Staff
Executive Leadership
Executive Director
Sam Lewis
Sam Lewis is the Executive Director of the Anti Recidivism Coalition (ARC). Previously, Sam served as the Director of Inside Programs. A former life prisoner himself, Sam understands the various obstacles, challenges, and difficulties the prison and reentry populations face. In 2017, Sam created the Hope And Redemption Team (HART), a first-of-its kind initiative he built from scratch. The Hope & Redemption Team (HART) is a group of nine former California life prisoners who go back into California state prisons to provide hope, demonstrate that redemption is achievable, and to prepare participants for successful reentry into our communities. His work directing the Hope and Redemption Team exemplifies what’s best about ARC: our desire to reach and walk with those who have been most marginalized by society.
Deputy Director
Bikila Ochoa
Bikila Ochoa grew up in The Bronx in New York City. He holds a Ph.D in Sociology and Social Policy from Harvard University. With the support of fellowships from Harvard University, the Ford Foundation and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Bikila’s research focused on the re-entry processes of formerly incarcerated juveniles housed in half-way houses in Boston and Cambridge, Massachusetts. He also served as a research associate at the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and Justice at Harvard Law School. After completing his graduate studies, Bikila enrolled in and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. While in law school, Bikila served as a senior editor of the Journal of Law and Social Change, and interned at the ACLU of Southern California, a public interest law firm, and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. After law school, Bikila was a fellow at a labor-side law firm where he specialized in issues of workplace racial discrimination and sexual harassment and prior to joining ARC he was a researcher at two organizations.
Director of HR & Talent Success
Dana Jackson
Dana Jackson is a native of Pennsylvania, but grew up in Los Angeles, CA. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from UCLA, after which point, she began her career working with non-profit organizations, including roles as Family Advocate, Case Manager and Director of Human Resources.
Dana continued her education, earning an MBA with an HR Management concentration from American Intercontinental University and a Juris Doctor from Georgia State University College of Law. After 11 years of practicing as an Employment and Real Estate Attorney and as an Adjudicator in Atlanta, GA, Dana relocated back to sunny California, where she has happily returned to the Human Resources and non-profit arenas, hoping to bring more smiles and make a more meaningful impact on her community.
Director of Finance
Laura Minzenberg
Laura Minzenberg is the Director of Finance for The Anti-Recidivism Coalition. She joined ARC in 2018, having spent ten years in non-profit management in Los Angeles. She is originally from Florida but now considers herself a naturalized Angeleno. She believes that the work ARC does is critical for creating a more just society. Her favorite part of working at ARC has been seeing ARC influence governmental policies in a way that helps large numbers of Californians. “I look forward to seeing more of this in California and nationwide.”
Director of Operations
Gladis Pantoja
Gladis joined the ARC team in 2017. She has a background in administration, finance & accounting, and human resources. She previously worked in the non-profit sector supporting affordable housing in South Los Angeles, social enterprises in San Francisco, and supporting refugees from Central America & Haiti. Gladis has a BA from UC Berkeley in Integrative Biology. As a Compton native, she has a strong interest in supporting issues that affected her community growing up. Her favorite part of working at ARC is being part of the beautiful, supportive community.
Advocacy and Community Organizing
Director of Advocacy
Michael Mendoza
Michael has successfully worked with partner organizations to center the voices of currently and formerly incarcerated Californians in the service of passing legislation to help end mass incarceration and improve public safety for all. At 15, he was transferred to adult court and sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. While incarcerated, Mendoza turned his life around and focused on healing and education to become the person he wanted to be. Changes in state law gave Mendoza the opportunity to demonstrate that he matured into a healthy and prosocial adult. Mendoza was released in 2014 after 17 years of incarceration. He immediately began advocating to reform California’s juvenile and criminal justice systems to implement a vision for a new justice system grounded in healing, health, and opportunity for growth. The California state legislature has recognized Mendoza for his advocacy and impact on the juvenile and criminal justice system and reentry. Mendoza earned a B.A. in political science from San Francisco State University and serves on various boards and committees in support of safer communities, and a more just and equitable society. He was also just appointed by President Biden as a Member Practitioner for the Office of Juvenile Justice.
Associate Director of Public Policy and Advocacy
Celina Chapin
Celina Chapin grew up in the Florida Panhandle and North Carolina. She holds a Law Degree from Loyola Law School and Undergraduate Degrees in Political Science and Communications from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has been working in the advocacy department at ARC in Los Angeles since 2017. Prior to that, Celina volunteered as a policy researcher at the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition, taught dance and theatre at a women’s correctional complex, and worked as a choreographer in Austin, Texas.
Associate Director Advocacy & Community Organizing
Kent Mendoza
Kent Mendoza was born in Mexico but migrated to the United States at the age of six and was raised in Los Angeles County. Being in a foreign country, poor and with no farther, he was quickly expose to gangs, drugs, and violence. He joined a gang at the age of fourteen which led to his incarceration at fifteen and served time in a probation camp. At the age of seventeen, he was tried as an adult for a crime he didn’t commit and was facing a prison life sentence. Fortunately, Kent beat it and instead was sent to California’s Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) and served an overall 5 years incarcerated. Kent’s story saved him when he spoked to an Immigrating Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent who believed in him and was then released from incarceration on April 9th, 2014.
Kent is a youth justice expert, mentor community organizer, activist, artist, writer, motivational speaker, and filmmaker. He is also the Manager of Advocacy and Community Organizing at the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC) where he first started off as the Member and Community Engagement Coordinator in 2016. Prior to ARC, Kent worked at the LA Area Chamber of Commerce on smart justice issues from 2014 to 2016. He was appointed to and serves on California’s State Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (SACJJDP) by Governor J. Brown in 2016. Kent has also been serving on the Los Angeles Juvenile Justice Coordinated Council (JJCC) since 2018. He has also been working with the W. Haywood Burns Institute (BI) on the founding and implementation of the LA County’s Youth Justice Reimagined (YJR) vision and the first ever Department of Youth Development (DYD) since 2020. Lastly, Kent is a Represent Justice Alumni and filmmaker of two films, animated film title, “Chasing The Mexican Dream” and a short documentary of about his life and work, “A Million Dollar Cage”.
Policy and Community Organizing Manager
Christopher Lodgson
Chris Lodgson is a Community Organizing and Policy Manager in the Sacramento office of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC) and lead organizer/advocate for the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California. Originally from New York City, now living in Sacramento California, Chris has organized and advocated on behalf of local community-based and political organizations, as well as with local, state, and national nonprofit organizations for over 13 years on both the East Coast and West Coast. Chris is also the 2022 recipient of the Fannie Lou Hamer Boots on the Ground Award for Community Organizing from the National Assembly of American Slavery Descendants (NAASD).
SB 731 Legal Project Manager
Elizabeth Tüzer
Elizabeth was born and raised in a small town outside of Detroit, Michigan, where her family worked in the Auto Industry. Her passion for government and social justice began from hearing stories about inner city struggles her dad faced as a child and teenager, and a flame was lit after he gave her a copy of the US Constitution to re-write as punishment at the age of 12. Soon after, she joined Youth in Government (YIG), where she wrote policy and visited the Michigan State Legislature to hold mock sessions. In her Undergraduate studies, she majored in Political Science, with minors in Public Law & Government and Psychology at Eastern Michigan University, and sat on the Executive Team as Clerk of the Senate—aspiring to go to law school, she instead became unhoused as life took her by surprise. Determined to not be overtaken by circumstance, she fueled her struggle into passion, and decided that she would give her life to public service, ensuring that her career would chip away at the systems that limited good people from achieving their dreams and breaking free from social bias.
Policy and Communications Coordinator
Josh Pynoos
Josh Pynoos is the Public Policy Associate at ARC, focusing on state policy and advocacy campaigns. Additionally, Josh supports the Communication Department with messaging, storytelling, and media projects. Previously, Josh worked on reentry and criminal justice policy in Los Angeles and edited a book on the civil rights movement. He holds an MPP from USC. His favorite part about working at ARC is seeing people come home from incarceration and become valued community members
Policy and Community Organizing Fellow
Tyrique Shipp
I’m a passionate advocate for social justice hailing from South Central Los Angeles. After the many traumas I dealt with, earned a degree in Political Science from California State University Northridge (CSUN), I have spent the last ten years organizing rallies and fighting for change. My personal journey has motivated me to address recidivism and pursue education as a positive transformation.
Esteban Nuñez
Chief Strategy Consultant & Lobbyist
Clinical & Wellness
Director of Clinical Services
Felicia Auerbach
Felicia Auerbach is the Director of Clinical Services with the Anti-Recidivism Coalition as of July 2023. Felicia is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been in the field of social services for over 16 years, 8 of which has been within the Criminal Justice system. Previously, she oversaw programs addressing the mental health needs of individuals who were previously incarcerated and assisted them with transitioning back in to their communities. Felicia believes in looking at the whole person and understanding that each individual has their own unique set of circumstances and approaches them with a trauma-informed lens.
I am inspired daily at the resilience of individuals who have had to work within a system that isn’t always working with them, and to see how successful they can be with support from their peers and the communities.
Mental Health Therapist
Reza Chapel
Reza Chapel joined ARC in 2022 as a Life Coach with the Hope and Redemption Team based out of the Los Angeles office. Reza’s goal to help create more fair, stronger, and healthier communities both inside and out of the institutions are why he joined ARC. Having spent a decade incarcerated between the Mississippi and California Department of Corrections, Reza believes going back inside is one of the best ways to give back. After struggling for many years with an unhealthy criminal mindset, he was able to do a 180 with his life through trauma therapy, counseling, self-help and education. He now holds a graduate degree in Social Work. With his positive outlook and purpose in life, he is excited and optimistic about the future and the change that is coming. Currently, Reza facilitates classes at Valley State Prison.
In his downtime, he is a licensed drone pilot and boater. He enjoys watching the Utah Jazz basketball team and reading work by the Persian poet Rumi. “Life is a balance of holding on and letting go.” He has two dogs, Gina and Shaggy.
