2025 Wholistic Approach to Reentry Conference
April 6 - 9, 2025 Little Rock, AR
Day 1 | Sunday, April 6, 2025
Blameless Children
Andrew Hager
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​​From Versailles, Kentucky, this organization helps children born to parents who are addicted to drugs, which often leads to incarceration. Blameless children work to reconnect families and restore relationships between children and their parents. The Blameless will bravely share the impact of addiction, incarceration, and other dysfunction on their lives. The children's stories often help other youth find purpose and worth.
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Cheat Code
Armand King
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​​Empowering Youth and Adults to Successfully Complete Probation and Parole. Participants will understand the unique needs of youth on probation/parole and how to navigate the challenges of the system.
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Meet & Greet Social
DoubleTree Downtown Lobby
Day 2 | Monday, April 7, 2025
Opening Session
Oswald Newbold, II President, NARP Board of Directors​
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Reentry Simulation
NARP Simulation Team
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CSI Reentry Academy
Sheriff Eric Higgins, M.A., B.S.​​
Pulaski County, AR
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Sheriff Higgins has led transformative initiatives, including the CSI Re-entry Program, the Junior Deputy Mentoring Program, and community-centered projects like “Supper with the Sheriff’s Office” to foster trust and dialogue. His leadership has set a precedent in Arkansas with policies like Body-Worn Cameras in detention facilities and the implementation of the Duty to Intervene and No Choke Hold policies. His innovative approaches to law enforcement and rehabilitation have drawn national recognition, including being the vision behind Netflix’s series Unlocked: A Jail Experiment.
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Breakout Sessions (3)
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1 - Florida Department of Corrections,
Alicia Warren & Natalie Dixon​
The Florida Department of Corrections has established goals that guide our agency in the direction of meeting our mission and continuing our vision of “Inspiring success by transforming one life at a time”. With that, the staff within the Office of Programs and Re-Entry are charged each day with leveraging the use of technology to connect our population with community resources and employment opportunities prerelease.
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2 - St John's County Sheriff's Office - Reentry
Lt. Keith Melton/Sgt. & Michael Clark
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​In St. Johns County, Florida, original reentry practices are leading to improved recidivism outcomes. This jail perspective is championed by Sgt. Michael Clark & Lt. Keith Melton.
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3 - Ruby Welch, Dream.org
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After spending 7 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections, Ruby has become a seasoned social justice advocate and campaign strategist, serving as Justice Campaign Manager at Dream.Org. Ruby is a motivational speaker, Healing Hostess, and Founder of F.E.L.O.N.S. (Formerly Incarcerated Empowered Leaders Overcoming Negative Stigmas).
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Breakout Sessions (3)
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1 - Marybeth Hill
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​Marybeth has dedicated her life to supporting and mentoring individuals dealing with issues of incarceration and addiction. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Blameless Children. Marybeth uses personal experience as a mother to bring hope and healing to others as they reunite with their children.
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2 - Danny Diederich
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As a member of the New Mexico Board of Reentry, Danny started his sobriety on 12/17/2013.
With tattoos from his ankles to his neck, he knows firsthand the difficulties of obtaining gainful employment. This was just one of many challenges his past created. Danny will assist conference participants in educating returning citizens on building credit, obtaining gainful employment, and starting their own business.
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3 - Lester Young
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Lester is an accomplished author, motivational speaker, mentor, and coach. At just 19 years old, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole until serving 20 years. Despite limited educational opportunities, he demonstrated resilience, earning his G.E.D. and pursuing studies at Ashworth College. Having overcome significant personal challenges, Lester now inspires audiences to embrace new journeys by first making peace with their inner struggles. He highlights the importance of healing from past pain and discovering one's voice, mindset, purpose, and vision.
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Advancing Higher Educational Opportunities in Arkansas Carceral Facilities (ACFs) and Communities
Odell Johnson, Ph. D.
