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Board of Directors
Kayla Skipper
Founder and Executive Director
Kayla Skipper is a creative at heart whose passion lives at the intersection of storytelling, community, and ministry. Originally from Oswego, NY, Kayla developed a deep love for service and advocacy for women early on, inspired by her mother—a lifelong social worker supporting people with disabilities.
She earned her undergraduate degree in Human Development from SUNY Oswego and later pursued a master’s degree in Television, Radio, and Film at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. While she explored the world of filmmaking and writing, community remained the constant thread running through all her work. Whether organizing Trunk-or-Treats or community baby showers at her church, Kayla’s heart has always been in creating spaces that uplift and connect others. In 2012, she accepted her call to preach and has since served as a spiritual safe space for women in both personal and professional settings. In 2023, she founded Brunch N Bible Study, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing the holistic wellness of underserved women in Syracuse, NY—addressing spiritual, mental, and physical health while also combating food insecurity.
Kayla currently leads Brunch N Bible Study, Inc. as its full-time Executive Director. Kayla recently completed her certification in Somatic Healing and started an Advanced Certificate program in Health and Wellness through her alma mater SUNY Oswego. Outside of her work, you’ll likely find her on a road trip, thrifting for hidden gems, or enjoying time with friends and family. Kayla’s heart for women is what drives her. Beyond the data, metrics, and demographics, she understands that she is engaging with real people—women with emotions, unique stories, and a longing for genuine connection.
She earned her undergraduate degree in Human Development from SUNY Oswego and later pursued a master’s degree in Television, Radio, and Film at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. While she explored the world of filmmaking and writing, community remained the constant thread running through all her work. Whether organizing Trunk-or-Treats or community baby showers at her church, Kayla’s heart has always been in creating spaces that uplift and connect others. In 2012, she accepted her call to preach and has since served as a spiritual safe space for women in both personal and professional settings. In 2023, she founded Brunch N Bible Study, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing the holistic wellness of underserved women in Syracuse, NY—addressing spiritual, mental, and physical health while also combating food insecurity.
Kayla currently leads Brunch N Bible Study, Inc. as its full-time Executive Director. Kayla recently completed her certification in Somatic Healing and started an Advanced Certificate program in Health and Wellness through her alma mater SUNY Oswego. Outside of her work, you’ll likely find her on a road trip, thrifting for hidden gems, or enjoying time with friends and family. Kayla’s heart for women is what drives her. Beyond the data, metrics, and demographics, she understands that she is engaging with real people—women with emotions, unique stories, and a longing for genuine connection.
Nadia Nellons
Board Chair
Sakeena Anderson
Board Treasurer
Sakeena L. Anderson, is the founder and Executive Director of Syracuse, NY nonprofit organization Increasing Territories, LLC, established April 2021. Increasing Territories teaches youth ages 14-19, how to be intentional about creating generational wealth through the education of investments, including property ownership.
Sakeena originally born of Waxahachie, Tx, December 1985, spent the first thirteen years of her life in Los Angeles, Ca with her mother and three siblings. Being financially stable/educated was not a language that was common amongst her family dynamic at the time; this particular instability led to her and her siblings having to attend 12 elementary schools before moving to Syracuse, NY in 1998, were the family continued to move into new homes once a year until she graduated from Corcoran high school in 2004.
Consumed with idea of becoming successful, Sakeena went on to earn her Bachelors of Psychology from Damen College in 2009 and a Master of Science in Psychology from University of Phoenix in 2017. The last 20 years Sakeena has been privileged to work with various vulnerable population groups from youth, mental health, substance abuse, developmental disabilities and homelessness.
Sakeena began to educate herself on the workings of money in 2014; A stirred new passion to begin creating generational wealth for her family and in her community, as she saw the need to also educate individuals of color on how to build a strong economic structure in their lives and in their neighborhoods. In August 2021 Sakeena made her first big investment purchase; an abandoned single family home which has since been renovated and listed as a rental property. Later, Sakeena became a NYS licensed life insurance agent in February 2024 and is currently studying to become an investment agent, so that she may continue to help families become financially protected.
Since the start of Increasing Territories, servicing 100 youth and multiple families, Sakeena continues to be dedicated to the mission of providing families of color the education and guidance to break the curse of generational poverty.
Sakeena originally born of Waxahachie, Tx, December 1985, spent the first thirteen years of her life in Los Angeles, Ca with her mother and three siblings. Being financially stable/educated was not a language that was common amongst her family dynamic at the time; this particular instability led to her and her siblings having to attend 12 elementary schools before moving to Syracuse, NY in 1998, were the family continued to move into new homes once a year until she graduated from Corcoran high school in 2004.
