The scarlet "F" | Honey Jo Herman | TEDxMonroeCorrectionalComplex 2014
Honey Jo Herman presents a talk that examines the reality of an offender's life beyond being released, and how the stigma of being a felon can seep into all aspects of life. Honey Jo is honored to have worked with The IF Project since 2010 and Pioneer Human Services since 2013. She is motivated to share the story of her successful transition from prison back to her community as a means of inspiring others who are going through transitional periods of their lives. As the mother of four children, she is empathetic to the painful difficulties that incarcerated parents face when separated from their children. She is at her happiest when she sees others take steps to improve their lives and realize their potential.
How prisons can help inmates lead meaningful lives | Dan Pacholke | TEDxMonroeCorrectionalComplex 2014
Through personal experiences and observations, this story examines how small changes have profound impacts on incarceration. It suggests how incarceration and its story can continue to evolve with a greater connection to humanity and meaning. Dan Pachooke has worked for the Washington State Department of Corrections since 1982 holding every position from correctional officer to his current role as assistant secretary for Prisons Division. He's known for implementing innovative programs in staff education and training and for developing emergency response operations training academies; his statewide emergency response system is still used today. Dan's leadership with the Sustainable Prisons Project and his partnerships with higher education have brought prisons into focus as major community resources. He is widely recognized for innovative prison change and for running safe, humane prisons.
Transforming prison with nature | Carri LeRoy | TEDxMonroeCorrectionalComplex 2014
This is a story about bringing science and nature into prisons and the remarkable transformations that can take place. Carri LeRoy, Ph.D., is a member of the faculty at The Evergreen State College and has co-directed the Sustainability in Prison Project (SPP) with Dan Pacholke since 2011. As an ecologist, Carri studies interactions between forests and streams and has worked in riparian systems in Washington, Arizona and Utah for the past 15 years. She has published over 25 scientific research articles with students and collaborators in the fields of stream ecology, ecological genetics, riparian forest ecology and prairie plant community dynamics.
A Montessori prison education | Brian Walsh | TEDxMonroeCorrectionalComplex 2014
Prison is one of the most un-fun places one can live and work. Preschools are all about fun. But both are about preparing people for the real world. Brian argues that we can unlock the future of prison education by relearning the lessons of preschool. Brian leads the offender education program for Peninsula College at two state prisons in the northwest corner of Washington state's Olympic Peninsula. As Associate Dean of Basic Skills and Corrections, Brian started the first prison-based Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (IBEST) program, a nationally recognized curriculum for adult education in Washington state. He began five new vocational programs including Sustainable Horticulture, Artisan Baking, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Green Building and Computer Programming and Development. In November 2013, Brian was recognized by the White House as a Champion of Change, one of "10 local heroes who are taking creative approaches in using technology to enhance learning for students in communities across the country."
Expand -- expand -- expand | Brandon P. | TEDxMonroeCorrectionalComplex 2014
All children need some sort of guidance, which anyone may be able to give them, but it is the love and instruction of their parent(s) that will be the most profound in their lives. No matter where a child's parent(s) reside, it must always be recognized that their influence can greatly impact the child's life in the present and future. In my childhood years I didn't know exactly who I was, yet I knew what I was opposed to. That is inequality in its many shapes and forms. Knowledge of self is my greatest asset. That encompasses my strong cultural roots of both African and Hispanic origin. I also maintain a healthy spirituality with prayer, meditation and laughter.
Growing in adversity with song | Derek Mortland | TEDxMarionCorrectionalSalon 2013
Derek Mortland has had a devilish interest in motorsports from an early age. At 20, he enrolled in the California Superbike School to learn to race motorcycles. After receiving his race license he went on to achieve numerous successes, including multiple top 10 finishes at WERA Grand National Final Events and numerous National Endurance Series Events with multiple teams, including 24 Hours of Nelson Ledges. Derek's career on motorcycles tragically ended in1997 when he suffered paralyzing injuries during a WERA National Endurance Race. Since that time, he has gone on to achieve success regardless of his disability by competing in wheelchair basketball, becoming a certified FAST Defense Combatives Instructor, and organizing disability conferences. He is currently assisting inmates through Win-Win Inc. and as a volunteer with the Horizon program. After TEDxMarionCorrectional he will work on his life goal of training his cats to perform on David Letterman's "Stupid Pet Tricks."
Not said, goodbye | Joshua Massey | TEDxMarionCorrectionalSalon 2013
Josh Massey and his son call Akron home. He studied at Cleveland Dancing Wheels and as a BFA Candidate at U. of Akron. He interned at the Ohio Ballet and Directed the First Authority Dance Ensemble. After waking up in the morning feeling like P. Diddy, Josh spends the rest of the day harnessing his telekinesis abilities. After TEDxMarionCorrectional he will continue to show that there are amazing artists in prison.
Observe | Joseph Young | TEDxMarionCorrectionalSalon 2013
Mighty Joe Young comes to Marion by way of Chicago, Illinois. The biggest lesson he learned from his loving and supportive family is to always lend a helping hand. Joe can boast that his worst addiction is to sunflower seeds. He is taking the stage to show off his talent, and to show that his constant singing and rhyming is not because he is just some crazy dude. After TEDxMarionCorrectional he will get back to work, serving others while continuing to hone his word craft.
