Skip to main content
Let’s Rise Together

Rise Counselling &

Empowerment

is a company, that is buttressed by the mission, ‘To be a catalyst in enabling personal growth on a path to realizing the best version of one’s self'.

The primary services being offered are united under the umbrellas of Counselling Psychology and Empowerment. Under the Counselling Psychology arm there will be a myriad of services embracing issues that impact the academics, the psychological, professional readiness, and emotional stability. Importantly, the company will provide a listening ear as clarity is sought to deal with any issue that is being faced.

The empowerment arm will focus on three broad areas namely: Education and Empowerment, Finance and Governance, and Nutrition and Health. The products will be presented in numerous formats. Areas of interest include the encouraging of time management skills, enhancement of emotional intelligence, the engendering of a growth mindset, the development of networking skills, the fostering of work life balance, self-care as well as other avenues of personal growth in keeping with the requirements of emerging trends.

The structure of the business will include the delivery of service by Jamaicans based locally and internationally as well as Caribbean Nationals, according to their skill set and the needs required. The company will offer individual, family, and group therapy as well as workshops and training sessions.

What we believe in?

Our Philosophy

The philosophy of Rise Counselling and Empowerment Services Ja. Ltd hinges  on these salient beliefs.

  • Individuals can make better choices for themselves if they know the possibilities.

  • Having a positive mindset opens opportunities for understanding.

  • Being empathetic indicates an understanding of the feelings of others.

  • The acquisition of soft skills will help individuals to become their best self.

  • Responding to challenges involves the development of problem-solving skills.

  • Quality time through conversation is of great value.

  • The enhancement of spiritual, physical and mental development is important to general wellness.

How we choose the best?

Our Experts

Our team ensures that every provider we bring to the platform is fully licensed and in good standing. Providers who apply are required to provide proper licensure documentation, proof of identity, and references from other licensed practitioners who have worked with them. We then cross-check their licensure information with the respective licensing board.

Or in the case of other equally acceptable qualifications, we verify with the respective institutions.

In addition to checking credentials, each potential provider needs to complete a case study exam by a licensed clinician and be evaluated in a video interview. This 4-5 week process ensures that only the right people are accepted to the platform.

We also show the qualifications for each provider to make it easy for you to do your own due diligence on your counselor.

What we hope to achieve?

Our Objectives

To assist clients to develop and maintain quality relationships.

To relate to clients in an understanding, emotionally sensitive and respectful manner.

To offer culture friendly counselling.

To apply knowledge and skills consistent with the profession when assisting clients to solve challenges.

To provide solid guidance to individuals who want to be assisted in making career choices on a path to personal development.

To cater to the counselling and empowerment needs of adolescents, adults, couples, and groups.

To apply legal and ethical principles during the process of finding solutions.

Our Core Values

on which we are grounded

Empathy

Being able to understand the feeling of others from their perspective.

Ethics

Will uphold moral standards of right and wrong as determined by the Professional and legal aspects of counselling, while protecting the rights of clients.

Sensitivity

There is an awareness that the world’s population is a diverse one. Consequently, there will be the accommodation of culturally sensitive belief system.

Caring

To provide emotional support, while being consistently gracious.

Compassion

Being conscious of the distress of other and exhibiting the wish to alleviate it.

Emotional Intelligence

The ability to discern the differences in emotions as it relates to self and others and to consciously be positive.

Integrity

To be committed to moral attributes including confidentiality and honesty.

Respect-To

demonstrate politeness to each individuals.

Competence

The ability to effectively provide the skills and knowledge needed.

Fairness

The use of a general criteria to inform decisions made so that fairness can be standardized.

Wisdom

To use sound assessment as a base for actions to be taken.

Resourceful

To utilize cutting edge research about development, family life and ways to grow personally and professionally.

Say hello to our management team

Together we are enabling personal growth

Dr. Mark Nicely

Founder & CEO

Dr. Mark Nicely is a seasoned educator with over twenty (20) years of service in the Jamaican Education Sector. He has served as principal at the Hayes Primary and Junior High School in Clarendon, and the Jamaica Baptist Union, William Knibb Memorial High School in Trelawny from 2004- 2011 and 2011 – 2015 respectively.

As a crowning achievement of his professional career, Dr. Nicely became the 49th President of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association and served in other notable roles such as Board Chairman at the One Way Group of Schools, External Examiner for the Joint Board of Teacher Education, Lecturer at The Mico University College, Northern Caribbean University, Heart Trust/NTA and the International University of the Caribbean. He also worked with the Ministry of Education to empanel several schools across the country and assisted with the training of new principals in school management and record keeping.

