For Property-level and Frontline Affordable Housing Management Professionals:
- Developing a Manager Mindset
- Personal Management Style
- Difficult conversations and
- delivering feedback
- Setting Priorities
- Strategic Communication
- Managing Change
- Resource Management
NELLSManager Class Info and Dates in 2026:
- Feb. 5, 2026
- Feb. 26, 2026
- Mar. 19, 2026
Registration is now closed for NELLSManager 2026.
For Senior-level Affordable Housing
Management Professionals:
- Management vs. Leadership
- Adaptive Leadership
- Authority vs. Influence
- Growth Mindset
- Effective Delegation
- Navigating uncertainty
- Preparing for disruption
NELLSExecutive Class Dates in 2026:
- Aug. 6, 2026
- Aug. 27, 2026
- Sept. 17, 2026
Registration for NELLSExecutive 2026 will open in April 2026.
Course Format
NELLSExecutive and NELLSManager are both designed as blended programs that combine the benefits of cohort learning with executive coaching. In addition to three group sessions, each participant will have two, one-on-one coaching sessions to tailor program content to their specific requirements. All sessions are conducted using the Zoom videoconferencing platform. Group sessions are 90-minutes, except for Session I, which is 120 minutes to include program orientation. All group sessions begin at 2:00 PM Eastern. Coaching sessions are scheduled individually, and will alternate with group sessions.
Successfully completing a NELLS course will earn an individual five Continuing Education Units (CEUs) toward their annual six required CEUs to maintain their NAHP or NAHP-e credentials. In addition, successful completion of a NELLS course will earn an individual a free two-year NAHMA Associate membership. Details follow: To successfully complete a NELLS course and earn the five CEUs and free Associate membership, an individual must attend all three Zoom webinar classes plus both one-on-one coaching sessions. At the end of the course, if a student has attended all five sessions, they will earn a completion certificate noting the five hours of CEUs earned. As the NELLS course content is comprehensive and cumulative, and the one-on-one coaching is integral to assisting students in learning and applying the knowledge for their individual professional development, partial attendance or missing classes / sessions will not constitute successful completion of the course. As a result, students can only earn five CEUs for full attendance, and cannot earn any CEUs for less than full attendance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the NELLSExecutive and NELLSManager programs be delivered?
Three group sessions and two one-on-one coaching sessions for each participant will be conducted using the Zoom videoconferencing platform. Each session is designed to be interactive, engage participants in discussion, Q&A, and scenario exercises.
How many participants are in each cohort?
There are 15 seats available in each cohort. A minimum of five participants is required to establish a group.
Why have one-to-one coaching sessions been included as part of the program?
A key component of adult learning is the ability to apply new concepts and knowledge in context. One-on-one coaching sessions enable each participant to apply content discussed during group sessions to his/her specific work environment and circumstances to accelerate the development of new professional habits.
Will NELLS participants be assigned homework?
Although there are no formal assignments, members of the cohort are expected to immediately begin applying new skills during the program. Participants will be encouraged to share their experiences during group sessions.
About the Facilitator
Brenda Harrington, PCC, is a Certified Executive Coach and former Property Management executive. The Founder of Adaptive Leadership Strategies, LLC, she works with leaders in private, public, non-profit, government and intergovernmental entities to develop leadership competencies required for them to have impact as leaders in the 21st Century. Her clients have included the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), Federal Reserve Board, World Bank Group and United Nations. As a Moderator for Harvard Business School Publishing (HBP), she has facilitated leadership development courses for HBP corporate clients worldwide. To learn more about Brenda, please visit her website www.adaptiveleadershipstrategies.com and LinkedIn profile.