Erin Aboud, from navigating the justice system between the ages of 12 to 25 through personal challenges of trauma, homelessness, and addiction, has embarked on a journey of remarkable transformation and resilience. She has partnered with Empire Recovery and Reentry Solutions to create a nationwide impact, helping those affected by the justice system and addiction. Embracing sobriety in 2011, Erin has become a beacon of hope, sharing her transformative journey at various events and influencing legislative changes such as Idaho's Clean Slate Bill. In 2024, Erin received a pardon for her past felonies, a testament to her resilience and redemption. She founded a virtual assistant business in 2017, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence. Today, Erin is not only a successful business owner but also a devoted wife and mother, continually inspired by her faith and the community's support. Additionally, she works with women in recovery and assists a local union in supporting members and their spouses coming out of rehabilitation.

Dr. Mathew Abraham has been a leader in services and administrative management with emphasis in clinical and social services for more than a decade. As the Senior Director of Treatment and Program Development for The GEO Group, Dr. Abraham develops and executes cognitive/behavioral treatment programs across the GEO Care Division, encompassing more than 80 locations across the country. 

Dr. Abraham previously directed educational, residential, treatment and clinical programs for non-profit and for-profit organizations nationwide, including extensive experience in treatment and services for individuals with substance abuse and mental health issues. He is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida, Colorado, New Mexico and a host of other states; and holds Master of Counseling, Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Clinical Psychology degrees.

Dr. Abraham has also worked in mental health and substance use treatment specializing in Veterans and First responders.  He has also worked internationally in Mexico City specializing in HIV/AIDS and MH and SA.

Maggie Agerton is the Chief of Substance Use Treatment and Transition Services at the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC). She is responsible for the clinical, operational, and administrative functions for substance use treatment programs and other re-entry programming. Maggie began her career in corrections as a volunteer in 1999. During her career, Maggie worked in various positions with both the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the FDC including case management, religious services, substance use treatment, transition, and re-entry. Maggie earned her master’s degree and bachelor’s degree in criminology from Florida State University in 2001 and 1999. She is an ACA Certified Correctional Executive, a PMI Project Management Professional, a Florida Certified Addictions Professional, and a Florida Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional. Maggie currently serves as the Chair of the ACA Substance Use Disorders and is a current member of the ACA Behavioral Health committee.

Amy Arrell is the Service Director of Community Services at Open Sky Community Services in Worcester, MA.  In this role, she oversees 24 community-based programs assisting over 2,000 individuals and families experiencing justice involvement, homelessness, substance use and mental health disorders, and other social determinants of health needs.  Amy was a leader in the development of the Behavioral Health for Justice Involved pilot program with MassHealth and Trial Courts in 2019 which now has statewide contracts and Medicaid benefit coverage (CSP-JI).  During Spring 2020, she helped lead the "Outreach Connect Refer" model to support incarcerated individuals being released during the uptick of COVID-19.  Most recently, Amy has been a leader in the development and implementation of the state's first Department of Correction funded after incarceration support service, Community Compass at Open Sky. Amy started her career 27 years ago working with adolescents and young adults in group living environments and community outreach programs.  She developed and implemented the peer support program at The Bridge of Central MA.  Amy is a contributor to the Transition of Youth and Young Adults with Emotional or Behavioral Difficulties: An Evidence Supported Handbook. Amy was awarded the Marie Hobart Community First Award in 2018. 

Dr. Kris Bertelsen is Vice President and Program Director of the Addiction Recovery Program, Prison Outreach Programming, and the Prison Education Program for Huntington Junior College. Kris has an extensive range of experience including his tenure with Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Previously, Kris taught high school social studies. He’s served on boards and committees including the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Literacy, the National Assessment of Educational Progress, as an author and reviewer for the Council for Economic Education, Advisory Board member for the Journal of Economics Teaching, and a standards committee member for Arkansas Department of Education.  Dr. Bertelsen is particularly interested in entrepreneurship, economics, and personal finance education for disadvantaged and marginalized communities. Kris earned a Ph.D. from the University of Central Arkansas, working with justice involved people, an M.S. Clinical and Mental Health Counseling from Southern Arkansas University, an M.A. in Economic Education and Entrepreneurship from the University of Delaware, and a B.S. Social Studies Education, from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota.

As the Director of Social Enterprise at LEAP (Ladies Empowerment and Action Program), Christina Biandola is deeply committed to empowering women affected by the justice system. In her role, she leads the Entrepreneurship Academy, a transformative five-week course designed to equip women with the skills needed to initiate and manage their own businesses, thereby fostering economic independence.

​

Christina excels in developing innovative social enterprise strategies and building strong community support networks. Trained in trauma-informed approaches to addiction and recovery, she brings compassion and understanding to her work. Her dedication to social justice and community empowerment drives her to continually enhance LEAP’s initiatives, helping women rebuild their lives and achieve lasting success.

Amber is the Peer Reentry Program Coordinator for The REACH Initiative, where she leverages her personal experience and passion to drive meaningful change in West Virginia's criminal justice landscape. Having overcome the challenges of addiction, poverty, and involvement with the criminal justice system, Amber is dedicated to advocating for reform, reentry support, and recovery services. Her work is fueled by the belief that everyone deserves a second chance and the opportunity to discover their purpose. Amber takes great joy in facilitating deep, transformative conversations and witnessing the growth of those she serves.

​

​With her unique blend of lived experience and professional expertise, Amber is a powerful force for change. She embodies the principle that "iron sharpens iron," and her tireless advocacy work is making a tangible difference in her community and beyond.

Benjamin Brouillette, Operations Director of The Community Compass at Open Sky Community Services in Worcester, MA. In this role, he oversees the daily operations of the state's first Department of Correction funded after incarceration support service. Benjamin has various lived experiences with incarceration and is active in recovery from substance use. With a passion for aiding individuals in finding and maintaining a new way of life he joined the Behavioral Health Justice Involved program at Open Sky in 2021. Benjamin was involved with the planning and implementation of the Community Compass Drop-in Center before being promoted to the position of Operations Director. This role allows Benjamin to use his living experience and passion to be an effective leader in providing services to individuals with a history of incarceration.

Mr. Burch began his Criminal Justice career in 1996 working as a Correctional Officer, and later as an Operations Manager, at subsequent residential work release facilities in Indianapolis, Indiana. He then joined the Indiana Department of Correction as a Director of Reentry Services and Case Management in 2006, responsible for developing and implementing evidence-based programs and case management services.

Mr. Burch joined The GEO Group in 2011 as the Superintendent of the Heritage Trail Correctional Facility, where he provided leadership and direction for the facility administration, security and programs. In October of 2014, Heritage Trail opened the First Time Offender Program at the direction of the Governor and Commissioner of Corrections. Promoted in 2016, Mr. Burch was named the Divisional Vice President for the GEO Continuum of Care, within the GEO Care Division, which encompasses staff training, in-custody enhanced rehabilitative programs, clinical research and post-release services. He earned his Master’s degree in Business Management from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Jay Christensen has over 32 years of experience in corrections starting as a correctional officer in 1989 and working his way through various facilities and positions retiring as Warden at Idaho's largest correctional facility with an incarcerated population of 2500 and over 325 staff. Since Jay’s retirement he has been working with CEO Mary Hayes of Workbay to redesign their already successful workforce development platform used in multiple countries, communities,  and municipalities. During this time, along with Melissa Doramus (Workbay Education Officer) they conducted a year long pilot at South Idaho Correctional Institution to improve learning and user experience, tailor making it specifically for corrections, now being delivered on inmate tablets that they already possess.

Jeremy Collins is a substance use counselor for the Community Compass at Open Sky Community Services in Worcester, MA. He supervises the recovery coaches, facilitates recovery-based groups, and oversees all things involving recovery and anything clinical that comes up throughout the day-to-day operations. Jeremy has lived experience surrounding substance use, incarceration and homelessness, and trauma. Jeremy’s passion is to be the helping hand that wasn’t available to him. Jeremy has worked in this field for over 20 years. He joined Open Sky Community Services in 2018. He was with BH-JI (Behavior health justice involved program as a Navigator from its start in 2020 until The Community Compasses opening in July 2023. Jeremy was promoted to the role of Substance use counselor where he can educate members in substance use, recovery, and harm reduction. This is an amazing opportunity for Jeremy to be able to show others that there are people who care about them and that there is a way out.

Hope’s journey with the justice-impacted started BEYOND the barbed wire, when she was born to her biological mother who was incarcerated in Houston, Texas.

​

She has a lifetime of personal experience and over 20 years of professional experience that has been cultivated to help her develop into a multi-dimensional leader who has served the most underserved populations throughout Florida and train organizations throughout the United States.

Hope helps organizations strengthen their client engagement, enhance client rapport, and magnify client and organizational success rates with a blend of Trauma-Informed Care practices, Resiliency elements, and out-of-the-box navigation.

​

Hope is the founder of the Cultivating Hope Foundation, Inc., and author of Beyond the Barbed Wire.

She has supported the Florida Department of Corrections and the Missouri Department of Corrections by leading groups within prisons and training facilitators to support men and women BEYOND the BARBED WIRE.

​

Her purpose-driven mission is to use her experience and skillset to snuff out radical darkness by cultivating radical hope.

