Who we are
The NICE Program creates good paying, fulfilling jobs that build a society that prioritizes prevention rather than punishment – investing in our children as our most important infrastructure.
We are creating an environment where, instead of being isolated and punished, students learn from their mistakes. Our ultimate goal is that everyone in a school community feels included and valued no matter what their life situation.
—Diana Wege
Our team.
Wicile Gee, LMHC - Program Director
Mrs. Wicile Gee is the Executive Director of We Oppose Violence Everywhere Now INC (WOVEN). She also oversees the Nurturing Inclusive Community Program (NICE) a project of WOVEN where currently over 5,000 students are being served in a school district in Rockland County.
Born and raised in Rockland County, Wicile has the benefit of being a 1st-generation born product of the school district. Her multi-cultural upbringing helped her become more aware of the needs of people and the community as a whole, this helped her during her tenure as a social worker and supervisor in the NYS foster care system. She is well versed in conflict resolution, restorative justice, social-emotional learning, and mental health.
Wicile earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Mercy University, where she studied Behavioral Science and Mental Health Counseling. She is fully registered as a psychotherapist, holding Licensed Mental Health Counselor designation for New York State.
Wilene Joseph, NICE Program Coordinator
Wilene Joseph is a NICE Project Coordinator for the NICE program. She got her undergraduate degree in Sociology at Long Island University and her Master’s Degree in School Counseling at The College of New Rochelle. Wilene has developed a lifelong passion for working with the youth and has been able to serve this population as a mentor, therapeutic counselor, and SEL coach in the course of 12 years. Social Emotional Learning and Restorative Practices aided in cultivating the most trusting, influential, and genuine relationships. She hopes to empower students to reach their full potential and leave a lasting impact on their lives and the community. Wilene understands the importance of building a rapport with students and being a source of support during the most crucial years of high school. She finds joy in working every day and having the opportunity to provide a safe space, show up for others and be the person she wish she had growing up.
Aliza Martinez, NICE Program Middle School Liason
Aliza Martinez is a NICE Program Coordinator with a Masters in School Counseling and Advanced Certification in Crisis Management from Long Island University. She believes that showing compassion and offering Restorative Practice strategies to young adults and families is essential to addressing Mental Health and strengthening communication skills. In her free time, Aliza likes to spend time reading and trying new recipes to make for her family. Aliza is proud to have been working with the NICE Program since its launch in 2017. She enjoys being part of an organization with a positive impact on the community from which she was raised.
Juliette Guerra, NICE Coach
Juliette Guerra is a NICE Coach that is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging students to be able to reach their full potential. After graduating from Mercy College with her Bachelors in Psychology, Juliette decided to further her education and received her Masters degree in School Counseling and Advanced Certification in Crisis Management from Long Island University. Since joining the NICE team in 2021, Juliette uses her relationship building skills to create relationships with students while implementing SEL strategies and restorative practices during interventions. Her ultimate goal as a NICE Coach is not only creating a safe space for students, but to also leave a long lasting impact in their everyday lives and future endeavors.
Shayaun Pakizegi, NICE Program Coordinator
Shayaun Pakizegi is a Project Coordinator for the NICE program with 8 years of professional experience in youth development and advocacy in city schools throughout New York City and North Jersey. Shayaun obtained a baccalaureate degree in sociology from Ithaca College. The field of youth development has led Shayaun to get training and has facilitated Restorative Practices in secondary schools through the New York tri-state area. Shayaun has seen success in student engagement and relationship building with faculty staff and administrative teams. Shayaun is passionate about supporting youth in non-violent alternatives to conflict, college access & retention, lowering recidivism rates amongst black and brown youth.
Cesia Roman, NICE Coach
Cesia Roman is a NICE social emotional coach, where she applies restorative justice practices to support the holistic well-being of young people while promoting non-violence. Cesia graduated from State University of New York at Cortland in 2020 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Inclusive Childhood Education. While in school, Cesia was a scholar of the Cortland Urban Recruitment of Educators Program where she was involved in panel discussions, journal publications, and mentorship programs. Since the beginning of her education, Cesia has received 6 years of experience working with young people in 1-1 support environments, small groups, as well as traditional classroom settings. She is a strong believer in mental health awareness, social justice, and culturally relevant approaches to working with youth. Cesia is personally involved in the community, where she supports a ministry giving music lessons to grade-school aged students.
Barrington Harvey, NICE Coach
Barrington Harvey is a NICE social emotional coach that is deeply committed to servicing the needs of the youth. As a graduate of the State University of New York at Cortland with a background in criminology, Barrington has a deeper understanding of the problems that many troubled youth face today. Pursuing his MSED in School Counseling at LIU Hudson, Barrington is committed to supporting the youth during their developmental stages of life,teaching valuable social skills and sharing life lessons that will allow them to circumvent hurdles that they may face post graduation. Barrington believes that a restorative justice approach is vital to the growth & wellbeing of many young adults who are still learning who they are within society. In his freetime Barrington is a famer, a football coach & chair member of his local NAACP chapter.