Who we are
The NICE Program creates 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.
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.
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.
Saira Sagastume, NICE Coach
Saira Sagastume is a NICE social emotional coach that wants to make a positive impact on the lives of children and adolescents. She received her undergraduate degree in Social Sciences at Dominican University in 2020. She has recently returned to school and is attending Yeshiva University to obtain her Masters in Social Work because she believes in creating meaningful and strong relationships with those in her community, and making a positive impact in their lives. She is especially passionate about helping minorities within her community so they can become educated with resources available to them, and help them assimilate to their environments. In her free time she enjoys making floral arrangements for her small business.