Meet The Team

Ken Adams is a D.C native that grew up in the height of poverty, violence and a drug epidemic that ultimately chose to rise above his circumstances and not allow his environment to define him. That is not to say that there were no hardships, struggles and downfalls. He is a consummate student of life's experiences as well as knowledge, that fervently practices the art of the acquisition of information. Ken is currently completing a degree in Advanced manufacturing, automation and robotics with goals to further his education in the field of human services.

Ken developed his passion for reentry while in prison. Seeing individuals be released and then recidivate repeatedly sparked a curiosity for finding a solution to this problem. He developed and honed his abilities as a certified peer facilitator in a therapeutic community that focused on behavior modification through self-reflection the leads to self-discovery. Upon his release he quickly began working for a non-profit as a job readiness coach and then as an employment specialist. In that capacity he was afforded the opportunity to learn HR practices, case management as well as case management oversight, but more importantly, how to help this population overcome the many barriers that they will most certainly face.

As an advocate for returning citizens, Ken is a rare soul in that he chooses to only focus on positivity while being able to accept negative outcomes. Having survived a tumultuous past, Ken endeavors to create healthy and bright futures.

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I was born and raised in St. Louis Missouri. After graduating from high school, I enlisted in the United States Air Force. I had the pleasure of following in my fathers’ footsteps, who also served. After ten years of service, I spent the next ten years in management positions with different organizations. The opportunity was presented to me to work in a support function with Fathers when I joined Allegheny Family Network. It allowed me the opportunity to take my own learned experiences as a father to support and educate other fathers. I’ve spent the last five years working in several hospitals here in the Pittsburgh area. I believe in networking and sharing resources. I am passionate about the opportunities to give back and provide support and education in our communities.

Like many, upon high school graduation I had no idea what I wanted to do in life. Despite having only average grades, it was assumed but never discussed that I would graduate from college. Then as now no guidance counselor suggested the trades, especially to a woman.

Because I had neither the desire nor means to pay a lot for tuition, I enrolled at Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC). There I earned an A.A. in General Studies, a Women’s Studies Certificate, and an honors award in History for a paper on man’s inhumanity to man – the Holocaust. Next, I attended Point Park University because at the time it was the only school willing to accept all my CCAC credits. I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.A. in English and a minor inJournalism & Communications, not the world’s most sought-after degree.

While I had been working since age 16 babysitting, as a fast-food employee and a grocery store cashier, I had no real-world experience save getting paid for a few freelance articles. Through a random coincidence I got my first real job at a trade publication. Thus began a career trajectory that wove through various industries at corporate and non-profit agencies but always at its core provided people with tools to make informed decisions.

Twenty years working in hospice taught me to empathize with people who are hurting. For me, hospice is a social justice issue: patients who have no realistic chance of recovery are rarely given the choice of death with dignity. Treatment recommendations seem based more upon reimbursement for the providers than on the best interests of the patient. Doctors avoid difficult conversations often because as healers, they can’t accept the natural outcome of end-stage diseases.

Also from hospice, I learned the right of self-determination and the benefits of a holistic approach. All people have rights and responsibilities, and no matter the scenario should be treated with dignity and respect. Moreover, just as no man is an island, no disease affects only the person and in only one way. Hospice considers the patient and family as the unit of care and treats the body, mind, and soul of all those close to the patient. As social beings what affects one of us affects all of us.

I began serving the reentry population in 2018 as an employment coach. I became increasingly interested in people affected by the carceral state after observing the 2017 arrest, incarceration, and subsequent inadequate representation, and sentencing of a family member on the autism spectrum, who, not knowing any better, accepted a plea “deal” which resulted in a conviction that will remain on his record for life.

Additionally, for more than 40 years, I have studied mental health and addiction issues.

At Reimagine Reentry I use what I’ve learned my whole life. Here we provide information for decision making, a holistic approach, mental wellness opportunities, and an understanding that each person’s path is built simply from one experience to the next. As the RR director of coaching always says, “You don’t know where you are going if you don’t know where you’ve been.”

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I am a Pittsburgh native, I began my career in the 1990’s as a Youth Care Worker at Shuman Juvenile Detention Center during the beginning and height of the gang epidemic in the City of Pittsburgh. Since then I have worked in multiple capacities as a Behavioral Therapist, Domestic Violence Educator, Mental Health Professional, Counselor/Associate Professor at Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), Psychotherapist and Sole Proprietor of Devin L. Patterson Mental Health Services.

My background created an understanding and passion to provide non-judgmental mental health services to individuals and communities who have been marginalized and have a bad perception of mental health services and the mental health profession.

