About Duet

Executive Director Melissa L. Boydston, Ed.D., brings extensive experience in education, philanthropy, and community development to Duet. Prior to joining the organization, she served as Senior Vice President of Community Impact and Engagement at Valley of the Sun United Way, where she led regional initiatives to strengthen outcomes across Maricopa County. In that role, Melissa partnered with nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and private-sector leaders to align strategies, leverage resources, and drive measurable improvements in health, housing, education, and workforce development. Her work also included efforts to enhance quality of life for older adults by expanding access to services that support independence, dignity, and overall well-being.

Melissa has guided multi-sector coalitions focused on removing systemic barriers and developing funding and partnership strategies that elevate community voice and promote long-term sustainability. She is passionate about creating the conditions for people and organizations to work together toward shared goals and lasting solutions. She believes that no single organization can create lasting change alone and is dedicated to fostering collective-impact efforts that bring communities, partners, and systems together for greater, more sustainable outcomes.

Melissa earned her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and a Master of Education in Community College and Higher Education from Northern Arizona University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communication from Arizona State University and a Certificate in Nonprofit Executive Leadership from ASU’s Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation.

Nichole Barnes has served as the director of communications of Duet since 2014. She holds a bachelor’s of business administration with a major in marketing from Iowa State University. Prior to her service at Duet, Nichole worked in development and marketing roles at World Vision and UMOM New Day Centers since 1994.

Justin McBride joined Duet in 2021 as Program Manager to develop Duet’s Meaning & Hope Institute to create a national movement of healing and hope for family caregivers of individuals with dementia and other cognitive impairments. Together with his team, Justin has grown the Meaning & Hope Institute from an idea into an impactful virtual community for dementia family caregivers spanning Maricopa County, the Navajo Nation, 13 states, and Canada. He is an Arizona native and United States Marine Crops veteran who has earned a Bachelor of Science in Project Management, and a Master’s in Public Administration – Nonprofit Management and brings to Duet over a decade of program management, directing, and consulting experience in the nonprofit sector.

Julie Blake has served as the director of operations of Duet since 2013. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in mathematics from the University of Arizona. Julie started as a volunteer with Duet in 2001, helping to edit the Duet website. She was hired by Duet as an administrative assistant for Congregational Health and later as financial secretary.

Patricia Dominguez has served as the director of kinship care services of Duet since 1998. She holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from Arizona State University. Patricia started at Duet as an intern in 1997 and has developed many of Duet’s kinship services from the ground up.

Janet Richards has served as the caregiver services coordinator since 2018 and is now Duet’s director of family caregiver services. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and master’s in interdisciplinary studies from George Mason University. Prior to her service at Duet, Janet worked as an instructional designer through her company, JSR Design. She first became associated with Duet in 2017, when she started attending support groups for family caregivers.

Ricardo Samano joined the Duet team in 2005 and is now Duet’s Homebound Services Manager. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a Minor in Spanish from Arizona State University. Prior to Duet, Ricardo worked with Marriott International for 10 years, in addition to youth programs with the City of Phoenix and Boys and Girls Club.

Celeste Plumlee is a dedicated professional with a robust background in program management, evaluation, and strategy. Her eclectic experience in nonprofit and policy roles uniquely positions her to foster collaborations and partnerships with external agencies and stakeholders. Born and raised in the Phoenix area, Celeste holds Master of Social Work and Master of Public Administration degrees from Arizona State University and has taught courses in Social Work at Arizona State University and Mesa Community College. With a passion for social justice, her career has emphasized public policy, community advocacy, and cultural competence within a nonprofit context. Recognized for her pragmatic, kind, and determined approach, Celeste excels in strategic planning and innovative problem-solving, bringing valuable insights to address modern challenges.