Dr. Nicolle D. Jean-Simon, affectionally known as Pastor Nikki grew up in the city of Asbury Park, NJ & is the only child of Deacon Daniel A. Harris III & Emily Harris. Following high school, she went on to attend Delaware State University where she received a bachelor’sdegree in Primary Education with a minor in Theater in 2002.
In 2004 Nicolle finished writing her first stage play a Gospel Musical titled “In the Final Hour.” Which was last staged at Newark Symphony Hall in New Jersey in November 2006. In November of 2013, Nicolle was elected to the Asbury Park Board of Education where she served for three years, serving as both President & Vice President. As a youth, Nicolle attended Second Baptist Church of Asbury Park under the late Rev. Verner R. Matthews. From 2003 to 2009, she attended Rebirth Church International in Elizabeth, NJ where she served as Praise & Worship Leader, Bible Study & Sunday School Teacher, and Head of the Single Women’s Ministry.
After returning to the Central Jersey Shore area, she became a member at St. John A.M.E. Zion Church of Lakewood, NJ.
On January 16th of 2011, Rev. Jean-Simon delivered her trial sermon under herpastor and spiritual father Rev. Lester G. Washington Sr. In October of the same year, she became a licensed Local Preacher in the A.M.E. Zion Church receiving her license from Presiding Elder Rev. Dr. Lawton Nelson Jr. In May 2016, she was ordained an Itinerant Deacon by the late Bishop Louis Hunter Sr. Rev. Jean-Simon is a graduate of The Theological School at Drew University in Madison, NJ where she earned her Master of Divinity (M.Div.) Degree in 2018. She also attended United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, where she earned her Doctor of Ministry (DMin) Degree in 2024.
While at Drew University, Nicolle interned at the Church Center for the United Nations in New York City under the tutelage of Rev. Dionne Boissiere, the first Chaplain of African-Caribbean decent to serve the United Nations. Dr. Jean-Simon also traveled to South Africa as part of her cross- cultural studies.
In June of 2018, Rev. Jean-Simon was appointed as the Supply Pastor of Price Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church in Atlantic City where she served until May of 2019. She was ordained an Elder by the hand of Bishop Dennis V. Proctor in Stamford, CT in 2018. Rev. Jean-Simon was then appointed as the pastor of Duryee Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church in Schenectady, NY where she served for five and a half years. Under her leadership, the membership doubled. She is also the founder of the Duryee Community Foundation. A 501c3 nonprofit organization. Under her leadership, DCF received over $890,000 in grant funding to develop transitional housing and job readiness programs.
She also proudly served as the President of the Schenectady Branch of the NAACP for four years. In December of 2024, Dr. Jean-Simon was appointed Pastor of St. Paul AME Zion Church in Ewing, NJ where she presently serves.On July 30th of 2022 she married the love of her life and partner in ministry Bro. Junior Jean-Simon and is proud to be a bonus mother to their son Bryan and in August of 2023 gave birth to their beautiful daughter Emily Monique.
Dr. Jean-Simon is truly humbled to serve the Lord and is committed to that which is stated in Mark 16:15 He said to them, go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.