OUR BOARD
MONIQUE ‘MO’ NEAL
Executive Director & Co-Founder
Monique, an EMT and mother of nine, and her husband Brian became unhoused when the owner of the home they were renting decided to sell. Unable to find new housing, the family lived in their cars and eventually in a Catholic Community Services shelter.
During their eight months in shelters, Monique saw firsthand how overwhelmed case managers were by the volume and complexity of the needs they were handling. Determined not to let her family fall through the cracks, she took it upon herself to learn every available housing, financial, and community-support opportunity. In doing so, she navigated her own family back into stability—and discovered a passion for helping other families do the same.
That lived experience became the foundation of Next Chapter, where Monique now works to ensure no family faces homelessness alone. She is known for her deep empathy, tenacity, and ability to guide parents through crisis with dignity. Monique brings both her personal journey and her professional training as an EMT to her work, approaching every family with urgency, compassion, and unwavering advocacy.
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KATE KINNEMAN
Board Co-Chair + Founding Member
Kate is both the managing member of Taft Properties, LLC and the parent of a child with behavioral issues who has been intermittently homeless.​ Kate's personal experience informs her recognition of the need, not only for housing for homeless women with children, but for services that consider a wrap-around, holistic approach to helping women navigate the hurdles to independence and self sufficiency
ZAK KINNEMAN
Board President + Founding Member
Zachary is a lawyer and the owner of Taft Properties, LLC. Zachary joined Next Chapter with the vision of extending dignity and compassion to each participant of our program by treating each resident as a brother, sister, son, and daughter.
JIM HENDERSON
Board Co-Chair
Jim is a Tacoma-based community leader with more than 20 years of experience in housing, real estate, and local economic development. He brings a practical, collaborative approach to his work on the Next Chapter Board, helping strengthen the organization’s mission to support our unhoused families. Jim is committed to building sustainable, community-driven solutions that promote stability, dignity, and opportunity for families in the South Sound.
MARK MELSNESS
Board Treasurer
Mark Melsness is a longtime Tacoma business and community leader with a strong commitment to supporting families and strengthening local systems of care. With extensive experience in real estate, housing, and community partnerships, Mark brings a practical, service-driven perspective to the Next Chapter Board. His focus on collaboration, strategic outreach, and sustainable solutions helps advance the organization’s mission of providing stability and support for pregnant women and new mothers experiencing homelessness. Mark’s deep roots in the South Sound and his dedication to community well-being make him a valued contributor to Next Chapter’s work.
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JENNIFER ROBINSON
Board Secretary
"No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens and struggles of another."
My name is Jennifer Robinson and I try to live by this daily, by putting good vibes in the world. I’m a proud union Ironworker with Local 86, a daughter, a wife, a mother, and just someone who wants to bring more compassion, understanding, and love to the world. I also am a member of the Sisters of 86, our goal is to empower women in a predominantly man's field, show them we can do anything, life brings our way. This November my wife and I will be bringing a beautiful little girl into this world, who will change the world herself.
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