Dr. Kate Hostetler is a local licensed therapist in the Pittsburgh area. She graduated from Carlow University with her Master’s of Science in Professional Counseling and her Doctorate in Counseling Psychology. Kate has been in the field for many years working with a variety of individuals. Much of her research and focus has been on individuals being involved in the criminal justice system. Dr. Hostetler’s approach to treatment is centered around the healing nature of the therapeutic relationship and a humanistic perspective. Kate is a humble Timberwolves fan, mom to a few, and always appreciative of a good streaming recommendation.

I grew up in the Hill District and started my career when I was 14 working at Ozanam Culture Center (now the Grayson Center). I always had a passion of working with kids and the community. I previously worked with One Vision One Life and now am working with CommUnity Peace at Reimagine Reentry as a Violence Prevention Coach visiting victims of violence and helping them to get set up with services. I hope to help end the cycle of violence.

Born and Raised In The Homewood Brushton Community. At A Early Age I Had An Entrepreneur Spirit, I Always Wanted Better For Others Before Myself. A Westinghouse Class Of 91 Graduate, I Enlisted In The United States Marine Corps. After My Honorable Discharge in 1995 I Became A Successful Manager of Sneaker Villa In East Liberty Where I Interacted With Community Members, Students, Activists, and Leaders To Facilitate A Successful Business and Following. I Enjoy Challenges Especially When It Comes To Changing A Person’s Life. I Became A Behavior Specialist For 8yrs At Pyramid Healthcare and 2yrs At Gaudenzia Healthcare on Centre Avenue. I Chose To Leave My Position As A Physical Education Teacher/ Fitness Instructor At Propel Pitcairn To Do Something More Within Our Surrounding Communities. Life is Truly What You Make It, See The Opportunity, Embrace The Opportunity, Pay The Opportunity Forward…

Deidra .L Washington, CPM, ARM began dreaming more than 30 years ago. Inspired by a book given to her by her grandmother highlighting 75 women who changed the world, she knew that if she ever created an organization, she would name it, "I Dream a World." After this initial spark, Deidra began crafting a career and life that would allow her to gain knowledge and experience for the biggest chapters of her life to come.

Deidra obtained a B.A. in Organizational Leadership fromDuquesne University, and she is a Certified Leader and Instructor with Temple University's Strengths-Based Family Workers Credential Program. She also holds a CPM - Certified Property Manager Designation, with the Institute of Real Estate Management and is a Certified Holistic Life Coach. Most recently she became a Certified Community Mediator.

Deidra served as a Site Manager for the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh for over ten years. As a Site Manager, she understood the delicate balance of managing the property assets and discerning the needs of the residents - individually and collectively. This position found her not only doing property management work, but also social work, as she found her heart encouraged her to offer counseling and mediation, as opposed to enforcing hard and fast rules on the residents. It was clear to Deidra that if someone was struggling with staying current with their rent, it was far better to help diagnose the core issue and work through prevention instead of instantly moving toward the harshest penalties. It is her belief that if you change how a person thinks, you will change how they live.

After her time at the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh, as well as having held various purposeful positions, such as Counselor Advocate, Point of Contact Caseworker, and Instructor/Case Manager, Deidra knew that it was time to bring her experience and expertise to the community at large and created "I Dream a World (IDAW)." IDAW is a holistic, purpose-driven training organization, offering life-changing workshops and professional coaching. IDAW provides expertise in training clients and organizations in the workforce development and human services fields, using a strengths-based approach. IDAW's mission is to provide authoritative leadership training and professional development with a focus on personal accountability and growth. Deidra is highly adept at offering the training and coaching that she does through IDAW because she possesses a unique blend of creative and analytical skills that generate actionable solutions for clients. She is recognized as a compelling motivator, who inspires individuals to realize their potential and to achieve success that is meaningful for them. Deidra is skilled at recognizing and serving individuals at their point of need, skill sets, and readiness for change.

Through IDAW, Deidra has had the opportunity to work with a wide variety of organizations. Specifically, she has facilitated customized workshops for each client, which has included The Energy Innovation Center Institute, AHRCO, Temple University Harrisburg, UPMC, Highmark, Consol Energy,Allegheny County Dept. of Human Services, The Builders Guild of SWPA, Pennsylvania Women Work, EARN Program, Providence Family Support Center, SmallSeeds Inc., Bethlehem Haven, Holy Family Academy, The Hill House Association and The Foundation of Hope - Allegheny County Jail Release Program.

Deidra is still dreaming and her ultimate goal is to create"I Dream a World Enterprises." This will offer three facets to address the underserved in the community - training and employment, social services and affordable housing. It has always been Deidra's passion to serve and inspire others - to encourage them to empower themselves through faith and perseverance! She gets to live out her dream every single day.

Hi! My name is Akira Kirkpatrick and I am a counselor intern. I am currently pursuing my master of science in counseling psychology to become a licensed professional counselor. I take a collaborative approach to counseling - so, my clients and I work as a team towards their treatment goals.

