The Leadership Team
Message from our Founder
“Transforming systems begins with healing together, creating spaces where every voice matters and building bridges between communities for lasting change.”
Erika Kelley, MPA
Founder & Principal Consultant
With over 20 years of experience, Erika Kelley integrates research, healing-centered writing, and trauma-informed, equity-centered approaches to build workforce capacity and address systemic inequities. She is currently a Doctoral Candidate in Human and Organizational Learning at George Washington University, where her research focuses on neurodiversity, workplace well-being, and inclusive systems leadership.
As Founder and Principal Consultant at Sage Horizons, Erika leads a multidisciplinary team committed to advancing racial and socioeconomic equity through systems change, policy reprioritization, and workforce development. Her work bridges strategy, lived experience, and healing to help organizations cultivate inclusive, mentally healthy, and neuro-affirming cultures.
Erika also serves as Co-Founder and Managing Director of Soaring Phoenix, a nonprofit supporting youth and communities through trauma-informed arts education, wellness programming, and leadership development. The organization centers historically marginalized voices, particularly those impacted by trauma, housing instability, and systemic injustice. Soaring Phoenix partners with schools, families, and community groups to build pathways for healing and brighter futures.
She holds an MPA and a BA in Political Science from Rutgers University and is a Center on Enhancing Early Learning Outcomes (CEELO) Systems-Thinking Fellow at the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER).
To those who have experienced trauma, Erika’s message is this:
“If you have experienced trauma, it is not your fault. And how you respond to trauma has nothing to do with personal weakness. Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event like the COVID-19 pandemic or witnessing or experiencing violence. Research shows that the effects of unhealed wounds like stress, fear, anxiety, or anger, can be devastating and can cause strained relationships and even physical symptoms. The good news is, there is hope. As we address the systemic and policy inequities and raise awareness about the impacts of trauma, we can take the steps necessary to ensure that our communities, schools, workplaces, and homes are supportive environments, that use creative methods including arts education frameworks and approaches, to promote healing.”
Erika speaks about Sage Horizons’ research-based propriety curriculum, Find Your Calm, along with the intersections of creativity, writing, poetry and mitigating and healing trauma during an interview on RVN TV: IAC – E20 – Erika Kelley on Vimeo
Meet the Team
Bernai Holman, M.Ed.
Social Emotional Learning Consultant
Bernai is the lead Healthy Lifestyle & Nutrition Coach and CEO of GoStrong Fitness, LLC. The business was established in 2012 as a resource to educate, empower, and equip individuals and communities to create healthy generational cycles.
Bernai holds a BA in African American/Black Studies & Education from Rutgers University and an M.Ed. in Reading Teacher Education from Rowan University. She bridges the gap between wellness and education for women, educators, and scholars through Social Emotional Learning (SEL), mindfulness, and movement and collaborating with mission-driven organizations, like Sage Horizons LLC, as a Subject Matter Expert.
Jason Skeeter, Ph.D.
Organizational Assessments Consultant
Jason brings over 17 years of experience in education and leadership. His work reflects a deep commitment to fostering high-quality educational environments through data-driven decision-making and innovative assessments.
He holds a Doctorate in Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher College, where he focused on developing strategies for school and organizational improvement. Jason’s expertise includes curriculum development, educational consulting, classroom management, and gifted education.
Jason’s academic background includes a Master’s in Education Administration from Mercy College and a Master’s in Early Childhood Education from Hunter College, along with a Bachelor’s in Business Finance and Economics from Niagara University.
Raphael Deh-Atheba, MS, PMP
Information Technology Consultant
Raphael has over 25 years of expertise in managing complex IT projects and driving digital transformation. His skill set includes overseeing infrastructure deployments, managing cloud solutions, and leading cross-functional teams to deliver high-impact results.
Holding an MBA from Western New England College and a Master’s in Management Systems from Clarkson University, Raphael has supported a range of organizations with strategic technology planning, project management, and system integrations. His professional certifications include PMP, ITIL, and Six Sigma Yellow Belt, emphasizing his commitment to quality and operational efficiency.
Fluent in both English and French, Raphael brings a global perspective and a wealth of knowledge to his consulting engagements.