Meet The Board
Keisha G. Rogers
Ph.D., CRC, LCAS, LCMHC, QS, ACS
President (Jan 2026- Dec 2026)
Keisha has served on the NAMRC Board since 2017 as Secretary, President Elect, and President. She has served as Fundraising Chair and Awards Committee member for the NAMRC Conference. Keisha became a member in 2006 as a master's student and was selected as NAMRC's Graduate Student Scholarship Award recipient in 2010 while a doctoral student.
Keisha is a Professor of Rehabilitation Counseling at Winston-Salem State University and is a practicing mental health & substance abuse counselor and clinical supervisor.
WHY NAMRC: "NAMRC creates a welcoming space for students, early-career rehabilitation counselors, practitioners, and educators to share their research, grow as leaders, and learn from one another, while also providing seasoned professionals meaningful opportunities to lead, mentor, and serve. Together, these shared experiences strengthen the field and enhance our collective ability to support BIPOC individuals with disabilities."
FUN FACT: Keisha collects snow globes from each of the places she visits across the world and gifts them to her daughter.
Email: pastpresident@namrc.org or president@namrc.org
Mel Johnson-Norwood
Ed.D., CRC, NCC, LCMHCA, BC-TMH
President-Elect (Jan 2026- Dec 2027)
Mel is currently serving his second term on the Board of Directors. He has been a member of NAMRC since his time as a graduate student at Winston-Salem State University.
Mel is Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Associate Provost at Winston-Salem State University. This role allows him to work at the intersection of disability, vocational rehabilitation, and counseling. He is also a practicing mental health counselor at Nour Counseling and Consulting, PLLC.
WHY NAMRC: "Now more than ever, NAMRC’s mission reflects the important needs of communities that have been unrepresented and marginalized. Its intentional focus on
disrupting spaces that are not equitable or culturally diverse yet purport to provide services in the disability and rehabilitation realms resonates with me."
FUN FACT: Mel has driven the same vehicle for the past 17 years.
Email: presidentelect@namrc.org
Kelsey R. Webb
Ph.D., CRC, NCC, LCMHC-A
Secretary (Jan 2025-Dec 2026)
Public Relations & Marketing Chair
Kelsey is serving her first term on the NAMRC Board and has been a member since 2018. Kelsey also chairs the Marketing & Public Relations Committee and serves on the Legislative & Governance Committee.
Kelsey is currently an Assistant Professor of Counselling at Tarleton State University and recently completed a Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship at Langston University's Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Research and Capacity Building for Minority Entities.
WHY NAMRC:"I am passionate about NAMRC because it allows those who are often underrepresented to have a space to discuss and find solutions to navigate systemic issues."
FUN FACT: Kelsey's favorite pastime activity is shopping.
Email: secretary@namrc.org
Adrienne M. Robinson
Ed.D., CRC
Representative to the NRA Board (Jan 2025-Dec 2027)
Adrienne (she/her) is serving her first term as NRA Representative on the NAMRC Board. She previously served NAMRC as a board member.
Adrienne has 20 years of experience related to disability, leadership, counseling, and education programs. Adrienne developed the graduate program in vocational counseling at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and was Deputy Chief of Field Services with Arkansas Rehabilitation Services.
She currently teaches and is employed as a Sr. Technical Assistance and Research Analyst where she provides technical assistance and training at George Washington University. She is a Licensed School Counselor (AR) and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor.
WHY NAMRC: "I am a disruptor. NAMRC has always worked to reframe systems not built for multicultural populations, while simultaneously providing a platform for everyone's voice."
FUN FACT: Adrienne loves reading and watching sci-fi books and movies, especially those with Black/African characters. Blerds Unite!
Email: adriennemarie2@gmail.com
Felicia Hunter
MS Administration, BSW
Treasurer (Jan 2026-Dec 2027)
Felicia serves as Treasurer on the Board and Chair of the Finance Committee.
Felicia is the Chief Mission Officer and Executive Vice President of Employment & Training at Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit.
WHY NAMRC:"I am passionate about NAMRC’s mission for its relevant embrace of diversity, equity and inclusion for aspiring student leaders, practitioners, educators, advocates, partners and consumers of quality rehabilitation services."