Trudy Crowetz has been involved in nonprofit leadership for over 25 years. She is a Certified Public Accountant who has served as the Chief Financial Officer for several nonprofit organizations during her career. Trudy has been focused on achieving organizational excellence for these organizations, and she brings her vast expertise in this area to Nonprofits First, where she has also worked as a fiscal reviewer, as a member of the Standards Committee, and as a graduate of the 2014 Rising Leaders, and the 2023 Advancing Leaders program.

​

Trudy strives to be a servant leader who puts the needs of others first. She served in the Emergency Operations Center during two hurricanes, and she was instrumental in assisting the county with securing volunteers and medical staff to serve in the shelters. She later received recognition from the county as being a “Hero of the Storm”.

​

She is a lifelong learner who is passionate about leadership development, which is evidenced by the various leadership programs in which she has participated, including the Leadership Palm Beach County’s Engage Class of 2022 and Focus Class of 2019, as well as Leadership West Palm Beach’s Class of 2017. She was honored to be chosen to participate in United Way Worldwide’s Advanced Leadership Program Class of 2018, where she was one of 17 people chosen from over 1,500 affiliates. Trudy currently serves on the board of Leadership Palm Beach County.

​

She is an active community volunteer advocates for women in leadership and has served as President, Secretary, and Treasurer for Executive Women of the Palm Beaches Foundation. She recently served on the board of the Croquet Foundation of America as the Treasurer, and she enjoys playing croquet in her free time. She has two grown children: AJ Crowetz, who is a Senior Production and Capacity Planner for Resilience in Gainesville, Florida and Alicia Crowetz, who is a Firefighter/Paramedic for the Pembroke Pines Fire Department in Broward County, Florida.

Tiffany Csonka is a present and active parent in her four brilliant children’s lives. Additionally, Tiffany is a Parent Leader in Florida, where she resides. Tiffany began her career as a Parent Leader and consultant in 2019 when she became involved with the Community Participatory Action Research (CPAR) for the Children’s Services Council of Broward County; specifically with the research group, Very Important Parents (VIP). Tiffany is currently an active member of Parent Advocates for Transformation and Healing (PATH) and Thriving Families Safer Children in Florida. She is a founding member of the Family Engagement Advocacy Council (FEAC). The FEAC is an avenue for parents to have an active and equal voice in shaping programs, services, and practice. In 2022, Tiffany joined the Mining For Gold team as a Parent Knowledge Curator.

Kurt Danysh is the Founder and Executive Director of Tomorrow’s Neighbors, a nonprofit reentry organization in Central Pennsylvania.  Kurt founded Tomorrow’s Neighbors while serving a 24-year prison sentence.  He was released in 2020.  In 2022, Tomorrow’s Neighbors was named Nonprofit of the Year and awarded a $1 million grant from Cumberland County to open The Cumberland House; a 13-bed reentry housing solution.  Specializing in long term incarceration, the “Cumberland Model” provides peer-facilitated reentry support.

​

The Cumberland House is presently being studied by Penn State University to determine precisely why/how its model has produced such positive outcomes.   Kurt sits on various Committees, Coalitions, and Boards, sharing his lived experience to improve our criminal justice system.  Kurt was recently named a “Catalyst for Change” by the Commonwealth Prevention Alliance.

Nancy DeNike's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and reinvention. A graduate of the Ladies Empowerment Action Program (LEAP), Nancy emerged from Homestead Correctional Institution in January 2020, after completing a five-year sentence. Armed with a master’s degree and trauma-informed training, Nancy proudly directs LEAP’s Reentry Hub, leveraging her expertise to guide others on the path to reintegration. In her entrepreneurial endeavors, she showcases her passion for her home state as the owner of The Gifted Floridian, a business highlighting locally produced products in unique gift baskets. Her story serves as an inspiration to all, a beacon of hope for those seeking redemption and a brighter future.

Kerry Diaz is an innovative nonprofit, policy and philanthropy professional, with over 30 years of experience working with cause-based organizations to effect internal and external change. Kerry is a licensed lawyer in three states and uses this analytical lens combined with an affinity for service to assist government, philanthropic organizations and nonprofits to examine systems, create pathways to change and develop dynamic cultures. Mrs. Diaz’s career

highlights include legislative staff in the Florida Capital, an advocate for hospice and homecare in California and as a nonprofit and foundation COO and CEO in her native Palm Beach County.

​

Kerry Diaz was born Kerry Rodriguez in West Palm Beach and returned to Palm Beach County over 20 years ago where she re-met and married a high school friend. She has three boys, two in college and one in middle school. She is a graduate of Villanova University and Florida State University College of Law.

Jason Dickerson is the founder of MADE180, a workforce development organization dedicated to empowering individuals in recovery and other underserved populations through high-quality, short-term professional training and career development. The name "MADE" stands for MADE = Making Advancement in Development & Employment, while "180" reflects the transformative change the organization aims to inspire. With over 20 years of global experience as a consulting engineer, Jason brings a deep understanding of industry needs and a personal connection to the recovery community—having witnessed the impact of addiction within his own family. He now channels his expertise into creating meaningful employment pathways for those seeking a second chance.

Megan Downing, M.S., is the Clinical Director of Community Compass at Open Sky Community Services in Worcester, MA. In this role, Megan is responsible for overseeing clinical operations and implementation of the state's first Department of Correction funded after incarceration support program. Megan has her Bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Worcester State University (2019) and her Master's degree in criminal justice and strategic management from Boston University (2023). Megan has experience working in various different subsectors of the Criminal Justice system, including 911 dispatching, working within the prison system, victim/survivor work and most recently working within the reentry system.  Megan's passion for helping others started when she was younger and was enhanced by being selected as an inaugural member to represent her town at Project 351, an independent nonprofit organization that fosters youth-led service by engaging a leader from each of Massachusetts' 351 cities and towns. Megan is passionate about helping others and prides herself in her trauma-informed, person-centered approach to reducing recidivism.

Wendy Dressler obtained her Ph.D. in International Crime and Justice from Florida International University in 2023. She currently works as a Research Manager for The GEO Group. Her primary expertise lies in corrections, reentry, correctional administration, mixed research methods, and spatial analysis. At present, she is responsible for overseeing the evaluation of post-release services for returning citizens, in-custody programming, and staff and leadership wellness in corrections. Dr. Dressler's skills and experience make her an invaluable asset to The GEO Group team, helping to further the organization's mission of rehabilitation.

Nicole Dyson has been doing prison ministry for just over a decade. She is a former inmate, she has been the Executive Director of a transition home, and she is the founder of a non-profit organization, The Jesus Infusion.

​

Nicole meets women in prison by teaching and facilitating classes, she does personal one on one counseling, and she has walked hundreds of women out of prison into reentering society. After being incarcerated herself, running a transition home, assisting women in reentry and running her own business helping women in this capacity, Nicole has seen the fruit of her labor and still today shares her life with countless women she has invested in from prison to freedom.

Belen Enriquez, originally from Quito, Ecuador, has carved a niche as a formidable advocate and thought leader in the U.S. reentry sector. Following her incarceration, where she provided vital legal support to fellow incarcerated individuals, Belen has directed her efforts toward criminal justice reform and reentry initiatives. Now serving as the Office Director at the Law Offices of Paul Petruzzi in Miami, she handles complex cases while spearheading Reentry Innovations, a tech-focused initiative aimed at aiding formerly incarcerated individuals to reintegrate into society. Her role extends to active participation in justice reform organizations such as Dream.org, A New Way of Life Reentry Project, JustLeadershipUSA, and Ladies for Hope Ministries as a Fellow. Belen's commitment is further underscored by her contributions to key conferences on higher education and justice reform, embodying her dedication to facilitating effective reentry programs and supporting workforce reintegration for justice-impacted individuals.

Jessie Fairbanks has served Palm Beach County over the past 20 years, as an experienced Peer Specialist and Case Manager. She studied human services at FAU after completing Certified Addiction courses at Palm Beach State. For the past ten years, Fairbanks has served as an advocate for formerly incarcerated individuals experiencing chronic homelessness by providing permanent supportive housing case management services, shelter services pre-release and post-release case management. She works hard to initiate change in direct services by building a unique and individual rapport with participants to provide a trauma informed, solution-based case management approach, by utilizing Motivational interviewing techniques and asking the right questions to identifying individualized motivation and values when creating service plans and selecting resources.

​

Fairbanks goal is to be a catalyst for change in the method of providing quality and empathic services with positive outcomes of reduced recidivism rates. Fairbanks continues to provide support to returning citizens through the Lord’s Place to decrease barriers and increase family/community integration. Fairbanks work has a focus on linkage to the correct fit of community resources, motivational interviewing, and faith-based services to reduce harm and recidivism by implementing positive achievement, assets and building on client centered strengths.

Shane Falwell is the House Manager at The Cumberland House where he plays an intricate role in its daily operations. Shane is a certified Life Coach, Certified Peer Support Specialist, Certified Forensic Support Specialist, and a Career Development Coach. Having served more than 22 years in state and federal prison, Reentry is a lifestyle to Shane. 

​

Shane also founded the Marcus Self Help Discovery Group in memory of his son, who was murdered while Shane was incarcerated. Shane strives to prevent youth from entering our criminal justice system.

