Educate Don't Incarcerate: Reversing the School to Prison Pipeline
Performers
Chuck (Vidal Bryant), Rap Artist and Student, Bronx Community College
Vidal Bryant is currently enrolled at Bronx Community College, majoring in business administration with a minor in computer programming. He passed his G.E.D. at Future Now in November 2013. He plans on getting his masters degree and opening his own business helping youth get jobs and will hire people that have been incarcerated. Vidal is also a music artist and goes by Chuck. He owns the underground record label T.G.E., which consist of various artists, male and female, from ages ten and up. He plans for T.G.E. to become one of the top record labels in the industry in due time. T.G.E. will have web sites and music coming out real soon.
Trevor Mobley, Rap Artist and Student, Getting Out and Staying Out
College and Community Fellowship's Theater for Social Change Ensemble
Leslie Campbell found hope for her future as a CCF Fellow after leaving prison. She is the coordinator of the Going Places Network at Dress For Success and formerly served as the Recruitment Intake Support Specialist at CCF. She also has her own jewelry business, and is a proud mother of two. Leslie holds a Bachelor degree in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where she is currently pursuing her Masters in Forensic Mental Health Counseling. Honors include the Calvin Miles Award for Student Leadership in Adult Education from the NYC Mayor’s Office, WORTH’s Susan Hallett Reentry Award, induction into the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, and the Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society. She joined TSC in 2007 and has performed at CCF’s 10th Anniversary Gala, Rikers Island, and CCF graduations.
Selina Fulford returned to society in 2000 and began working at a men’s shelter while pursuing higher education. Nine years later, Selina had completed two academic degrees while continuing to be employed full-time at the shelter. She received a BA from the College of New Rochelle in 2007, and an MS in 2009. Selina currently teaches Career Interest as an adjunct professor at the College of New Rochelle. She is pursuing a second Master’s degree in Sociology at the New School for Social Research, where she also aspires to earn her PhD. Selina has performed with TSC at Rikers Island, CCF’s 10th Anniversary Gala, Riverside Church, and at CCF graduation events.
Yolanda Johnson-Peterkin is Director of Program Operations for Reentry Services at the Women’s Prison Association. In April 2011, she received the Distinguished Leadership award from the NAACP-NYCHA branch for her relentless hard work and passion for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people. Mrs. Johnson-Peterkin received her MSW from Hunter College in 2004, and is an active alumna of CCF. She has performed with TSC at Rikers Island, Riverside Church, and at CCF graduation events.
Denise McFarlan returned to school after 33 years at the age of 49 to obtain a joint GED and Associate degree. She earned her BS in Human Services with a focus on Addiction Counseling from Touro College in June 2010, and she recently obtained her CASAC-T certification. Denise currently works as a Housing Counselor at the Osborne Association. She has been part of CCF’s Theater for Social Change ensemble since 2006, and has performed with TSC at CCF’s 10thAnniversary Gala, Rikers Island, Riverside Church, and at CCF graduation events.
Edna Joyce Sams is the Program Director at the Post Graduate Center for Mental Health, Grand Concourse Residence. She graduated from the Hunter College School of Social Work with an MSW in January, 2009. Edna aspires to open a program addressing the myriad issues that arise for currently incarcerated women and their children. A member of TSC and The Writers Group for over 4 years, Edna has always desired to act on a stage in front of people to bring joy. However, she didn’t become serious about her writing / acting until life-changing events essentially forced a rebirth of her desire to create artistically. While she has acted on many stages much like the one tonight, she feels her biggest accomplishment / stage is that called Living Life to the fullest!! Edna has performed with TSC at CCFs 10th Anniversary Gala, Rikers Island, Riverside Church, and at CCF graduation events.
Cheryl Wilkins is the Associate Director of the Criminal Justice Initiative: Supporting Children, Families, and Communities at the Columbia University School of Social Work, where she works with teens who have an incarcerated parent. As an adjunct lecturer at Columbia University, Cheryl presents on topics that address the needs of families and communities affected by mass incarceration. Cheryl was a Staff Associate at the Center for Institutional and Social Change (CISC). Her work at CISC focused on building the collective impact of the New York Reentry Education Network (NYREN), a collaboration of community-based organizations, city and state government agencies, and institutions of higher education. NYREN's mission is to improve educational access and success for people with criminal justice records and to make education a core component of reentry policy and practice. Cheryl is still an active contributor and member of NYREN as part of her work with CJI.
