Our Vision: A True Second Chance

Founded in 2017 by Marc Vahanian, Pathway to Kinship develops, runs and expands programs that help justice impacted individuals face the challenges of transitioning back into society. We are committed to providing opportunities and resources to assist and rebuild their lives, reunite with their families, and move towards achieving restorative justice.

Meet our team

Meet the people who are the heart and soul of our mission – their lived experience, passion, and commitment is what makes a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve. From groundbreaking work in rehabilitation and reintegration to inspiring leadership and advocacy, their stories are a testament to the power of dedication and the spirit of transformation. Explore their journeys and see how their contributions reinforce our core mission of creating a more inclusive, supportive, and hopeful future for all.

MEET our team

Meet the people who are the heart and soul of our mission – their lived experience, passion, and commitment is what makes a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve. From groundbreaking work in rehabilitation and reintegration to inspiring leadership and advocacy, their stories are a testament to the power of dedication and the spirit of transformation. Explore their journeys and see how their contributions reinforce our core mission of creating a more inclusive, supportive, and hopeful future for all.

Board Members

Marc Vahanian

Executive DIrector/ Founder

Since 2017, Marc has been working with thousands of currently and formerly incarcerated individuals and inmates in Southern California prisons. His client base spans from professional athletes to corporate executives. Recognized by People Magazine, CBS's "48 Hours," and E-Channel's "The Golden Globes," Marc has made a notable impact. He holds a certification from the Foundation for Human Enrichment in Traumatic Resolution and Somatic Experiencing, and is a certified Somatic Coach. Marc's books, "Authentic Confidence" and "Getting the Job - The 7 Keys," are essential reads for those seeking leadership development and effective collaboration.

Velda Dobson-Davis

Advisor/ Facilitator

Velda Dobson-Davis, a former CDCR employee and dedicated volunteer, began her career in 1978 at the California Medical Facility. In 1990, she became a certified substance abuse counselor, initiating trauma-informed care programs. Over the years, she advanced to various roles, including Sergeant, Correctional Counselor, and Chief Deputy Warden and has been teaching programs in CDCR since 2012. Velda serves as a pastor, offering Bible study and grief counseling. A matriarch with four children, 26 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, she embodies a commitment to service and transformation both within prisons and in her community.

Tony Kim

Advisor

In 2020, Tony Kim was appointed Executive Director of PREP (Partnership for Re-Entry Program), a restorative justice program with the goal to transform individuals to become productive members of society, reducing the populations of our jails and prisons to help lessen the financial burden on taxpayers, while making the community safe and stronger.

Dr. LaWanda Yanosik

Advisor

Dr. LaWanda Yanosik stands out as a trailblazer in the Pharmaceutical Industry, currently serving as Vice President. Her journey, shaped by her Ph.D. in science, experience in Fortune 100 companies, and mastery as a Somatic Leadership Coach, reflects a blend of scientific acumen and business savvy. LaWanda skillfully merges her knowledge in biomedical sciences, traumatic stress, holistic practices, and mindful communication to drive sustainable change in individuals and organizations. Committed to making a real-world impact, she also champions social and environmental responsibility in her personal endeavors.

Jeffrey Hollender

Chief Executive

Jeffrey Hollender, co-founder and former CEO of Seventh Generation, also founded Sustain Natural and is an Adjunct Professor at NYU Stern, teaching sustainability and social entrepreneurship. He is the CEO, co-founder, and Board Chair of the American Sustainable Business Council, connecting 200,000 business leaders for progressive policy. Hollender serves on the Board of the Social Venture Circle and advises Greenpeace US. He has authored seven books, including *The Responsibility Revolution* and *Planet Home*. More information is at JeffreyHollender.com.

