Our Chief Executive Officer

Nakisha Varlack is committed to helping individuals with developmental disabilities meet their goals and reach their full potential. For several years, she has been an advocate for inspiring girls and women around the world to recognize their inner ability to achieve greatness. Nakisha?s desire to serve continued by becoming the Founder and President of Girl Power United (GPU), a nonprofit organization dedicated to positively empowering the lives of teenage girls through education, awareness, inspiration, and mentorship.

Nakisha’s passion to impact the lives of girls and women resulted in wanting to also focus on helping women with developmental disabilities. She realized that women with developmental disabilities face challenging barriers and many societal factors have contributed to this issue. Expanding her scope to serve both men and women, Nakisha formed Guardian Haven Academy through her fervent desire to inspire and empower individuals with developmental disabilities. She continues to prepare others to meet societal challenges while reinforcing positive attitudes and behaviors.

Nakisha also serves as the Director of the non-profit organization Supporting Lives. Focused on individuals with developmental disabilities, their mission is to support people and communities in reaching their potential by improving safety, health status, and increase educational and employment success.

Nakisha’s background includes 17+ years of executive level Healthcare Management and Administration experience, ensuring healthcare access, training, and services to patients, clients, providers, & persons with disabilities. She has earned a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) in Healthcare Management and Harvard University Graduate Certificate in Senior Executive Leadership.

Nakisha is a multifaceted leader with executive experience in a range of positions which include serving as the Budget Branch Chief with the Department of Agriculture, Director of Patient Access Services Department with Beaufort Memorial Hospital, Regional Manager of the Access to Care Department with Navy Medicine East, Director of the Uniform Business Office with Naval Hospital Okinawa, and the Management Lead for the Performance, Analysis, and Evaluation Department with Naval Hospital Beaufort.

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Who We Serve

We empower individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve their fullest potential and live meaningful lives.