development
As Younity’s Vice President of Development, Lauren leads the agency’s fundraising strategy, building relationships with individuals, corporations, foundations, and community partners to strengthen support for Younity’s mission. With three decades of development experience, she has raised significant funding through individual giving, grants, corporate partnerships, sponsorships, and special events.
Lauren’s appointment marks a return to Younity (formerly Womanspace), where she previously served as Chief Development Officer from 2014 to 2022. Most recently, she was Chief Development Officer at Dress for Success Central New Jersey. There, she expanded the organization’s presence in Middlesex County and helped create its first fashion show at the Zimmerli Art Museum. The event placed clients at its center, celebrating their journeys while building new relationships with donors, businesses, and volunteers.
Lauren believes the most meaningful fundraising helps people understand the lives behind the mission. She still remembers the profound impact of hearing survivor and human trafficking advocate Minh Dang speak and sing at Younity’s 2015 Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award dinner. For Lauren, moments like that are a powerful reminder that fundraising is never simply about dollars. It is about honoring people’s stories and giving others a meaningful way to help.
Returning to Younity feels like coming home. Lauren looks forward to reconnecting with longtime supporters, welcoming new partners, and helping more people see the difference their generosity can make for victim-survivors and their families. That same love of connection is at the heart of Lauren’s life outside work. She treasures time with her husband and two sons, whether they are traveling, heading to the shore, relaxing by the pool, or at home with Bella, their sweet Bernedoodle.
Cassius Lawson
Vice President of Finance
As Younity’s Vice President of Finance, Cassius oversees accounting, budgeting, and fiscal operations to ensure financial stability across all programs. He manages grant compliance and reporting, monitors internal controls, and maintains systems that ensure clean audits and reliable funding. Cassius partners with program and leadership teams to develop budgets, analyze trends, and forecast needs—helping align financial planning with Younity’s mission and long-term goals.
Known for his calm, consistent leadership, Cash makes complex financial processes easy to understand and fosters collaboration across departments. His thoughtful, solutions-focused approach strengthens transparency, builds trust, and ensures every dollar serves its purpose—helping individuals and families find safety, stability, and hope on their path forward.
Varonda N. Kendrick
Director of Crisis Response & Outreach
As Younity’s Director of Crisis Response and Outreach, Varonda oversees the volunteer advocates who respond to crisis calls throughout Mercer County and helps train and prepare them to support victim-survivors in moments of crisis. She also leads Younity’s community outreach efforts, building a visible presence at events throughout the county, sharing information and resources, and strengthening relationships with law enforcement, community organizations, and other local partners. Drawing on her own experience as a volunteer advocate, Varonda brings a firsthand understanding of crisis response to her leadership.
A natural connector, Varonda thrives on being out in the community, building relationships and bringing people together. Known for her warmth, energy, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life, she believes Younity’s presence should extend far beyond its doors. Her approach is simple: meet people where they are, listen without judgment, and make sure they know support is available when they are ready. For Varonda, strong relationships build trust, and that trust can help open the door to safety, support, and healing.
Melissa McCants
Safe House Director
Melissa McCants serves as Safe House Director at Younity, overseeing residential services and supporting the day-to-day operations of the Safe House. She brings more than eight years of experience as a Director of Residential Services in the human services field, along with a background in financial services.
Melissa takes an intentional approach to her work, emphasizing thoughtfulness, purpose, and consistency in how she supports victim-survivors, her team, and the organization. She is especially passionate about helping survivors recognize their strengths, overcome challenges, and work toward their individual goals.
For Melissa, seeing survivors grow as they move forward on their own journeys is one of the most meaningful parts of her work. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