Suzanne Neuhaus

Advisor

Suzanne Neuhaus, M.A., is a Restorative Justice Practitioner, Victim Offender Dialogue Facilitator, and Adjunct Professor at Santa Clara University, teaching on Restorative Justice and Trauma. She worked with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation from 1988 to 2015, mainly as a Parole Agent and Victims Services Specialist. Neuhaus has served on the Restorative Justice Committee for the California Catholic Conference for over twenty years and is currently the board vice-chair of Healing Hearts Restoring Hope and a member of the Anti-Racism Committee for the Catholic Diocese of Orange.

Jim Ellis

Treasurer

Jim Ellis was Dean of USC's Marshall School of Business from April 2007 to June 2019 and previously served as Vice Provost, Globalization, enhancing USC's global presence. He retired as a Professor of Marketing in July 2021 after 25 years. Ellis remains active on several corporate boards, including the Rose Hills Foundation and the University of New Mexico Foundation. He has been a member of the Young Presidents Organization since 1986, including its international board, and also served on the international board of the Chief Executives Organization.

Quan Huynh

Advisor

Quan Huynh, author of *Sparrow in the Razor Wire*, has been described as a mighty warrior, magician, and mountain of goodness. His book, aimed at those serving long or life sentences, details how he achieved inner freedom before his parole. As the Executive Director of Defy Ventures, he helps people with criminal histories secure second chances. After being paroled in 2015, Huynh founded his first company and won the Peace Fellowship Award the following year. Recently certified as a forensic gang expert by Loyola Law School, he has also spoken at TEDx and Talks at Google and been featured in Entrepreneur and PBS Newshour.

Randall H. Harbert

Advisor

Randall H. (Rand) Harbert is a prominent figure in the insurance and marketing sectors, known for his impactful tenure at State Farm®. From 2012 to 2022, he served as the Chief Agency, Sales, and Marketing Officer at the largest auto and homeowners insurer in the U.S. Under his leadership, State Farm's brand underwent a significant transformation, highlighted by a complete overhaul of the company's logo and brand positioning. Harbert's career at State Farm began in 1992 as an agent, and he climbed through various leadership roles before reaching the chief agency, sales, and marketing officer position in 2013. His contributions to the company were recognized when State Farm was named a 2020 Marketer of the Year by Ad Age, reflecting the innovative marketing strategies implemented under his guidance.

Staff Members

Reynaldo Aguilar

Lead Facilitator/ Reentry Specialist

Reynaldo Aguilar's life took a transformative turn with Pathway to Kinship. Involved in gangs and criminal activities from a young age, he faced a lengthy prison sentence at 19. In prison, Reynaldo realized the impact of his actions and took responsibility, renouncing gang ties and embracing sobriety. He invested in himself, earning degrees in business and social sciences, and became a specialist in drug and alcohol counseling. Today, Reynaldo works with nonprofits on re-entry and substance abuse programs, co-facilitating groups and mentoring others, showcasing his commitment to change and helping others.

Chris Wedel

Program Development/ Youth Justice Specialist

Christopher Wedel, a Registered Addiction Counselor and Certified Re-Entry Coach, supports formerly incarcerated individuals, especially Transitioning Aged Youth (TAY). He started his career with the closure of Department of Juvenile Justice as a DJJ Life Coach and the implementation of Secure Youth Treatment Facilities (SYTF) began working with SYTF's as a Life Coach. He now works for a new program called Court To College as a SYTF Case Manager.

Justin Ennis

Lead Facilitator/ Curriculum Development

Justin Ennis served 13 years in prison. Currently working as an Assistant Project Manager for a commercial real estate developer in San Luis Obispo; a senior in college about to graduate with honors; and most dear to him-a transitional coach and course creator with Pathway. He wouldn't be where he is if it hadn't been for the compassion of others. It was their ability to care for him-when he deserved it least-that was key to his transformation. That's what keeps Justin so vested in developing kinship and continuing in his professional career.

Carlos Cervantes

Lead Facilitator/ Reentry Specialist

Carlos Cervantes, a Life Coach and Ride Home Manager at the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC), has been crucial to the organization since its start. He co-founded the ARC Ride Home Program in 2012 with Michael Romano, earning national recognition and the Champions of Change Award from President Obama's administration. Featured in The New York Times Magazine, Carlos currently manages the Ride Home Program and serves as a Life Coach for ARC’s 2nd Chance Apprenticeship Readiness Program.

