Co-Founder & Executive Director

vonya@startingoverinc.org

Starting Over Inc. co-founder, Women Organizing for Justice Fellow 2010, Women’s Policy Institute fellow 2012/2013, J. Irwin Award recipient 2013, advocate, and attorney.

Super Power: X-Ray Vision

Assistant Director

tamara@startingoverinc.org

Tamara has previously worked with Community Action Partnership and Xerox Corporation. Tamara is a Paralegal and holds a BA in Political Science from CSUSB. Tamara's strengths include human resource management, executive administration and workforce training.

Staff Attorney

anyse@startingoverinc.org

Anyse Smith leverages her personal experience of being unhoused and formerly incarcerated to passionately advocate for reentry services. Previously, she managed Housing and Homelessness programs at Coachella Valley Rescue Mission and Coachella Valley Association of Governments. A graduate of the California Desert Trial Academy, she now teaches Legal Writing and Brief Writing as a professor. Her work reflects a deep commitment to helping others rebuild their lives.

Housing First Co-Director, Internship Program Manager

ashleyw@startingoverinc.org

Ashley’s passion for serving marginalized populations inspired her to receive her MSW and a BA in Sociology. Ashley is a pubished researcher.

Super Power: Connection

Peer Support Specialist & House Manager

bennie@startingoverinc.org

After serving 31 years in prison, Bennie felt he was given an opportunity and duty to support and serve his community. Bennie continues to be dedicated as a house manager, peer support specialist, and working with All of Us or None to conduct a parole workshop for family members twice a month.

Outreach Case Manager

candice@startingoverinc.org

nCandice has first had experience with the justice system. Being justice impacted gives her unique insight about the challenges individuals face with reentry. She is very dedicated to helping others. Candice LOVES the color purple and wears it everyday!

Superpower: Compassionate, open-minded and non judgemental

Administrative Assistant

carmellia@startingoverinc.org

Carmellia is experienced in accounting and administration. She earned a Business Office Diploma from UEI College in 2012. Camellia is also an author, breast cancer speaker, and radio show host.

Media and Communications Specialist

emma@startingoverinc.org

Emma holds a BA in Political Theory & Media Studies from Scripps College. She is a Solís Policy Institute alumni, artist, and designer.

Super Power: Creativity & Energy

All Of Us or None Organizer

fidel@startingoverinc.org

Fidel is a University of Riverside Sociology graduate and is currently at the University of Redlands MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. He is directly system impacted and has dedicated his life to giving currently/formerly incarcerated people a voice.

Super Power: Electrifying Energy

Peer Support Specialist

ivan@startingoverinc.org

Ivan is justice impacted and has a calling to serve in his community, utilizing his insight and wisdom to help others overcome their challenges. Ivan was also a lead mentor for the Youth Offender Program. He also actively participates in sharing his insight in All of Us or None’s Family Parole Workshops.

Super Power: Commitment

Peer Support Specialist Supervisor

janet@startingoverinc.org

Janet is a seasoned medical professional who has held various leadership positions in healthcare organizations and nonprofits, working to improve access to care, promote health equity, and develop innovative programs to support vulnerable populations. She is also actively involved as a volunteer in her church and community.

Peer Support Specialist

javier@startingoverinc.org

Javier has firsthand experience of the justice system's impact and is driven to utilize his unique insight and compassionate understanding to aid individuals facing similar challenges. Javier is dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Super Power: Perseverance and Dedication

Outreach Staff

jesus@startingoverinc.org

Trained as a historian at UC Berkeley, Jesus works to combine an analytic framework with compassionate understanding in addressing social problems and imagining a more just society.

Superpower: Irony

Housing First Co-Director, Case Manager

lee@startingoverinc.org

Lee has leadership and training expertise in various disciplines. His focus is on serving system impacted communities through reentry services.

Super Power: Endurance & Motivation

Operations Manager

marvin@startingoverinc.org

Magna cum laude, United States Penitentiary Atwater

Administrator

melinda@startingoverinc.org

Melinda brings 25 yrs+ experience in the reentry community and received her B.S . in Business Administration. Melinda is a licensed life coach and is a facilitation trainer for Essie Justice Group, Alpha, Feed Black Futures, & Initiate Justice.

Super Power: Resilience

Community Organizer

richard@startingoverinc.org

After being Justice Impacted for most of my life, I'm now passionate about being part of the solution, and change for a Better Society.                     

Super Power: Social Change Advocate 

F.R.E.E. Project Coordinator and Training Facilitator

shawneequa@startingoverinc.org

Shawneequa is the proud mother of three children and has a personal history deeply impacted by both the judicial and family policing systems. Shawneequa has channeled her experiences into a mission of empowerment and healing.