Mental Health Therapist
Violet Rose Noriz
Violet Rose Noriz joined the Anti-recidivism Coalition in September 2023 as a full-time mental health therapist. Born and raised in Northeast Los Angeles to an Indigenous Chicanx family, Violet believes in treating the whole individual using a trauma-informed lens and cultural humility. She holds a B.A. in Chicana/o Studies from the University of California Los Angeles (2014) and an MSW from Simmons University Boston (2022). Violet is a lifelong advocate and activist in dismantling systems of oppression such as mass incarceration, immigrant detention centers, and addiction. Having her own lived experience with substance use, she believes in leading her recovery to help others struggling with addiction. Violet is inspired by the members at ARC and passionate about collaborating to bring mental health services that meet the needs of everyone here. In her downtime, she loves spending time with her daughter and singing in her family band, The Hillside Villagers.
Mental Health Therapist
Jessie Simental
Jessie Simental was a former ARC MSW intern from August 2021 to May 2022; and has joined as a full time Mental Health Therapist in June 2023. Jessie had provided individual and group therapy in various settings such as for the Veteran Affairs, ARC, and in Bayless Integrated Healthcare. Interning and providing services to the members of ARC, Jessie’s interest in reintegration grew. Jessie is currently working towards his licensure in social work and continues to provide services to his community in ARC. Jessie received his Bachelors in Social Work at California State University of Los Angeles, and his Masters in Social Work at the University of Southern California with the focus on Adult Mental Health.
My family is my inspiration. Seeing them be the best they can has inspired me to be the best I can.
MSW Intern
Leon Burns
Hello, ARC family, my name is Leon. I am a MSW intern at the Sacramento office. I strive to operate from a space of “wanting to learn.” The personal freedom that springs from this mindset allows me to encounter various challenges with an open mind and heart (no judgment, criticism, or condemnation). When I couple this with the motivation “I want to help and do no harm…” this space provides for radical acceptance.
Professional Clinical Counseling Intern
Sarah Dominic-Cluck
Sarah holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and is currently working towards obtaining her Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling at California State University, Sacramento. She further plans to work towards obtaining her License in Professional Clinical Counseling. Sarah’s experience began working with individuals diagnosed with autism who were impacted by the criminal justice system in which she provided support in processing emotions, traumas, and empowering clients to become the version of themselves they want to be. Sarah utilizes a multicultural lens, recognizing the individuality and uniqueness of each person while highlighting the importance of a holistic treatment. Additionally, Sarah’s experience emphasizes conflict resolution. In April of 2022 she was certified as a Victim Offender Dialogue and Mediation Facilitator and has since co-facilitated a Restorative Justice Group at California State Prison Sacramento. Sarah’s driven by her desire to promote autonomy, healing, and empowerment, but her passion for ending mass incarceration is what brought her to the Anti-Recidivism Coalition.
MSW Intern
Shayna Hahn
MSW Intern
Lukas Hibell
Lukas completed his bachelor’s degree in chemistry at the University of Florida before starting work with AmeriCorps. Since then, he has worked in career development services for young adults beginning their career in the nonprofit sector. Currently, he is pursuing his Master of Social Work at the University of Oklahoma and working toward becoming a professional therapist. He has previously practiced therapy at a continuation high school where he did individual and group therapy with 14-20 year olds.
MSW Intern
Shaquenta McDonald
BSW Intern
Angel Ordaz
Angel Ordaz was formerly incarcerated and has experienced the struggles of reentering society. Angel states “I was lost when I returned home, I had a plan of action but it was a rough adjustment. There was red tape around most career and volunteer opportunities I sought out. It was difficult finding my way. This is why I want to help, to make it easier for the next person”. Angel wanted another way and saw that others had done it before him. This was inspiring and motivated him to take a far-reaching journey of searching for ways to overcome stigma and obstacles associated with his past. This process involved reading self help books, asking family for advice, discovering mentors, and finding friends that helped him along the way. Angel saw some of his family and friends on his old life trajectory, knowing the outcome Angel offered them assistance. Assisting his family and friends demonstrated the impact that he could have on the lives of others. Helping others influenced Angel to research and seek a career in guidance and counseling. This led Angel to attend San Joaquin Delta College where he earned Associate of Art degrees in Psychology and Interdisciplinary Studies in Arts Humanities and Social Science. The time Angel spent at San Joaquin Delta College transformed his view and understanding on life. Higher Education became a key component in Angel’s life and prompted him to pursue a Bachelor Degree in the School of Social Work. Angel is currently a senior at California State University Sacramento. Angel’s goal at ARC is “ How can I help you”?
MSW Intern
Richard Rivera
Richard Rivera was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles. He is a first-generation graduate student completing his Masters of Science in Social Work at his alma mater California State University, Los Angeles after receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. Richard’s background includes working with the unhoused community and in the youth justice system. His work experience led him to pursue higher education in hopes of continuing to give back to his community.
In his free time, Richard enjoys spending time with his family, his dog, and watching Dodger games.
MSW Intern
Dilpreet Sidhu
Dilpreet is a first-generation Punjabi graduate student currently completing her Master’s in Social Work at Cal State Northridge. Throughout her life, she has found herself navigating between various systems and institutions, often realizing that few others share her unique identities. In each situation, she was reminded of the distinctiveness of her life and experiences, not just as a woman in America but specifically as a woman of color in White America.
Upon completing her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Education from the University of California, Davis, she began working for Correctional Healthcare Services at California Medical Facility, Solano’s sister prison. During her time here, she saw firsthand the lack of rehabilitative programs offered for individuals facing incarceration, and the emphasis on controlling individuals rather than offering them a second chance. Witnessing these inequities inspired her to pursue her master’s degree. She aims to provide individuals who have been affected by mass incarceration with individualized care and the greatest chance for success in reintegration.
Living in a society that often devalues individuals with her identity, she has found strength and resilience through community. She hopes that her role at ARC will be the stepping stone in helping others find this community and solidarity as well.
MFT Intern
Felicia Salmon
Felicia was born and raised in East Los Angeles. She is a graduate student pursuing her Master’s Degree in Psychology – Marriage and Family Therapy. Additionally, she holds a Master’s degree from Pepperdine University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Education from UC Irvine. Since 2018, Felicia has been working as a counselor in addiction treatment, providing support to formerly incarcerated individuals on their recovery journey. Her impactful experience volunteering in Juvenile Hall has inspired her ongoing passion to help people break cycles perpetuated by trauma. Felicia feels honored to walk alongside others on their paths of redemption, transformation, and healing. Prior to becoming a counselor, she worked in the non-profit sector, facilitating community outreach efforts to empower youth in South Central Los Angeles. For self-care, Felicia enjoys meditation, communing with nature, reading and spending time with her dog Jupiter.
Communications
Senior Communications Associate
Sarah Florez
Sarah is the Communications Associate at the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC), where she hopes to use art and design to amplify and share the experiences of currently and formerly incarcerated people. She began this role in September of 2022. Before this, she was the Social Media Lead for the International Student Environmental Coalition (ISEC) and an Intern for RACE Matters SLO. This was while she was enrolled in university at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where she graduated from in June 2022 with a B.A. in Sociology and minors in Ethnic Studies, Psychology, and Dance. She loves dance, surfing, film photography, queer community, and all artistic and creative endeavors.
She feels energized by the resilience of humanity and the community created in advocating for radical change. Her friends, art, and nature keep her hopeful for our world’s capacity to transformation and grow.
ARCreatives Intern
Christina Vo
Christina Vo, is a Creatives Intern at Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC), where she is committed to empowering and healing systems-impacted communities through the arts and advocacy. From organizing the “Police-Free Schools” campaign in her high school district to building and growing community spaces in college. Christina’s passion for storytelling, narrative work, and activism is deeply personal and rooted in community care and love. Currently, Christina is a junior at USC, studying Sociology and NGOs & Social Change.
What inspires you? Remembering my roots and community, allowing myself to dream and be free, being joyful with my family and friends.
Communications Intern
Nicholas Tirado
Nicholas Tirado is a young man who grew up in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, New York. He lived with his grandmother for most of his life and learned everything from her. At 13 years old, he moved to Fresno, California, to be exact. Upon arriving in California, he was arrested as a juvenile for a crime he did not commit, thus beginning his journey of getting lost in the vortex of circumstance and poverty. Meeting his former gang inside the Fresno juvenile halls was a pivotal moment in his life, subsequently leading him to a further prison sentence. After spending 11 years in CDCR, he came to Los Angeles to change his life. Since doing so, he found photography and content creation. He uses his love for poetry to create poetic videos and applies the soul of a poet to the eye of a photographer. With his short success, he has managed to grow a lot in that field and is now an intern for ARC, doing what he loves. “Don’t judge where I’m at because you don’t know where I’ve been” is a quote that has led him to thrive in the free world.
Development & Strategic Partnerships
Director of Strategic Partnerships
Aly Tamboura
Before joining ARC, Aly was previously a Criminal Justice Reform Program Manager at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), where he partnered with organizations and leaders at the forefront of the criminal justice reform movement.
Having spent over a decade of his life incarcerated, Aly brings both firsthand experience with the criminal justice system and his strong technical skills to help advance critical reforms in the space. Much of Aly’s career has been dedicated to partnering with a rapidly growing national coalition of formerly incarcerated leaders that are expanding and accelerating the reform movement. Aly has also supported efforts to build national and state-based coalitions that are challenging the harsh laws that contribute to mass incarceration, working to pass critical legislation, and giving those who are closest to the problems associated with mass incarceration the agency to reimagine and fundamentally reshape our criminal legal system.
Tamboura has spoken extensively—including to leaders of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce—about the systemic barriers that keep the 70-100 million people with criminal records in the U.S. from achieving their full potential, including access to quality jobs and housing. Prior to his roles at The Just Trust and CZI, Aly spent twenty years working in the utility industry, including twelve years as the founder and CEO of a Bay Area geotechnical company, where he managed and completed large and complex utility analytics for government and private entities.
What Inspires You: “I am inspired by the people who have dedicated their lives to reform the criminal legal system”
Director of Development
Celine Nehme
Celine is a seasoned fundraiser, with over eight years of professional development experience, and has been working at ARC since December 2020. She previously worked in the Development department at the Vera Institute of Justice for three and a half years. Celine has played an active role in the strategy and launch process of two capital campaigns, and has currently helped raise more than $3M for clients. She has exclusively worked for social justice organizations and businesses, has been involved with efforts to reform our justice system for close to a decade, and has a demonstrated commitment towards diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of her life, both professional and personal. She received both her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s in Public Administration from Binghamton University. She is very proudly from Brooklyn, fluent in French, and is currently living in Los Angeles.