I believe in greeting individuals with grace, in giving space for individuals to be vulnerable and have difficult emotions, and in the importance of celebrating an individual’s personal strengths and successes.

Advocacy and social justice are a big part of my counseling framework, my career goals, and my personal identity.

Fun Fact: I like to read which is why I featured my personal library of books in my picture.

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Julia Donnelly is the Director of Data & Evaluation at Reimagine Reentry.

Before being named Director, Julia was Reimagine Reentry’s Data & Project Manager and was responsible for all the organization’s data systems including designing, building, and maintaining their Salesforce CRM, website, and automated workflows. Since becoming Director, Julia now works alongside Reimagine Reentry’s Director of Violence Prevention and Director of Coaching to strategically evaluate and develop the infrastructure and capacity of each program, as well as continues to oversee all data and communication systems.

With a passion for promoting equity, Julia serves most importantly as an ally to her peers affected by the criminal justice system, specifically as an advocate for racial and social justice.  

Julia earned a Master’s of Public Health (MPH) and Certificate in Health Equity concentrating in Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, where she was a Health Justice Scholar, from the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health. During her graduate studies, Julia successfully defended her Master’s thesis on the merits of using a strengths-based model in reentry programs and practices. Julia also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Pittsburgh Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. Julia currently sits on the advisory board for the University of Pittsburgh Bridging the Gaps program.

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I hold a Bachelors in Education/Special Education from Slippery Rock University. In the past, I was Employed with Pittsburgh Public schools for 5 years, and I have 10 years’ experience working with at risk youth. I joined the violence prevention team at the graduate school of public health in December 2014, and have been coordinating the homicide review for Allegheny County, GRIPS interventionist and outreach work in Allegheny county neighborhoods. Where our key objectives of the project are to: Stop the spread of violence. In 2019 joined in on the Reimagine Reentry team I work with the men and women reentering back into society. I have a passion for our city and want to see everyone here living to their potential. 

I am a native Pittsburgher born and raised in the Hill District with a love affair for the Homewood-Brushton Community. During my tenure as the Homewood-Brushton YMCA’s Program Director I was under the leadership of then Executive Director, Oliva Jones. Oliva “OJ” granted me the opportunity to develop my passions for community organizing, program development, mentorship & leadership development.

Durning my first week of working at the YMCA Oliva told me “Rick I need you to learn and know the names, schools, grades, address & families of 15 kids in theHomewood Community". I replied, "Ms. Jones, I got four of my own kids". OJ looked me straight in my eyes and said “Rick, they're all our kids and all our families” No truer or wiser words were every spoken to me.

After three months of working at the YMCA I proudly walked in Oliva’s office and said“OJ, I know the names, address, grades & families of 50 kids”!!! I was hooked! At the Homewood–Brushton YMCA we were the epitome of the African Saying “It takes a village”.

During my 40-year career, I’ve had the proud distinction to prove honest and authentic leadership services at the following agencies, (including my current position as Director of Coaching and Reentry at Reimagine Reentry):

·     MarketingRep & Continuing Care Coordinator, Ligioner Valley Treatment Center

·     ProgramDirector, Homewood Brushton YMCA

·     AssociateDirector, Youth Place

·     FatherhoodCoordinator, Healthy Start

·     OperationsDirector, Homewood Brushton YMCA

·     BlackMale Leadership Initiative, Coordinator (BMLDI)

·     SET& BCM Supervisor, Allegheny Family Network

·     FatherhoodCoordinator & Trainer, Allegheny Family Network

·     ProgramDirector, Parental Stress Center  

·     HumanResources Rep Rivers Casino

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As a graduate of Duquesne University, I fell in love with this city and continue to live in awe of all it has to offer and all it can grow to be. My background is in accounting and finance, and it is an honor to work with the Reimagine Reentry team and our community in growing to our highest potential and seeing all that we can achieve together. I also enjoy spending my time as a student and teacher of yoga, traveling with my partner, and hiking around the city trails.

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I serve as the Communications & Project Manager at Reimagine Reentry where I lead all grant writing and management, provide programmatic support, serve as a member of the administrative team, and maintain our social media platforms. I previously served as the Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director.

I earned my Master of Arts in History with a minor in Public History from Duquesne University, where I focused my research on the history of mass incarceration and collecting oral histories of returning citizens. I previously received my Bachelor's Degrees in Theatre and History from West Virginia University. I have worked with a number of social and restorative justice organizations, such as the Elsinore Bennu Think Tank for Restorative Justice, and spent much of my time in graduate school working to educate others on social justice issues. I additionally interned with Allegheny County Anchored Reentry (ACAR) during my time in graduate school.