Shawneequa joined FREE as a parent in 2019 and has been instrumental since in developing and delivering training programs that foster resilience and well-being within the community.

Peer Support Specialist

sophia@startingoverinc.org

Sophia Cristo is a justice-impacted youth and adult who is driven by her lived experience to assist and support those she works with as a Peer Support Specialist. Sophia is studying Psychology to work with youth and young adults in overcoming trauma.

Outreach Lead

storm@startingoverinc.org

Storm is a proud Samoan & African American woman born and raised in San Francisco. Storm enjoys learning about her culture & history, inventions, politics and education.

Super Power: Laughter

Outreach Staff

tineace@startingoverinc.org

Tineace is currently pursuing her associate degree in Sociology at Long Beach City College, with a goal to become a mental health specialist. She has always dreamed of being involved in her community to help bring guidance and resources to those who are in need of help.

Participatory Defense Organizer, Housing & Criminal Justice Advocate

toya@startingoverinc.org

Toya has been a community advocate for 25+ years and has served as a commissioner in Moreno Valley. She is a Sergeant Parent for MVUSD, CPR certified, a Mental Health First Aide, and Peer Support Specialist.

Superpower: GOD’s Ambassador

Case Manager

yuri@startingoverinc.org

Yuri has experience as an army veteran, justice impacted adult, and at Center for Employment Opportunities. She's dedicated to assisting others in the re-entry process and uplifting her community. Driven by her own journey, Yuri strives to make a difference through advocacy and support.

Board Member

Arvella holds a Doctorate of Nursing Practice, a MS in Nursing and is a Nurse Practitioner. Arvella has been in the field of nursing for 28 years. She is presently the Director of Nursing at Northwest College, and an educator at Charles Drew University, Mervyn M. Dynmally School of Nursing for 12 years. She is currently the VP of Vocational Nursing Directors of Southern California, and sits on the board as an Advisor for the Annenberg School of Nursing.

Board Chair

Founder of Von Rose Consulting, Mrs. Mabin is a Human Resource professional experienced in organizational and leadership development with decades of experience. She has served on the Board for 2 years and maintains community involvement through her volunteer commitments.

Board Member

Derik is currently chair of the Intercollegiate Department of Africana Studies at the Claremont Colleges and a Professor of Literature at Claremont McKenna College. Smith is the author of many articles and the book Robert Hayden In Verse: New Histories of African American Poetry and the Black Arts Era. He also teaches courses in and about American prisons.

Board Member

Ms. Gentry is a 35-year entertainment insurance veteran with a specialty in live events. She is currently an underwriter for a national insurance company and an executive signing agent-notary. Ms. Gentry has served as a tutor with the Los Angeles City Library system to ensure those that want to, can read. She has a passion to help people recreate their lives and believes people can truly start over.

Board Member

Gwendolyn Elzy is a BP Environmental Consultant, mentor, and women's support services specialist. A certified mentor, fund developer, and life skill coach, and member of several women's circles working to reduce child poverty.

Board Member

Ralph is founder and owner of White Litigation Services with decades of experience as a litigation paralegal. He is a member of two real estate boards and was formerly Board Chair of Eula’s House, volunteer with the Mayor’s Office of Youth Development, a youth mentor, and has worked in voter registration campaigns. His proudest achievement is being father of two amazing daughters, one son, and eight grandchildren.

Board Member

Reggie is a US Army Veteran holding a BA from LMU, a MA in Leadership, MS in Criminal Justice and Doctorate of Education from ULV. For the last 16 years, Reggie has worked as an Adjunct Professor at Taft Community College in Criminal Justice and Public Policy. He was a Probation Officer and Instructor for over 18 years. Reggie is a recipient of several awards for writing, producing, and directing plays, including “My Face Is America” (1993) and “Am I My Brother’s Keeper” (1992) with juveniles as actors.

CFO & Board Treasurer

Rick has 30+ years experience in financial & business Management at Boeing Company. He is a UCLA alum, active community member and board member for two community organizations, as well as volunteer for the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Brotherhood Crusade. He participates in a mentoring program for young men and with the LA Sheriff's department youth academy.

Board Member

Ms. Burton is founder of A New Way of Life Re-Entry Project. She received a 2011 CNN Hero and a James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award in 2014 for her work, including housing, civic engagement, leadership development, and a legal clinic. She was named one of the nation's 18 New Civil Rights Leaders by the LA Times and is co-author of the best-selling memoir: Becoming Ms. Burton.

Board Member

Tessa is an Associate Professor of Urban Studies at Pitzer College, Assistant Vice President of Community Engagement, and faculty director of the Community Engagement Center. Tessa has worked with communities throughout Southern California on human relations and civil rights with the Youth Programs Director at the National Conference for Community and Justice.