Meet The Board

Kimacka T. Randle is the co-founder and president of Black Autism Support Society (BASS). Kimacka earned a Bachelors of Science Degree from the University of Michigan - Flint and holds a national Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) certification from the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP). She earned her M.Div from Christian Theological Seminary and her M.S. in Management from Indiana Wesleyan University. Kimacka serves as lay minister in the Christian Church Disciples of Christ. She also serves as a trained Healing Circle Keeper for individuals impacted by childhood sexual abuse (CSA). Kimacka is a co-lead for an employee resource group geared towards empowering black employees in the corporate space. She has over 10 years of laboratory leadership experience in both the diagnostic and drug development space. She currently works in drug development leading a group of project/study managers for pharma clients. 

Kimacka is a native of Flint, Michigan and understands the cries of the unheard. She and her husband Kadell are the proud parents of three children who have all been diagnosed with autism. Kimacka seeks to advocate for those pushed to the margins within their own communities. Her goal is to illuminate injustices infringed upon women and children both within and beyond the walls of the church, the black community, and society as a whole. Her personal mission is to give voice to the unheard and those who have been silenced and to inspire change. 

Iris is a dedicated mother of two children. One beautiful daughter and a handsome son on the spectrum. Her ability to maintain a complex family dynamic has cultivated her into an autism advocate for her community and family. Iris has a passion for meeting people where they are and championing their growth and development.  Her faith is the foundation from which she humbly serves the community she loves.

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She grew up on the east side of Indianapolis, attending schools in Lawrence Township. In 2002 she graduated from Indiana University with a double major degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice. In 2004 she began working for the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office and remained there for 12 years.  During that time, she worked in the areas of Child Support and Domestic Violence as a paralegal. She also assisted in grant writing, community outreach and youth programming. Her experience allowed her to follow her calling to become a School Counselor and Mental Health Specialist. In 2019 she graduated from Indiana Wesleyan with her Master’s Degree in Counseling with a specialty in School Counseling. She currently works with the SMI population at Community Health Network and as a School Counselor in Warren Township. 

Katie Arthur lives just outside Indianapolis, Indiana, and is the proud wife of Dan Arthur and proud mother of Mackenzie, Kendall, and Liam. Katie is a leader at Salesforce within their Employee Success (HR) Organization and has over 10 years of experience in HR and Leadership. She spent the first five years of her career in the Healthcare Industry before pivoting to the world of Tech. Katie is a Doctoral Candidate at Indiana Wesleyan University and will be graduating with a Doctorate in Business Administration with an emphasis on Leadership.

Katie is a big advocate for her community and serves as the Treasurer for Brandywine Elementary PTO and is a Board Member of the New Palestine Education Foundation. Katie is also a lead for #IamRemarkable, which is a global movement that empowers everyone, including underrepresented groups, to celebrate their achievements in the workplace and beyond, while challenging the social perception around self-promotion. Katie is a Lifetime Miss Circle City Indy Queen and is taking on a new role as New Palestine Junior High Golf Coach in the Fall of 2023.

Karessa T. Johnson, a native of Milwaukee WI, earned her Masters of Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources from Capella University in 2021. She and her amazing husband are proud parents of two phenomenal boys, one of which is on the spectrum. Karessa supports her church's online ministry and social media platforms promoting faith, while connecting with individuals from all walks of life. Karessa currently works as a Sr Benefits Specialist where she educates employees and challenges them to advocate their needs for themselves and their families. Karessa is also co-lead to her team's call to actions initiatives, with this initiative she creates spaces for employees to share their stories while creating awareness, she fosters safe spaces and encourages growth. Karessa is also an #IamRemarkable facilitator, she supports Google’s initiative to empower women and underrepresented groups around the world to speak openly about their accomplishments and promote themselves in the workplace and beyond, thereby breaking modesty norms and glass ceilings. Karessa has always identified as an advocate, even before it became popular. Karessa holds a certification in Emotional CPR from Allies of Indiana. Karessa’s goals are to educate, connect and create seats where none exist. Karessa is passionate about inclusion and ensuring voices are heard.

Mrs. Nicole Jones is a native of Indianapolis and a 1990 graduate of George Washington High School.
Immediately after graduation, she joined the United States Military where she trained at Ft Jackson, South Carolina and Ft. Lee, Virginia. During her military
career she was deployed to serve in Operation Desert Storm where she served six months in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia. In 2012, she founded Young Ladies United, Inc. a 501 c (3) non-for-profit mentoring program for young girls in the Indianapolis
area. She received her received a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2014 and her Master’s Degree in Social Work in
August 2020 with focus on mental health.
Nicole is licensed therapist who is dedicated to those in her community suffering from mental health challenges. Her desire is to help those suffering from mental challenges find the necessary coping skills to live a healthy life free of mental barriers. Particularly her son Evan who was diagnosed with autism in 2009 at the age of three. Nicole and her husband, Jeffery of 22 years, have been an advocate for Evan as well as other children with autism. Their goals are to take advantage of all resources to see what best fits Evan, so that he can thrive and become as independent as possible. Nicole and Jeffery also want to help families in the community who have children with autism and do not have access to resources and equip them with knowledge about how their loved one can live life to the fullest.

Mr. Jeffery (Jeff) Jones is a native of Indianapolis and a 1987 graduate of Broad Ripple High School.  Immediately after graduation, Jeffery Joined the Marine Corp where he served six years active duty.  During active duty, Jeff was deployed to serve in Operation Desert Storm where he served nine months in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia.  He also served in every branch of the United States Military.  In 2001 he received a Bachelors Degree in Management of Human Resources from Oakland City University followed by a Certification for Human Resources from Purdue University in 2013.  Jeff is currently working for the United States Postal Service where he has been since.  Along with is military and education, he is also the former owner of Midwest Limousine Company and P&J Freight and Logistics.

Jeff has always had a passion for making people around him excel at whatever they put their hearts too.  He has been a coach and mentor to the youth in our community for several years.  After his son Evan was diagnosed with autism in 2009, he dedicated himself to learning more about the disorder so he could give his son the best quality of life possible. Jeff and his wife of 22 years Nicole, strive to educate and assist people throughout the community who may have family members on the spectrum and don’t know where to get resources.  His goal is to make people understand that autism is different, not strange, and ensure that they have the same opportunities as everyone else.