Katherine Jennings is a 2009 graduate of the College of New Rochelle with BA in Sociology. In 2011 she graduated from the New York Theological Seminary with a Masters of Professional Studies. Katherine is also a Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC). She has worked as a substance abuse counselor for 13 years with programs such as Phoenix House, Daytop Outpatient Program, J-Cap, Addicts Rehabilitation Center (ARC), Palladia, and Comunilife, Inc. Katherine currently works with the Woman’s Prison Association (WPA) and the Riverside Church Coming Home Program as a mentor to returning citizens. She finds solace in writing, and began sharing her writing with others through the art of acting. While an active member of CCF, she joined the Writers’ Group and TSC. She is currently writing her memoir as well as poems and prose for publication. Katherine is also a passionate mother and purpose-driven wife. Her motto is, “Never allow others to do more for you than you are willing to do for yourself." She has performed with TSC in such venues as the Interchurch Center, the CUNY Grad Center, Columbia University, and the Adult and Juvenile Female Offenders Conference in Portland, Maine. Her motto is, “Never allow others to do more for you than you are willing to do for yourself."
Alesa Simmons joined College and Community Fellowship in 2008 and received her B.A. in Psychology from the College of New Rochelle in 2010. She is a Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) with 12 years of experience helping people overcome obstacles and reach their goals. She is also the proud mom of a loving and adorable eight-year-old daughter. Alesa joined TSC in 2010, and has performed with the ensemble in such venues as the Interchurch Center, the Harlem State Office Building, and the Adult and Juvenile Female Offenders Conference in Portland, Maine.
Teronia Campbell started her education in 1994, earning her GED. She continued her education at Bronx Community College, earning a Human Services Degree, and at Lehman College, earning a Bachelor of Social Work in 2008. She is currently attending Hunter College for her Masters' degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. Teronia mentors men coming out of prison and returning to college with the CollegeInitiative, and she sponsors women working to remain drug free. Her dream is to open a youth center to provide teens with a safe haven and a space to build character and self esteem. Teronia has performed with TSC at the CUNY Graduate Center, the Interchurch Center, and the Harlem State Office Building, among other venues.
Elizabeth Mirarchi is a New York-based writer, director, and performer. She is currently serving as the Artistic Director of College and Community Fellowship’s Theater for Social Change Ensemble. She has worked with TSC since 2008 and has directed their performances at correctional facilities, universities, advocacy events, and national conferences. Drawing on her experience in classical theater, comedy, and performance art traditions, Beth’s original work has appeared throughout New York City. She holds an M.A. in Performance Composition from NYU.
Vidal Bryant is currently enrolled at Bronx Community College, majoring in business administration with a minor in computer programming. He passed his G.E.D. at Future Now in November 2013. He plans on getting his masters degree and opening his own business helping youth get jobs and will hire people that have been incarcerated. Vidal is also a music artist and goes by Chuck. He owns the underground record label T.G.E., which consist of various artists, male and female, from ages ten and up. He plans for T.G.E. to become one of the top record labels in the industry in due time. T.G.E. will have web sites and music coming out real soon.
Trevor Mobley, Rap Artist and Student, Getting Out and Staying Out
College and Community Fellowship's Theater for Social Change Ensemble
Leslie Campbell found hope for her future as a CCF Fellow after leaving prison. She is the coordinator of the Going Places Network at Dress For Success and formerly served as the Recruitment Intake Support Specialist at CCF. She also has her own jewelry business, and is a proud mother of two. Leslie holds a Bachelor degree in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where she is currently pursuing her Masters in Forensic Mental Health Counseling. Honors include the Calvin Miles Award for Student Leadership in Adult Education from the NYC Mayor’s Office, WORTH’s Susan Hallett Reentry Award, induction into the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, and the Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society. She joined TSC in 2007 and has performed at CCF’s 10th Anniversary Gala, Rikers Island, and CCF graduations.
Selina Fulford returned to society in 2000 and began working at a men’s shelter while pursuing higher education. Nine years later, Selina had completed two academic degrees while continuing to be employed full-time at the shelter. She received a BA from the College of New Rochelle in 2007, and an MS in 2009. Selina currently teaches Career Interest as an adjunct professor at the College of New Rochelle. She is pursuing a second Master’s degree in Sociology at the New School for Social Research, where she also aspires to earn her PhD. Selina has performed with TSC at Rikers Island, CCF’s 10th Anniversary Gala, Riverside Church, and at CCF graduation events.
Yolanda Johnson-Peterkin is Director of Program Operations for Reentry Services at the Women’s Prison Association. In April 2011, she received the Distinguished Leadership award from the NAACP-NYCHA branch for her relentless hard work and passion for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people. Mrs. Johnson-Peterkin received her MSW from Hunter College in 2004, and is an active alumna of CCF. She has performed with TSC at Rikers Island, Riverside Church, and at CCF graduation events.
