Lead Author:

​Stanley Andrisse, MBA, PhD

Executive Director and Founder, Prison to Professionals (P2P)
Assistant Professor, Howard University College of Medicine
Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Stanley Andrisse is a distinguished endocrinologist, educator, and social justice advocate dedicated to addressing systemic barriers within the criminal justice system and promoting higher education for formerly incarcerated individuals. As an Assistant Professor at Howard University College of Medicine, Dr. Andrisse combines his expertise in endocrinology with a passion for mentorship and transformative education. A formerly incarcerated person himself, Dr. Andrisse overcame significant personal and systemic challenges to earn his Ph.D. in Physiology from Saint Louis University and an MBA from Lindenwood University. His remarkable journey from incarceration to academia inspired him to establish From Prison Cells to PhD (or Prison to Professionals, P2P), a nonprofit organization that empowers justice-impacted individuals to achieve higher education and meaningful careers. Under his leadership, P2P has become a beacon of hope, helping countless individuals rewrite their life stories. Dr. Andrisse’s academic research focuses on diabetes, insulin resistance, and the endocrine system, with a particular interest in how these issues intersect with public health in marginalized communities. His work has garnered numerous accolades, including appointments to prestigious committees and advisory boards aimed at fostering systemic change, such as the Lived Experience Advisory Committee for Maryland Governor Wes Moore's Task Force on Reentry Services. In addition to his academic and nonprofit work, Dr. Andrisse is a sought-after speaker and author, sharing his compelling story and insights on platforms ranging from national conferences to the White House, where he has spoken on health policy reform. His upcoming book (this book), co-authored with P2P Scholars and published by Wiley, highlights the transformational journeys of formerly incarcerated individuals, providing a narrative of hope, resilience, and systemic reform. Dr. Andrisse’s unwavering commitment to justice, education, and public health continues to inspire and drive meaningful change in both the academic and broader social justice communities.

Contributing Authors:

Desiree Riley (P2P Cohort 34, Sep. 2023)

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Desiree "Dezi Speaks" Riley is the mother of five wonderful humans, a social entrepreneur, visionary, and alumna of The Ohio State University with a focus on helping to shape this world into a better place for everyone. She is a recent graduate of the Reform Advocacy Institute, and participant in the 34th cohort of Prison to PhD. Dezi also earned 1st place in the 2024 Ford Philanthropy Fellowship powered by Watson Institute. Her most recent publication includes Felony to Freedom: Journey to Liberating an Institutionalized Mind. Dezi spends most of her time traveling, homeschooling, and serving her community through The MasterMind Cooperative (a 501c3 personal development nonprofit she founded post-incarceration).

Dr. Brian L. Metcalf (P2P Cohort 28, Jan. 2023)

Chicago, Illinois. An unapologetic advocate for the forgotten, who centers human experience and relationships builds Dr. Brian L. Metcalf has extensive experience in K-12 education both in a traditional and charter school system as well as non-profit organizations. As a young teenager, Brian dreamed of becoming a teacher because he knew first-hand the power that schools possess to change the trajectory of children and communities or become places where child dreams die. Dr. Metcalf spends time mentoring individuals impacted by laws designed to create caste systems. In his spare time, Dr. Metcalf enjoys a culinary experience, time with family and friends.

Elhadji Ndiaye (P2P Cohort 25, Apr. 2022)

Washington, District of Columbia. Elhadji Ndiaye is a student in the Howard University and Baltimore City Community College Bridges to Baccalaureate (B2B) program. An entrepreneur at heart, he helps manage his family business while also serving as the newly appointed CEO of his own venture, which he and his team plan to incorporate in 2025. Passionate about entrepreneurship, social and political sciences, and the arts, Ndiaye channels his experiences into creating meaningful intellectual property and uplifting both professional and aspiring creatives. His journey has been shaped by adversity—having navigated the justice system from birth, from shelters to federal penitentiaries. Despite a challenging past, he has emerged determined to redefine his future. Now at 25, he is committed to making the next chapter of his life his best yet. Ndiaye’s story is one of perseverance, self-discovery, and an unwavering belief in the power of second chances. Through his work, he aims to inspire others to reclaim their futures, just as he has reclaimed his own.

Judith Negron, MS (P2P Cohort 21, Jun. 2021).