Andrew Aames

Program Manager

Andrew was born and raised in Northeast Los Angeles by a single mother who immigrated from El Salvador during the Civil War raising 4 children on her own. He has experienced and witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of drugs and violence in his community also having been incarcerated. Today, he helps lead a dedicated team on a mission to make a difference in the lives of those affected by the criminal justice system, providing the support and resources necessary for rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into society.

Pamela Thompson

Mentor/ Facilitator

Pamela Thompson is a dedicated professional with a passion for helping vulnerable populations. She began her career in the reentry sector as a Community Health Worker (CHW), providing essential support to individuals transitioning from incarceration. Recognizing her ability to inspire others, Pamela became a certified life coach, focusing on helping clients set and achieve personal goals. Now a Senior Life Coach, she continues to make a significant impact through her empathetic and personalized approach. An active volunteer, Pamela is committed to giving back and fostering positive change in her community.

Tarrah Spurgeon

Administrative Assistant/ Facilitator

Tarrah, with 24 years of experience in education and a degree in Business Administration, has been a passionate advocate for children in foster care since 1998, working with the National Center for Youth Law to drive systemic reforms. Committed to empowering individuals across diverse communities, she now focuses on teaching financial literacy, highlighting its crucial role in today’s world. Tarrah's career reflects her belief in the transformative power of education, driven by the conviction that it can significantly improve lives regardless of past challenges.

Jesse Estrada

Facilitator

Jesse Estrada, is 48 years old, recently released after serving 30 years on a life sentence. He has been home since 2023 and live in Oakland, CA renting a studio by the pier. I’m an addiction counselor, part time student in Pursuit of an AA degree. He also has a radio show called The Phoenix, and started a recovery club at Laney college called, We Will Rise. Having been in recovery since 2019. He currently works in a treatment facility helping other battle drug addictions. "Life is so sweet when the drive, commitment, and ambition is there. It’s working for me."

John Brown PhD.

Curriculum Development/ Coach

John Brown, with over 40 years in enterprise, psychology, and education, is known for his research on effective team behavior, published in top journals and cited over 700 times. He has presented to the White House Office on AIDS Policy, served as a consulting psychologist for the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica, and held directorships at several institutions. He co-founded the New Mexico Prison Peer Education Program in 2008 and has been a board member of Mass Liberation since 2018. John holds degrees in psychology from Michigan State University, New Mexico State University, and the University of Costa Rica, and is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Velda Dobson-Davis

Board Member (Advisor)/ Lead Facilitator

Velda Dobson-Davis, a former CDCR employee and dedicated volunteer, began her career in 1978 at the California Medical Facility. In 1990, she became a certified substance abuse counselor, initiating trauma-informed care programs. Over the years, she advanced to various roles, including Sergeant, Correctional Counselor, and Chief Deputy Warden and has been teaching programs in CDCR since 2012. Velda serves as a pastor, offering Bible study and grief counseling. A matriarch with four children, 26 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, she embodies a commitment to service and transformation both within prisons and in her community.

Darwin Lee

Facilitator/ Reentry Specialist

Darwin Lee is a facilitator and Life Coach for Pathway to Kinship, he served 30 years in prison and fully understands the process of rehabilitation along with the struggles that one coming home may very well face. It is his passion to do what he can to help those who are reentering society and expertly guide them down a successful path. He confirms that change is the process but transformation is the permanent outcome when you do the work.

Rabia Qutab

Project Manager

Rabia Qutab has turned her experience as a formerly incarcerated woman of color into a powerful asset for her community. Dedicated to higher education and social justice, she graduated with honors in Biology and a Chemistry minor from the University of North Texas. Since her reentry into society in late 2020, Rabia has leveraged the support of organizations like Project Rebound, Rising Scholars, ARC, P2P, FICGN, and LARRP to successfully reintegrate and advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion.