Johnette Walser,
MSW, LCSW
Panelist
Johnette Walser is an Assistant Professor and Co-Director of Field Education in the Department of Social Work and Gerontology at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She has her bachelors degree in social work from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and her masters degree in social work from UNCG and NCA&T's Joint MSW program. She is a licensed clinical social worker, therapist, mindfulness teacher, change agent and circle keeper with over 15 years of experience in social work, activism and community organizing. Her areas of practice expertise include anti-oppressive, anti-racist, and decolonized approaches to the treatment of Black and Queer people. She believes in wholeness and healing and the liberating powers of nature, rest, community and connection.
Panelist
Bryant Foriest, MBA, MHA
Bryant C. Foriest, DrPH(c), MBA, MHA
Healthcare Executive | Mental Health Advocate | Public Health Strategist
Bryant C. Foriest is a seasoned healthcare leader and advocate dedicated to advancing mental health equity and improving healthcare access. He currently serves as a Commissioner on the North Carolina Medical Care Commission, where he helps shape healthcare policies and initiatives across the state.
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A Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) candidate at East Carolina University, Bryant specializes in healthcare leadership, public policy, and health disparities. He also holds a graduate certificate in Ethnic and Rural Health Disparities, complementing his Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) degrees. Bryant has served on the Board of Trustees for Novant Health’s Triad Region, contributing to strategic oversight and governance within a leading healthcare system. He is also the Managing
Director of Excalibur Consulting, where he provides expert guidance on strategic planning, operations, and financial management for healthcare organizations. As the owner of Ellie Mental Health-Winston Salem, he leads efforts to expand access to comprehensive mental health services across the region.
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His participation in The Black Mental Health Summit reflects his unwavering commitment to dismantling stigma, promoting culturally competent care, and ensuring equitable mental health services. Through his leadership and advocacy, Bryant continues to drive meaningful change in public health and healthcare delivery.
Dr. Marquis Barnett
Panelist
Dr. Marquis H. Barnett is a Society for Human Resource Management © Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) with progressively responsible Human Resources experience across all major functions. Dr. Barnett holds a doctorate degree in Organizational Learning and Leadership from Vanderbilt University, a master’s degree in HR Development with a concentration in Industrial Labor Relations from Villanova University and a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Howard University. Dr. Barnett is the founder and Principal Consultant at Barnett Consulting Solutions, and Assistant Vice Chancellor for Human Resources Operations at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
Dr. Malika Isler
Panelist
Malika is the inaugural Associate Vice President for Inclusive Excellence.
Prior to this role, she served as the inaugural Director of Wellbeing at Wake Forest University, leading the development, institutionalization, and collective impact of Thrive – Wake’s comprehensive approach to wellbeing.
Malika has extensive experience integrating research and practice, creating behavior change interventions, developing strategic plans that guide culture change, and defining assessment tools to ensure research and practice effectiveness. Prior to returning to Wake Forest, she served on the faculty of the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine, and as an administrator and faculty lead with the NC Translational and Clinical Sciences Institute (NC TraCS). In these capacities, Malika was on the investigative team for 10 federally and institutionally funded projects and centers in the areas of health equity and community engagement. With her training and outreach expertise, she provided consultation and technical assistance to collaborative efforts among students, community members, and faculty.
Malika is a Wake Forest alumna and holds a PhD in Public Health (Health Behavior and Health Education) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In addition to her role as Associate Vice President for Inclusive Excellence, she has an appointment in the Department of Health and Exercise Science.
Panelist
Nicole Morore Geter,
MS, LCMHC, NCC
Now with over two decades of experience transforming lives and fostering resilience. Nicole Moore-Geter began her journey by earning a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Psychology from Winston-Salem State University, followed by a Master's degree in Clinical Counseling from AT&T University. Her academic achievements laid the foundation for her visionary leadership and expertise in family-centered therapy. In 2018, Shawana founded Counseling with a Purpose, an organization dedicated to providing compassionate, effective mental health services to underserved communities.
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Nicole’s dedication to community extends beyond her practice. As an active member of community boards such as Triad Restorative Justice, Disability Advocates of Northwest North Carolina and the Under 40 Advisory Board of Greater Winston Inc., she is deeply involved in shaping future leaders. Her leadership and impact on the community led to her well-deserved recognition as a 2023 Triad Business Journal's 40 Under 40 Honore and a 2024 Business NC Magazine Community Trailblazer.
She desires to be a force for change, combining her passion for leadership with a compassionate approach to helping others thrive. She actively attempts to educate the community and provides awareness surrounding mental health and its underserved populations. She truly does believe that where there is hope, change can be learned.
Panelist
Rashawn Meekins, MS, NCDPI
Rashawn Grissom Meekins is a passionate and accomplished educator with over 13 years of experience in leading, supporting, and coaching school leadership, staff, and students to achieve excellence. She currently serves as the Principal of Anderson Academy, a new charter school located on the campus of Crossnore Communities for Children, set to open in August 2025. Previously, Rashawn served as the Assistant Principal of Cook Literacy Model School, where she demonstrated her commitment to fostering student success through positive and professional leadership.