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Dr. Johnson works with the Arkansas Coalition for Higher Education in Prisons (ARCHEP), which champions educational equity and transformation through higher learning opportunities for justice-impacted individuals across Arkansas. Envisioning an Arkansas where every justice-impacted individual has access to quality higher education, leading to reduced recidivism, successful reentry, and lasting positive change in our communities.​
​Breakout Sessions (3)
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1 - Aaron Parks, Founder, CEO, Parks Insurance Agency
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Aaron will provide clear information about FREE health insurance options available to individuals returning from incarceration. These health insurance options are available across the country. He will further highlight the importance of health coverage in supporting successful reentry, including access to preventive care, mental health services, and
addiction treatment.
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2 - Pastor Floyd Marshall, B. Th., M.A.
​Pastor Marshall’s work reflects a profound commitment to compassion, restoration, and the transformative power of faith. He has been actively involved in prison ministry for 19 years as the coordinator of prison ministries for the Washington Conference Seventh-day Adventists. His passion for making a difference extends to his role as a Board Member of the HOPE Transitional House in Tacoma, Washington. He actively recruits and trains volunteers for the Prison Ministry, equipping them with the tools necessary to make a meaningful impact.
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3 - Timothy Sankey, M.A., B.S.
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Tim serves as a Member of the Board of Directors for Texas Voices for Reason and Justice. He is a strong believer in rationale, common sense, criminal justice reform, specifically advocating for changes to the registry.
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​From Streets to Service: A Journey from Gang Leader to Community Advocate
Leifel Jackson
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Leifel's journey was featured in the 1994 HBO documentary "Gang Wars – Bangin’ in Little Rock" and its 2004 sequel, "Bangin' in the Rock Part 2." As a producer and community leader, Leifel inspires both youth and adults in Little Rock. He shares powerful insights on fostering unity and building bridges amid the waves of violence affecting cities across the U.S.
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Friends of "Jimmy K" & "Bill W." Meeting
All Are Welcome
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MOVIE NIGHT
Escaping the Odds Documentary & Discussion
Aaron Smith
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Day 3 | Tuesday, April 8, 2025
A Moment with the Founding Chairman of the Board, National Association of Reentry Professionals, Inc
Jimmy McGill, Founder/CEO, Next Steps Recovery​​
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On The Inside Reentry
Kardell Sims
​Kardell is an author and speaker whose focus is " On the Inside - Reentry. " Successful reentry starts inside; Kardell will address personal struggles, setting clear goals, and embracing the mindset needed for change. He will discuss how transforming the lessons learned during incarceration can serve as a foundation for personal growth and how newfound freedom can be used as an opportunity to make a positive contribution to the community. Kardell understands that reentry is not just a “return to society” but a chance to redefine one’s purpose & create a future filled with hope and possibility.
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Breakout Sessions (3)
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1 - Andre Peart, B.A.​
Andre is advancing impact through technology for all untapped communities. He is the CEO of Untapped Solutions, a community-driven network empowering folks who are formerly incarcerated, Veterans, homeless, or from marginalized communities. The digital platform champions each individual’s potential and strengths, creating pathways for professional and personal growth.
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2 - Will LaRue, B.S.
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Will, a reentry advocate, hired 50% of Tru-Fab Co.'s workforce from re-entry programs. He testified at the state capitol, encouraged businesses to hire returning citizens, and collaborates with re-entry organizations. Will ran for Justice of the Peace in Faulkner County to advance community-focused re-entry initiatives in local government. He will provide roadmaps for businesses and individuals to have influence in re-entry - particularly in communities where the idea is still new and the community is apprehensive.
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3 - James Coleman, Founder/CEO, WIT
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James is the Founder and CEO of Workforce Industrial Training Center, which focuses on the programs that primarily provide cost-free employability training to disenfranchised, low-income, impoverished neighborhoods. These individuals often face barriers to employment and successful reentry. He will outline the importance of working with the primary target groups of individuals ages 18 and older.
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I Will Rise & You Will Too
Claude Ouellette, Founder/CEO
​​​Going to prison at the tender age of sixteen, Claude emerged from a 15-year stint in maximum security prison. He is the author of “I Will Rise and You Will Too” and has transformed his life and emerged as a beacon of inspiration and resilience. In the depths of his darkest moments, he forged the “I Will Rise” mentality, a powerful testament to the indomitable human spirit and the incredible potential for change and growth that lies within each of us. It has always been his dream to make a positive impact in the lives of others, and he is proud to make a living by inspiring, motivating, and challenging people from all diverse backgrounds.