FUN FACT: Felicia loves her Shitzu-Yorkie Ace.
Email: treasurer@namrc.org
Brenda Taft
Ed.D., CRC
Financial Secretary (Jan 2025-Dec 2026)
Brenda has been connected to NAMRC since 1995 as a doctoral student. She has served NAMRC as a Board Member, Membership Committee Chair, Conference Co-chair, Conference Program Chair and represented NAMRC as Commissioner on the Council on Rehabilitation Education Commission on Standards & Accreditation.
Brenda has over 20 years of experience in State VR management and direct service delivery positions coupled with employment in private rehabilitation and forensic settings. She retired as Professor of Rehabilitation Counselor Education after 20 years of teaching.
WHY NAMRC:"NAMRC gave me a voice when others either ignored or tried to silence my focus on diversity issues."
FUN FACT: Brenda enjoys preparing Hello Fresh meals with her hubby as her sous-chef.
Email: drbtaft@gmail.com
Letoria Brown
MS, CRC, LCMHC
NAMRC Student Representative (Jan 2025- Dec 2026)
Letoria is serving her first term on the NAMRC Board and became a member of NAMRC in 2023.
Letoria Brown is a native of Winston-Salem, NC and graduate of Winston-Salem State University, earning a BS in Recreational Therapy and MS in Rehabilitation Counseling. Letoria is currently a doctoral student at Hampton University in the Counselor Education & Supervision program.
With over 20 years in the mental health field, Letoria has gained
valuable experience by working in community, private, and clinical mental health settings. As a future leader in the mental health field, Letoria works to dive deep into finding solutions to dissolve barriers minorities face in mental health.
WHY NAMRC: "NAMRC aligns with my focus on improving ways to provide accessibility of mental health services to minority communities as well as focusing on the importance of
visibility of minority counselors."
FUN FACT: Letoria's favorite pastime activities are making candles and shopping.
Email: lcspbrown@gmail.com
Cecilia K. Hagley
MS, CRC, LCMHC-A
Board Member at Large (Jan 2026-Dec 2027)
Membership & Coalition Building Co-Chair
Cecilia is serving her second term on the NAMRC Board and has been a member of NAMRC since 2017. She earned her Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Winston-Salem State University and her BSW from Elizabeth City State University. Cecilia has been actively engaged with NAMRC, serving as Student Representative, and is a recipient of the Drs. L. Robert McConnell & Eddie Glenn-Bryant Student Scholarship Award and the Sylvio Sean Reyes Student Award. She currently serves as a Disability Learning Specialist at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, supporting students with disabilities by fostering accessible learning environments and empowering them to reach their full potential.
WHY NAMRC: "I serve with NAMRC because leadership and advocacy are personal to me. I’ve benefited from mentors and spaces that believed in me, and I’m committed to paying that forward by supporting students, amplifying their voices, and helping create opportunities to lead within the rehabilitation field.
FUN FACT: Cecilia was voted Class Clown her senior year in high school and still believes that laughter is essential and makes life (and work) better.
Email: cecilia.hagley@yahoo.com
Nyree Cunningham-Pullen
Ph.D.
Board Member at Large (Jan 2025-Dec 2026)
Legislative & Governance Committee Co-Chair
Nyree is serving her first term on the NAMRC Board. She is currently a Research Assistant Professor at Langston University, working in the Langston University Rehabilitation Research Training Center (RRTC) on Employment Equity for Multiply Marginalized People with Disabilities.
Nyree first attended NAMRC in 2003 and became a member in 2004 after completing a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. She has 20 years of experience working with people with disabilities. Her roles have included Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist, Self-Contained ED Instructor, Education Specialist for Veterans Upward Bound, and Vice President of Program Development. In her leadership role, she secured and managed Support Services for Veteran Families, the Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program.
WHY NAMRC: "I have seen NAMRC create a safe, intercollegiate space to address concerns and educate others about the wellbeing of minorities with disabilities."
FUN FACT: Nyree used to sew in high school and thinks she will return to that during her free time.
Email: Nyree.cunningham@langston.edu
Dessie Johnson
MS, CRC
Board Member at Large (Jan 2026-Dec 2027)
Dessie joins the NAMRC Board with over 15 years of experience championing disability rights and empowering marginalized communities. A seasoned expert in vocational rehabilitation, since 2007, Dessie has been committed to helping individuals overcome barriers and achieve their career aspirations.