Institutional Giving Manager
Clara Keane
Clara Keane joined ARC in 2021, first volunteering with the local policy team taking notes and giving public comment and now working full time in ARC’s Development Department. Dedicated to supporting people who are system-impacted, she has worked for AmeriCorps serving at-promise youth and as a training assistant inside CDCR’s CRC prison for the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program, through which she is also a certified instructor. As ARC’s first “Institutional “Giving Manager” she enjoys finding exciting funding opportunities to support the mission and work of the organization. Her favorite part of her job is getting to see ARC members benefit from funding she’s helped secure.
What inspires you?: I’m inspired by peoples’ ability to heal.
Development Coordinator
Jose Norrington
Jose Norrington is a Development Coordinator at ARC. Having been system impacted for over 15 years, Jose brings his ambition towards seeking to end mass incarceration, unfair sentencing, and injustice through his position within ARC. As Development Coordinator he oversees, organizes, and executes fundraising activities so that ARC may continue to acquire grants and funding towards making a solid impact, and influencing the criminal justice system narrative. He hopes that men and women who are in the position he was once will one day no longer need to experience injustice and unfair sentencing.
Grant Writer
Jasmine Serna
Jasmine is an LA native with a passion for writing and helping the most marginalized communities. She brings these passions together as a grant writer for ARC. She has a background in administration, hospitality, and spent eight years as a middle school color guard coach. She got started in grant writing by volunteering at a local nonprofit bookstore, where she currently still volunteers. She has a BA in English with a minor in Sociology from Azusa Pacific University and an MFA in Creative Writing from Chapman University. She was drawn to ARC because of her family’s redemptive personal history and truly believes in the power of second chances.
Finance and Operations
Kimberli Curtis
Office Manager
Executive Assistant
Rose Brown
Rose is a former juvenile lifer, connected with ARC since its infancy. She has been part of the ARC family since her parole in October 2020. Rose grew up in California and now lives in Phoenix Arizona. She is passionate about giving back to her community, especially those still inside. Working for ARC has allowed her to help those who are still behind the walls and those transitioning back into the free world.
Grants, Contacts & Financial Analyst
Charlie Cho
Charlie Cho is the Grants, Contracts & Finance Analyst at Anti-Recidivism Coalition. He has a background in finance & accounting and ethnic studies. He has a passion for serving underserved communities, having previously worked with the Asian American/Pacific Islander community to address the issues of mental health and domestic violence, and is currently committed to ARC’s mission in tackling mass incarceration.
Housing
Housing Director
John McClelland
John has over 20 years of coordinating, supervising, and overseeing reentry services for men and women returning to Los Angeles. He came to reentry via coordinating substance abuse services after going through a treatment program himself in 1996. “Having gone through a program, I understand how utterly critical safe, supportive housing is during the reentry process.” ARC’s goal of providing individualized, supportive reentry housing is what brought him here. Growing that concept and refining those services is the sense of reward that drives his continuing path at ARC. He spent over 13 years with Healthright 360 and joined ARC in July of 2016. “I love the dignity and compassion ARC brings to re-entry services.”
Associate Director of Housing
Christopher Espinoza
Christopher joined ARC in March of 2021. Prior to coming to ARC he worked with individuals on parole within CDCR contracted community-based treatment providers, as a Clinical Supervisor for over ten years. He loves working with ARC and being part of second chances. His favorite part of ARC is the sense of community it provides and helping all members feel like they are a part of the family.
Hollywood Dorm
Program Manager
Marvin Gulley
Marvin came to ARC after working in substance abuse treatment for the last 8 years. Marvin has been clean and sober since 2012. He is grateful for the opportunities his sobriety has afforded him. Marvin has a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology from the University of Redlands. He is also interested in pursuing a Master’s of Public Administration in the very near future.
I am inspired by the countless sacrifices those that came before me have made.
Faith Thomas
Program Monitor
Lorena
Program Manager
Michael Hawk
Michael served 26 years in prison, on a 25 to life term. He joined ARC in the summer of 2016 and moved into ARC housing in 2017 as a mentor. He found that helping others with their reentry seemed more important than anything else at the time. He began working for ARC in 2017 where he lived and worked at Magnolia Housing. He then became a Life Coach for Bromont Housing in 2018 and is currently Program Coordinator for Lorena Housing. His favorite part of ARC is the way ARC supports and guides all their members in becoming productive members of society.
Senior Life Coach
Francisco Hernandez
As a formerly incarcerated citizen, having served 15 years in the California Department of Corrections, Francisco is excited to be part of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition. His career path in re-entry services began at Beit T’Shuvah, a Jewish rehabilitation facility, where he was a driver and program facilitator. In 2018 he moved on to the Beacon Transitional Housing Program for Amity Foundation where he began as a Demonstrator, was promoted to Administrative Assistant, and shortly thereafter moved up to the role of Advocate. As an Advocate, he worked with long-term offenders assisting in their reentry transition. He earned an AA from West Los Angeles College and completed the Addiction Studies program. He is continuing his coursework in preparation for transferring to a 4-year college. He is excited about the opportunity to give back to those who are in the same position he was in years ago.
Lorena Life Coach
Christopher Bingley
Christopher Bingley is a Transitional Age Youth Life Coach at Magnolia Housing. He was born and raised in LA where he currently resides. He experienced challenges in his teenage years which landed him in the criminal justice system. Today he wants to help people avert the justice system and reach their highest potential. He brings experience in recruiting system impacted individuals for employment for a beverage company. Chris came onboard to do what he loves at ARC, and he is also currently enrolled in Los Angeles Trade Tech.
Lorena Life Coach
Denise Munoz
Denise Munoz is born and raised in South Los Angeles. She grew up surrounded by chaos and witnessed a lot of traumatic events, that eventually led her to prison where she served 20 years. Today she is a grateful citizen and enjoys helping others, volunteering in supporting other organizations, and to be of service. She has an amazing job working at the Anti-Recidivism Coalition at the Lorena House as a life coach. She is also a proud student at East Los Angeles College.
Lorena Resident Advisor
Michael Caputo
Michael Caputo is originally from Pittsburgh PA. He came out to California when he was 21 years old and by the time he was 25, he was incarcerated and eventually sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. After more than 35 years he was commuted and paroled. Through luck or divine intervention he made his way to ARC, first as an intern now working for our housing program. He is now off of parole with a job he loves, helping our people returning to life be successful in the free world.
What inspires you?: Everyone who got out before me and have helped me along the way. My family.
Lorena Resident Advisor
Steve Estrada
Steve Estrada is a native of Bakersfield California. He comes from a very large family, so he’s family oriented. Steve loves to play sports such as Basketball, tennis and chess. He currently works part-time as a resident advisor for ARC’s Lorena housing complex. Steve loves the idea of giving back to his community. Very compassionate about preventing recidivism.
Magnolia
Magnolia Program Manager
Lili Herrera
Lili began her work in the violence prevention field over 20 years ago as a Youth Educator. Lili is experienced s in working with high risk and incarcerated youth and their families around issues of child abuse, teen dating violence, family violence, sexual violence, and gang violence. In 2004, Lili received the Los Angeles Police Department – Central Division – Volunteer of the Year award for her contribution to LAPD’s Juvenile Impact program, a first offender diversion prevention and intervention program. Lili facilitated a gender specific psycho-educational weekly support groups to formerly incarcerated women at Homeboy Industries.
Ms. Herrera is published in the areas of violence prevention. She Co-Authored the following Peace Over Violence publications: Gangs & Domestic Violence Nexus – Los Angeles City Attorney Office Training Manual; In Touch With Teens: A Relationship Violence Prevention Curriculum, 2nd Ed. (2008); Be Strong: From The Inside Out, An Asset-Based Health Promotion & Violence Prevention Curriculum (2010). Ms. Herrera also contributed to the publication, Exposure to Partner, Family and Community Violence: Gang-Affiliated Latina Women and Risk of Unintended Pregnancy Journal of Urban Health – Bulleting of The New York Academy of Medicine, Volume 83 Number 1 (January/ February 2006).
The inspiration and the driving force behind her work are her three sons, grandsons, and granddaughter.
Kenzo Sohoue
Magnolia Resident Advisor
Weekend Monitor
Michael Bridges
He has been a member of ARC for the past 18 months. He was incarcerated for 30 years, and during his time in prison, he became a Youth Minister, discovering his calling in working with at-risk youth. He has been actively involved in two different youth programs, C.R.O.P. and S.H.I.N.E., where he worked with youths from the San Diego School District who entered the prison system. Additionally, he has dedicated the last 18 months to the Ride Home Program.
He is now embarking on a new journey, starting to work at the Magnolia House. His dream is to establish a state-of-the-art Youth Center, and by working at the Magnolia House as a mentor, he aims to gain firsthand experience in mentoring the youth there. This endeavor is his way of giving back to society in a small but meaningful manner.
Life Coach
Moses Gallegos
Moses Gallegos has been a member of ARC for the last 9 Years. He was incarcerated at the age of 16 and sent to Prison for 16 years. Well in prison he was able to work on himself and find the inspiration to come home and never return to those cages. He was able to find true freedom within himself. He now has the pleasure of serving our returning citizens as an ARC Re-Entry Coach.
What inspires you?: Familia and service to our community.
Ventura Training Center
VTC Program Coordinator
Elizabeth Bay
Elizabeth is the Program Coordinator at the Ventura Training Center (VTC). She has lived most of her life in the Conejo Valley. Prior to joining ARC, she worked in the medical field for most of her adult life. She enjoys working with the participants at VTC that are pursing their careers in the fire service. Watching their transformations is what makes it all worthwhile for her. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family doing anything outdoors. She loves the beach, hiking, bike riding and playing tennis.
Alcohol/Other Drugs Counselor (AOD Counselor)
Jon Cesario
Jon is a Life Coach at the Ventura Training Center Fire Academy. He started at VTC in 2018. He is formerly incarcerated and spent 16 years in prison. He is married with four beautiful children. Prior to ARC, he graduated from the Alcohol and Drug Program at Oxnard Community College. While pursuing college he worked as a Program Manager at a Residential Drug and Alcohol men’s home in Oxnard, CA.
His favorite part of ARC is that as a community he has the privilege and opportunity to be a part of changing the narrative pertaining to those who are currently and formerly incarcerated. He is a result of what could happen if given the right support, accountability and freedom. His passion is to reflect the same help that was provided to him and now project it in his community.
