Nikki Beasley
Executive Director
Nikki Beasley | Executive Director
She brings extensive expertise in housing and employment programs, program contract and licensing compliance, organizational management, and culturally informed program development. Nikki is highly skilled in non-profit and community facilitation, focusing on racial justice, gender equity, and cultural understanding. She excels in training staff on best practice approaches and their application within programs.
Nikki’s commitment to community engagement is evident through her work in building strong external partnerships. She collaborates with local organizations, government agencies, and community leaders to create comprehensive support networks.
Jonelle Ellis
Youth Services Manager
Jonelle Ellis | Youth Services Manager
Jonelle was an educator for 20 years in multiple Twin Cities school districts including St. Paul Public Schools and Anoka Hennepin School District. She graduated from Metropolitan State University, St. Paul with a degree in Human Services. She has put her degree to work supporting homeless and highly mobile students, students of color with a particular emphasis on building relationships across difference with staff, students and families. She has lead student retreats on leadership and developed programming for bridging student transition from elementary to middle school and engaged high school students in mentoring youth in younger grades. Jonelle is the mother of three wonderful boys who keep her busy in her down time.
Zina Alston Fizer
Housing Program Manager
Zina Alston Fizer | Housing Program Manager
Zina Alston Fizer was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where her deep commitment to community, equity, and education first took root. She is a proud graduate of North Community High School in North Minneapolis. Zina continued her education at Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and a Master’s degree in Advocacy and Political Leadership.
Throughout her career, Zina has demonstrated a lifelong dedication to justice, empowerment, and social change. A former Democratic candidate for the Minnesota Senate (Former District 44), she has been a strong advocate for policies that promote human rights, diversity, and inclusion. Her leadership reflects a belief in amplifying underrepresented voices and creating opportunities for all people to thrive.
Professionally, Zina serves as a private consultant and small business owner, helping organizations strengthen their diversity, equity, and inclusion practices while fostering meaningful community engagement. In addition, she is a trained mediator, using her conflict resolution skills to help individuals and groups navigate challenges and build stronger, more respectful relationships.
Zina also brings her passion for mentorship and empowerment to the classroom as a middle school teacher, where she encourages young people to think critically, lead with compassion, and believe in their potential to create positive change in the world.
Beyond her professional and civic work, Zina finds her greatest joy in her family. She is the proud mother of three, grandmother of four, and great-grandmother of one. Her family continues to inspire her commitment to building a more just, inclusive, and compassionate society.
Zina Alston Fizer’s life and work reflect the power of advocacy, education, and empathy in transforming communities—one conversation, one classroom, and one act of leadership at a time.
Marlon Pratt
Housing Navigator
Marlon Pratt | Housing Navigator
Marlon Pratt attended Southwestern Iowa Community College and Northwestern St. where he studied business Management. While in school Marlon participated in the men’s Basketball program. Marlon later worked as an Academic Interventionist providing one on one interventions to at risk children. He later participated in continuing education and obtained Life Coaching certification. In Marlon’s spare time he enjoys fishing, playing and watching sports and refurbishing houses.
Elicia Simmons
AmeriCorps Volunteer
Elicia Simmons | AmeriCorps Volunteer
Elicia Simmons is a former AmeriCorps volunteer who served at a conflict resolution center, where she supported individuals and families as a housing navigator. With training as both a mediator and conflict coach, she is passionate about helping people find common ground and sustainable solutions during challenging times. Outside of her professional work, Elicia enjoys reading, cooking and unwinding by binge-watching her favorite TV shows.
Lauren Thrift
Lauren Thrift | Mediation Services Manager
Lauren is passionate about a participatory approach to transforming conflict equitably at its roots. Lauren holds an M.A. in Intercultural Service, Leadership, and Management with a focus on Conflict Transformation. Lauren came to CRC in 2013 as an AmeriCorps member. Lauren has 15 years of experience in non-profits, community mediation, restorative justice, and education. Lauren is also a singer and musician, with a B.A. in Music and a Minor in Sociology, and has served as Board Chair of Conflict Resolution Minnesota. Lauren has facilitated training groups of all ages for over 25 years and is passionate about conflict education that is fun!
Jes-wa' Harris
Jes-wa Harris | Restorative Programs Manager
Jes-wa’ is a passionate mentor, coach, and youth services provider with 27 years of experience serving the community and working with youth in residential treatment facilities, crisis shelters, Intensive Day Treatment programs and school programming. Jes-wa’ has also coached high school basketball and middle school track in Duluth Schools.
