Ana Sessions joins TLM as the Multimedia Programs Manager, bringing over a decade of experience in the entertainment industry. Her expertise spans creative development, podcast and multimedia production, project management, and technical operations. Driven by a passion for storytelling and cultural impact, Ana is dedicated to creating content that inspires and resonates globally.

Previously, Ana served as a Producer at Dear Media, Director of Original Programming at Looped, and held roles in television creative development at Lionsgate and ICM Partners. Her work in the podcast space has garnered numerous accolades, including the Bronze Honor at the 2023 Shorty Awards.

Ana brings her love of crafting innovative formats, implementing growth strategies, and fostering meaningful collaborations to the TLM team, making her a trusted partner for creators, talent, and audiences alike. Based in Los Angeles, CA, she enjoys cooking, hiking, snowboarding, and exploring her love of cinema in her free time.

Anthony M. Villalba Joined The Last Mile in 2018 and evolved into a man who refined his dreams and destiny as part of the Ironwood cohort. During his development as a coder, Mr. Villalba learned to leverage his experience in life and inquisitiveness as a programmer towards developing into a leader while gaining proficiencies in several languages and libraries.
Mr. Villalba is currently enrolled in Justice Through Code – Data Analytics cohort, Google – Data Analytics Program.
Continuing to chase his dreams of becoming a Web Developer, Anthony is determined to manifest this destiny.

Armando Gonzalez is a formerly incarcerated individual turned returned citizen advocate. He works tirelessly to support those impacted by the justice system in successfully reintegrating into society. Armando’s personal journey inspires others, and his advocacy promotes rehabilitation and opportunities for all.

As a first-generation college graduate from the University of Houston with over 13+ years in HR, Arnold is a passionate Sr. People Generalist at TLM who thrives on building strong, people-first workplaces. Arnold partners with teams to create a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work. Whether it’s optimizing HR processes, navigating employee relations, or driving engagement initiatives, Arnold is dedicated to making work better for everyone.

Aubri is a dedicated People Operations professional who delivers superior performance in fast-paced HR environments. She is committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive work culture and enhancing employee experience. She has a BA in Sociology and an MA in Human Resources Management. Aubri loves spending quality time with her family and two little kids. She enjoys binge-watching shows, wine nights, 90s R&B, and traveling.

Brett is a returned citizen after twenty-four years of incarceration. He learned how to develop websites using the MERN stack while attending The Last Mile program in Indiana. He is a lifelong learner, having a passion for all things tech-related, mathematics, and physics. He has a particular love for React, but hopes to learn additional languages and stacks in order to build more complex applications and round out his skills.

Leveraging his position at The Last Mile, Brett wishes to make a difference by being an educator and example for those who have walked a rough road in life. He hopes that his story of determination, perseverance, and success will lead others to follow suit.

Brian learned how to code while participating in TLM's Web Development program at San Quentin. After a brief role as one of TLM's Academic Support staff, Brian attended and graduated from the Flatiron Software Engineering Boot Camp. Brian has now returned to the TLM team as an Associate Logistics Engineer.

Brian is a Sci-Fi fan, gaming enthusiast and a firm believer in the power of community. He continuously seeks ways to be a contributing member to whichever community he connects with. He states "..the better the community you belong to, the better life will be for all who are a part of it."

Caroline plays a pivotal role in advancing the organization's vision by actively fostering and nurturing partnerships, participating in external events, and contributing to innovative curriculum and program development. Her efforts not only advocate for The Last Mile's mission but also create valuable hiring opportunities for TLM alumni and justice-impacted talent.

In her current role, Caroline serves as the primary liaison for potential partners, leveraging her expertise to cultivate long-term relationships that align with The Last Mile's goals. Her commitment to and experience in Fair Chance Employment help ensure that TLM alumni receive the opportunities needed to secure the job they desire.

Caroline brings a solutions based and holistic approach to her work, driving positive change within social justice and beyond. Through her leadership and expertise, she continues to create pathways to employment and opportunity, reflecting The Last Mile's dedication to innovation and social justice.

Outside of work, you’ll find Caroline searching the Bay Area for the best bagels, watercoloring, or spending time outdoors with friends and family.

Chai is a proud graduate of The Last Mile program at San Quentin, where he acquired expertise in front-end and back-end web development. As a student, he discovered the mutual benefits of assisting others, as well as gaining insight in understanding each individual on a personal level. A lifelong gamer with a deep-seated passion for technology, learning how to build computers to provide the most efficient performance and quality graphics for gaming and software development, to name a few. He now serves as an Associate Support Engineer, leveraging his technical skills and problem-solving abilities.

Chelsey is a passionate advocate for education and personal growth. Originally from Texas, she graduated from The Last Mile in 2021 and spent two years as a Teaching Assistant, where she discovered her love for teaching. Now a Program Assistant at TLM, she enjoys supporting the team and helping programs run smoothly. Coming from a large family, Chelsey values the importance of community and support. She has a deep passion for reentry and hopes to use her experiences to help others navigate their transition home.