In his current role he occupies the post of Deputy Secretary General at the Jamaica Teachers’ Association with portfolio responsibility for Member Services and Industrial Relations, while extending his time to civic duties as Justice of the Peace for the parish of Kingston. He also volunteers at the  EduCom Co-operative Credit Union where he is Former President  and current Director on the  Board; is a member of the Teachers’ Services Commission and a Director on the E-Learning Jamaica Company Limited Board.

Dr. Nicely is adept at resolving problems and making timely decisions, as a result of his intuitive ability to assimilate challenging situations. His operational knowledge and practice of psychology, enables him to demonstrate people skills and execute emotional intelligence, in galvanizing harmony among stakeholders. This commendable leader continues to maximize his skills to maintain efficiency and proficiency. He possesses high standards of performance and uses analytical approaches and strategic networking; which transitions into an in-depth understanding of life experiences.  He is the founder and CEO of “Rise, Counselling and Empowerment Services Ja. Ltd and Rise with Hope Ministries Ja. Ltd.”

Dr. Nicely is a proud single parent of two girls, Abbigel and Amiya, who he considers to be part of life’s greatest blessings. They are a source of inspiration and treasured ingredients in living an amazing life. His mother, Jennie Webb –Connor, remains his mentor, spiritual mother, example setter, motivator and holds him accountable to acceptable moral values and ethical standards. He remains a patriotic Jamaican who is keen on giving back to the land of his birth.

Mrs. Jennie Connor

Co-founder & Company Secretary

Mrs. Jennie Connor is a retired Sales Personnel who also has experience working in the Care Giving Industry in the United Kingdom.

As a Devoted Christian who worships at the Boulevard Baptist Church, she is a member of the Women’s Federation where she is an immediate past president. She diligently serves as a member of the Evangelistic Committee, Usher Board and the Prayer Group.

Mrs. Connor enjoys swimming, playing board games and exercising. She lives by the mantra Loving God, Loving Each Other.” She values honesty, kindness and compassion.

Her philanthropic nature enables and propels her to go beyond the call of duty to serve her fellow human beings. She believes in the restoration of the human spirit and that there are enough resources in the world to reduce the anguish of poverty, segregation and blockages to the acquisition of education.  As a feature of her humanitarian activities, she visits the Horizon Home each month where she exhorts the virtues of Christianity through devotional exercise with the Elderly residents. She honours the command of discipleship through phone calls, WhatsApp messages and visits to sick members of her church family.

She believes that human beings are saved by grace and that Hope, Faith and humility are fundamental virtues of Christianity.

She is co-founder and company secretary of the companies Rise Counselling and Empowerment Services Ja. Ltd and Rise with Hope Ministries Ja. Ltd.   She also  serves as Vice Chairman on the Board of Rise with Hope Ja. Ltd.

Miss Sandra Hunter

Chief Researcher

Miss Sandra Hunter has an exemplary career of pedagogical experience spanning more than two decades; as a result of which she possesses extensive knowledge of working and relating to people. She is a result-oriented individual who has completed a Bachelor and a Masters’ Degree and is in the final stages of completing another academic journey.

She is adept at logistics planning and has worked collaboratively as a team member on a myriad of projects to realize positive outcomes. She is flexible, dependable, and motivated to succeed at facilitating her growth and that of others. As an individual who is interested in acquiring “new” knowledge, truthfulness, accuracy and solving problems; she is an avid reader and researcher, a skill strengthened by strong communication abilities. Miss Hunter has developed the reputation of being a beacon of information who is able to analyze, and inspire action.

As a lifelong learner she is able to adapt as life evolves, she rapidly assimilates and learns as changes becomes imperative. She is a pleasant and approachable individual who generously shares the benefits to be accrued from knowledge acquisition as one seeks to empower self.
Miss Hunter is the chief researcher on the management team, with responsibility to coordinate literary output for use in various activities to be undertaken by the company.

Miss Naceesha Gardner

Communications & Marketing Officer

Naceesha Gardner is a charismatic, results-oriented and motivated professional with over five (5) years’ experience in sales, service and administrative functions. She has contributed her skills to the advancement of diverse industries such as: healthcare, nonprofit organizations, tourism and fortune 500 companies; she practices excellent time-management, communication and people skills.

Naceesha attended the Excelsior Community College where she studied Hospitality and Tourism Management. It was at Excelsior she realized her passion for working with people and the service Industry. She presently works for Caribbean Airlines in the Reservation and Sales Department.