Jose Olmedo
VTC Life Coach
VTC Life Coach
Luis Venegas
Luis is a Life Coach at the Ventura Training Center (VTC) Fire Academy. He was incarcerated as a youth and uses this experience as motivation to support youth at the Juvenile Hall and as a Life Coach at VTC for those reentering society training to become firefighters. Upon reentering society, Luis got involved with non-profit work where he was able to develop and facilitate programing for youth at a local juvenile hall. He joined ARC in early 2023 and has always admired the mission and now is proud to share in that mission at VTC.
Barrett Fadden
Weekend Program Monitor
VTC Program Monitor
George Lopez
George Lopez joined ARC in May of 2019 and is formerly incarcerated. He worked in the construction field for most of his life, when he did work. He went to back to school in 2017 and graduated in 2020 from Oxnard community college with an AA in sociology and certificate in addiction disorder studies. He works full time as a drug counselor at a methadone clinic in Ventura, and part time for ARC on the weekends at VTC (Ventura Training Center) as a monitor support. He has a heart for people, especially the addicted and formerly incarcerated because that was him. His faith keeps him grounded and he loves seeing the success stories that happen at VTC.
VTC Program Monitor
Robert Gonzalez
VTC Program Monitor
Javier Vazquez
Javier Vazquez joined ARC in July of 2021. He worked part time for ARC on the weekends at VTC (Ventura Training Center) as a Program Monitor. He then moved to a full time position because he loves to see the change that happens with previously incarcerated individuals at VTC. Seeing the change from each participant from the start of the 18-month program to being hired by CAL FIRE is what drives Javier to work every day. His favorite part of ARC is that it will guide you to become a very productive, proactive and producing member of society.
Human Resources
HR Generalist
Sandy Mariscal
Sandy brings a diverse perspective shaped by her upbringing in locations spanning the Inland Empire, Florida, and Mexico. Holding a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Irvine, she embarked on a career in HR within the for-profit sector, navigating roles in manufacturing to finance.ARC marks Sandy’s foray into the non-profit realm, aligning with her personal connection to the organization’s mission. Despite being new to the public sector, Sandy’s wealth of HR experience is complemented by a genuine compassion for others and a lifelong commitment to serving.Motivated by a sense of purpose, Sandy chose HR as her career path to aid employees in their personal and professional development. With a heartfelt dedication to providing support, she aspires to contribute significantly to ARC’s mission of fostering redemption and second chances.
HR Benefits & Wellness Coordinator
Eryka Stovall
Eryka Stovall was raised in Fresno, CA but has lived in the Greater Los Angeles area for many years. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resource Management from California State University, Fresno, where she was a founder, VP, and Director of Community Outreach for the college’s first ever African American Business Student Association.
Eryka has worked in many industries from Manufacturing & Hospitality to Production & Tech. ARC is her introduction to the Non-Profit sector, however, she is no stranger to philanthropy. She volunteered with Make-A-Wish Foundation: Central Valley Chapter for many years, built playgrounds in underserved communities with KaBOOM!, and travelled to Haiti to assist in rebuilding schools after the devasting 2010 earthquake.
Along with her years of HR experience, she brings compassion, her life’s purpose of serving others, and passion for redemption & second chances to the ARC team.
Inside Programs
Director of Inside Programs
Jacob Brevard
Jacob Brevard is the Associate Director of Inside Programs for the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC). A former life prisoner himself, Jacob has firsthand experience with the many challenges that formerly incarcerated people face upon their release from prison. Jacob manages the Hope and Redemption Team (HART), comprised former lifers who return to California state prisons to provide hope, demonstrate that redemption is achievable, and prepare participants for successful re-entry into our communities. Jacob is a fierce advocate for cultural change in the criminal Justice system. He has traveled to the state capital, spoken on panels, and presented in numerous arenas in the hopes of changing the narrative around mass incarceration.
HART Program Manager - South Region
David Amaya
David Amaya is a former lifer whose life has become an example of positive change. For the past six years he has volunteered with preventative and restorative community programs for youth at risk, formerly incarcerated and justice impacted people. He began his career with ARC in 2017 as a life coach on the Hope and Redemption Team, and is proud of the work the team does in helping people inside transform their lives and prepare for reentry into their communities as healthy and responsible people. David is grateful for his second chance in life and the opportunity ARC has provided him to pursue his passion and commitment to help others heal and succeed in their lives.
HART Program Manager - Northern Regional
Joseph Osorio
Joseph Osorio is a Life Coach with the Hope and Redemption Team. Joseph was sentenced to 28 years at the age of 17 and subsequently spent over 18 years incarcerated. Because of SB260, Joseph was afforded an opportunity to earn his freedom. He was found suitable October of 2018 and released January of 2019. He joined the Anti-Recidivism Coalition as a member and graduate of the HART program while inside. He is now a part of that same program he graduated from. He gives back to his incarcerated community and currently provides inside programs to the men housed at Pelican Bay State Prison.
Inside Programs Coordinator
Derrick Miles
Derrick Miles is the Inside Program Coordinator at the Anti-Recidivism Coalition, where he supports incarcerated individuals in their journey towards reintegration into society. Having spent 18 years behind bars himself, Derrick understands the unique challenges of the experience of incarceration. He works tirelessly to provide support, guidance, and resources to help these individuals succeed upon release. Derrick’s holistic approach focuses on identifying each individual’s unique strengths and passions, connecting them with the resources they need to achieve their goals. His work is creating a brighter future for countless individuals who might otherwise be lost in the cycle of recidivism.
Inside Programs Youth Coordinator
De’Andra Kohl
De’Andra Kohl is our new Inside Programs Youth Department Coordinator at Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC), she has an Associates of applied Science in Business Administration and Accounting from College of the Canyons. Recently, Graduated in from California State University Northridge (CSUN) with a Bachelors of Science in Systems Operations Management with a minor of Information Systems in 2023, along with an SAP certification.
What Inspires you? In her spare time she loves to give back to the community and help others as much as she can. She always thrive to do great things in the world which makes her want to better herself and others.
HART Life Coach
Carlos Aceves
Carlos Aceves did 21 years in prison and found redemption through his higher power Jesus Christ. He was granted parole in 2014 on his initial hearing and has given his life to servitude. He is now a senior Life Coach at the Anti-Recidivism Coalition in Los Angeles California since 2018, where he takes rehabilitated self-help programs to incarcerated individuals throughout the State so they can address their maladaptive behavior through cognitive therapy. He also volunteers at the Training Center and assists in facilitating self-help classes and counseling the Youth with “Off the Street Program” where he counsels juveniles periodically. In addition, he also started a non-profit organization called, Cognitive Research Institute (CRI) where he gives back to the formerly incarcerated (lifers) when they come home so they can acclimate into their transition to society. He volunteers occasionally at “The Rescue Mission” where he teaches ethics that are biblically based to the homeless population. Furthermore, he is a certified substance abuse counselor in the State of California, counseling drug addicts and alcoholics, and assisting them in their recovery.
HART Life Coach
Christopher Acosta
Christopher Acosta is a strong, resilient, trustworthy self-made man. He cares about his family and community. Christopher is a son, father, spouse, a friend to many and a US Army veteran. Christopher has overcome adversity in his life and learned to continually succeed and thrive regardless of his circumstances. He is the son of Raul Hernandez, one of the original members of Grammy award winning artists Los Tigres Del Norte. Christopher grew up without relying on their celebrity and has achieved all he has on his own. He is grateful to be a part of ARC’s Hope and Redemption Team (HART) and to be a part of positive change.
HART Life Coach
Lynne Acosta
Lynne a Life Coach on the Hope and redemption team. She is very resilient, humble, compassionate and empathetic. Lynne loves to laugh, dance, and genuinely cares for others. Lynne is both a leader and team player. She is a mother, wife, grandmother, and veteran. Lynne is also a domestic violence and grief counselor. She likes to workout and enjoys the interconnectedness the ARC family brings to her life. She feels she is walking in her purpose.
HART Life Coach
Yesica Cambero
Yesica is currently employed by the Anti-Recidivism Coalition where her purpose is to serve the inside community at the California Institution for Women, she is passionate about this opportunity. She served 17 years of a forty year to life sentence in CDCR. In June of 2020 she received a sentence commutation by Governor Gavin Newsome and was found suitable by the Board of Parole Hearings. She was a juvenile offender who has a background of substance abuse, gang life, and violence and had the opportunity, during her incarceration, to learn from old belief systems and destructive behaviors. She learned how to change her thinking to change the behavior pattern. She is now a leader, public speaker, facilitator, youth mentor, life coach, and an outstanding citizen. Although it took time, effort, sweat and tears to become who she is today she as very humbled to bring the women on the inside hope and encouragement not only for physical freedom but some tools for mental, emotional, and spiritual freedom.
J’Mel Carter
HART Life Coach
HART Life Coach
Daniel Chestang
Daniel Chestang is life coach for the Anti Recidivism Coalition’s (ARC) Hope and Redemption Team (HART). He entered the criminal justice system at age 18 for my one-and-only offense. He was subsequently sentenced to two consecutive twenty-five to life terms.
He choose to be the best version of myself, which was a learning experience. He wanted His life to reflect the man in the mirror regardless of circumstance a person can achieve goals. He incorporated college and continually engaged in self-help groups while he was incarcerated. He helped create and implement self help groups. He was active in building the IN BUILDING SELF HELP, Youth Offender Program, he participated in all the Long Term Offender Program groups, He is a Team Coordinator of Alternatives to Violence Program (AVP), graduated (OMCP) Offender Mentor Certification Program, and a Certified Paralegal. He was paroled on July 4th ,2022 and he went on to complete the re-entry program at GEO in San Francisco, California.
He has since furthered his education, studying to certify as a drug and alcohol addiction counselor, spoken at multiple events, was a guest on a radio show 97.5 KDEE. He is active with Hooked on fishing not on violence, anon profit where we mentor youth. He sits on the Board of the non profit called Stepping Stones to Success as the legal advisor, and on the Board as a Treasurer of the (BBOA) Black Business Owners Association. He continues to live a life of amends in his daily actions inside and out as a grateful, and humble free citizen.