Jim Flanagan’s experience cuts across the for-profit and non-profit sectors.  A veteran of the United States Air Force, he currently serves as the Executive Director of the Civics Education Program (CEP) which he co-founded in 2015.  CEP’s four-course series in civics, ethics, literature, and economics was launched at South Bay Correctional Facility in Florida and in 2020 was credentialed by the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) as an official state program.  To date, nearly 600 incarcerated persons have participated in CEP which has been offered at five correctional facilities in Florida, Indiana, and Texas.  In 2022, through a partnership with Huntington Junior College (HJC) and The GEO Group, Inc., Jim began college coursework for 20 inmate students at South Bay.  He works as a Professor and Student Success Coach for HJC and advocates with regional organizations aiming to reduce recidivism.  He is most passionate about improving access to educational resources for inmate students whether they are on the path to reentry or have extended or life sentences.

Greg Franzese is a Correctional Program Administrator at the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC). He is responsible for clinical, operational, and administrative quality assurance for substance use treatment programs in central Florida.  Greg began his correctional career at the United States Disciplinary Barracks at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas in 1998. In 2009, he started his career with the Florida Department of Corrections. Greg has held positions in institutional programs specializing in behavioral health. He received his master’s degree in social work with a clinical concentration in 2012. Greg is a Certified Criminal Justice Addiction Professional (CCJAP).

John Fraundorfer has worked for the City and County of Denver for over five years, previously as a Continuous Quality Assurance Analyst, Data & Quality Senior Analyst, and Contractor Liaison. Before working for the City, he has both worked and consulted in the private sector for over 35 years in various capacities including Marketing Management, Project Management, New Business Development, Market Research, New Product Development, Quality Systems Management and Data Management Systems.

​

With the Denver Construction Careers Program, John has spearheaded the creation and development of data gathering, analysis and reporting systems for use by both internal agencies and prime contractors and subs on city-funded construction projects. He is also leading the charge in working with city partners in the bolstering of apprenticeship readiness programs for the construction industry.

Mr. William Freeman is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of People of Purpose (PoP). PoP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping returning citizens build self-sustaining, successful lives of purpose. As a certified Peer Specialist, Mr. Freeman uses his lived experiences to provide one-on-one support and guidance to individuals on how to reenter society after incarceration and he is determined to end intergenerational incarceration. He also works as a Program Director at Rebel Recovery, a nonprofit organization that provides recovery support services, education, and advocacy to people impacted by drug use and those living with or at risk of infectious diseases. He is affiliated with the Glades Leadership Initiative, Peer Support Coalition of Florida, Nonprofits First Leadership Academy, and PBC Reentry Task Force.

Dr. Ralph Fretz, PhD, is a licensed and board-certified psychologist (New Jersey and Florida) specializing in forensic and clinical psychology. He is currently employed as a forensic psychologist at the Treasure Coast Forensic Center. For the past 40 years, Dr. Fretz has worked with a variety of populations including children, justice-involved juveniles and adults, psychiatric inpatients, and sex offenders. Dr. Fretz’s work has been published in many journals, including Corrections Compendium, Criminal Justice and Behavior, Journal of Community Corrections, and Corrections Today. Dr. Fretz has presented at national and international conferences on a variety of topics, including Assessment Centers, Alternatives to Incarceration, and Risk-Need-Responsivity Principles.

David A. Gethers, is the Assistance Senior Deputy Chief of the C.I.T.Y program for CASA of Cook County. He has a phenomenal story of transition & transformation, lived experienced and educational background, that will help individuals, communities, and organizations execute the mission and vision of their lives and programs.

​

Born on the south side of Chicago in the Englewood community, David dealt with his own share of family struggles, lack of resources and feelings of hopelessness. As a means to escape the poverty and struggles of the south side, David became a student-athlete. When college wasn’t an option, David joined the United States Marine Corp. He believed he would have a long successful career and change the trajectory of his life. Life and the Marine Corp threw David an unexpected curve ball. Due to a training accident, he had to have reconstructive ulnar, bone and nerve surgery on his right hand, wrist and forearm. As a result, he was no longer able to be a Marine. This was a devasting blow for David.

​

Returning home to Chicago, disappointed, hurt, lost, and unprepared for transition, David would go on to make a series of bad decisions. One of which, led to a 15 year prison sentence. It was here, David began his transformation journey. Challenged by his mother and grandmother to make something better of his life, in spite of the disappointing setbacks he had experienced. January 01, 2000, David begun journaling and would do so for the next 13 years. He attributes God, his mother & grandmother, and prison as the catalyst for his change.

September 12, 2013, David was released from prison and would execute the plans he created while in prison. He enrolled in Governor’s State University, becoming vice-president of the Student Senate, and graduated Cum Laude in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication. He then went on to graduate in 2019, with his Master’s degree in Urban Ministry from Olivet Nazarene University.

​

​David now uses his story of TRAGEDY, TRANSFORMATION, and TRIUMPHANT, to empower, encourage, and enrich the lives of transitioning veterans, under-served, under-resourced, and under-valued communities. He is the author of WeakDay Remedies: A Transformational Journal, the founder of DAG Speaks LLC, and the creator of Defy the Odds Mentoring Program and Winning the Transition Battle.

For over two decades, Daniel Gibson has been a dedicated advocate for systemic social change, working closely with underrepresented communities at the grassroots level and engaging decision-makers across local, state, and national landscapes. His career spans philanthropy, community development, public speaking, and program design, implementation, and evaluation.

A respected leader in jail and prison reform, affordable housing, healthcare access for the chronically homeless, HIV/AIDS prevention, and LGBTQ+ rights, Daniel has built a reputation for championing equity and opportunity. In his current role at Purpose Built Communities, he provides strategic guidance and coaching to nonprofit executives nationwide, helping them drive lasting prosperity in their communities.

Daniel is a proud Robert Wood Johnson Culture of Health Leader Fellow. He earned his undergraduate degree in psychology from Yale University and a Master of Social Work from Barry University in Miami.

Richard Glau came to The GEO Group, Inc. in 2015 as “Manager, Faith Based Services”, after 11 years with the Florida Department of Corrections. He first served as an institutional staff Chaplain, then Senior Chaplain, and completed his ministry with the FDOC as a Regional Chaplain. Creating maximum synergy between the typical Chaplaincy job description and the current DOC emphasis on re-entry initiatives is the primary focus of his efforts. Contributing to the seamless integration of the incarcerated back to their neighborhoods is the goal.

Tim Goddard, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Florida International University. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Doctorate in Criminology, Law and Society from the University of California, Irvine. Dr. Goddard co-authored the book Youth, Community and the Struggle for Social Justice (Routledge, 2018), and his work has appeared in several edited books and various academic journals, including the British Journal of Criminology, Punishment and Society, Theoretical Criminology, and Youth Justice. His research interests are in youth justice policy and practice, legal system-related programs operated by voluntary non-profit organizations, and risk assessment instruments used in predicting recidivism and noncompliance.

Elmo Golden served at the South Bay (Florida) Correctional Facility for 17 years. He wanted to make a change and participated in programs to achieve his goal. Elmo completed college courses and worked with case managers on his reentry. It helped. In Inside Sources, he wrote, “After 17 years in prison, I would not be where I am today without the help I got, both inside and outside, from the people at the facility. They had a culture of family that eventually helped me find a family of my own.”

That experience continues to influence Elmo. He is a living testimony and model for change. He continues to inspire others through sharing his experience and working with those incarcerated.  He is the founder of Dignity Speak, a practical faith and character based mentoring program that allows participants to understand the power of good communication and leadership skills. He currently serves as a Program Director with the Jack Brewer Foundation and works to implement the Hero’s Fatherhood Initiative inside facilities throughout the state. The goal: to help returning citizens.

Heather Gregory is a dedicated REACHback Reentry Navigator, using her lived experience in recovery and reentry to empower others. A graduate of Glenville State College with a Bachelor's in Behavioral Sciences, Heather is currently pursuing her MSW at Walden University. She brings her personal insights and professional education to her role, serving as co-chair of her local reentry council and working diligently to break down barriers for those returning to the community. As a Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist, Heather understands the unique challenges of reentry and provides compassionate, practical guidance. She is an active member of her church community and feels deeply honored to be part of the WV Reentry Team. Through her work, Heather is committed to advocating for systemic change and helping individuals reclaim their lives.

Jessica M. Grosholz, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Criminology at the University of South Florida. She received her B.A (2004) in Sociology from Bucknell University, her M.A. (2006) in Sociology from George Washington University, and her Ph.D. (2014) in Sociology from Emory University. Her research centers on carceral studies, particularly in the areas of prison and reentry programming, recidivism, and health. She is also a qualitative methodologist. Her work has been published in significant outlets such as Crime & Delinquency, Criminal Justice & Behavior, Feminist Criminology, Health & Justice, Journal of Criminal Justice, and Journal of Interpersonal Violence.

Dani Groton earned her PhD in Social Work and MSW and MPA from Florida State University. While residing in Tallahassee, Dr. Groton assisted with coordination and training for the biennial Homeless Point in Time count for the Big Bend region. She has worked in homeless services in various capacities, from case management, event coordination, to data management and program development in emergency and transitional housing. Dr. Groton’s research area of expertise is on homelessness and housing, particularly related to program evaluation of efforts to end homelessness. 

