ABOUT JOHN HARRISON, MSW
Chief Executive Officer – John Harrison
John Harrison is the Chief Executive Officer with Community Mediation Services, Inc. (CMS). In this role, John leads a team of professionals providing services to thousands of youth, families and community residents along with institutions throughout the borough of Queens. He has worked with the organization since 1998 and has served in the capacity of Program Director, Director of Youth Development and Entrepreneurial Services and Sr. Associate Executive Director.
John earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the State University of New York at Old Westbury and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Adelphi University. A strong advocate of positive youth development, John has more than 25 years of experience working with at risk youth and families. John is a co-founder of Rockaway Men United; a male empowerment program that focused on the personal and academic development of young men of color. He has been recognized as a “Community Hero” because of his community service work and has served as a voluntary youth basketball coach for more than 15 years.
Leadership Team
Nathalee V. Campbell, Esq., MSW – Vice President of Family Services and Community Engagement
Nathalee V. Campbell, Esq., MSW
Vice President of Family Services and Community Engagement
Nathalee V. Campbell is the Vice President of Family Services and Community Engagement at Community Mediation Services, Inc., where she brings over 25 years of experience in family services and community engagement. She leads with a deep commitment to strengthening families and fostering meaningful community connections.
Nathalee earned two bachelor’s degrees from Stony Brook University and completed a dual-degree program with Touro Law Center and Stony Brook University, earning both her Masters of Social Work and Juris Doctor. She is licensed to practice law in New York.
She began her career at Community Mediation Services as a Case Planner in the Designated Assessment Services (DAS) Unit, working directly with adolescents and their families to assess needs, develop service plans, and navigate family crises. Her expertise, dedication, and vision have propelled her through several leadership roles within the organization.
In her current role, Nathalee oversees critical programs designed to empower families and enhance community well-being. Her portfolio includes managing four ACS Family Assessment Programs that focus on the well-being of adolescents and families throughout Queens and Brooklyn. Additionally, she leads programs that support community needs through outreach and engagement initiatives serving diverse populations across Queens. She is also skilled in mediation and conflict resolution.
Outside of her professional and volunteer commitments, Nathalee enjoys reading, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends especially her 17-year-old son, Keiam. She also adores her cat Baldwin, who she lovingly spoils, and is an avid fan of Wicked and Wonder Woman.
Julie DeFina – Senior Director of Justice Programs
Julie DeFina
Senior Director of Justice Programs
Julie DeFina serves as Senior Director of Justice Programs at Community Mediation Services, Inc., serving CMS community for over 15 years. She oversees programs that provide services and support to young adults ages 16 to 24 who are involved in the criminal justice system, serving as alternatives-to-incarceration or supportive programs for those recently released from incarceration or sentenced to probation or parole.
Julie holds a Master of Arts in Sociology and Education with a Policy Concentration from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a Bachelor of Science in Education and Criminal Justice from the University of Miami.
With over a decade of experience in justice programs, Julie has contributed to the planning and development of several innovative programs funded by city and state agencies including the NYC Department of Probation, NYC Department of Youth and Community Development, Queens District Attorney's Office, and the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. She manages day-to-day operations encompassing high school monitoring, HSE educational instruction, post-secondary preparatory services, workforce development trainings, case management, career exploration, family support, and community service activities.
Julie developed and oversees job-readiness curriculum and training programs, recruits and trains staff and volunteers, and manages annual budgets while ensuring contractual compliance. She screens criminal cases, advocates for program participation to judges and prosecutors, and provides written and verbal compliance reports to the court. Her work has led to continued participant achievements in academic advancement, job attainment, and low recidivism rates.
Prior to joining Community Mediation Services, Julie served as Program Coordinator for the Career Exploration Project at the Center for Alternative Sentencing and Employment Services (CASES), where she facilitated employment readiness trainings and developed internship placements for participants facing felony charges.