Consumed with idea of becoming successful, Sakeena went on to earn her Bachelors of Psychology from Damen College in 2009 and a Master of Science in Psychology from University of Phoenix in 2017. The last 20 years Sakeena has been privileged to work with various vulnerable population groups from youth, mental health, substance abuse, developmental disabilities and homelessness.
Sakeena began to educate herself on the workings of money in 2014; A stirred new passion to begin creating generational wealth for her family and in her community, as she saw the need to also educate individuals of color on how to build a strong economic structure in their lives and in their neighborhoods. In August 2021 Sakeena made her first big investment purchase; an abandoned single family home which has since been renovated and listed as a rental property. Later, Sakeena became a NYS licensed life insurance agent in February 2024 and is currently studying to become an investment agent, so that she may continue to help families become financially protected.
Since the start of Increasing Territories, servicing 100 youth and multiple families, Sakeena continues to be dedicated to the mission of providing families of color the education and guidance to break the curse of generational poverty.
Ladashia Nellons
Brunch Coordinator
Ladashia, known as Dashia, is a Certified Nursing Assistant with over seven years of experience in long-term care, hospital environments, and Level 1 Trauma settings. Her deep knowledge of restorative care, vital sign monitoring, and compassionate day-to-day support— like bathing, feeding, and personal care—makes her an incredible asset in meeting the physical and emotional needs of women navigating trauma, housing instability, and recovery.
With a heart for whole-person healing, Dashia brings a trauma-informed lens to every interaction. Her professional experience uniquely equips her to support Brunch N Bible Study, Inc’s work with vulnerable women who are rebuilding their lives.
Outside of her healthcare role, Dashia leads her church’s Young Adult Kitchen Ministry, where she blends her love language of cooking with service to others. She’s a proud mom of a sweet young fella, adventurous foodie, and lover of nature, waterfalls, and new experiences. Whether she’s caring for patients or throwing down in the kitchen, Dashia shows up with intention and love—qualities she brings to every woman we serve.
With a heart for whole-person healing, Dashia brings a trauma-informed lens to every interaction. Her professional experience uniquely equips her to support Brunch N Bible Study, Inc’s work with vulnerable women who are rebuilding their lives.
Outside of her healthcare role, Dashia leads her church’s Young Adult Kitchen Ministry, where she blends her love language of cooking with service to others. She’s a proud mom of a sweet young fella, adventurous foodie, and lover of nature, waterfalls, and new experiences. Whether she’s caring for patients or throwing down in the kitchen, Dashia shows up with intention and love—qualities she brings to every woman we serve.
Jordan Davis
Jordan Davis is a passionate advocate for women’s personal growth, mental wellness, and spiritual empowerment. With her current position as a Counselor Aide at Helio Health Inpatient rehab & her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Jordan brings both academic knowledge and frontline experience to her work in supporting women’s well-being.
Her professional background has given her insight into the complexities of trauma, addiction, and recovery, shaping her empathetic and grounded approach to helping others heal. Jordan is particularly passionate about empowering women to rediscover their purpose, rebuild their confidence, and reconnect with their inner strength through faith, connection, and personal growth.
As a board member at Brunch N Bible Study, Inc., she is honored to help create nurturing spaces for women to thrive spiritually and mentally. Jordan believes in the transformative power of sisterhood and community and is committed to making that support accessible to all women seeking a new path forward.
Her professional background has given her insight into the complexities of trauma, addiction, and recovery, shaping her empathetic and grounded approach to helping others heal. Jordan is particularly passionate about empowering women to rediscover their purpose, rebuild their confidence, and reconnect with their inner strength through faith, connection, and personal growth.
As a board member at Brunch N Bible Study, Inc., she is honored to help create nurturing spaces for women to thrive spiritually and mentally. Jordan believes in the transformative power of sisterhood and community and is committed to making that support accessible to all women seeking a new path forward.
Ashlee Haste
Ashlee E. Haste, MSW, is the founder and Executive Director of House of Psalms 23, a nonprofit based in Syracuse, New York, dedicated to empowering women reintegrating into society after incarceration or domestic violence. Born in South Carolina and relocating to Syracuse at age 11, she discovered her passion for service at 14 during her first nonprofit role working with refugee youth through a CNY Works summer placement.