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Leadership Matters
Sheriff Robert A. Hardwick, M.A., B.S.
Sheriff Hardwick is a leader that understands the importance of reentry after incarceration. He has
supported and led his correctional staff in the development of innovative reentry practices in the
St. John’s County jail. Prior to serving as Sheriff, he served as the 11th Chief of Police for the
St. Augustine Beach Police Department and the Assistant Chief Investigator with the Office of the State Attorney 7th Judicial Circuit. During his 30-year law enforcement career, Sheriff Hardwick worked at the St. Augustine Police Department, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Corrections. As a Veteran of the U.S. Army and Florida Army National Guard, Sheriff Hardwick has participated in multiple deployments to the Middle East in support of military operations. His deployments include as far back as Operation Desert Storm in 1990 with the 82nd Airborne Division.
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Vendor Time
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Breakout Sessions (3)
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1 - Robert "Kim" Combs, M.A., B.S.
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Robert is the Founder and Executive Director, Arkansas Time After Time, a legislative advocacy group working to reduce systemic barriers to reentry for the nearly 20,000 families on the Arkansas sex offender registry. My interest in dealing positively with homelessness stems from my early Little Rock experiences on the street.
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2 - Jessica Blue-Howells, M.S.W., LCSW, Kristian Smith, CPS
& Markisha Cole, MSW, LCSW
Department of Veteran Affairs
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Jessica is the Deputy National Director, Veterans Justice Program, Department of Veterans Affairs Central Office. Jessica is a subject matter expert and advisor to VA Leadership and leadership from other government and community agencies on all issues related to Veterans involved in the criminal justice system. Accompanied by Kristian Smith, Certified Peer Specialist, and Markisha Cole, who serves as the Health Care for Re-Entry Veterans Specialist at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System. Unique Veteran programs provide hope to those returning from incarceration. Information from this workshop will benefit Veterans from around the world.
3 - Sharif Brown
Alliance of Disability Advocates
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Sharif serves as the Director of Reentry in North Carolina. As a disability advocate for returning citizens he plays a vital role in ensuring that individuals with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities receive the support and resources they need during their reentry process. He works to break down barriers by promoting accessibility, securing accommodations, and connecting returning citizens with essential services such as healthcare, housing, employment, and education. By fostering inclusive environments and addressing systemic inequalities, He helps empower justice-impacted individuals to reintegrate successfully, reducing recidivism and supporting their journey toward independence and self-sufficiency.​
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Breakout Sessions (3)
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1 - Michael Askew
SAMHSA
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Michael is the Deputy Director of the Office of Recovery, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA). As an experienced advocate, he has a demonstrated history of working in the nonprofit organization management industry. Michael has strong professional experience in delivering Peer-to-Peer Recovery Support.
2 - Niketa Reed, Professor
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Niketa is a Communications Consultant and Executive Director for True Soul Media Group. Her workshop is Reel Redemption: Empowering System-Involved Individuals Through Media and Storytelling. This session aims to inspire reentry professionals to consider innovative, creative approaches to supporting system-involved individuals, with media and storytelling at the heart of empowerment and reintegration.
3 - Karley Kalinich & Kevin Mahany
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Kevin and Karley will explore housing after incarceration for men, women, and children. Next Step is an empowerment program that helps to develop a healthy mindset for reentry back into society for those on parole and probation. They will insights to their new HIRE and PROWD reentry programs.
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Employing Those Who Are Justice Impacted
Shelley Winner, A.A., B.A.
​​From the Loosing Loop to the Winner Circle, Shelley Winner, a Resolute Restorative Justice Activist and top sales representative at a global tech firm, is on a mission to transform the alarming 76% recidivism rate. Fearlessly challenging societal stigma, she pioneers change by advocating for the employment of individuals with criminal records. As the founder of Winners Circle, a groundbreaking in-prison rehabilitative training program, Shelley is a force in reshaping lives. Her impactful TEDx Talk on hiring the formerly incarcerated and featured role in the PBS special "Searching for Justice" underscore her commitment to a more just society.