Denise McFarlan returned to school after 33 years at the age of 49 to obtain a joint GED and Associate degree. She earned her BS in Human Services with a focus on Addiction Counseling from Touro College in June 2010, and she recently obtained her CASAC-T certification. Denise currently works as a Housing Counselor at the Osborne Association. She has been part of CCF’s Theater for Social Change ensemble since 2006, and has performed with TSC at CCF’s 10thAnniversary Gala, Rikers Island, Riverside Church, and at CCF graduation events.
Edna Joyce Sams is the Program Director at the Post Graduate Center for Mental Health, Grand Concourse Residence. She graduated from the Hunter College School of Social Work with an MSW in January, 2009. Edna aspires to open a program addressing the myriad issues that arise for currently incarcerated women and their children. A member of TSC and The Writers Group for over 4 years, Edna has always desired to act on a stage in front of people to bring joy. However, she didn’t become serious about her writing / acting until life-changing events essentially forced a rebirth of her desire to create artistically. While she has acted on many stages much like the one tonight, she feels her biggest accomplishment / stage is that called Living Life to the fullest!! Edna has performed with TSC at CCFs 10th Anniversary Gala, Rikers Island, Riverside Church, and at CCF graduation events.
Cheryl Wilkins is the Associate Director of the Criminal Justice Initiative: Supporting Children, Families, and Communities at the Columbia University School of Social Work, where she works with teens who have an incarcerated parent. As an adjunct lecturer at Columbia University, Cheryl presents on topics that address the needs of families and communities affected by mass incarceration. Cheryl was a Staff Associate at the Center for Institutional and Social Change (CISC). Her work at CISC focused on building the collective impact of the New York Reentry Education Network (NYREN), a collaboration of community-based organizations, city and state government agencies, and institutions of higher education. NYREN's mission is to improve educational access and success for people with criminal justice records and to make education a core component of reentry policy and practice. Cheryl is still an active contributor and member of NYREN as part of her work with CJI.
Katherine Jennings is a 2009 graduate of the College of New Rochelle with BA in Sociology. In 2011 she graduated from the New York Theological Seminary with a Masters of Professional Studies. Katherine is also a Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC). She has worked as a substance abuse counselor for 13 years with programs such as Phoenix House, Daytop Outpatient Program, J-Cap, Addicts Rehabilitation Center (ARC), Palladia, and Comunilife, Inc. Katherine currently works with the Woman’s Prison Association (WPA) and the Riverside Church Coming Home Program as a mentor to returning citizens. She finds solace in writing, and began sharing her writing with others through the art of acting. While an active member of CCF, she joined the Writers’ Group and TSC. She is currently writing her memoir as well as poems and prose for publication. Katherine is also a passionate mother and purpose-driven wife. Her motto is, “Never allow others to do more for you than you are willing to do for yourself." She has performed with TSC in such venues as the Interchurch Center, the CUNY Grad Center, Columbia University, and the Adult and Juvenile Female Offenders Conference in Portland, Maine. Her motto is, “Never allow others to do more for you than you are willing to do for yourself."
Alesa Simmons joined College and Community Fellowship in 2008 and received her B.A. in Psychology from the College of New Rochelle in 2010. She is a Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) with 12 years of experience helping people overcome obstacles and reach their goals. She is also the proud mom of a loving and adorable eight-year-old daughter. Alesa joined TSC in 2010, and has performed with the ensemble in such venues as the Interchurch Center, the Harlem State Office Building, and the Adult and Juvenile Female Offenders Conference in Portland, Maine.
Teronia Campbell started her education in 1994, earning her GED. She continued her education at Bronx Community College, earning a Human Services Degree, and at Lehman College, earning a Bachelor of Social Work in 2008. She is currently attending Hunter College for her Masters' degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. Teronia mentors men coming out of prison and returning to college with the CollegeInitiative, and she sponsors women working to remain drug free. Her dream is to open a youth center to provide teens with a safe haven and a space to build character and self esteem. Teronia has performed with TSC at the CUNY Graduate Center, the Interchurch Center, and the Harlem State Office Building, among other venues.
Elizabeth Mirarchi is a New York-based writer, director, and performer. She is currently serving as the Artistic Director of College and Community Fellowship’s Theater for Social Change Ensemble. She has worked with TSC since 2008 and has directed their performances at correctional facilities, universities, advocacy events, and national conferences. Drawing on her experience in classical theater, comedy, and performance art traditions, Beth’s original work has appeared throughout New York City. She holds an M.A. in Performance Composition from NYU.