Your time in Iraq makes you a threat to society | Andrew Chambers | TEDxMarionCorrectionalSalon 2013
Speaking from prison, Iraqi war veteran Andrew "Sarge" Chambers tells the story of how he got there. As the judge told him when he sentenced Chambers to 10 years at Marion Correctional: "Your time in Iraq makes you a threat to society." Chambers reminds us of the sacrifices that linger with soldiers -- and simply asks us to listen. Andrew "Sarge" Chambers proudly hails from Pickerington, Ohio. He served in the U.S. Army and has maintained the habit he acquired there of cursing just a bit too much. Throughout his service, Sarge was also able to maintain and hone his sense of honor and kindness, but the experience did slightly alter his sense of humor. While categorically not a morning person, when he is able to finally pry his eyes open, he always thinks to himself that he would rather be fishing. Most of his days are filled with coaching softball, Garth Brooks songs and thoughts of the family he hopes to be able to start soon. He is taking the stage to tell his story, parts of which can be seen in the documentary Operation Resurrection: The Warrior Returns. After TEDxMarionCorrectional he will work on his next unique thing.
We gotta get outta this place | Piper Kerman | TEDxMarionCorrectionalSalon 2013
Piper Kerman is the author of the bestselling memoir Orange Is the New Black: My Year in a Women's Prison, an account of her thirteen-month incarceration for a decade-old drug offense. Kerman's story offers a rare look into the lives of women in prison—why it is we lock so many people away and what happens to them when they're there. Orange Is the New Black was recently adapted into an acclaimed Netflix Original Series of the same name. Piper works as a communications consultant for nonprofits and philanthropies, and serves on the board of the Women's Prison Association. She has appeared on NPR's Talk of the Nation, Fresh Air, Good Morning America, MSNBC, The Moth Radio Hour, and has written about prison issues for The New York Times and other publications. After TEDxMarionCorrectional she will continue her important work.
Domino deeds | Jim Fussell | TEDxMarionCorrectional 2013
Jim Fussell was raised by remarkable parents in Lewisville, Ohio and has two siblings. He is a former pipeline construction welder apprentice. He enjoys the serenity of living in a quiet environment, and paints landscapes every day. Even though Jim admits that he dwells on things that he knows he cannot change, he tries to live by the motto: Our environment is what we make it. Jim firmly believes that if you think positive then positive will happen. He loves to stand up to be a voice for those that can't by supporting various charities. After TEDxMarionCorrectional he hopes that he will have made a difference and be thinking of all the Amy's in the world. And hopes you will be too.
Life after this | Frank Herrington & Co. | TEDxMarionCorrectional 2013
The comedy styling of Frank Herrington & Company include Frank, Burk Jordan, Donald Brown II, James Bonds and Jesse Bailey. Frank is a military brat who traveled the world. A grandfather, he values education and makes room for music in his life every day. Frank can't wait to do the little things again, like take out the trash and do yard work. Burk, also a grandfather, strives to be a self-reliant individual who gives to others. He caught the TED bug and plans on being involved in many more. Donald is a father of one who calls his daughter every day and spends his energy towards making sure young people don't follow the path that leads to prison. James is a father who tries to learn something new every day so that he can pass that on to his son. He knows the things that he has endured, good and bad have made him who he is today. Jesse, also a father, keeps busy with staying healthy so that he will be able to spend as much time with friends and family as he can. After TEDxMarionCorrectional, the group will continue to spread the word that life is hard enough, so laugh a little!
The truth about inner demons | Emily Eldredge | TEDxMarionCorrectional 2013
Emily Eldredge is the Creator of the Drawing Out Process®. After years of struggling with depression, anxiety, shame, anger, and self-loathing, Emily finally discovered the healing power of putting crayons to paper. The result is an emotional healing technique that has been dubbed "one of the best emotional healing processes I've ever encountered" and "a true gift for your soul and should not be missed." Emily now guides others through the DrOP so that they, too, may heal their "inner demons" and enjoy greater freedom, joy, and peace. A graduate of the Hockaday School in Dallas, TX and Williams College in Williamstown, MA, Emily currently lives in Tucson, AZ with her sweetie and plays "weekend mom" to his two little girls. After TEDxMarionCorrectional, she is thrilled to be taking inmates in the Marion, London, and Chillicothe Horizon Prison Ministry programs through the Drawing Out Process!