Ashlee earned an Associate in Human Services from Onondaga Community College in 2011, and went on to complete her BSW at Syracuse University in 2022 through its flexible Global program, and MSW 2025 all while balancing full-time work and single motherhood with her studies. Before founding House of Psalms 23 in 2022, she developed her leadership skills in roles at The Salvation Army and Chadwick Residence, including Program Coordinator, where she supervised staff and designed trauma-informed services for women.
Since its founding, House of Psalms 23 has served over 300 women, offering free programs including therapy, job-readiness and financial literacy workshops, and the “Second Chance Sisters” workforce development initiative—all aimed at building courage, confidence, career skills, connections, and communications.
With over 15 years of experience in human services, academic credentials, lived experience, and a deep commitment to social justice, Ashlee continues to lead innovative programming that transforms trauma into resilience.
Ashlee earned an Associate in Human Services from Onondaga Community College in 2011, and went on to complete her BSW at Syracuse University in 2022 through its flexible Global program, and MSW 2025 all while balancing full-time work and single motherhood with her studies. Before founding House of Psalms 23 in 2022, she developed her leadership skills in roles at The Salvation Army and Chadwick Residence, including Program Coordinator, where she supervised staff and designed trauma-informed services for women.
Since its founding, House of Psalms 23 has served over 300 women, offering free programs including therapy, job-readiness and financial literacy workshops, and the “Second Chance Sisters” workforce development initiative—all aimed at building courage, confidence, career skills, connections, and communications.
With over 15 years of experience in human services, academic credentials, lived experience, and a deep commitment to social justice, Ashlee continues to lead innovative programming that transforms trauma into resilience.
Yanika Betsey
Ashley Grimes
Ashley Grimes is a native of Abbeville, Alabama, currently residing in
Syracuse, New York. Ashley embodies a remarkable blend of intellect,
compassion, and knowledge in education in the Syracuse area for the past fourteen years.
Currently, Ashley is an Elementary Math Specialist for the Syracuse City
School District focusing on the primary grade levels. She is stepping into a
leadership role outside the classroom, driven by a passion for teaching and a strong commitment to student success. Inspired by her experiences in education, Ashley continues to pursue leadership opportunities that empower both students and fellow educators. As of August 2023, she successfully completed her Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Leadership, with credentials in both school building and district-level leadership, from Le Moyne College.
Beyond the professional realm, Ashley enjoys traveling, spending time with
her family, engaging in community service, and tutoring students in mathematics. She is deeply committed to service and civic engagement, as reflected in her involvement with numerous organizations. Ashley is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Order of the Eastern Star (Prince Hall Affiliate), and Pentecost Evangelical Missionary Baptist Church. She also serves as an alumni committee member at SUNY Oswego and Le Moyne College and holds life memberships with the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) and the National Association of the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Her civic leadership also includes serving as a Members Council Board Member at the Everson Museum and as a committee member of the VERA House Syracuse Aging Services Coalition.
Looking ahead, Ashley plans to enroll in a doctoral program in executive
leadership in the spring of 2026. She continues to give all glory and honor to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and credits her parents and sister for their
unwavering love and support. Ashley is deeply motivated by the Bible verse Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Syracuse, New York. Ashley embodies a remarkable blend of intellect,
compassion, and knowledge in education in the Syracuse area for the past fourteen years.
Currently, Ashley is an Elementary Math Specialist for the Syracuse City
School District focusing on the primary grade levels. She is stepping into a
leadership role outside the classroom, driven by a passion for teaching and a strong commitment to student success. Inspired by her experiences in education, Ashley continues to pursue leadership opportunities that empower both students and fellow educators. As of August 2023, she successfully completed her Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Leadership, with credentials in both school building and district-level leadership, from Le Moyne College.
Beyond the professional realm, Ashley enjoys traveling, spending time with
her family, engaging in community service, and tutoring students in mathematics. She is deeply committed to service and civic engagement, as reflected in her involvement with numerous organizations. Ashley is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Order of the Eastern Star (Prince Hall Affiliate), and Pentecost Evangelical Missionary Baptist Church. She also serves as an alumni committee member at SUNY Oswego and Le Moyne College and holds life memberships with the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) and the National Association of the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Her civic leadership also includes serving as a Members Council Board Member at the Everson Museum and as a committee member of the VERA House Syracuse Aging Services Coalition.
Looking ahead, Ashley plans to enroll in a doctoral program in executive
leadership in the spring of 2026. She continues to give all glory and honor to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and credits her parents and sister for their
unwavering love and support. Ashley is deeply motivated by the Bible verse Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Frantzcesca Tingue
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