Khalil A. Halim, a distinguished Army veteran and Summa Cum Laude graduate in Information Systems Management, embodies a profound dedication to service and community empowerment. With a remarkable 12-year tenure at It Takes a Village, Khalil's influence spanned civic engagement realms, including pivotal roles in Denver's Mayor’s Office of HIV Resources Planning Council and Aurora's Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Project. His leadership extends to public health initiatives, evidenced by his appointment to the Colorado HIV/AIDS Prevention Program Grant Review Committee. As a founding member of Second Chance Center's Board of Directors and now as its Executive Director, Khalil's commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration shines. Beyond professional accolades, Khalil's DJing prowess underscores his diverse talents, yet his greatest impact lies in mentorship, offering redemption and guidance to those in need, including SCC's Founder. Khalil A. Halim's life is a tapestry of service, leadership, and compassion, illuminating paths to second chances for all.

Jessica Hidalgo is the Manager of Criminal Justice Programs for Palm Beach County Public Safety, where she brings over 15 years of experience in reentry, program development, and criminal justice reform. Since joining the department in 2018, Jessica has led efforts to build a robust reentry continuum, support the Full Reentry Task Force, and drive innovative, evidence-based programming for individuals returning from incarceration.

She successfully implemented a Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) grant that combined transitional employment with cognitive behavioral interventions—an initiative that demonstrated measurable success and continues today through sustained funding. Jessica’s background includes hands-on experience facilitating institutional programming, HIV testing and counseling, advocacy, and the development of adult and juvenile justice services.

A graduate of Boston University, Jessica was born and raised in New York and now calls South Florida home, where she lives with her husband, two children, and their family dog.

Wendy Hinshaw is Associate Professor of English and Director of Writing Programs at Florida Atlantic University. Her scholarship includes articles on prison writing and prison-university partnerships in Community Literacy Journal, Reflections: A Journal of Community-Engaged Writing and Rhetoric, Feminist Formations, and edited collections on prison literacy and activism. She is a founding board member of Exchange for Change, a Miami-based nonprofit that provides educational and communication skills-building courses to students who are incarcerated to amplify and bring their voices to the outside. 

April Hutchison is a mother of two. She started with Chesterfield County Sheriff’s office in February of 2017 as the Reentry Coordinator for the jail. She serves on the board of VARR (Virginia Association of Recovery Residencies). She has been instrumental in starting a reentry council in Chesterfield County, as well as developing a clothing closet and creating working relationships with the local CSB’s, DSS, recovery community, and the Jails 2 Jobs program. Ms. Hutchison spends her time diligently working to help offenders pave the road to a successful recovery and to be productive members of society.

Tanaine Jenkins is a leading voice in the movement to dismantle the barriers of the Second Sentence—the invisible punishment that follows returning citizens long after their release. After spending 10 years in the Florida Department of Corrections, Tanaine has redefined her mission to focus on systemic transformation as an award-winning Recidivism Strategist, Consultant, and State Organizer for REFORM Alliance.

​

She is the best-selling author of From Prison to President: 7 Ways to Succeed in Your Second Chance, President of Everything I Am LLC, and founder of Second Sentence Awareness. She also serves as a member of the Florida Department of Corrections Advisory Board and is a 2022 TEDx Jacksonville speaker.

​

In 2024, Tanaine was honored with the prestigious Johnnie Barnett Harrison Award from the National Association of Reentry Professionals and was named the Florida Justice Center Advocate of the Year. In 2025, she was recognized with the Advocacy and Justice Champion Award for her outstanding leadership in advancing second chances and systemic reform. She also made history as the first woman featured on the cover of The Carrier Pigeon Post, the only newspaper approved for distribution in the Florida Department of Corrections.

Her insights have been featured in Forbes, on The CW, and PBS. Through her work with Everything I Am, Tanaine has helped hundreds of justice-involved individuals uncover their "Why," embrace their past, and learn the power of self-forgiveness as they navigate their journey beyond incarceration.

After 20 years on Wall Street, Bryan switched direction and is pursuing his Master's in Social Work. Living in New York City, Rio de Janeiro, London, and Mexico City provided a global perspective on the pain of those not having a home. He has always paid close attention to the extensive and growing population of those incarcerated in the US and was moved by the daunting task of helping those returning to their communities. Many of those being released from jails and prisons face homelessness upon their release, and this intersection is where Bryan chose to focus.

​

Currently, Bryan B. Joffe is a dedicated intern at The Lord's Place, where he works closely with case managers to address the complex issues faced by those seeking a second chance, including shelter and other challenges. In a joint initiative with his colleague and friend, Judson Pierre, Bryan has taken the lead in advocating for increased in-person support in jails, recognizing that successful reentry begins well before release. 

​

He and his wife, Lyla, aspire to set examples of service to their two daughters. In his spare time, Bryan enjoys traveling to surf waves worldwide. 

Vanessa Klein, LMHC, proudly holds a Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Palm Beach Atlantic University. She is licensed as a Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida. Vanessa proudly serves as the Director of Re-entry Services at The Lord's Place in West Palm Beach, FL. where she oversees their esteemed reentry department managing teams and programs compliant with reentry focused grants from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FLDE), the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), Justice Assistance Grants (JAG), and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO). Vanessa proudly serves on the Palm Beach County Criminal Justice Commission, where she actively contributes to shaping policies and initiatives aimed at fostering fairness, equity, and rehabilitation within the justice system. Her unwavering commitment to empowering vulnerable individuals to overcome challenges and rebuild their lives serves as a beacon of hope for those navigating complex journeys of reintegration.

Nichole began her career with the Florida Department of Corrections in 1995. Throughout the  past 28 years she has held positions of increasing responsibility and authority. She has more than  11 years of experience working with reentry initiatives, to include serving as the Classification  Supervisor during the opening of Gadsden Re-Entry Center and Assistant Bureau Chief for the  Bureau of Re-Entry and Education, and most recently serving as the Assistant Bureau Chief of the  Transition Services unit where she oversees the Short Sentence Correctional Institution/Unit  initiative and the Mentor Academy, Re-Entry Centers and Re-Entry dorms, Veteran dorm program,  Roadmap to Restoration efforts throughout the state, the oversight, and operations of the  statewide Volunteer Services program, monitoring of the reentry seminars statewide, and  providing training to staff, volunteers, and stakeholders on agency initiatives.

​

Nichole is currently enrolled at Florida State College at Jacksonville where she is pursuing her  bachelor’s degree in Human Services.

​

Nichole is a member of the American Correctional Association, the Corrections Foundation, the  Correctional Peace Officer’s Foundation, the Association of Women Executives in Corrections, and  the National Association of Re-Entry Professionals.

Dr. Lane is currently the Vice President for Community Care, within GEO’s Community Solutions division, and previously served as GEO Reentry Services’ Vice President for In-Prison Treatment Services.

Dr. Lane is a well-respected criminal justice professional with over 20 years of experience in the field of corrections. She worked for the District of Columbia Department of Corrections (DOC) in Washington, D.C., where she held several positions, including Deputy Director, Warden, and Deputy Warden. She also has experience in the Florida, Illinois, and Indiana correctional systems. She was Director of Reentry for the Florida DOC and held several positions with the Indiana DOC, including Deputy Chief, Strategic Planner. Dr. Lane began her career as a correctional officer for juveniles in Illinois DOC.

Dr. Lane is an active member of the Association for Women Executives in Corrections, National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice, and American Correctional Association. Dr. Lane is the author of “Seasons Inside the Walls: A Survival Guide,” a daily self-help guide for residents on how to navigate life while living within the correctional system, two children’s books on family reunification, “Mommy’s Coming Home and Daddy’s Coming Home” and “The Other Side: You are Not Alone!”, 100 pieces of advice from ten loved ones who have/are experiencing someone who is incarcerated. 

Trisha Larkin is the Vocational Life Skills Program Manager with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) and has over 11 years of experience working with individuals impacted by the criminal justice system. She was born and raised in Montrose, Michigan. As a child, she experienced what life was like to have parents struggle with addiction and complete prison and jail sentences. At a young age, she witnessed the influence a parole officer, family support, and community can have on an individual’s recovery. Through various career opportunities, she’s been able to carry out her life’s purpose which to put simply, is to help people. After she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Central Michigan University becoming a first generation student, she moved to Nebraska and began her career working in child welfare. After 4 years, she accepted a position as a Probation Officer working with both high-risk youth and adults on community supervision. During that period, she fostered strong community partnerships, ensuring individuals and families received ongoing support and resources, even after their court involvement ended, promoting long-term success. 

Trisha began working as a Reentry Specialist in 2022 with NDCS where she developed reentry plans with individuals being released from incarceration. As a reentry specialist, she strengthened relationships with community partners, gaining valuable insights into the needs of returning citizens and the service gaps they face upon re-entering their communities. Throughout her career, Trisha has developed a deep understanding of how strong collaborations and impactful programs can significantly influence a person's achievements, which continues to motivate her ongoing work in her current position.

In her free time, she is a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer and speaks on behalf of children in state custody in juvenile court proceedings. Trisha likes to participate in group fitness classes and runs in races. She is also happily married, a mom to two children, and a fur-mom.

