About Us
Our Team
Our leadership team is dedicated to guiding 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, ensuring 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.
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.
Reyna Carothers
Housing Navigator
With nearly three decades of experience supporting individuals and families in crisis, Reyna helps victim-survivors move toward safe, stable housing and greater independence. As Younity’s Housing Navigator, she assists clients in finding safe and affordable housing, navigating available resources, and overcoming the practical barriers that can make securing a permanent home difficult. She also works with landlords, service providers, and community partners to help connect individuals and families with the resources they need to build long-term stability.
Reyna brings to this role a deep understanding of the challenges victim-survivors face as they move from crisis toward greater safety and independence. After years of leadership in Younity’s emergency housing and crisis services, she understands that finding housing is about more than locating a place to live. It is about helping each person find a path forward that reflects their individual needs, circumstances, and goals.
Known for her calm presence and deep compassion, Reyna meets people where they are, offering practical guidance, encouragement, and genuine care as they take their next steps forward. Her approach is grounded in the belief that lasting stability begins with helping people feel supported, respected, and empowered to make decisions about their own future.
Janet Ginest
Pet Advocate
As Younity’s Pet Advocate, Janet helps ensure that victim-survivors do not have to choose between their own safety and the safety of a beloved companion animal. She works with individuals and families to understand their needs, identify safe options for their pets, and connect them with resources and support as they move toward safety and stability. Janet also works with community partners to strengthen resources for victim-survivors with pets and reduce one more barrier that can make leaving an abusive situation difficult.
Drawing on years of experience in housing navigation and crisis intervention, Janet understands how deeply practical concerns can affect a person’s ability to seek safety. She also understands that for many victim-survivors, a companion animal is far more than a pet. They can be a source of comfort, consistency, and unconditional love during an extraordinarily difficult time.
Known for her calm, encouraging presence, Janet approaches each situation with compassion, patience, and a determination to find practical solutions. She believes no one should be forced to leave a beloved companion animal behind in order to be safe, and works to help keep people and the animals they love together whenever possible.
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.