Rashawn holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Winston-Salem State University, a Master of Education in Special Education from Salem College, and a Master in School Administration from North Carolina A&T State University. She also possesses a North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) license. Beyond her professional roles, Rashawn is actively involved in the community, serving on various boards and as a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
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A strong advocate for equitable education, Rashawn believes that every student has the capacity to learn and thrive when educators meet them where they are. Her dedication to this philosophy drives her work in creating inclusive and supportive learning environments that empower students to reach their full potential.
Panelist
Madelyn (Maddie) Hanes
Madelyn (Maddie) Hanes, a native of Winston-Salem, NC, graduated from Mount Tabor High School in 2024. She is completing her freshman year at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the Honors College. She is pursuing a double major in Sports Administration and Advertising/Public Relations, with a minor in Entrepreneurship. Maddie’s passion for mental health advocacy began when she took on creating her mental
health blog, Minds Matter, during her junior year, providing a platform for students to hear fellow mental health challenges, share personal stories, and access well-being resources. In addition, she has demonstrated leadership in social and community initiatives, previously serving as Vice
President and President of the Winston-Salem Chapter of Jack and Jill of America. Her commitment to mental health continues through her involvement with Active Minds UNC, a student-led organization dedicated to destigmatizing mental health conversations on campus.
Maddie also plays a role in HBUNC (Historically Black UNC) as a videographer, capturing and sharing the experiences of Black students at UNC. Through her work, she highlights stories of identity and community, elevating underrepresented voices and ensuring that mental health
within diverse student populations remains a priority. Using storytelling and digital media, she fosters an inclusive space where students feel seen and supported. Beyond her media and mental health advocacy, Maddie serves as Vice President of Marketing for the UNC Heelraisers Giving Council, where she promotes philanthropic events that directly
benefit student food pantries on campus. She also holds marketing roles in the Honors Carolina Student Association, helping to promote student engagement and outreach efforts. Through her diverse roles, Maddie aims to bridge the gap between media, sports, and mental health advocacy. In her free time, she dances at Blank Canvas Dance Company, UNC’s largest
student-run dance company, and runs club track.
Panelist
Khristian Mitchell
Khristian is a confident and driven 7th grader with a passion for helping others and making the world a better place. She is an active student at Jefferson Middle School where she excels in English and Science. She is an active member of her school's volleyball team, Battle of the Books, National Academic League, and Winston Salem/Forsyth County Schools All County Chorus.
Beyond the classroom, Khristian is dedicated to being a Cadette Girl Scout, a member of the regional Girl Scout Advisory Board, a member of Jack and Jill of America Incorporated, Crosby Scholars,and a Lead Girl. She believes in using her voice to inspire others and is excited to share her perspective as a panelist. With a natural ability to lead and connect with others, she hopes to continue making a positive impact in her school and beyond.
Panelist
Dr. Brandon Lowe
Hello, my name is Dr. Brandon Lowe and I’m in my 19th year as a mental health clinician. I’m a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS), Master in Addictions Counseling (MAC), Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider (CSOTP), and Alcohol Drug Education Training School (ADETS) instructor. I’m the owner of Knew Era Consulting PLLC, Therapeutic Services (2015). In 2020, I was a recipient of the 40 under 40 Most Influential African Americans in the Triad Award (State of Black NC/Black Ink Magazine). In 2021, I was a recipient of the Under 40 Leadership Award presented by Greater Winston Salem INC. I'm also an active member of the Forsyth Black Round Table and Winston Salem Black Chamber of Commerce.
Panelist
Dr. Keisha Grayson Rogers
Keisha Grayson Rogers, an Associate Professor at Winston-Salem State University in the Department of Rehabilitation Counseling, is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Qualified Supervisor, and Approved Clinical Supervisor. Dr. Rogers has published and presented research on disability related issues, co-occurring disorders, clinical supervision, multicultural issues in counseling and has facilitated trainings locally and internationally in the aforementioned areas. Her current research interests centers around faculty experiences in Academia and she has published on this topic in scholarly journals, academic textbooks and presented on this topic at state and national conferences. Dr. Rogers is the 2022 recipient of the Dr. Bobbie Atkins Research Award presented by the National Association of Multicultural Rehabilitation Concerns (NAMRC), a division of the National Rehabilitation Association, recognizing her volume of exemplary research and associated publications in the areas of multiculturalism, disability, and other marginalized communities. She is also the 2022 recipient of the Professional Writing and Research Award presented by the North Carolina Counseling Association, a state branch of the American Counseling Association. This award recognizes her contributions to the counseling profession through significant writing and research. Dr. Rogers also received the 2023 Joyce Keener Meritorious Service Award by NAMRC in recognition of her continuous and loyal service and leadership to the Association in a variety of capacities and her extensive time and energy as evidence of her love for the Association and belief in its goals. Dr. Rogers was awarded Dr. Sylvia Walker Multicultural Award presented by the National Rehabilitation Association in 2023 at its Fall Conference. This award recognizes Dr. Rogers’ career in rehabilitation counseling and service to the profession that exemplifies her commitment to individuals with disabilities, as an educator, practitioner, and leader at state, national and international levels. Dr. Rogers currently serves as NAMRC's 16th President.