HART Life Coach
Clinton Drummer
Clinton Drummer is a Hope and Redemption team Life Coach that is assigned to facilitate three classes within the Pleasant Valley State Prison. Clinton was born and raised in Inglewood, CA. He fell in love with this work while serving 16 years in prison. Upon sitting in a self-help class, he met a man who was formally incarcerated and had come back to inspire others to change their mindset. This completely changed Clinton’s perspective by seeing an example of change and dedicated his life to doing the same line of work. “That day I found out my life was not just about me. Its more about the impact my life make on others around me. That day I found my purpose.” This passion pushed him to create a nonprofit while still in prison, which is how he first learned about ARC. Since then, his dreams have come true by inspiring others behind the wall to continue to grow in every way. He is now the example he dreamed of being.
This line of work inspires Clinton in the greatest way, “Upon my release, I had zero insight into what the new world had in store for me. It created fear. The greatest reward for me is being able to help someone not only transition into the new world and identify new opportunities, but also be ready for them as they come.”
HART Life Coach
Sean Gage
Sean De’Marlo Gage is a Life Coach on the Hope & Redemption Team (HART). He is passionate about being a vessel for healing and transformation in others’ lives. He is passionate about poetry, music, learning and building strong ties. Sean chose ARC because he believes those who work here “believe in the mission and understand the assignment.” Sean wants to give back what he has received and pay it forward. “The opportunity to learn and practice what I preach is priceless. What I like most about ARC is being embraced by a family with entwined hearts and goals.”
HART Life Coach
Lorin Dowdy
He entered the system in 1978 as a ward of the court and until 2020, was free in society for only 3 years of his life. Juvenile Halls, Treatment Facilities, Placements, Fire Camps, Youth Authorities, County Jails, and Prisons have been his home. After serving 33 years in California’s level 4 State Prison system, he dedicated his life to ending recidivism and joined the Anti-Recidivism Coalition, Hope and Redemption Team as a Life Coach. Lorin has completed and facilitated the following self-help groups: AA, NA, Life Skills Workshops, Self-Esteem for Adults, Moyer’s on Addiction, Multi-focus Recreation Therapy Program (Mental Health), C.O.D.E.-4 (Youth Diversion Program), R.E.A.C.H. (Youth Diversion Program), Breaking Barriers, Cage Your Rage, AVP (Coordinator), Epictetus Club, Volunteer Literacy Program, Conflict/Anger Lifelong Management, Creative Conflict Resolution (Friends Outside), Advanced Creative Conflict Resolution (Friends Outside), Celebrate Recovery, Learning Information for Empowered Rehabilitation, Laubach Literacy Action, The Myth of Freedom, CRIMINON, P.R.E.P., VH1 Music Behind Bars (Shapiro/Grodner Productions), and started co-facilitating ARC in 2017. Mr. Dowdy loves his family, enjoys exploring nature, and listening to music.
HART Life Coach
Alfonso ‘Al’ Garcia
Al Garcia is a Hope and Redemption Team Life Coach for ARC. His goal is to change hearts and minds inside prison and in the community. He is a pastor at Redeemed 2020 Ministries which is growing and is his greatest accomplishment. He is married, living and enjoying life, such as riding his Harley Davidson and surfing. His expertise is facilitating Criminals and Gang Members Anonymous (CGA) and self-help classes. He loves to help others by reaching those who have gone down the same path he has, the path that he was redeemed from.
HART Life Coach
David Garnica
David Garnica is Hope and Redemption Team (HART) Lead Life Coach! I facilitate self help groups at Corcoran and Kern Valley state prisons. I started life coaching since 2017 when ARC began the program. I have been part of ARC since the very beginning, when I met Scott in Ironwood back in 2010, I knew then that being part of this organization was exactly my calling. Being able to bring hope and motivation to our brothers and sisters we left behind, is something I value as my purpose and a way to give back.Remember that tough times serve their purpose in your life, they will teach you what you are made of and what you need to improve to make your life better. Embrace them as you learn from them. Some of my favorite things to do on my free time is spending time with my family and getting together with friends who also went through the struggle of regaining their freedom. After serving 23 years incarcerated, I have found that in life you will always find something to be grateful for, no matter the circumstances. True happiness can only be found within yourself before it can be shared with anyone else.
HART Life Coach
Candice Lewis
Candice Lewis is a Life Coach for the Hope and Redemption Team for ARC specializing in facilitating and coaching women through transition and into balanced, healthy, purposeful lives with prayers of rehabilitation and a decrease in mass incarceration.
As a Life coach she serves the incarcerated women by filling the gap between where they are now, and were they want to be. By identifying where growth is desired, setting goals and objectives, and taking accountability for not only myself but those around me. Her own personal struggles have led herself to where and she is today. She knows what it’s like to feel stuck, directionless, and without purpose. She was sentenced to 25 years to life at the age of 16 and 4 months pregnant. She was released on my 14th year of incarceration which is another reason why she is able to relate on so many levels to those facing imprisonment.
“I love working for ARC because they are very passionate about ending mass incarceration and providing all necessary resources to those incarcerated. The positive energy and all of the support, fight and consistency that ARC gives to the incarcerated and formerly incarcerated men and women. My drive and purpose is to be that walking testimony of hope and redemption, serving the community and making a difference in other peoples’ lives. That is not only rewarding to me, but it is deeply fulfilling. ARC also carries the same beliefs and ambitions which makes working for this organization even more desirable.
In my spare time I enjoy hiking, going to the movies, traveling and connecting with friends and family. I love music and laughing so any chance that I get and I’m able to go to a comedy show, better believe that I’ll be there!!!”
HART Life Coach
Wajuba McDuffy
Wajuba Mcduffy is so honored and excited to be apart of the H.A.R.T team. He is a survivor of the worst sentence (in his opinion) that could be given to a 17yr old. (LWOP) he served over 22 years with the help of SB9, SB260 and especially SB394, he was able to get resentenced and was found suitable on his first and only parole board hearing in 2018. He was very passionate about the work that’s being done here. He was looking for hope in a hopeless situation. ARC along with some other organizations gave him exactly that, HOPE. His mission is to continue giving our brothers and sisters that’s still behind these walls the same thing. He brings with him accountability, compassion, integrity, empathy and laughter. He wants to continue to make this world a better and safer place by the work that we do. God Bless
What inspires you?: That look I see in the eyes of the Men and Women that I encounter inside. The new found Hope. I can remember that exact feeling of believing that I would die in prison even with my Transformation to believing that there is a chance that I can be free one day.
HART Life Coach
Cedric Pierce
I grew up in East Palo Alto, parented by two teenagers with very little life experience. I can openly admit my mother Gloria did her best with what she knew. My dad was more of the street type which dominated our family creating many struggles.
As youth I began to participate in criminal activites, which eventually led to a 40 years to life prison term. It took me 15 years of that sentence to begin to change. When I decided to change, I was all in and within 8 years of that decision, Governor Newsom commuted my sentence.
I’ve founded a few businesses since my release, but felt unfulfilled. When the opportunity presented itself to become a Life Coach for ARC, I didn’t hesitate. ARC provided me with a purpose driven life and the resourses to give back. Becoming a Life Coach is my dream career. To be part of an organization that has such a great impact with real change, is an honor.
I’m inspired and motivated daily to being a great Dad, Husband and Life Coach. I realize how short life is and focus on the quality of this experience by having great reltionships. In a nutshell, I’m extremely inspired by life itself.
HART Life Coach
Marcus Quinones
Marcus Quinones, is out of the Los Angeles office and was given a second chance after serving 27 ½ years incarcerated. Marcus came to The Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC) in 2016 as a member and in that time ARC has been supportive by providing him direction through leadership and peer-support. Currently Marcus is part of the Hope and Redemption Team (HART) as a Life Coach. Marcus assists men and women incarcerated transform their lives. Marcus’s work gives him a constant drive and energy that is impactful but more importantly it allows him to participate in building healthy communities and changing the narrative of those that were once formerly incarcerated.
Marcus is inspired by the will of those who have changed their lives and want to change their lives.
HART Life Coach
Kevin Roberts
Kevin is a high school graduate and grew up in El Cajon, California, where he worked as an Aerospace Machinist. He is formerly incarcerated and spent 26 years in prison. During his stay, Kevin identified his character defects and learned how to navigate his negative emotions. With this newfound knowledge, he transformed himself into the man he is today. The Parole Board granted him parole in June of 2017. Today, Kevin is the Life Coach at Pelican Bay State Prison in Crescent City, California, where he is helping change the hearts and minds of the population at the prison. Kevin joined the Heart and Redemption Team of ARC in March of 2022. Prior to joining ARC, Kevin worked as a CNC Machinist, and a Heavy Equipment Mechanic. Kevin and his lovely wife Janine own a house and live in Smith River, California. “I’m inspired by the prison population wanting to better themselves and live a life in a free society.”
HART Life Coach
James Sulamo
James Sulamo is a Hope & Redemption (HART) Team member at Anti Recidivism Coalition. He is a former lifer and was incarcerated for over 28 years. It took him decades to unlearn the negative beliefs he was taught to live by as a youth. He has internalized many self-help tools and he personally knows how to translate the language of drug and gang addiction into recovery and positivity. It is his passion to teach those lost in ‘The Life’ that they no longer have to live that way. He has learned many of his life lessons the hard way, his change was gradual during his incarceration. For this his is thankful, because it’s ingrained in him.
By 2016 he was walking a positive path behind the walls and was given the opportunity to earn my release by SB261. He began a very focused and determined journey to live a life of amends. He earned his release date from CDCR in February 2023. Since then he has continued to work in the recovery community facilitating a 12 step group weekly as well as doing speaking engagements for the probation department.
He is proud and thankful that ARC has given him the opportunity to become part of the HART team as a life coach.
HART Life Coach
Dominique Tanks
At the age of 16 Dominique was arrested, which led to his conviction and sentenced to 50-years-to-life. During his time of incarceration hope is the only thing that he could hold on to. As the years ended and new ones began his hope started to deplete, but he continued to hold on to it despite the evidence or indication that his dream of being free will never manifest. He would daydream about walking through the doors of ARC. To him ARC represented bright hope, which gave him the strength and desire to transform his life and be able to walk through the office space that has contributed to him feeling hopeful despite being sentenced to 50-years-to-life. While Dominique was incarcerated he led and developed many self-help groups. In 2018, he was given a commutation by Governor Brown. His sentence was commuted from 50-to-life down to 15-to-life which immediately made him eligible for a Parole Board Hearing which led to his release on March 3, 2021.