Naceesha is passionate about communications and Community Service. She currently volunteers at the Jamaica Aids Support for life as a Senior Health Ambassador, where she promotes mental, physical and sexual wellness for people living with and affected by HIV. She assists by using new media to connect people to care. She also presents as a regular guest and co-host on their weekly talk show “JASL After Dark.”

Naceesha intends to pursue Post Graduate Studies in Education, in hopes to further contribute to the development of her country and people.

Miss Gardner’s expertise is being utilized on the team in the areas Communications and Marketing as she supports the stated objectives of the company.

Miss Jacqueline Donaldson

Tax Compliance Advisor

Ms. Jacqueline Donaldson who read for a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree; has an outstanding track record of exceeding work objectives, through dedication, collaboration and providing support to team members.

A veteran at tax compliance for over two decades, she has honed her craft implementing strategic monitoring through which she educates about and enforces awareness of policies and so realized targets for which she has been awarded. She is multifaceted and has participated in the development and implementation of strategies to increase Tax Compliance. Ms. Donaldson is keen on ensuring quality assurance through excellent customer service.”

Her core competencies are: extensive experience in customer service, excellent communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, knowledge retention and accountability.

She serves the team as the tax compliance advisor.

Miss Tamashella Smith

Logistics & Planning Officer

Tamashella Smith   has been and educator for twenty years. She worked as a teacher at Golden Spring Primary for over a decade then transitioned  to Mount Fletcher Primary where she accepted the post of principal. She holds a Diploma in Primary Education, B.Ed. in Language and Literacy and a M.Ed. in Educational Measurement

Miss Smith is a fun loving, passionate individual, who has a genuine love for the teaching profession and is always seeking ways of enhancing her growth, skills and abilities in order to become the consummate professional in the various portfolio responsibilities under her supervision. She has been known to approach every task assigned to her with a high level of energy and passion which has realized tremendous success for her, her students and the school as a whole.

She embodies the concept volunteerism and has served in various leadership positions in the Jamaica Teachers’ Association and on the TIP Friendly Society’s Board of Directors. Throughout the years, she has been a strong advocate for teachers.  She has developed skills as an events planner which has been very useful as she functions in the roles ascribed to her. Her steadfast belief in fair play and activism have afforded her the opportunity to serve the teachers of Jamaica and she remains dedicated to working with stakeholders in order to enhance the teaching profession.

She is a member of the team as an events planner.

Rev. Dr. Austin George Alphonso Wright

Management & Education Advisor

Rev. Dr. Austin George Alphonso Wright has been a career educator for over thirty-five years. He has served in the field of education at all levels; including as an Education Officer, member of the External Assessment Team for the Joint Board of Teacher Education (J.B.T.E.), teacher, lecturer, Chief External Examiner, Chairman of school boards and as a Principal. He obtained his Ecclesiastical License as a Professional Clinical Counsellor (Advanced Certification) with the National Christian Counselor’s Association (N.C.C.A) located in Sarasota, Florida. He has a Doctorate in Pastoral Counselling and Theology, a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Educational Administration and Development, a Master’s degree in Adult Education and Lifelong Learning, and a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management.

He has worked at multiple universities and colleges across the country and has been the recipient of multiple awards throughout his career two of which are national awards. In the category of National Honours and Awards, he is a recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award in 2010 and has also received the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service for his contributions to Religion, Education and Community Development in 2013. Dr. Wright was named Top Principal of Region 6 (the parishes of Clarendon and St. Catherine) in the Ministry of Education. He has also received a certificate from Jamaica Teaching Council as Teacher of Excellence in 2011.

Dr. Wright has much expertise as an entrepreneur. He founded the “One-Way Group of Schools” and his continued interest in education saw him establishing the “One-Way International Bible University” in collaboration with Cornerstone Christian University in 2016; he is a Professor and the University Chancellor. He remains passionately dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, performing and the monitoring of students and teachers.

He has worked extensively in his community being a member of the Justice of

the Peace and as an Ordained Minister. This compassionate educator, and minister has also worked with various organizations namely; Peace and Love in School (P.A.L.S), Peace Corp, and the Hope for Children Development. In the furtherance of his commitment to community development he had developed a radio programme – “Called to Witness,” an initiative designed to reach the radio community through prayer and worship.

He has much expertise in management, has made presentations at conferences, and is Chairman and President of the One-Way Apostolic Faith Mission Churches International.