Currently serving as the Vocational Assessment Coordinator at Work Skills Corporation, Dessie leverages her expertise to guide individuals in navigating their professional paths.
WHY NAMRC: "I am a servant leader motivated by helping individuals with disabilities achieve independence and meaningful employment, with a strong passion for supporting minority populations who face additional systemic barriers. This commitment aligns with NAMRC’s mission to promote equity, advocacy, and culturally responsive rehabilitation services."
FUN FACT: Dessie loves karaoke and enjoys using it as a fun way to connect with others and step outside of her comfort zone.
Email: dessiej@wskills.com
Juliana Thompson
MS, CRC, LCMHC-A
Board Member at Large (Jan 2026-Dec 2027)
Membership & Coalition Building Co-Chair
Juliana is dedicated rehabilitation counseling professional with a strong commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities through culturally responsive and person-centered services. She earned her MS degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Winston-Salem State University. Juliana currently works as a Psychiatric Clinical Specialist assisting individuals in returning to work. She is serving her first term on the NAMRC Board having been a member since 2024.
WHY NAMRC: "I am deeply motivated by a passion to help others and to create spaces where individuals feel supported, empowered, and valued. Serving in a leadership role allows me to contribute to meaningful change, collaborate with others who share this commitment."
FUN FACT: Juliana enjoys experimenting with new recipes, and some of her creations may eventually make their way into a future cookbook.
Email: candacejuliana@gmail.com
Whitney Gatling
MS, LCMHCS
Board Member at Large (Jan 2026-Dec 2027)
Legislative & Governance Committee Co-Chair
Whitney is serving her first term on the NAMRC Board and brings strong leadership experience shaped by her involvement with other professional organizations. She is the founder of Evolving Life Counseling and Psychotherapy, PLLC and has over fifteen years of experience in the mental health field.
Whitney’s passion for service is rooted in her military family background, inspiring her dedication to veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors. In addition to her clinical work, she serves as President of the Military and Government Counseling Association of North Carolina (MGCA-NC), a division of North Carolina Counseling Association and as Board Chair of Shining Light in Darkness, a nonprofit supporting survivors of interpersonal violence.
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WHY NAMRC: "I serve because I believe people thrive when they have the right support, the right resources, and leaders who are willing to do the steady work of building trust and community. I’m motivated by the chance to contribute to a mission that prioritizes meaningful impact, collaboration, and care for the people we serve."
FUN FACT: Whitney regularly challenge herself by trying new recipes from Cook’s Illustrated and New York Times Cooking.
Email: whitney@evolvinglife.net
L. Robert McConnell
DPA
Past President (Jan 2026-Dec 2026)
Bob is one of the founding members of the Board in 1992, when NAMRC was established as a national division of NRA. He was an active member of NAMRC's predecessor, the Council of Non-White Rehabilitation Workers since the early 1980’s.
Bob is a retired Division Director in Michigan VR Agency and more recently retired Assistant Professor in Public Administration at Western Michigan University.
WHY NAMRC: "I have witnessed the impact that NAMRC can have on programs and professionals, especially professionals of color, throughout the rehabilitation community."
FUN FACT: Bob enjoys crossword and Sudoku puzzles and making puns.
Email: lrm805@comcast.net
Lorraine Knott Lawrence
MA, MS, CRC, RMHCI
Board Member at Large Jan 2026-Dec 2027)
Lorraine brings over 25 years of experience working
with diverse populations in education and government to the NAMRC Board. As a Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, she empowers individuals with disabilities to secure and maintain meaningful employment through client advocacy and culturally responsive services.
WHY NAMRC: "My career transition into rehabilitation counseling fuels my passion for professional development and self-advocacy, and I'm committed to using that experience to advance NAMRC’s mission, with a special focus on helping women from minority populations achieve independence, gain a second chance, and rediscover their value and self-worth."
FUN FACT: Lorraine is a liturgical dancer with a vision to develop a movement and spiritually-based counseling theory as an alternative approach better aligned with Afro-Caribbean communities.
Email: knottlawrence@gmail.com