What inspires you?: I absolutely enjoy working as a part of a team, I enjoy discussing ways to progress with teammates. In addition to that, I take pride in the work that I do, and it is humbling whenever I see the service I provide being used and having a measurable impact on the incarcerated population that I once was a part of.
Benny Tapia
HART Life Coach
Carlos Tolentino
HART Life Coach
HART Life Coach
Luis Vargas
Luis has been a HART life-coach since the month of October of 2022, his passion and collaboration to the HART team’s efforts to help our participants in and out of prison has been demonstrated by the professionalism and passion he contributes to the team. As an ex-lifer sentenced to 55 years to life, of which he did 18 years, Luis has not let the traumas and setbacks brought about by what he suffered become a detriment to the goals he has set himself while he was still behind the walls. While incarcerated he achieved his AA in Behavioral Sciences, AA in Math and Science, and an AA in Arts and Humanities. As well as his ADS, Alcohol Drug Services Specialist I&II. He has also served as a facilitator in several workshops in and out of prison, including ACP Alcohol Counseling Program inside of Ironwood State Prison in which he also became an accredited counselor. Luis’ journey continues as he helps to end mass incarceration through education and collaboration as a credible messenger to help reform California’s overcrowded and broken judicial system.
HART Life Coach
Willie Woods
Willie Woods is a Heart Team Life Coach for the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC). I have been doing this now with ARC and the HART Team for 9 months and he couldn’t think of anything that he would want to do more than to see people be successful in life one person at a time.
HART Life Coach
Joan (Johny) Diaz
I am originally from the central valley. I was born in October so that would make me a libra. I enjoy spending time with friends, going out to eat, seeing a good movie, and or trying new things. I also enjoy and appreciate people, building new relationships, and working together. I consider myself an outgoing person and humorous.
The belief that I can make a change through actions of kindness, love, and compassion.
Credible Messengers (Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall & Campus Kilpatrick)
Credible Messenger Supervisor
Oscar Bonilla
Oscar Bonilla was born and raised in Southern, California to a single mother. He is an ARC Life Coach in the Downtown LA office. He is committed to serving the community with empathy, compassion, determination, and accountability. He continues to strive for the best in a fast paced environment. In his free time, Oscar enjoys fishing, hiking, visiting the beach and anything nature. At heart Oscar describes himself as a humble person with a big heart and positive energy. “I am inspired by people who do not let their past determine their future and people who stay positive even when they are not having a great day.”
Credible Messenger Supervisor
Willie Edwards
Willie Edwards is the Credible Messenger Supervisor with the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC). Will, began his career working with non-profit organizations, taking on roles as:Special Projects, Housing Coordinator, Transportation and Support Services Supervisor.Receiving his degree from Coastline Community College majoring in Behavioral Science and minor in Business Administration. Will, finally has taking on a role that he is passionate about in “Youth Intervention”.A former youth offender/prisoner himself, Will has firsthand experience with the many challenges that youth offenders and the formerly incarcerated face upon their release from prison.
Credible Messenger
Serafin Leon
Serafin Leon is a life coach with ARC’s Hope and Redemption Team (HART). Although originally from Mexico, he was raised in South Central Los Angeles. At 17 years old, Serafin entered the penal system. He served 32 years in prison; 20 of those confined in Pelican Bay State Prison’s Security Housing Unit (SHU). By his mid 20’s, Serafin began the process of transformation. One of the principal catalysts for his change was education. Serafin is self-taught; education provided a virtual window into, and a different perspective of the world, while confined to his windowless cell. He graduated with honors from community college, earning four associate degrees. As a result of his education, Serafin’s belief and value system would begin to take on a positive form. Serafin also read a lot of literature on Eastern philosophy, particularly Buddhism. He adopted the practice of mindfulness meditation. Serafin’s transformation did not occur over night; it was a process that took over a decade. He likes to say that he is still a work in progress. As a life coach, he mentors youth offenders at the Division of Juvenile Justice in Ventura, and he is set to facilitate self-help groups at KVSP and CSP Corcoran. He wishes to be a beacon of hope and a model of change to the incarcerated community as some senior HART life coaches were to him.
Credible Messenger
Javier Leon
Javier Leon was born and raised in South Central LA. As a teenager and young man growing up in the 1980’s–1990’s, during the hight of the crack cocaine epidemic, Javier faced dire odds of survival. He witnessed his community ravished by gang/drug violence, and drug addiction. At 14 years old, he would witness his 17-yr-old brother arrested for murder and sent to prison for 32 years. Soon after Javier’s brother was incarcerated, Javier joined the local gang and began living a life of crime and being arrested and jailed in the LA County jail himself. Credit to Javier’s brother mentoring him about being a gang member and living a life of crime, Javier was able to turn his life around and become a positive and productive member of society. Today, Javier is a family man; and, having recently joined ARC’s Credible Messenger team, it is his honor to work alongside other Credible Messengers in mentoring incarcerated youths, with the goal of helping the youths heal from past trauma so they may safely return to their communities as better versions of themselves.
He is inspired knowing that he wakes up everyday to go to work and help youths change their lives for the better and return to their communities as productive and positive members of society.
Credible Messenger
Bert Cole
Bert writes that after living a very destructive lifestyle of crime and being formerly incarcerated for approximately 24 years, he is now serving as a Credible Messenger (Transformative Mentor) with the Anti-Recidivism Coalition for incarcerated youth. He also served as a Life Coach, as part of the Hope & Redemption Team in 2018 for incarcerated adults. Through self-help and rehabilitation, Bert was able to transform my life and help others transform their lives.
Robert Hill
Credible Messenger
Credible Messenger
Richard Richard
Richard Richard is currently serving as a mentor with the Credible Messenger Program. He grew up in South Central Los Angeles, CA. After receiving a life sentence as a teenager, Richard worked to become an advocate for change and dedicated his life to encouraging, teaching, and inspiring others to become active in their own personal growth. In his free time, he enjoys watching sports and taking on worthy opponents in playing chess. Richard is proud to be a part of ARC, an organization that has taken an active approach in anti-recidivism, mentoring, providing resources, housing, mental support, and justice for the community of adult and youth offenders and looks forward to the future success of the organization.
Jaime Rojas
Credible Messenger
Credible Messenger Arts Fellow
Christian Branscombe
At the age of 19, Christian was sentenced to Life Without the Possibility of Parole (LWOP). During his incarceration, Christian focused on how he came to believe that taking a life would take away his pain or redeem him. The latter said it all, as wanting redemption suggested that he felt worthless, unwanted, and unacceptable to others. It would take decades to unravel the knots so tightly tangled within him. Christian began to see his violence, which he once saw as his saving grace, as his greatest weakness.
Owning his trauma and how he survived them took the most courage he had ever had to call upon. It forever transformed his concept of strength, courage, and honor. His life became centered around amends and exploring what that meant.
This journey began as Christian tried to give back in meaningful ways to others who had survived traumatic experiences. He joined an art program that gave to charities twice a year and taught other prisoners how to develop their talents. When Arts In Corrections was removed from CDCR, they were allowed to create their own program that was self-funded and developed by a small group of LWOP prisoners. This space became a nucleus for introspection, personal development, and expression as their growth deepened. It profoundly changed the lives of those inside and outside of the program.
Being a part of this group allowed Christian to develop an amends group that led to a direct amends with the survivor of his crime. Preserved in the CNN special, “The Redemption Project – Episode 7: Left For Dead.” He would later receive a miraculous act of mercy from the Governor of California, commuting his sentence, which allowed him the opportunity to come home. In a deeply humbling experience, the survivor of his crime fought harder for his freedom than he ever had, and they became the best of friends to this day.
Now Christian works with ARC to share this journey with the youths in Juvenile Halls, giving new experiences, developing introspection, and breaking the conceptual divide that says they need to be redeemed. If they cannot relate to their own pain, they cannot relate to others’ pain. This is the core of their humanity. They can only know what they receive, and that is what makes mercy so powerful: it can break the cycle of trauma.
Credible Messengers (Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall)
Credible Messenger, Re-Entry TAY Mentor
Ceasar Galvez
Ceasar Galvez, is a Re-Entry TAY Mentor at The Anti-Recidivism Coalition. He has invaluable lived experience of over 30 years. With his blessing of Insight Understanding, Knowledge, and Wisdom, he is passionately equipping and empowering at risk youth and others guiding them alongside their journey to change. Experienced in substance abuse, gangs, and criminality, 12 step recovery, Cognitive behavior therapy, group facilitation, and working with youth, Ceasar uses that experience to help individuals become safe healthy and whole. As a result, we have productive, contributing members re-entering our community and we are stronger. As a child God, Husband, and Father, his goal is to be a beacon of light, hope, and having an everlasting impact in the lives of those around him, exemplifying that change is possible.
Credible Messenger, Re-Entry TAY Mentor
Geri Meyers
Geri Meyers is a Re-Entry TAY Mentor at Central Juvenile Hall for ARC Inside Programs. As a former life prisoner with a 40 years-to-life sentence, her sentenced was commuted to 15 years-to-life on December 24, 2018. While serving her time, she became a Beyond Violence Mentor/Facilitator. The curriculum consisted of domestic violence, anger management, assertive communication, adverse childhood experiences, process of trauma, decision making to ensure nonviolence, healthy, and constructive choices.
Upon her parole in 2020, she continued her journey of being a part of the solution in her community/society by mentoring others that transformation comes from awareness, healing, and forgiveness. As a certified Personal Trainer/Fitness Instructor, she incorporates fitness from the inside out which encompasses mental and physical health to help improve quality of life. Prior to becoming a Re-Entry TAY Mentor, she was Client Aide at Christ Centered Ministries, being of service to women who were vulnerable with mental health challenges
Her mantra is the Serenity Prayer (God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change…) She often refers to it when she mentors the youth and others. She encourages empowerment that you can break the cycle of being in the Criminal Involved System through healing and transformation regardless of your past and your family dynamics.