Mahlia Lindquist is Executive Director of Ladies Empowerment and Action Program (LEAP), a reentry program dedicated to transforming the lives of women who have experienced incarceration. She brings her advocacy skills from years of practicing law to fight on behalf of the marginalized women she serves through LEAP. Under Ms. Lindquist’s leadership, LEAP has evolved from a small non-profit providing services to women in prison, to being recognized as a leader in the women’s re-entry space.  Since taking the helm at LEAP 8 years ago, her vision of providing housing, wraparound services, trauma-informed therapy, even a retail business to provide jobs and job training have all been realized.  Ms. Lindquist has a law degree from Georgetown University and a BA in economics from Emory University.

Raul M. Lopez is a dedicated Post-Release Case Manager for the GEO Continuum of Care Program. He is an ordained pastor whose passion for helping people extends beyond the spiritual realm. He is also an interventionist for drug-related cases, a motivational speaker at high schools and local universities, and a panel member on the podcast "Death or Prison." Raul's expertise and diverse background make him an excellent resource for those seeking guidance after incarceration.

Cristina Lucier, Ph.D. is the Vice President of Community Programs at The Lord’s Place, a leading homeless and reentry services agency in Palm Beach County, FL.  She has nearly a decade of experience in social service program management and program evaluation, and over ten years of experience in social science research. Her areas of expertise include program development, contract administration, data management, quality assurance, and program budget oversight. She earned her doctorate in Sociology from Boston College in 2014. Cristina has published extensively in peer-reviewed social science journals, touching on topics such as social inequality, environmental pollution and its effects on economically disenfranchised communities, and the impact of regulations on the health status of marginalized populations.  Cristina also serves on the governance board for Palm Beach County’s Homeless and Housing Alliance, and previously served as a subcommittee co-chair for the Palm Beach County Reentry Taskforce.

Tom Luettke has been a practicing attorney in Lucas County since 2003, working as a solo practitioner in the area of criminal defense and bankruptcy.  Tom is an active member of the Reentry Coalition of Northwest Ohio helping to eliminate barriers for citizens returning from incarceration, and in 2015 Tom was hired as the Reentry Coordinator at the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council.  In this position Tom oversees the applications for federal reentry grants and then manages the grants that are awarded.  Lucas County has been awarded six Second Chance Act reentry grants.  Tom is actively involved at the state level advocating for reentry programs and is the president of the Ohio Association of Local Reentry Coalitions.  Tom serves on a number of boards in our community as well.  He is a past-president of the Toledo Lucas County Homelessness Board as well as the Lucas County Bar Association. He is the current board chair of the Toledo Fair Housing Board and continues to serve on the Executive Committee of the Lucas County Bar Association.  Tom is a graduate of Adrian College and the University of Toledo, College of Law.

Holly Matthews is the Executive Director of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC).  The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) is a unit of local government that provides an integrated criminal justice information system, criminal history record checks, and management of federal grant dollars to Lucas County and Northwest Ohio.  Ms. Matthews has worked for the CJCC since 2001. In her current role, she oversees a staff of 45 and a budget of $4.1 million.  Under her leadership, CJCC has adopted a focus on reentry and the intersection of behavioral health and criminal justice.  Through her leadership, CJCC has received more than $4 million in federal funding to enhance Lucas County criminal justice reform initiatives.  Ms. Matthews has collaborated on numerous reports and serves on Toledo/Lucas County criminal justice related committees.

​

Ms. Matthews earned her J.D. from the University of Toledo, and her B.A. from The College of Wooster.  She is admitted to the Ohio Bar.  Ms. Matthews received the Toledo 20 under 40 Leadership Award in 2016.

Anthony McDuffie, Jr. an Author, Motivational Speaker, Spoken Word Artist and Certified Mental Health First Aider, known for his memoir GRIT GRIND AND GLORY which can be found throughout the world in countries such as the UK, Canada, and Kuwait. Emerging from 15 years in prison, Anthony now shares his story globally, inspiring audiences with his message of resilience and empowerment. Through mentorship, interactive workshops, and motivational speeches, Anthony’s mission is to empower individuals of all ages to pursue their dreams with focus and a healthy mindset.

Anthony recently released his second book, MY LIFE IN POETRY, verses that he penned during his time behind bars. He has been featured on NPR's StoryCorps, iHeartRadio, Shout Out LA, Canvas Rebel magazine and various podcasts worldwide, further amplifying his message of resilience, empowerment, and personal growth. Anthony also serves as editor forTHE FEELINGS WITHIN, a poetry collection by Robert Grigsby, who has been incarcerated for 50 years for a crime he did not commit.
 

Anthony has also immersed himself in the world of TV and film, where he is developing various projects with award-winning actors and producers whose work has been seen on HBO, NBC and Apple TV.

Doris Mendez-DeMaio is the Palm Beach County Library System’s Acreage Branch Manager. After an 18-year stint in various roles at the South Florida Water Management District, she began her library career as a Children’s Librarian at PBCLS’s Hagen Ranch Branch in 2012. In 2015, she became the Head of Children and Teen Services at the Main Library and was promoted to her current position in 2018. Ms. Mendez-DeMaio holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration from Florida Atlantic University and a Master’s Degree in Library Science from the University of South Florida. In 2022, she combined her love of literacy with her commitment to social justice and started a book club for Juvenile clients at the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters.

Meghan Mitchell, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Criminal Justice at the University of North Dakota. She received her BS and MS from North Dakota State University and her Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University. Her current work examines the areas of corrections, subcultures, and research methodologies. She has published in the British Journal of Criminology, Justice Quarterly, Journal of Experimental Criminology, Journal of Quantitative Criminology, Criminal Justice & Behavior, Sociological Methods & Research, Journal of Criminal Justice, British Medical Journal Open, and the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health among other places. She has extensive knowledge and expertise in data collection within correctional settings involving both incarcerated people and correctional staff, and she is a trained facilitator for the Inside-Out Prison Educational Exchange Program.

Jonathan Morgan is a formerly incarcerated scholar and nationally renowned public speaker on a variety of criminal justice topics. He is the founder and former executive director of the Florida Justice Center, a nonprofit legal aid organization that has provided free lawyers to assist over 12,000 people overcome barriers caused by an arrest. Jonathan combines his extensive knowledge of the law with his lived experienced in the criminal legal system to help others and inform his research. He holds Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Master of Business Administration degrees. Jonathan is a 2022 JustLeadershipUSA Leading with Conviction Fellow.

​

Jonathan is currently a doctoral student in Criminal Justice at the University of Cincinnati and a Dean’s Fellow. His research areas include restorative justice, reentry, collateral consequences, and the mental health effects of incarceration.

Kirstie Naoom is the Director of Operations in Florida for Rite of Passage. With a deep commitment to improving the lives and well-being of youth, she brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the organization. With a career spanning 20 years in Florida’s Juvenile Justice behavioral health field, both state and private sector, Kirstie has dedicated her efforts to transforming kids' lives.  She is fueled by a passion for leading youth and staff in their commitment to growth. 

​

Throughout her career, Kirstie has worked through the ranks from Front Line Staff to Regional Director of Compliance to Program Director to State Director. Her experiences in each of these positions allow her to have a deep understanding of the community and the youth she serves. Through her visionary leadership, direct approach, and commitment to excellence, she continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of youth in need.

​

Among her passions and interests are unconditional love for her family, connection and devotion to God, self-care, and being an individual who positively impacts her community.  She is a Graduate of the University of South Florida’s School of Social Work. 

Matthew Neary is a talented chef hailing from Orlando, known for his innovative approach to culinary arts. He is also a successful returning citizen and a fierce advocate for employment and reentry training as he helps system-impacted people who want to pursue culinary and entrepreneurial goals. He is the mastermind behind Food Group 137, a unique concept that redefines fine dining by taking it to the streets through a food truck. Neary's creative dishes and dedication to bringing high-quality cuisine to unexpected places have garnered him a loyal following in the Orlando food scene. His fusion of flavors and passion for gastronomy continues to delight food enthusiasts across the city. He has now moved on from Orlando to Louisville, Kentucky where he is starting a life with his fiancé.

With over three decades of experience in mental health and community services, Judith Negron has become a pivotal figure in the reentry and workforce development sectors. As the Managing Partner at Reentry Innovations, she focuses on empowering justice-impacted individuals through education, mentorship, and support, notably assisting over 3,000 system-impacted women. Her strategic leadership extends to key initiatives with Unlock Higher Education and The Ladies of Hope Ministries, where she works to provide access to higher education and equitable employment opportunities post-incarceration. A seasoned advocate for justice reform, Negron holds a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Her commitment to reentry support is demonstrated through her active involvement in several organizations and leadership programs dedicated to justice reform and community service. She is a respected voice pushing for systemic change in the reentry landscape.

Oswald Newbold serves as President on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Reentry Professionals Inc. He also works as the Reentry Coordinator at The Reentry Center of Riviera Beach and is involved with the Palm Beach County Reentry Task Force and the Palm Beach County Criminal Justice Commission. In the past year, he participated in initiatives and workshops to identify service gaps, improve services for individuals with mental illness or substance use disorders in the criminal justice system, and optimize local resources.

Oswald's personal experiences fuel his dedication to reentry, policy advocacy, criminal justice reform, and conflict resolution, focusing on issues like racial biases, sentencing disparities, and post-incarceration reintegration. He actively engages policymakers and is currently in training with JustLeadership USA (JLUSA) to further his impact. Oswald also graduated from the Prison-to-Profession (P2P) Scholar Program in 2023, which focuses on advocacy and mentoring. Globally, he advocates for criminal justice reform aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goal 16.