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Jimmy McGill Awards Night Sneaker Ball
Lori Rothchild-Ansaldi, - Big City TV
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Lori is an Executive Producer in the non-fiction television industry. She is a NARP Board of Directors Member and is well known for her "side hustle" as a criminal justice reform advocate. She works with several advocacy groups including The Innocence Projects, Georgetown University's Making an Exoneree Project, and Northwestern University's Center for Wrongful Convictions. In 2018, Lori started following a possible wrongful conviction case out of the state of Ohio; That case is now the subject of the podcast “THE SYSTEM” hosted by Kim Kardashian. Lori and Kim both serve as
Executive Producers. “Stolen Voices” is dedicated to freeing the innocent, preventing wrongful convictions before they happen, and working to create a fair, compassionate, and equitable system of justice for everyone. Founded the veteran true crime producer and Criminal Justice Reform advocate Lori Rothschild Ansaldi, Stolen Voices is an independent nonprofit based in Los Angeles, CA.
Day 4 | Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Breakout Sessions (3)
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1 - Officer Tommy Norman
Sgt. Tommy Norman has provided unique Community Policing in the neighborhoods of North Little Rock. Norman's unorthodox approach to policing includes thousands of video posts, pictures and daily interactive engagement at the Boys & Girls Clubs and the Police Athletic League with those that he protects and serves. Norman has received national attention for his actions concerning the people of his community, most notably his charitable actions toward the youth within his jurisdiction.
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2 - Kenyatta McCloud
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Kenyatta is a reentry workforce expert. She analyzes and guides returning citizens on employment issues that ensure their success. She will share tips for working with all levels of returning citizen employment issues. She will also provide guidance for developing relationships with employers.
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3 - Coming soon
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Straight From Prison - A conversation with currently incarcerated men/women.
Oswald Newbold, II, B.S.​​
Oswald Newbold II is a reentry expert, conflict mediator, and enthusiastic social justice advocate. Currently serving as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the National Association of Reentry Professionals, Inc., and as a Reentry Coordinator at The Reentry Center of Riviera Beach, Oswald draws inspiration from his own lived experiences to drive his work in reentry and business. In addition to his fulfilling career, Oswald is a dedicated business owner and founder of a nonprofit organization.
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"Wholistic" Reentry Panel
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Julie Eveslage Circuit Administrator, Department of Probation, FDOC.
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Evangelina Alvarez
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Rebecca Davis, CEO/Founder, R.E.S.T.O.R.E.
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And more
​Reason" Probation/Returning Citizen/Department of Corrections/Housing/Employment
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Breakout Sessions (3)
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1 - Kevin Hunt, M.B.A., B.A.
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Kevin is the Founder and CEO of Lessons Learned. He is a host for the "Your Voice Your Reason" Podcast. (Social Change Entrepreneur). Restoring Hope | Mentor-Mentee| Lead | Builder of Faith | Roman 12:2 | He will also introduce his new program, 2 Suits No Choices. Kevin was a student who could not read yet rose to the occasion to receive an MBA.
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2 - Cassie Cooper
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Cassie is a person in long-term recovery. She is a Peer Recovery, Peer Supervisor for the state of Arkansas. She worked for the American Indian Center of Arkansas and is co-founder of Ethan's House, a men's residential recovery program. Cassie will focus on the importance of Peer-to-Peer interaction in addiction and incarceration.​​
3 - Coming soon​​​​
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The Sentencing Foundation
The Honorable Judge Stephanie M. Sawyer
Activist, Judge Sawyer founded The Sentencing Foundation, focusing on moving the needle in mass incarceration. While practicing law in the public sector had its rewards, Judge Sawyer desired a more personal level of impact on people's lives. Driven by her passion for advocating for the rights of ordinary individuals in her community, she established her own law office in 1996. Throughout her practice, she fought tirelessly for fairness in Family Law, Criminal Law, Employment Discrimination Law, and Personal Injury Law. Upon her transition from lawyer to judge in 2014, she immediately began implementing a form of Restorative Justice, focusing on changes in sentencing and supervision. Her approach, known as Resource-Based Sentencing & Supervision, involves leveraging existing nonprofit organizations and social services to reduce recidivism rates. Judge Sawyer has dedicated herself to developing and expanding this innovative method, fostering a fair and reliable judicial system that every Philadelphian can trust.
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Closing comments​