Learning & Innovation
Associate Director of Learning and Innovation
Kacy Martin
Kacy Martin is the Associate Director of Learning and Innovation. Prior to joining ARC, Dr. Martin was a Fellow at the Harvard Strategic Data Project and a Research Associate at the UCLA Civil Rights Project. Her research investigated the school-to-prison pipeline and educational programming within California’s juvenile justice facilities. She served on the faculty at the USC Price School of Public Policy, teaching courses in Statistical Methods for Policy Analysis, and completed a Fellowship in the Behavioral Sciences at the RAND Corporation. Before her career as a researcher, Kacy was a teacher in Chicago Public Schools. Kacy holds a Ph.D. in Education Policy from Michigan State University and M.A. and B.A. degrees from the University of Michigan.
I am inspired by the power of research to change hearts, minds, and policy.
Manager of Evaluation & Data Analysis
Chloe Thomas
Chloe Thomas is a Los Angeles native with several years of research and evaluation experience. She graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Northeastern University with a Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice. She has a strong passion for transforming the criminal justice system and ensuring that those who have been incarcerated are given the support they need to successfully reintegrate back into society. She uses her research and analytical skills to aid advocacy efforts for criminal justice reform and has been working at ARC since November 2020.
Member Services
Director of Programs
Ellen Goldwasser
Ellen Goldwasser is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at the Anti-Recidivism Coalition and has worked in the area of Juvenile and Criminal Justice for 10 years. Ellen has been a part of ARC since 2019 and supports the life coaches, runs therapeutic support groups, supports graduate students and our therapy team, and oversees the administrative components of the Clinical and Wellness Department. By reducing barriers and stigma related to accessing mental health services, Ellen hopes to increase successful re-entry for people returning to their community from jail and prison. She believes that we all hold the power to re-write our narrative and become the person we want to be now. It is through storytelling that we reclaim our power and change the narrative that society holds of individuals and certain groups – and one we may have believed in the past. Ellen hopes to help create a world where justice is consistent and not based on where you are from, what you look like, and how much money you have, but rather a world where we are compassionate and empathic toward each other.
Director of the Women's Department
Norma Cumpian
Norma Cumpian, the Anti-Recidivism Coalition’s (ARC) Women’s Department Director, joined ARC in March 2016 as a Life Coach after nearly five years working in the criminal justice reform and nonprofit sector. As a formerly incarcerated woman, Norma has firsthand experience in the many challenges of reentry, making her a compassionate and effective guide for people navigating society after returning home from prison.
Norma is an unrelenting advocate for incarcerated women and girls. She has traveled to the California State Capitol to educate legislators, spoken on panels, and presented in numerous classrooms in order to affect change for incarcerated women, mothers, and girls and to create a fairer justice system for all. In 2019, she co-designed and launched ARC’s first Women’s Services department to better serve the needs of 1,300+ formerly and currently incarcerated members.
In 2020 she was the appointed by Governor Newsom, with senate approval, to sit on the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC). She was reappointed for a second term in 2023. In all of her work, she is most proud to continue to carve out spaces to ensure formerly incarcerated voices are heard and valued.
Associate Director of Youth Development Programs
Madeline Williams
Madeline Williams has been the Associate Director, Youth Development Programs for Anti Recidivism Coalition since July 2023. Madeline most recently served as the Director of Bridging the Gap. Bridging the Gap (BTG), which provides supportive services to youth aged 18 through 26 as they transitioned out of the child welfare system. Madeline has worked with youth in multiple capacities for over 25 years and approaches services through a positive youth development mindset. Madeline sustains partnerships with community organizations to obtain resources that maximize the ability to develop strategies and implement goals.
Madeline is a native of Colorado and graduated from Denver East High School. One fun fact is that she was inducted into the inaugural East High School Hall of Fame for Track and Field. Upon graduation from CU, she coached track and field for 2 year at Montbello High School and Denver East High School. Madeline graduated from the University Colorado, Boulder with a Bachelor of Arts and Science (BAS) in Psychology. Madeline earned courses toward a doctoral degree from Grand Canyon University in Higher Education and Leadership. She plans to return in the near future to complete the degree. Madeline holds a Master of Art in Higher Education and Leadership and a Graduate Certificate in Academic Advising from Regis University. She graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder with a Bachelor of Art in Psychology.
What inspires me is when youth obtain credentials to improve their lives and individuals that dedicate their lives to making the world a better place for all.
Associate Director of Member Services
Harvey Knight
Harvey grew up in the city of Compton, went to Whaley Jr. High, and Dominquez, Compton, and Centennial high schools. Growing up he loved sports, playing tiny, and peewee tackle football for Greater Compton and South Gate, basketball at Lueders Park. His favorite sports teams are the Pittsburg Steelers, Los Angeles Lakers, Dodgers, and Boston Red Sox. He is formerly incarcerated and served 29 years in prison. He was released February, 2013 to a Transitional housing Program. Just weeks out he had no idea what he was going to do, what resources were available, which way to go, but his counselor helped walk him through his re-entry process. During this time he had a “wow” moment and decided this work is what he wanted to do. He became a certified Drug and Alcohol counselor and started working for Volunteers of America (VOA) as a Monitor. He worked his way up to Lead Case Manager. Then moved on to start his career with ARC in August of 2017. “Since then it has been a beautiful thing, working with this population of reentry folk; I feel so honored that people are trusting in what we do and allow us to be part of their re-entry journey.”
Manager of the Ride Home Program
Carlos Cervantes
Carlos has been an integral member of the ARC, joining after being released from prison in 2011. The retreat at Hummingbird Nest Ranch inspired him to find a meaningful purpose in his life. Carlos strongly believes in being present with those being released from prison. In 2012, along with Michael Romano, Director of Stanford School of Law Three Strikes Project, Carlos co-founded the ARC Ride Home Program, which was nationally recognized by the administration of President Barack Obama and was awarded the Champions of Change Award.
The New York Times Magazine has profiled Carlos for the Ride Home Program. Carlos was also awarded the Empowerment Congress 2019 Emerging Civic Leaders 40 Under Forty Award in recognition of dedicated service to the affairs of the community. Carlos is an alumnus of the John W. Mack Movement Building Fellowship. He was recognized by Mayor of the City of Los Angeles, Eric Garcetti for his commitment, mentorship, and service to our community. Carlos is a member of the Clothes The Deal Board of Directors Last but not least, he is a husband, father and chef!
Women's Department Coordinator
Keeairra Dashiell
Keeairra Dashiell is currently the Women’s Department Coordinator at the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC), where she leads programs inside prisons, facilitates re-entry services, and advocates for policy changes for incarcerated women. She is enrolled in law school with the aspiration of becoming a civil rights attorney and continues to seek out opportunities to speak up for women who are still bound by the chains of incarceration. She speaks from a wealth of knowledge, as she was sentenced to life in prison under the Felony Murder Doctrine in 2007. Keeairra never gave up hope or stopped learning while incarcerated. She attended every Self Help Activity available to her and was the leader of the liaison program between the administrative staff, warden included, and the incarcerated women. Her years as a leader paid off when SB 1437 was made into law, and she was resentenced and finally released. In totality, she spent 14 years of her life incarcerated. Today, Keeairra is determined to use her personal experiences with the law to enhance others’ understanding of the judicial system.
Member Events Manager
Anthony Logan
Anthony Logan currently works for ARC as the event coordinator. He was incarcerated for 13 years. He is from Los Angeles and attended school in Culver City and then off to Upland, CA. After his senior year, he was arrested at the age of 18 and returned home in February, 2022 at the age of 32. Upon his release, he got certified in multiple things. Along this short journey home, he’s realized he is very capable and great at helping people with their transitions home and things in their day-to-day lives. He continues to work with the community, helping with prison reform and re-entry.
Senior Life Coach
Robert Chavez
Robert is a Los Angeles Native. At the age of 19 he began his journey of incarceration on a life sentence. During this period, he became a mentor and facilitator within his community inside. Robert is also a Teaching Artist with the Actors’ Gang Prison Project, a theatrical arts program that uses highly physical and emotional style of theater. Today through lived experience Robert is now a life coach with the membership department. With a deep sense of responsibility, he assists ARC members achieve a higher quality of life through guidance and compassion.
Senior Life Coach
Pamela Thompson
Pamela Thompson was born in Houston Texas. She served a 24 year prison sentence and was released October 15, 2018 and she joined ARC the following month. She has worked several jobs within reentry, but is very proud to now be employed with ARC as a Life Coach. Pamela is pursuing her certification in addiction studies to become a drug and alcohol counselor. “I love being of service; it gives me great pleasure to be able to assist those coming home with acclimating back into society, someone once assisted me.” Some of her favorite things about ARC are the Ride Home Program. She enjoys the whole process of picking up men and women straight from the prison gates and taking them to have their first “free world” meal of their choice, then taking them shopping. “The gratitude is unexplainable.” She also enjoys ARC retreats, member support meetings, support groups where everyone can fellowship and stay connected.
LA Life Coach
Freddrick Thomas
Freddrick was originally born in Portland, Oregon, and moved to Los Angeles when he was 9. His dedication to helping the system-impacted population stemmed from his father being incarcerated for the vast majority of their life. He is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of individuals who seek support in his community.
LA Life Coach
Cynthia Wong Vasquez
I was born and raised in South LA and witnessed the ongoing systemic issues within the inner city population. I started working in the Probation Halls and Camps 10 years ago and witnessed the living conditions and lack of positive resources for the youth. This led me to want to find resources and solutions. I have worked with GRYD and committed to helping youth transition from gang life to a more proactive and productive way of life. Being directly impacted by mass incarceration has fueled my passion towards assisting others and always advocating.
The internal wish to grow beyond what I am.
TAY Life Coach
David Barclay
David was first introduced to ARC in 2017 when Scott Budnick visited California Correctional Institution along with several former lifers. He care about the work as a Life Coach because it is my passion to give back and help others just as he have received assistance in rebuilding his life. The energy that drives him is based on the belief that individuals coming home need to know that they are cared for.
He grew up in South Los Angeles. He was raised by my great grandmother and grandmother primarily. His mother was not in the picture as she chose the street life. Due to childhood trauma that caused him to develop resentments which led to anger, he ultimately joined a gang. Several poor decisions led to him being sentenced to a 31 year prison sentence. While inside after reviewing my life and the evidence proving that my life was out of control, he made a conscious decision to turn his life around. He obtained a GED and Associates Degree in Business. Thanks to ARC and the passing of SB261, he was granted early parole upon going to my first parole board hearing on September 3, 2020. Prior to his release, ARC connected him with CEO and upon reentering society he immediately began working. Within a couple of months he obtained permanent employment through Christ Centered Ministries as a Client Aide in full service to my community and still work part time in that position in addition to being a Life Coach with ARC. He have only been working at ARC for one week but he is excited to perform and fulfill his duties as a Life Coach by first continuing to be an example of true and lasting change and sticking to the 5 Pillars, Crime free, Drug free, Gang free, Of service to my community, and working as well as attending school in pursuit of my bachelors degree in Social Work.