In conflict resolution, Oswald began as a mediator resolving prisoner disputes and now mediates landlord-tenant conflicts in a program designed to prevent homelessness. He is preparing to launch a youth conflict resolution program, empowering them to address bullying, harassment, and gang activity as certified mediators.

​

Oswald emphasizes collaboration over competition in reentry. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership and is pursuing certifications in Project Management and Data Analysis to use in the reentry field.

Megan Nyce is a Justice Research Analyst in the Corrections and Reentry Research program at RTI International. She is an advocate for individuals who are currently and formerly incarcerated and a research professional with over four years of experience in applied social research. Her research has focused on a variety of criminal legal system projects with intersections in prison and jail reentry, education, mental and behavioral health, technology, and equitable community partnership and sustainability in research. Some of her relevant research roles include: a project manager on an evaluation of a web-based reentry planning tool called Pokket and serves as a research analyst for a project on Bureau of Prisons (BOP) reentry programs and outreach support for people with lived experience as formerly employed or formerly incarcerated. Megan currently resides in the Bay Area of California and has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and English from the University of New Mexico and is working towards a master’s in public policy at the University of the Pacific. 

asey Parker was the second employee hired in 2006 as the Associate Director of the Mental Health Association of Nebraska (MHA). In July of 2016, she was promoted to Executive Director. Kasey has assisted in the development and implementation of Nebraska’s first peer-directed and nationally accredited (CARF) programs and is currently the largest peer-run organization in the Midwest, employing approximately sixty-three peer specialists. These programs include: The H.O.P.E. Supported Employment Program, the peer respite Keya House, and the law enforcement referral program. Most recently Kasey has worked with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, Nebraska Parole Administration, and Nebraska State Probation to develop and implement peer operated re-entry services. In 2018 the peer-run transitional home for people reentering the community expanded from a five-bedroom home to a 20-bedroom home under the direction of Kasey. Kasey also identifies as a person with lived experience, experiencing both mental health and substance use challenges.

Andre Peart is the founder of Untapped Solutions (formerly ConConnect), a platform dedicated to bridging the gap between justice-involved individuals and fair-chance employers throughout the United States. With a personal commitment to reentry services, Andre has:

• Successfully graduated from the Robin Hood Blue Ridge Labs, receiving guidance and capital to further his mission.

• Led Untapped Solutions to secure a $1.6 million pre-seed round, with notable investors including Google, Robin Hood, Van Jones, Dream.org, and the Decarceration Fund.

• Deployed technology to over 2,000 NGOs.

• Facilitated 20,000+ referrals to support service agencies.

• Reduced client-related task hours by over 50,000.

​

Andre's innovative approach and dedication have made a substantial impact in supporting the reentry and integration of justice-involved individuals across the nation.

Meredith Powers-Lupo is a passionate reentry advocate and engaging presenter. Meredith has been with the United States Department of Veteran Affairs for 24 years. She earned her BSW from Elms College and her MSW from Boston College.

Jessica Rich is the Senior Research Analyst at the GEO Group, pursuing a Ph.D. at Florida International University. She earned her M.S. in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Florida State University. Her areas of interest include the aging prison population, programming and rehabilitation, and community reintegration. Her current research focuses on the role of prison visitation for older individuals who are incarcerated.

Vanessa Rojas is an agent of change, a community organizer, and committed to abolishing systems of oppression. Having served four years in federal prison, she is pursuing a degree in Law, Public Policy, and Society while managing special projects at Palomar Community College in the office of the President. Vanessa is a motivational public speaker and advocate for criminal justice reform, working with grassroots organizations like FAMM (Families Against Mandatory Minimums) and Initiate Justice Action. In addition to her advocacy work, Vanessa is part of a national community of reentry experts. She is also a published author. She facilitates workshops and mentors women and men. Vanessa's journey as a survivor of childhood trauma, domestic abuse, addiction, and incarceration drives her passion for promoting successful reintegration for individuals reentering society. As a mother and grandmother, Vanessa is dedicated to creating a more just and equitable world for future generations.

Dr. Maribel Roman is a development consultant with over thirty years of experience in operational excellence, program development, and higher education. She holds a Master of Diplomacy and a Ph.D. in Education Leadership & Policy from Seton Hall University.

​

Dr. Roman's career began with a unique combination of law enforcement and education. While pursuing her Criminal Justice degree, she worked as a Correction Officer in a New Jersey prison. This experience ignited her passion for proactive youth intervention, prompting her to transition from the legal field to education leadership.

​

In higher education, Dr. Roman has made significant contributions. She co-founded and co-directs the Center for Global Education at Seton Hall University. At Teachers College, Columbia University, she directed the Office of International Affairs and taught graduate courses in Conflict Resolution and Diplomacy.

Since retiring from full-time academia in 2016, Dr. Roman has dedicated herself to consulting. She specializes in designing, organizing, and managing programs that provide educational opportunities and foster personal growth. Her consultancy work reflects her commitment to empowering individuals.

Christina Romero is a fierce advocate, a devoted mother of four, a proud grandmother, and the unwavering heart behind the transformation of countless lives. With boundless love, she not only raised her own children but also embraced the responsibility of nurturing her sister’s three children, embodying the true meaning of family and resilience.

​

Armed with an associate degree in science and a passion fueled by personal experience with the child welfare system, Christina began her advocacy journey in Florida as a Parent Leader. What started as a mission born of necessity evolved into a lifelong purpose—to reimagine systems of care and bring voice, dignity, and justice to families too often overlooked.

​

As a founding member of the Family Engagement Advocacy Council (FEAC) in Broward County, Christina is a beacon for equity and inclusion. Her partnership with the Race Equity Work Group ensures that community voices are not just heard—but honored. Through  her monthly Community Café, she brings families, leaders, and changemakers together in powerful dialogue, sparking connection and shared purpose. In 2022, Christina joined the Mining For Gold (MFG) team as a Parent Knowledge Curator, sharing lived wisdom with national child welfare leaders committed to racial justice and systemic transformation. Today, as Executive Director of Parent Advocates for Transformation and Healing (PATH), she leads with courage and compassion, working tirelessly to dismantle oppressive structures and build a future rooted in healing, belonging, and strength.

​

Christina’s voice echoes across local, state, and national platforms. From the Race Equity Work Group (REWG) to the Birth Parent National Network (BPNN), Thriving Families Safer Children (TFSC), and the Birth Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC), she is a force for change. Her leadership on the Broward County Racial Equity Task Force, where she chairs the Housing Committee, reflects her deep commitment to justice, stability, and opportunity for all.

​

Driven by love and purpose, Christina Romero is not just advocating for change—she is leading it. Her vision is bold, her heart is full, and her impact is generational.

Eileen is a case manager at the Public Defenders’ Office, where she advocates for pretrial and probation clients. Her commitment to this work is deeply personal—Eileen has navigated the prison system herself and was once a client of the very office she now serves.

​

Raised in a family caught in a cycle of incarceration and addiction, Eileen witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of the justice system. Tragically, many of her family members lost their lives to addiction. From the ages of 12 to 45, her own life seemed destined to follow the same path—returning to prison or dying from her addiction.

​

Although sobriety brought moments of hope, it was never a permanent decision. No one had prepared her for the uphill battle of rebuilding a life burdened by trauma, fear, parenthood, and the struggle to find employment. But in 2022, everything changed. Determined to try one last time, she embraced the opportunity before her. For the first time, the system worked in her favor—and she chose not to let it go to waste.

​

Today, Eileen is a mother, a family member, a peer support specialist, and an advocate. She is a fully self-supporting woman who works with individuals whose lives, like hers once was, have been stolen by addiction. Her lived experience fuels her passion to help others find a path forward, just as she did.

Daniel Saull, a lifelong Florida resident, is a proponent for prison education programs, mental health awareness, group therapy, and positive reformation. In 2016, Daniel received a four year prison sentence with 10 years of probation to follow. While incarcerated he enrolled in the Adams State University distance correspondence learning program, earning a Master of Business degree. Furthermore, Daniel was also a positive influence upon his fellow inmates teaching GED classes along with one on one tutoring. He assisted over 50 of his peers with earning their high school equivalent diploma. Since his release he has hopes to continue his learning prowess by advancing his personal degrees and educational goals, applying to several accredited universities in pursuit of a Ph.D. Living out his passion for prison education reform, and mental health awareness, Daniel will also continue to teach and peer facilitate within the group learning models. Finally, he is happily married, lives in the south Florida area with his wife, 2 amazing dogs, and is an avid hockey fan.

Mr. Saunier has been managing the Adult Education and Reentry programs at the Hernando County Detention Center since 2021. Prior to that, he has held various leadership roles in higher education over a 13 year span. As a first-generation college graduate, he is passionate about increasing access and support for at-risk students. 

​

Allison Schild is a parent leader in Miami, Florida. As a parent leader, Allison advocates for institutions to develop justice-centered, and anti-racist practices. In addition to advocacy, Allison supports parents, families, and communities in building collective power through community organizing in knowing that they have rights when CPS knocks. Allison co-designed a birth parent engagement department at the lead child welfare agency, Citrus Family Care Network, in Dade and Monroe County. Allison is a founding member and board chair for a statewide group of parent leaders, Parent Advocates for Transformation and Healing (PATH), and is a Parent Knowledge Partner training consultant with Mining for Gold.