A caring and dedicated advocate for equality and opportunity, Julie is passionate about working with urban youth and young adults. She has been an active volunteer with New York Cares since 2008.
Nicholas Schmitt, Esq. – Sr. Director of Conflict Resolution and Training
Nicholas Schmitt, Esq.
Sr. Director of Conflict Resolution and Training
Nick Schmitt comes to CMS with over a decade of dedicated experience in conflict resolution. He is a seasoned mediator, negotiator, and facilitator whose expertise spans diverse fields. Having worked for multiple Community Dispute Resolution Centers, Nick has played a pivotal role in civil, state Supreme, and Federal court disputes as well as private conflicts. His practice includes mediation, conflict coaching, motivational interviewing, circlekeeping, and dialogue facilitation.
As an educator, Nick has served as an attorney supervisor and taught mediation at several law schools, including Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and New York Law School, bringing practical insights to aspiring conflict resolution professionals. He regularly presents at conferences throughout New York on specialized topics including divorce mediation, housing disputes, online dispute resolution, and effective communication techniques. His published work delves into the nuances of intellectual property mediation and the evolving field of online dispute resolution. He has been quoted in media outlets such as U.S. News & World Report and Univision.
Steeped in a facilitative approach, Nick has integrated both understanding-based and transformative mediation models to create a respectful and empowering process for all parties. He is a graduate of the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, where he studied under renowned ADR experts Joseph Stulberg and Lela Love, and holds a bachelor's degree from Shimer College, a Great Books school.
Stephen Johnston, MSW – Senior Director of Youth Development
Stephen Johnston, MSW
Senior Director of Youth Development
Stephen Johnston brings over three decades of experience in youth development and social services leadership across New York City. He is the Senior Director of Youth Development at Community Mediation Services, where he oversees five major youth programs serving nearly 500 students across Brooklyn and Queens. His leadership spans program strategy, staff development, data-driven decision-making, regulatory compliance, budget oversight, and partnership building with city agencies including DYCD, DOE, and DOHMH.
Before joining Community Mediation Services, Stephen held senior leadership roles across respected youth-serving organizations. As Director of New York City Programs at Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), he led the A.I.M. Alternative to Placement initiative and the Host Homes Project, supervising multidisciplinary teams and maintaining key partnerships with the Department of Probation, ACS, and the Center for Economic Opportunity.
Earlier in his career, Stephen served as Unit Director at The Children's Village, managing residential programs for at-risk youth, and directed both the Non-Secure Detention (NSD) Programs and the Life Transitions Program at Good Shepherd Services, expanding service capacity and developing new models of youth support.
A former college and professional basketball player, Stephen's athletic career instilled in him the values of teamwork, resilience, and adaptability—qualities he passes on to the young people and professionals he supports. He is also an avid traveler who has explored more than a dozen countries, giving him a rich appreciation for cultural diversity and global perspectives.
Nearlyse Dondas – Regional Director of Housing
Nearlyse Dondas
Regional Director of Housing
Nearlyse Dandas serves as Regional Director of Housing at Community Mediation Services, providing strategic oversight for a portfolio of DHS-funded shelter programs. She ensures operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and high-quality service delivery across multiple sites while leading and mentoring Program Directors and senior leadership staff.
Nearlyse holds a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology from SUNY New Paltz. She has completed advanced training in Collective Leadership Supervision and Managing for Innovation through CUNY.
With extensive experience in program management and nonprofit leadership, Nearlyse previously served as Program Director at Community Mediation Services and Youth Services Program Manager at Osborne Association, where she effectively managed six youth service programs funded by multiple city and federal sources. Her expertise spans budget management, staff development, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven program improvement.
She has also contributed to the nonprofit sector as a Strategic Planning Committee Member for Osborne Association and Co-Chair of the South Bronx Stakeholders Committee with the Department of Probation, where she facilitated productive discussions and consensus-building among diverse stakeholders.