He is inspired by the love that his great grandmother and grandmother so freely bestowed upon him. He wouldn’t be the man he is today without their guidance and never giving up on him!
Heather Moore
TAY Life Coach
TAY Life Coach
Chris Wedel
Christopher Wedel serves as a Life Coach for Transitional Age Youth (TAY) at the Anti-Recidivism Coalition. He came to ARC after being released from prison on July 1st 2022, having just served 20 years of incarceration. He began the path to prison as a 9-year-old, so getting the opportunity to help mentor and support our youth has been a huge blessing. He is now able to Facilitate Criminals and Gang Members Anonymous, Financial Literacy, Yoga and Seeking Safety groups to see that our youth are receiving a fair opportunity to become educated as they transition back into society. He currently attends East Los Angeles College and is studying to become a substance abuse counselor. He is also a Registered Addiction Counselor (RAC) and a Certified Prevention Specialist.
Sacramento
Sacramento Director
Josef Gray
My name is Josef Gray, and I am the Sacramento Director for the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC.). I am a Sacramento native who was born, raised, and has lived in South Sacramento for my entire life. I became involved with the juvenile justice system as a teenager, and it was from those experiences navigating the system that stemmed my dedication to helping others coming from similar backgrounds and circumstances. I have been with ARC for about 3 years now and have loved every minute of it! I have never met a more fun, passionate, creative, and caring community. I am blessed to work for an organization that fights every day for justice and system change at every level.
Administrative & Development Coordinator
Junior Vargas
My name is Junior Vargas, and I have been working for ARC as the Admin & development coordinator for a year now. I am a student, currently working toward attaining a bachelor’s degree in child and adolescent development. I was introduced to ARC in 2015 and the organization has changed my life for the better. Many people from this organization have supported and been there with me through my transition. With that being said, I am here as a vessel to do the same for others.
Life Coach
Raeshone Holmes
Shone Holmes is a Life Coach at ARC in Sacramento. Originally from Los Angeles CA, she was sentenced to 16 to life and served 22 years of her life sentence. She was released through the parole board under SB 261, which deals with the development of the brain and how it doesn’t fully develop until the age of 25. She has accomplished quite a bit since her exit from prison. She has been an advocate for fair chance policy in which she has had the honor of working alongside Elizabeth Calvin, the author of SB 261, the law in which granted her another chance at freedom. “It is an honor to be in a position to create change and give back to my community. Inspiring hope to those who are hopeless, I is living proof that change is possible.” She will continue to fight for the rights of men and women so that they too can be free and have a second chance at life.
Office Assistant
Richard London
Richard was incarcerated for 43 Years. He was arrested in 1975 and was paroled from prison on November 2, 2018. He got involved with ARC the first month out of prison, and on February 19, 2019 he became a member. Shortly following his release he became an intern, then a full time employee of ARC. He had a desire to work with and help troubled/incarcerated youth while in prison, because of his troubled past. “ARC helped me to become a Life Coach and Mentor for youth in the juvenile facilities in Sacramento and Yolo Counties.”
Pinegrove Credible Messengers
Senior Credible Messenger
Efrain Padilla
Efrain Padilla grew up in Stockton California and is a formally incarcerated college student. He is currently enrolled at Stanislaus State University, pursing a bachelors in Psychology. Once he heard about ARC, he knew he wanted to be part of this amazing organization that believes in second chances and brings hope to his brothers and sisters that are currently incarcerated or returning into the community. He is always for giving back to his community. This is why he choose to be a part of ARC.
Credible Messenger
Tremaine Amos
Tremaine, a resilient and inspiring individual who grew up in a marginalized community. Despite the challenges he faced, Tremaine was determined to succeed and worked hard to make a better life for himself. However, life took an unexpected turn and he found himself incarcerated for 13 years.
During his time in prison, Tremaine took advantage of every opportunity available to him. He participated in self-reflection exercises, attended multiple cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) groups, and obtained an AA in Behavioral Science. These experiences helped Tremaine gain a deeper understanding of himself and the world around him and gave him the tools he needed to make positive changes in his life.
Now that he’s been released, Tremaine is excited to give back to his community by joining the ARC and DJJ team. He wants to use his experiences to help others who may be going through similar struggles and to show them that with hard work, determination, and the right support, they too can overcome adversity and achieve their goals.
Credible Messenger
Isaiah Battle
Before joining ARC, Isaiah worked with high risk youth to not reoffend and provide them with the tools needed for them to be successful.
Isaiah was born and raised in Stockton, CA affected by the gang culture and crime that later sent him into the system at a young age of 12 to 23 years old. He started to development and invest back in to his community, he became involved in making his wrongs into rights while understanding that he had a voice for people whose voice’s was never heard and became apart of ANTI-RECIDIVISM COALITION as a DJJ life coach, bringing his experiences into his position with ARC.
On his personal time Isaiah works with at risk youth in Stockton to empower them to use there voice to create change.
Credible Messenger
Tyson Nguyen
My name is Son Thai Nguyen, and I go by Tyson. I’m a Sacramento Native striving to become a productive and sincere member of society after being incarcerated for over a decade. I now want to inspire positive change in my community and lead by example. While in prison, I took my rehabilitation very seriously. My passion for change led to me earning an A.A Degree in Social Science. I also completed the CALPIA Healthcare Facilities Maintenance (HFM) program, becoming a CALFIRE Wildland Firefighter. Through many self-help groups, I gained a complete understanding of how important life is, and to leave this Earth better than we found it. “Be the change you want to see in the world – Mahatma Gandhi.” A few months after being released from prison, I completed the Career Readiness Workshop which started my journey with ARC. Through California Justice Leaders, I have also been able to advocate and lobby for prison reform. I have now been hired as a full-time Credible Messenger for Pine Grove. I am extremely passionate about this new endeavor and motivated to help the incarcerated youth.
Credible Messenger
Antoinio Wellington
I am a Sacramento native. When I was 16, I was charged as an adult to serve a 5-year sentence which I did at juvenile hall and DJJ. Through my time inside DJJ I started to transform and began mentoring other youth who struggled. What drives me is knowing that my story and experience can motivate the youth. I want the youth to know they’re not alone on their journey. It is my greatest honor to work for ARC as a DJJ life coach
What inspires me is working with the youth that we in the same predicament as me and watching them grow as young men. What inspires me about this is me putting my self in their shoes as being incarcerated at pine grove youth camp.
Workforce and Education
Director of Workforce and Education
Angelica Martin
Angelica Martin is the Associate Director of Workforce Development and Education, heading up the team responsible for developing and implementing strategies to advance greater equality through access to quality jobs and livable communities. Angelica began her community-based service career over 15 years ago, supporting and managing workforce and economic development programs. She brings a wealth of experience along with established partnerships in the community such as the City of Los Angeles, Mayor’s office, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, local council members, workforce boards, community-based organizations, schools and business leaders. Throughout the years she has worked with many vulnerable populations such as people who are disabled, returning citizens, those with limited English, single parents and the homeless. She understands the struggles people face and knows if they are able to get out of poverty we will all be better off as a society. She is not afraid to work hard and believes that the job is not done until everyone has a fair chance at living a quality life.
Emerging Adult TAY Workforce & Education Coordinator
Cecilia Bachmann
Cecilia grew up in Germany and came to the United States in 2015. Being a justice-involved youth herself, she found community through the Rising Scholars Network and has since been advocating for educational access for formerly incarcerated and system-impacted individuals. She decided to attend Pasadena City College after being a multiple dropout and transferred to UC Berkeley in 2021. She earned a BA in Linguistics with a minor in Applied Language Studies. Prior, she was the program lead for the Prison Education Project at PCC and served as the Community Engagement Leader for the Community Over Recidivism Through Education (CORE) program. She has taught a variety of courses within correctional facilities and juvenile centers.
Workforce & Education Development Coordinator
Cesar Zuniga
Cesar Zuniga was born in Watts, a neighborhood in Southern Los Angeles, California. He is the youngest of two siblings. His second arrest came in 1991 at the age of 17 for a first-degree murder and four assaults w/a firearm, that he did not commit. In July of 1992 he was convicted by jury of all counts and was given 33 years to life. Through self-help and rehabilitation, on November 2015 he was given a second chance at freedom. He continued living a life of service out in the community by feeding the homeless, volunteering at a placement home for troubled youth and sharing his testimony any opportunity he was given. Cesar is a Life Coach for The Anti Recidivism Coalition (ARC) and The Second Chance Apprenticeship Readiness Program. In April of 2020 he was officially discharged from parole early. He is now focused on building a new life for himself, and he is seeing a bright future of worthiness and righteousness.
“Today I’m blessed to have a wonderful and fulfilling job.”
Apprenticeship Life Coach
Donald McCleary
Donald “Donnie” McCleary is a Life Coach for the Second Chance Apprenticeship Readiness Program AKA…Construction Cohort! Donnie began working for ARC on Monday, March 5th, 2018 and has not looked back. He has given his all to making sure he gives back freely what was given to him. “I have done my best to make sure everyone I work with knows that I genuinely want them to have a wonderful, drug free life and now a career through the Second Chance Apprenticeship Readiness Program.”
After his mother passed away, Donnie lost all love for life and began to do and be exactly what he said he would never do. He became an addict like his mother. “I used to live and lived to use”. After several trips to the local, county and state institutions, he got sick and tired of being sick and tired and finally asked for help. After both of his stays in treatments centers, on Wednesday September 12th 1990, he was clean and sober and ready to go. He knew he needed to be a part of this thing called Recovery, “to regain that which I had,” and that began his path to ARC.
Workforce Life Coach
Vicente Sanchez
Vicente is a dedicated, hard working and optimistic individual. He came to ARC September, 2021 where he began as an intern and later was hired as a full time staff member. What inspires him is life, family and friends. “Every waking moment is a gift from God.”