Dr. Derrick D. Schofield, Ph.D., has a distinguished career working in correctional systems in Tennessee, Georgia, and the private sector for 34 years. He served as Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Correction, Assistant Commissioner and Chief of Staff for the Georgia Department of Corrections, and Warden at five facilities over 13 years. He is an Army Veteran where he obtained the rank of Captain.

​

After earning his bachelor’s in political science, Dr. Schofield’s commitment to public service took him to the United States Army, where he rose to the rank of Captain. He earned a Master of Public Administration from Columbus State University and graduated from Georgia’s Law Enforcement Command College. He earned his doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership from Piedmont International University. He is a 2023 recipient of the American Correctional Associations E.R. Cass Award.

​

Dr. Schofield embodies the core foundation of servant leadership. He gives back to the community at every level and continues to look for innovative solutions to enhance the lives of others. He believes that leadership matters and can significantly influence positive outcomes. One of Dr. Schofield’s favorite quotes, which he embodies daily, is by Theodore Roosevelt, “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena."

Kevin Scott is the Director of Just Income by Community Spring, a pioneering Guaranteed Income program designed and led by formerly incarcerated people in Gainesville, FL. Under his leadership, Just Income has distributed over $1 million in direct, unconditional cash assistance to individuals returning from incarceration, significantly reducing recidivism, improving employment outcomes, and strengthening financial resilience.  

A formerly incarcerated advocate, Kevin has helped shape policies that remove economic barriers for justice-impacted people, including ending unpaid prison labor contracts, passing a Fair Chance Hiring ordinance, eliminating fines and fees, and securing free phone calls for incarcerated individuals. His work has gained national recognition for its innovative, evidence-based approach to economic justice and reentry support. Featured in an award-winning documentary and major news outlets, Just Income is transforming lives in Gainesville and is a blueprint being replicated nationwide.

A soccer fan and dedicated Zen meditation practitioner, Kevin is also the proud father of one genius daughter and two dumb cats. 

Cailey Shanahan is a 2022 graduate of LEAP prison reentry program. She currently serves as manager of LEAP’s social enterprise, Dragonfly Thrift and is a resident advisor for LEAP transitional housing program. Ms. Shanahan is also a Business Administration student at Miami Dade College.

Beverly Sharp is the Director of Reentry Initiatives for the West Virginia Council of Churches and the Founder and Executive Director of The REACH Initiative, developing programs, initiatives, and training to improve the opportunities for formerly incarcerated people to successfully return to the community as productive citizens, as well as to educate communities on the barriers faced by former incarcerated people, to reduce recidivism and to Build Bridges to a Better Community.  Additionally, she was instrumental in the formation of Reentry Councils across the state of West Virginia.

​

She has worked in the field of Law Enforcement and Corrections for over 35 years.  Most of her professional career was spent with the United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons.  She held several positions of increasing responsibility including Correctional Officer, Correctional Treatment Specialist, Correctional Program Manager, Employment Development Manager and Director of Human Resources and Training. Beverly has been certified by the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) in the following areas:  Offender Employment Specialist, Offender Workforce Development Specialist (OWDS) Training and OWDS Certified Instructor. 

​

Beverly currently serves on the Board of Directors for the West Virginia Association of Addiction and Prevention Professionals; former Co-Chair of Housing, Transportation and Employment on the WV Governor’s Council for Substance Use Disorder; and member of the Reentry Subcommittee on the Access to Justice Commission, WVU Law School.

Isaiah Sledge has been involved in workforce readiness initiatives for the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) for the past four years. He currently assists in managing Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs across Florida’s correctional institutions, focusing on program oversight, contract management, and compliance. Isaiah has led workgroups, projects, and program implementations aimed at improving vocational education in correctional settings. His contributions have enhanced reentry opportunities through skills training and wraparound case management services, helping justice-involved individuals transition successfully back into society.

​

Prior to joining the Department, Mr. Sledge earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science with a minor in Pre-Law from Florida A&M University in 2019. After graduating, he worked in Dependency Case Management in Bay County, Florida, where he provided comprehensive child protection and mental health services during the aftermath of Hurricane Michael in 2018. Despite the heightened stress and complexity of cases during this challenging time, Mr. Sledge successfully reunified families and ensured the safety and well-being of those in his care. His experience demonstrates his dedication to serving vulnerable populations.

​

Beyond his professional work, Mr. Sledge is actively involved in community reentry efforts, serving on the board of the Big Bend AFTER Reentry Coalition (BBARC) and as a member of the Correctional Education Association (CEA). He is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) at Florida State University’s Governor Reubin Askew School of Public Administration and Policy, with a focus on Evidence-Based Policy Making and Public Financial Management. His leadership across both public and nonprofit sectors exemplifies his commitment to advancing social initiatives and improving outcomes for marginalized communities.

​

Candice Sporhase-White, a visionary leader with over two decades of senior leadership experience, is dedicated to revolutionizing re-entry services. Through her unwavering commitment to justice and opportunity, Candice pioneers fair chance hiring and housing initiatives, dismantling barriers for justice-involved individuals. Believing fervently in economic empowerment, she champions pathways to mortgage-paying careers to combat recidivism and break cycles of incarceration. Her advocacy and innovative approaches catalyze systemic change, offering hope to those seeking a fresh start. Beyond her leadership in re-entry services, Candice's philanthropy extends to her service on multiple non-profit boards and her mentorship of youth. As a Colorado native, she brings a unique perspective shaped by her diverse professional background. Candice stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, inspiring positive change and shaping a future where second chances are embraced with dignity and opportunity.

Laura Stanley celebrates her journey of long-term recovery since November 28, 2016, drawing strength from her personal battles with domestic violence, childhood trauma, the intricacies of the criminal justice system, and the challenges associated with mental health and substance use. Laura's dedication to her growth and helping others is reflected in her attainment of several prestigious certifications: the Recognized Peer Support Specialist Certification through the Louisiana Office of Behavioral Health, the IC/RC Peer Recovery Support Specialist Certification through Louisiana Substance Abuse Counselors and Trainers, the National Certified Peer Specialist Credential through The National Certification Board for Behavioral Health Professionals and most recently the Integrated Forensic Peer Recovery Specialist certification with the SAFE Project and Hand2Heart collaborative.

Over the past five years, Laura has devoted herself to the role of Peer Support Specialist, offering unwavering support to individuals grappling with mental health and substance use challenges. Her commitment extends to various fronts, including working with a mobile outreach crisis team for the Louisiana State Opioid Response, manning a crisis call line, and providing personalized support to clients and groups within a clinical setting. Laura is a member of the Special Therapies Addiction Treatment Team at Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Louisiana, where she continues her passionate work, now focusing on individuals within the correctional system, employing her vast experience and deep empathy to support their journey toward recovery.

In her role at Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex, Laura:

• Ensures that the people she serves have the community resources and social support to re-enter society successfully

• Serves as a role model, advocate, and motivator to prevent return to use and promotes lifelong recovery from mental health and substance use challenges

• Facilitates recovery planning, life skills, coping skills, parenting, and substance abuse education classes

• Provides one-on-one and group peer support sessions to help people identify their goals post-release and assists with treatment planning

Laura's academic journey has recently culminated in her graduation Cum Laude from Northwestern State University of Louisiana on December 13, 2023, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a major concentration in substance abuse and a minor in addiction studies, underscoring her passion for dismantling the stigma surrounding substance use and mental health. She is currently pursuing her master’s at Louisiana State University, focusing on Social Work.

A highlight of Laura's advocacy work occurred in 2019 when she was honored with a medallion from the Office of National Drug Control Policy by James Carroll in recognition of her courage in sharing her recovery story. Laura lives by the mantra, “Recovery is no longer the exception. It is the expectation!” and actively encourages those facing difficulties to seek the support needed to navigate their challenges. As a proud mother to three beautiful daughters, Laura makes her home in Houma, LA, where she continues to inspire and advocate for change, demonstrating through her life and work that recovery and resilience can flourish even in the most challenging circumstances.

Randi Taylor is a committed and seasoned professional in the field of criminal justice, with over a decade of experience in juvenile justice. A graduate of the University of Central Florida, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, with a minor in Psychology and Behavioral Forensics. She furthered her education with a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice, complemented by graduate certificates in Juvenile Justice Leadership and Corrections Leadership.

​

Throughout her career, Randi has demonstrated a strong passion for improving systems and outcomes for vulnerable populations. Her early career began in the legal and adult drug court sectors, where she honed her skills in navigating complex legal frameworks and advocating for individuals within the system. However, it was in the juvenile justice field where Randi truly found her calling.

​

Starting as a Juvenile Probation Officer, Randi quickly rose through the ranks, transitioning into roles focused on probation operations and policy development. She played a pivotal role in optimizing detention utilization, ensuring that resources were allocated in the most effective manner. Her expertise in operational efficiency and her deep understanding of the needs of youth in the system positioned her as a leader within her field.