Nearlyse is deeply committed to advancing equity for justice-impacted youth and young adults. She actively volunteers in underrepresented communities and mentors emerging leaders as they navigate systemic barriers and build pathways toward stability, opportunity, and self-determination.
Jessica Rodriguez – Director of Human Resources
Jessica Rodriguez
Director of Human Resources
Jessica Rodriguez is the Director of Human Resources at Community Mediation Services, bringing 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, including nearly a decade in human resources leadership. She delivers HR solutions that advance organizational impact and mission fulfillment.
She holds a degree in Human Resources from Fairfield University and is certified by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). She also brings experience with circle practices that support CMS's mission and values.
Earlier in her career, Jessica participated in the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) through her local Y, an experience that shaped her lasting commitment to community service and opportunity.
Andrew Desire – Chief Financial
Officer
Andrew Desire
Chief Financial Officer
Andrew Desire joined Community Mediation Services in January 2025, bringing extensive expertise in nonprofit financial management and compliance. He is Managing Director of Desire & Company CPAs, an experienced CPA firm specializing in CFO services for nonprofit organizations across the diaspora.
Andrew holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, both from Molloy College. His expertise includes GAAP principles, complex audits, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance across federal, state, and city contracts.
Throughout his career, Andrew has managed over $40 million in government contracts and provided CFO services to multiple nonprofit organizations. He has prepared financial, federal, and pension audits, and developed multi-year financial projections to support strategic growth and resource allocation. His work includes implementing cost-saving strategies, leading financial risk assessments, designing internal fiscal controls, and negotiating grant funding terms with government agencies and private foundations.
Prior to beginning Desire & Company CPAs, Andrew worked as an Auditor at UHY Advisors LLP, where he performed GAAP audits, reviews, and compilations for clients across various industries. He has a strong understanding of accounting and reporting standards, including ASC 606 and ASC 842.
Andrew's comprehensive financial leadership ensures organizational stability, accountability, and compliance while optimizing resources to advance mission impact.
A caring and dedicated advocate for equality and opportunity, Julie is passionate about working with urban youth and young adults. She has been an active volunteer with New York Cares since 2008.
Keisha Boatswain – Chief Program
Officer
Keisha Boatswain
Chief Program Officer
Keisha Boatswain is the Chief Program Officer at Community Mediation Services, where she provides strategic leadership and oversight for the organization's diverse portfolio of programs. In this role, she ensures the delivery of high-quality services that empower communities, strengthen families, and support individuals navigating complex social and justice systems. Keisha brings over 25 years of experience in education and social service-based environments, with a proven track record in program management, organizational leadership, and community engagement.
Keisha earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Morris Brown College and holds two master's degrees: a Master of Public Administration from the City University of New York and a Master of Science in Education School Administration and Supervision from Mercy College. A lifelong learner, she also earned an MSEd in Educational Leadership and is currently enrolled in a doctoral program at St. John Fisher College pursuing her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.
Prior to joining Community Mediation Services, Keisha held senior leadership positions at prominent organizations including Vice President of Children Youth and Family Services at Osborne Association, Executive Director of the Coney Island Anti-Violence Collaborative, Chief Program Officer at Harlem Educational Activities Fund (HEAF), and Director at NYC Department of Youth & Community Development, where she led COMPASS—the largest municipally funded Out of School Time program in the nation, serving 85,000 students and managing over $200 million in resources.
In 2021, Keisha received the Woman of Distinction award in recognition of women who serve as role models and step up to serve their communities and neighbors. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, gardening, and reading. Keisha dreams of restoring a 1973 Mercury Cougar convertible.
Board of Directors
Dwight Geddes, Chairperson
Brendez Wineglass, Vice-Chairperson
Ryan Morgan, Treasurer
Ricardi Calixte
Renee Requena
Therest Billouin-Roberts
Philippa L. Karteron
Amanda Talty
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