Miami, Florida - Judith Negron is a criminal justice reform advocate with a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling, and over 30 years experience as an educator, mentor, and counselor to a diverse population in the mental health sector. As a formerly incarcerated individual, she has dedicated her freedom to advocate for those who have been directly and indirectly impacted by the criminal legal system, assisting in the pathways to fairness and equality in their future. Founder and CEO of The Freedom Glow, LLC, her mission is to empower others and guide them upon their reentry process; and her passion is to give a voice to those left behind, particularly to the children of the incarcerated, who are often the silent victims of these circumstances. Judith is a Prison-to-Professionals scholar and mentor, Speaker’s Bureau member, The LOHM Pathways for Equity Fellow and Epic Ambassador for Florida, Dream.Org Justice Advocacy cohort graduate, and sits on the Board of Directors for Evolution Reentry, a support group for systems-impacted individuals.

Kelsie L. Becklin, PhD (P2P Cohort 14, Mar. 2020)

Minneapolis, Minnesota. Postdoctoral Researcher and Advocate for Criminal Justice Reform. Dr. Kelsie Becklin is a dedicated postdoctoral researcher in the Webber Lab, where she continues her groundbreaking work on pediatric sarcoma models. Her research leverages induced pluripotent stem cells and genetic engineering to create innovative bottom-up models that reveal the early stages of cancer initiation and transformation. Through this work, Kelsie aims to unlock new pathways for personalized therapeutic development, offering hope for more effective treatments for these devastating diseases. Kelsie’s journey into the world of science is uniquely inspiring. Having navigated the challenges of the criminal legal system, her lived experiences have shaped her commitment to advancing both science and social justice. Following her presidential pardon, Kelsie has emerged as a powerful advocate for criminal justice reform, using her platform to raise awareness about the transformative power of education and the potential for second chances. Outside of the lab, Kelsie enjoys watching her son excel in sports, horseback riding, and exploring the culinary scene in her city. Her story is a testament to resilience, the pursuit of knowledge, and the drive to make a meaningful impact both in science and in society.

Lisa Guirsch-Webb, BS (P2P Cohort 35, Dec 2023)

Portland, Oregon. Lisa's journey is one of resilience and transformation. After facing a tumultuous past, including a standoff with police and years of incarceration, she found strength through faith, education, and her relationship with Rachel. While in prison, Lisa immersed herself in spiritual growth and education, even becoming a GED math teacher. Her time in prison, especially in Oregon, was challenging, but it set the stage for a profound personal turnaround. Since her release, Lisa has been dedicated to reentry and higher education initiatives. She joined AmeriCorps to help build Project Rebound at Portland State University (PSU) and became deeply involved in advocacy for justice-impacted individuals. Lisa's passion for education was reignited after reading Dr. Stan Andrisse’s book, which inspired her to pursue higher academic goals. Now, Lisa is an alumna of the Prison to Professional (P2P) Scholar Program, actively contributing to the mission of empowering formerly incarcerated individuals. She serves on various committees and boards, working tirelessly to improve reentry services and educational pathways for others. Lisa and Rachel, who defied the odds of maintaining a prison relationship, are now role models in their community, committed to supporting others on their journey of redemption and success.

Mancy Thompson (P2P Cohort 3, Jun. 2018)

Hanover, Pennsylvania. Mancy Thompson’s journey from the streets of Baltimore to the battlefields of Beirut and eventually back home is a testament to resilience and redemption. Growing up in a challenging environment, Mancy sought escape through the Marine Corps, where he faced not only the horrors of war but also the lingering effects of racial tension and personal trauma. His life took a tragic turn when a post-service incident led to a 23.5-year incarceration. Despite the hardships, Mancy emerged determined to rebuild his life. After his release, he connected with Dr. Stan Andrisse and joined the P2P Scholars Program, which reignited his purpose. By 2021, he became P2P’s Program Director, using his experiences to inspire and guide others. Today, Mancy is dedicated to helping justice-impacted individuals find their path, proving that second chances can lead to profound transformations.

Oswald Newbold (P2P Cohort 28, Jan. 2023)

West Palm Beach, Florida. Oswald Newbold's journey from facing early life challenges to becoming a global advocate for justice and conflict resolution is a testament to resilience and transformation. Born to teenage parents and navigating the economic struggles of the 1970s, Oswald experienced early exposure to racial prejudice and disengagement from education. Despite these hurdles, his life took a dramatic turn at 19 when legal troubles led to a life sentence, prompting a profound decision to fight for change and embrace personal growth. Through mentorship, education, and sheer determination, Oswald re-entered society, overcoming systemic stigmas to secure a government job, rise to management, and complete his college degree. His involvement with Prison-to-Professionals (P2P) helped him channel his experiences into inspiring others and fostering healing. Today, Oswald makes a positive impact through global advocacy work, criminal justice reform, and conflict mediation, continuously striving to empower communities and promote equity on a global scale.