​

Randi’s most significant achievement came as a Reentry Program Coordinator. In this role, she took on the challenge of overseeing youth reentry programming, making substantial contributions to the development and success of the program. She was instrumental in the development of Palm Beach County's insourced Youth Reentry Program, shaping it into the comprehensive, impactful initiative that she manages today. Her work has provided critical support and guidance to countless young individuals, helping them successfully reintegrate into society and reduce the likelihood of reoffending. With a career marked by a commitment to positive change and a focus on long-term solutions, Randi continues to serve as a trailblazer in juvenile justice, working tirelessly to create opportunities for youth to thrive after experiencing the justice system. Her expertise in policy, operations, and program development is a testament to her dedication to fostering a more effective and compassionate justice system.

Donna Terrano is the Director of Community Engagement at LEAP (Ladies Empowerment and Action Program), a nonprofit dedicated to helping formerly incarcerated women rebuild their lives through education, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. She previously served as an Assistant Instructor in LEAP’s in-prison program, where she led courses on trauma and addiction recovery.

​

In addition to her program work, Donna manages community events, storytelling initiatives, and strategic partnerships through Dragonfly Thrift Boutique, LEAP’s social enterprise. Her background spans volunteer engagement, social media, and collaborative event planning — all fueled by a deep passion for restorative justice and women’s empowerment. A watercolor enthusiast with a creative spark, Donna brings heart, innovation, and advocacy to everything she does.

Danielle Thomas is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in the Department of Criminology at the University of South Florida (USF). She holds a bachelor's degree in criminology and psychology, as well as a master's degree in criminology, both from the University of South Florida. Her research interests encompass several areas within the field, including corrections, reentry, recidivism, program evaluation, and the relationship between employment and crime. Danielle is also a research assistant at USF, a member of the Crime Etiology and Treatment Evaluation (CREATE) Lab, and a member of the Alpha Phi Sigma Criminology Honor Society. In addition to her academic pursuits, she dedicates her time as a volunteer for the Florida Department of Corrections, playing an integral role in various prison reentry programs. Her primary focus is on equipping incarcerated individuals with the necessary skills and resources for a successful reentry into society, with a particular emphasis on employment readiness. Ms. Thomas is well-connected with criminal justice stakeholders to facilitate these reentry efforts for returning citizens.

Ms. Truman is a successful reintegrating citizen, an advocate of system-impacted people, and the president of TruAlchemy Productions Inc. in Orlando, FL. She completed a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in 2009 from the University of Central Florida and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies in 2016 from Asbury Theological Seminary. As a former sign language interpreter, her academic interests are focused on spirituality and intersectionality in the deaf community. She is passionate about supporting justice-involved populations and shares her lived experience to advocate for reducing barriers to successful reintegration. Additionally, her love of Semiotics and spiritual art led her to pursue stained glass construction as a hobby, and she continues to do commissioned-based work. 

Dr. Katelynn Towne is a researcher and program evaluator specializing in reentry, policing, victimization, and social inequities within the criminal justice system. A first-generation college graduate with a background in sociology, she conducts research and evaluation to inform policies and programs that support justice-involved individuals. She recently published a report on employer perspectives in hiring individuals with justice involvement and is currently examining the impact of vocational programming on racial and gender disparities in post-release employment, which was presented at the 2024 American Society of Criminology conference.

​

Dr. Towne recently presented data highlights on the Vocational and Life Skills Evaluation to the Nebraska Continuity Advisory Board, engaging leadership from Nebraska corrections, parole, probation, and reentry organizations. She also recently completed a Poverty Elimination Action Plan for the city of Omaha, NE, recognizing the strong connection between poverty and crime. Formally trained in trauma-informed evaluation, she is committed to advancing evidence-based strategies that foster community safety and overall well-being. In the near future, she hopes to expand her work to include evaluating programs integrating participant financial support with reentry programming.

Derrick K. Watson currently serves as Director for the City & County of Denver: Denver Construction Career Program (DCCP). Prior to him accepting this position, he served as a Program Manager for Denver Workforce Services as Contractor Liaison for DCCP. Before his career in DCCP, he spent over 35 years working as an administrator at CU Boulder.

​

Derrick has made numerous State and national presentations on Workforce Development, most recently on improving the pipeline line for diverse workers in the construction industry at LCPtracker’s National Conference in San Diego, California.

​

One capstone of Derrick’s career was the development and execution of one the nation’s first Higher Education Public/Private Partnership. The execution of a $70million dollar housing development was one of the first of its kind and has now become a national model for new student housing development. His construction portfolio includes well over $600million in vertical and horizontal construction projects.

Christopher Waugh, born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1982, has a profound personal and professional journey. Spending two decades in active addiction, Christopher found his turning point on August 11, 2018, through the Chesterfield County Jail HARP Program. This transformative experience led him to bond with True Recovery RVA in November 2018. Demonstrating commitment and growth, he served as Resident Advisor from February 2019 until February 2020. Recognized for his dedication, he advanced to Director of Men's Programs and further ascended to Director of Operations in May 2022. A certified CPRS, Christopher is a devoted father of three and a loving husband, exemplifying resilience and leadership in recovery and support.

Rashod Wiggins is an experienced case manager at The GEO Group with three years of dedicated service. Holding certifications in Business, Logistics and Transportation, he brings a blend of expertise to his role. With a track record of leadership and supervision, coupled with excellent interpersonal skills, Rashod is adept at navigating complex situations and fostering positive relationships.

G. Alan Williams, M.Ed. is a dedicated Program Planner for the School District of Palm Beach County's Department of Support Services, where he leads the Supplemental and Intensive Intervention Team. With over 20 years of experience in education and 12 years of expertise in Restorative Practices, Alan is committed to creating supportive, inclusive environments for students. A former collegiate and high school football coach and a passionate youth mentor, Alan is also active in several community organizations. He is the proud owner of Big Al's Gourmet BBQ Sauce, combining his love for food and community. A devout Christian, Alan is guided by his faith in God. Above all, he is a dedicated father to three wonderful children: Anyla Danielle, Avery Simone, and Gerald Alexander.

Lieutenant Latifa Williams began her career with the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office in Thibodaux, Louisiana 9 years ago. In late 2015, she began working at the Lafourche Parish Detention Center as a Corrections Officer. She has since worked in many capacities within the Corrections Department, including serving on the Correctional Complex's transition team assisting with building new policies and procedures. Her primary focus on the team was corrections training. This led to her role as the Corrections Training Manager beginning in 2018, responsible for the building, tracking and reporting of all correctional training. In 2019, she was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and served as a shift supervisor directly responsible for booking and intake procedures. In 2020, she transitioned to a program facilitator on the Correctional Complex’s Reentry Team where she taught rehabilitation courses and reentry methods to the facility’s offender population. Additionally, Lt. Williams aids in maintaining the Correctional Complex’s ACA accreditation through her work with the accreditation team.

​

Most recently, she was promoted to serve as the Assistant Director of Programming, where she co-heads the Southeast Central Louisiana Regional Reentry Team and the Lafourche Parish Day Reporting Center that covers rehabilitation and reentry from initial incarceration to community supervision reaching 7 parishes in the southern-most part of Louisiana. In her free time, Lt. Williams enjoys building and presenting workshops sharing about reentry; she has presented at the American Correctional Association Conferences in 2021 and 2024, the Louisiana Correctional Association Conference in 2023, as well as, the Louisiana Sheriff’s Association Conference in 2024. Lt. Williams holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Degree earned from Nicholls State University in 2021 and is set to begin her Clinical Mental Health and Addiction Counseling Master’s Program in August of 2024.

Jimmie Wilson is a dedicated professional with a wealth of experience in education, community engagement, reentry/recovery, and workforce development. She has extensive knowledge and is currently employed as the Director of Recovery/Reentry Services for the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP).  Her previous positions have spanned the Justice System Coordinator for Recovery/Reentry Programs and Project Director over the CSCR Grant’s Harding County Project, and she has been instrumental in driving positive change and social impact throughout her career.

With a strong background as a former schoolteacher, student personnel manager, business community liaison, and job entry and entry support specialist, Jimmie deeply understands individuals' challenges and opportunities in their career journeys. Over 29 years, Jimmie has significantly contributed to various esteemed programs, including the Head Start program, Floyd County Schools educational system, and the Job Corps program.

​

In 2019, Jimmie joined the EKCEP team as a Job Developer/Retention & Reentry Specialist for the innovative statewide program eKART (Eastern Kentucky Addiction & Recovery Training), then doing the same work with the Strategic Initiative for Transformational Employment (SITE) Program.  In this role, Jimmie has played a pivotal role in assisting people in the region to find gainful employment while linking them to other essential services they may require. Her dedication to fostering strong connections with businesses has resulted in successful transitional employment opportunities for numerous program participants while working with drug courts and reentry across Kentucky. Jimmie also manages the Crisis Stabilization Community Reentry Grant (CSCR) for the Substance Abuse Program (SAP) in the Hardin Co. Detention Center.

​

Jimmie's passion for promoting justice, recovery, and reentry extends beyond their professional duties. They hold key leadership positions, including serving as the Eastern KY Reentry Council Chair, a Southeast Chamber Board Member, and a Turning Point Domestic Violence Board Member. Additionally, Jimmie contributes their expertise as a KSAP Council Member and holds a significant role on the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health: Court Responses Workgroup.

​

Jimmie is a proud graduate of Morehead State University, having earned a B.A. degree in Early Childhood Education. Jimmie resides in Lexington, KY, with her husband, Carl, and their beloved three dogs. Jimmie's dedication to family is evident, with a son, twin grandsons, and a granddaughter who bring joy to their lives.