He serves the team as an education advisor.

Miss Kaydiann Woodcock

Communication & Marketing Officer

Ms. Kaydiann Woodcock is a Jamaican educator who has given excellent service to the profession for more than twenty years. Her educational journey has seen her reading for a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education & Sports. Her skills extend beyond physical education and she now practice her craft as a teacher of special education.

As an avid team player, she has excelled at her craft and has extended her service to her community. She has been an advisor on the Morant Bay Uprising Netball Club Board; Church Youth group leader 2014- 2020 and Youth Department 2nd Vice President from 2020 up to present. This skilled motivator has also been giving voluntary service to the Jamaica Teachers’ Association for six years.

Ms. Woodcock is a selfless and determined individual who is also fun loving, loyal and committed. She is cognizant that there is much more to learnt and is willing to be guided on a path to being empowered.

Her Philosophy epitomizes a line from the Desiderata which states “Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism”

She supports the communication and marketing arm of the company.

Mrs. Kerron Barrett

Secretary

Kerron is a dedicated wife who has been married for more than 15 years. She is also a mother to a 12 year old daughter. Kerron is a philanthropist and a dedicated Christian. She assumes the role of Secretary and is a Deacon in her church where she has been a member for over 5 years.

Kerron is an IT Manager who holds a BSc. in Actuarial Science and MSc. in Computer Based Management Information System. She is a People manager and is responsible for implementing IT policies and objectives in line with strategies at Red Stripe. She is a result oriented, forward thinking professional with 16.5+ years of experience and proven knowledge of Business Processes, Service and Project Management. She is a versatile leader who thrives in dynamic, challenging and fast paced environments. Kerron is adept at coordinating and managing multiple projects simultaneously.  She began building her corporate acumen when she accepted the Assistant Pension Adminstrator position at Jamaica National Building Society before she moved on to Red Stripe as Sales Data Analyst then Business Systems Manager.

Kerron has a passion for children. She has volunteered as a Teacher at Gregory Park Baptist Learning Centre, teaching Mathematics and Computer for three years and has played an active role in the Parents Teachers Association at Our Lady of the Angels Preparatory School. Kerron lives by the mantra “Do what you can with all you have wherever you are.” Theodore Roosevelt

She serves as a member of the management team of “Rise-Counselling and Empowerment Services Jamaica Ltd,” and members of the board of Rise with Hope Jamaica Ltd.”

Mr. Ellis James Laing, JP

Communication & Marketing Advisor

Mr. Ellis James Laing is a trained communicator with over twenty (20) years of experience in customer service and communication, who has also served in education and cultural administration. With a strong work ethic Ellis James Laing lives the principle of servant leadership, noting that his entire life is committed to service.

Mr. Laing is a strong advocate for education and has a Masters’ Degree in, Communication for Social & Behaviour Change, and a Bachelors’ in, Community Development,

He epitomizes the concept volunteerism; and remains a consummate Optimist member having joined this worldwide voluntary organization from 1996; he has been ascribed several titles such as: Charter Member, President, (Honor Club), Secretary, Treasurer, Optimist of the Year, Lt. Gov., and Committee Chairperson of Personal Growth & Involvement Committee.  He has served as a Justice of the Peace, in the parish of St. Andrew, as president of the William Knibb Alumni Association the Kingston Chapter, as a member of the St. Andrew Justices of the Peace Association and is a member of the Public Relations Society of Jamaica. He has received several accolades in recognition of meritorious services for leadership, committed and outstanding contribution to school, work, church and community.

He is a member of the team as communication and marketing advisor.

Mr. Davrice Richards

Information Technology Specialist

Mr. Davrice Richards is a highly skilled expert at Information Technology with an emphasis in Security Systems.  He holds a Bachelor of Science in Information and Communications Technology, (Hons).

His technical skills cover a gamut of security issues namely: information security, security configurations, implementation and testing, compliance scans, vulnerability scans, remediation, training, reporting, pc repairs, hardware configurations, assembly, advanced troubleshooting, network configurations, network security and programming.

Davrice Richards as an Information Security Associate uses his skills to make a significant impact on the IT industry and is involved in core projects, team leading, training sessions and software procurement. He performs security checks and assessments on user accounts and systems, and implements and test group policies to enforce security standards. Additionally, Mr. Richards implements and maintains security applications, monitors network for any breaches in security and carries out remediation strategies on each. He also conducts induction training to facilitate skills acquisition. educating individuals about security policies and standards.

He serves the team as Information Technology Specialist.