Phillip A. Jones (P2P Cohort 23, Oct. 2021)

Airway Heights Corrections Center, Washington State. Phillip A. Jones, Jr. is the founder and CEO of Phillip A Jones Consulting, LLC. Phillip was born and raised in the challenging environs of southwest Baltimore. Phillip's early life was deeply entangled with the stark realities of gang violence and poverty. A pivotal moment came at the age of 19 when a drug related altercation led him to shoot another individual, who "THANKFULLY" survived. This incident resulted in Phillip receiving a daunting sentence of two life terms plus twenty years, marking the beginning of over three decades of incarceration. However, Phillip's story does not end there; it transforms. In the crucible of prison, amidst a landscape where hope is a rare commodity, Phillip embarked on a journey of profound self-reinvention. Today, as the founder and CEO of Phillip A. Jones Consulting, LLC, he stands as a testament to the power of change, dedication , and hard work. Phillip has become a beacon of hope for many incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women and men. His dedication underscores an inspiring narrative of redemption, resilience, and the unwavering belief of second chances.

Rachel Guirsch-Webb, BS (P2P Cohort 35, Dec 2023)

Portland, Oregon. Rachel Guirsch's life story is one of resilience, transformation, and the pursuit of education against all odds. Her journey began with a series of personal and legal challenges, including time spent in Coffee Creek Correctional Facility, where she grappled with the harsh realities of incarceration and the struggle to maintain her humanity. Despite the adversity, Rachel found purpose in working within the prison infirmary and supporting her peers, even amidst the chaos of wildfire evacuations and the isolating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Following her release, Rachel embraced higher education as a beacon of hope, enrolling at Portland State University just days after her parole. Her commitment to personal growth led her to become a scholar with Prison-to-Professionals (P2P), where she connected with a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to breaking barriers and achieving academic excellence. Rachel’s determination to turn her life around and inspire others serves as a powerful reminder that even after a fall, it is possible to rise, rebuild, and thrive.

Tenaj Moody, MS (P2P Cohort 13, Feb. 2020)

Washington, District of Columbia. Tenaj Moody, is a internationally-renowned educator and keynote speaker in domestic violence, sexual violence, criminal legal system and mental health. She is the Founder of Light To Life and two-time best-selling author. She is a Licensed Behavior Specialist and has her Master’s in Criminal Justice with a certification in Applied Behavioral Analysis. As an Afro-Latina millennial raised in North Philadelphia, who survived domestic violence,
poverty, and having a parent who was incarcerated growing up, her experiences quickly taught her the power in owning her story and resilience. She has made it an obligation to share her story to impact, inspire and uplift the often overshadowed voices through her social enterprise Light To Life, her research on women’s health issues, and her best selling book Carry It With You. Her accompanying personal testimonies rooted in these lived experiences have fostered an unwavering commitment to shift the narrative around violence prevention education and advocacy.

Tommy Moore, MBA, PhD (P2P Cohort 14, Mar. 2020)

Omaha, Nebraska. Dr. Thomas Moore (aka Dr. Tommy) has a Ph.D. in Business Administration (Financial Management) with over twenty years of experience working in recovery and life coaching. After serving nine years and three months in the Florida Department of Corrections, he brings his lived experience and zeal for "withness" to the reentry workspace. Dr. Tommy shines when working with people ready to put effort into taking steps needed for positive and productive change. Through accountability, the focus on one's well-being, and SMART goals for healthy living, he has seen hundreds of lives changed. In his free time, Dr. Tommy enjoys weight lifting, swimming, deep-sea fishing, and spending time in nature. A fun fact about him is one leg is slighter shorter than the other, so that swagger in his walk? He's turned a so-called "defect" into a strength. Dr. Tommy is currently teaching at the Reception and Treatment Center in Lincoln, NE.

William Freeman, BS (P2P Cohort 8, Jun. 2019)

Baltimore, Maryland. William Freeman III is a powerful advocate for criminal justice reform and education in prison. After serving 20 years for murder, Freeman was released in 2018 and went on to earn his degree in sociology and anthropology from Goucher College through the Goucher Prison Education Partnership. Today, Freeman is a Bloomberg Fellow and a master's candidate at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. He works at The Education Trust, where he helps empower formerly incarcerated individuals and advocates for policy changes that close opportunity gaps for marginalized students. Through his involvement in the P2P Scholars Program, Freeman has further dedicated himself to breaking down barriers for those impacted by the criminal justice system, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities to transform their lives. His personal journey, from incarceration to higher education, illustrates the profound impact of education as a tool for personal growth and systemic change.