4 degrees of reconnection | Diego Rivera | TEDxMarionCorrectional 2013
Diego Baraza Rivera is an absentee father who has been recently reconnected with his son. He is a Muslim by personal choice who rises to meet each day by supplicating for his children. Diego is a musician, poet and philosopher who occasionally draws inspiration from his favorite band, Bad Brains, or from his favorite place, the ocean. He believes that when you are in one of those situations that you just aren't sure what to say, it is a good idea to be quiet and listen. His personal motto of "I think therefore I act" motivates him to turn negativity in his environment into a positive. He is taking the stage to shed light on the motives of absentee fathers, well, his motive anyway. After TEDxMarionCorrectional he will continue to live his life as an open book, inviting everyone to see him at peace, challenging others to do the same.In the spirit of ideas worth spreading,
Mastering your why | Bob Myers | TEDxMarionCorrectional 2013
Bob Myers is all about vision. Big vision. As the CEO of Pillar, he's harnessing over 20 years in the IT industry to create the next evolution in business solutions. Bob's primary skills are in the area of Business Process Re-engineering, IT engineering and Object Oriented Framework Development. Pillar is where his energy and experience are dedicated to optimizing results, as well as, satisfaction for all involved. You could say he's a connoisseur of the win-win situation. Prior to joining Pillar, Bob served as a CIO, CTO, and IT Director. He was a consultant, founding partner in two Internet related start-up companies and was a Director/Partner in one of the world's largest Internet growth companies. After TEDxMarionCorrectional he'll continue to show that he's got a huge heart for everything he does. You'll know it as soon as you meet him.
Do you have any change? | Sam Grisham | TEDxMarionCorrectional 2013
Sam Grisham is a husband, father and grandfather of two. After serving in the U.S. Army he settled in Ohio, but still has strong ties to his hometown of Monticello, Arkansas where his mother still resides. Spending so much time on the softball diamond paid dividends when the team he was on won a 2012 national championship. Even though he has a career, spends time on the diamond and is a hunter, he still finds it hard to keep up with his wonderful wife Kelli. That is why he enjoys the little moments like making coffee for her every morning. Sam is confident in the person he is, which is why he will be painfully honest with you. His mind is constantly moving. He is taking the stage to tell his story of change. After TEDxMarionCorrectional he will continue his work at Marion Correctional Institution helping others.
Intelligence is the new swagger | Rickey Harris | TEDxMarionCorrectional 2013
Rickey "Self" Harris is from the Infinite Universal Mind of the ALL. He currently facilitates Leadership Dynamics and serves as a youth mentor. His passion is compassion. He is taking the stage to represent his Love for the People. His reasoning being: "I can't leave the people alone, the people need me. The despair in their eyes is what seems to lead me." As for himself, he wished he knew a long time ago that he is worth a lot more than he thought he was. Now, he just wanna "Be"— limitless! After TEDxMarionCorrectional his will is to be at home within the next four months, still representing the people to the extent of his Conscious Awareness and through Mental Alchemy while working to establish a non-profit organization called V.I.S.I.O.N.S., an organization that promotes successful images and facilitate networking opportunities.
The face of reentry | Najmuddeen Salaam | TEDxMarionCorrrectional 2013
Najmuddeen "Naj" Salaam is the curator of H.O.P.E. (Helping Ourselves Pursue Excellence) a communal mentoring program. He designed and wrote this program while incarcerated at Marion Correctional Institution. H.O.P.E. has been helping to provide cognitive change and direction in the lives of young incarcerated men of M.C.I. since 2007. He is a communicator and self-taught speaker of Spanish and was successful in organizing Hispanic Heritage Month for Hispanic inmates while incarcerated at M.C.I. He is currently a Program Coordinator for WinWin, Inc's. Institute for Response-Able Reentry. Through this organization he became a certified mediator, facilitator and continues to help incarcerated and restored citizens. His story is one of resilience and helping others. He prides himself on helping people grow and especially on being a father. He is currently completing a bachelors of Science in Management and Leadership. After TEDxMarionCorrectional Naj's goal is to complete an autobiography of his life and reentry experiences.
Why laugh? | Meg Scott | TEDxMarionCorrectional 2013
Meg Scott's background and passion is teaching. Meg trained with Dr. Madan Kataria, the founder of Laughter Yoga in 2007 to become a Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher. In 2009, she took Steve Wilson's World Laughter Tour Laughter Leader training. Meg has trained over 160 Laughter Yoga Leaders in Florida and Ohio since 2008. She wrote and illustrated "Happy Hour Without the Hangover: A Guide to Leading a Successful Laughter Club." During the winter months she leads a free laughter club on Fort Myers Beach, Florida, and has offered laughter presentations to people of all ages. She has been featured and quoted in magazines and newspapers, including U.S. News and World Report. She is co-founder of What Wise Women Want Workshops and offers a variety of classes. After TEDxMarionCorrectional she will continue to spread the word that laughter is the best medicine...beneficial for the mind, body and spirit. www.laughteryogawithmegscott.com
Befriending your enemy | Juan Martinez | TEDxMarionCorrectional 2013
Juan M. Martinez Jr. is grateful to be a Texican hailing from San Benito, Texas. He works with digital audio every day so believes his recommendation to listen to absolutely anything by The Smiths should carry weight. He is overly committed to his worst habit... procrastination, except for early in the morning when he can't wait for a hot shower to start the day. Juan can't wait to spend the day with his children on a golf course, or anywhere as long as he is around his kids. He believes anything worth doing is worth doing twice... or three times; and his hobby is finding obsessive compulsive behavior in others. He is taking the stage to show what is possible to others in prison. After TEDxMarionCorrectional he will continue to focus on developing a closer relationship with his children.