Dan Tinkler is a lifelong musician whose passion for performance and musical study led him into the world of audio engineering. He has spent the last 11 years working in recording studios and venues in Chicago with artists from all over the country. Dan always had a passion for sharing his knowledge of audio with others and received his master's from Northwestern University in 2018 to pursue teaching in higher education. He began working as an adjunct instructor at Flashpoint College before joining The Last Mile as an Audio Program Specialist. Dan is eager to continue to share his love for audio with students and grow the audio community with passionate engineers.

Deven Anthony's interest in computer science began after taking a coding course at his local community college, after that, he dove head-first into the world of computing. He started his career working as an IT Technician for a small construction company in Napa California, as well as contributing to multiple open-source projects in his spare time. Other interests include filming, video production, and aviation.

Dylan Franks is an educator and filmmaker committed to making the tools of video production accessible to storytellers within their communities, regardless of systemic divide. After studying rhetoric and community filmmaking at Bates College, Dylan worked as a teacher and curriculum specialist for the New Orleans Video Access Center (NOVAC) and has been a frequent collaborator on grassroots film projects. Now based in Arizona, Dylan is excited to join the team at The Last Mile and support this integral work.

Erik firmly believes that education and empowerment are essential for justice-impacted individuals striving for meaningful employment. His journey has reinforced this conviction, driving his commitment to guiding others as they navigate their own paths to success. With over seven years of experience as a Teaching Assistant, he has had the privilege of inspiring minds from diverse backgrounds. Nothing brings him greater joy than helping others discover and cultivate their dreams.

Erin has worked in the Finance departments of private for-profit and not-for-profit companies for 10+ years. A graduate of Widener University, she joined The Last Mile to support their mission of breaking the cycle of incarceration through educational opportunities that result in gainful employment.

Gary is a returned citizen who was released in June 2020, after 22 years of incarceration. He learned web development using the MERN stack and is actively engaged in pursuing web development as a career and as an entrepreneurial endeavor. Gary believes that creating jobs and helping individuals become employable are equally important and is passionate about doing his part on both sides of that equation.

Greg's life took a profound turn during his 20-year incarceration.

Several years before his release Greg realized the importance of education and a keen understanding of business and economics. He completed an Associate's degree in business administration, using this knowledge to strengthen his grasp on the financial world. His interest in trading stocks was at the forefront of his interest in The Last Mile, as he had learned about algorithm trading in his studies. The Last Mile's web development program allowed Greg to use a computer for the first time.

Upon his release, he enrolled in a computer systems program at Post University and a specialized Node.js course through Code the Dream.

Currently, Greg finds immense satisfaction in supporting The Last Mile's reentry team as a coordinator. He applies his relentless work ethic to play a meaningful role in a broader vision that he wholeheartedly believes in and has personally benefited from.

Gregory is a proud graduate of The Last Mile program. As a returned citizen, he has made it his mission to serve others in their journey to rehabilitation and reentry. He contributes his time to organizations that serve the community such as Uncommon Laws in prison program, Home After Harm, Re-entry housing at BOSS, and practicing restorative justice at RJOY.

In his spare time, Gregory enjoys reading and working on model cars.

Henry is a returned citizen after serving 25 years of incarceration in the Michigan Department of Corrections. Henry became a part of the TLM family as a student in the first TLM Michigan classroom where he finished track one of the web development curriculum. Although he was introduced as a student of coding he always showed interest in project management, and with the help of TLM began studying and preparing for a PM career. Henry is now a CAPM-certified PM and a member of the Project Management Institute.

As a Remote Instructor, Henry is excited to grow his skill set, helping to make the TLM experience better for the students that will follow. Henry believes it’s important for everyone to understand that TLM isn’t just about coding, it’s about people. He takes pride in being in a position to assist with helping people discover themselves and change the lives of families and communities everywhere.

Javier has a deep passion for technology and helping others. He is dedicated to supporting and empowering individuals through innovative solutions and compassionate advocacy. His diverse experiences provide him with a unique perspective and a profound sense of empathy which are useful skills in his role as Alumni Coach at The Last Mile.

In addition, Javier holds a degree in Sociology, has work experience organizing events and worked as a data analyst for a venture capital firm.

Jenny Parrott is a musician, writer, researcher, and educator. Her lifelong passion for singing led to being a self taught multi instrumentalist, songwriter and composer. Jenny has self produced and released numerous albums, and loves to learn from and collaborate with artists of all levels.

Jenny believes that music is fundamental to healing and well being, and is very excited to be part of The Last Mile Team.

Jerry was a participant in The Last Mile program at Ironwood, where he learned CSS3, HTML5, and Javascript among other technologies. He went from never having been on a computer to eventually tutoring other students in web development fundamentals. Jerry went on to create the first workshop in computer programming at Ironwood, geared specifically for The Youthful Offender Program. He credits The Last Mile for opening a whole new world of opportunities for him. It has been a dream come true for Jerry to be a part of the organization that helped change the trajectory of his life.

Jillian Godshall is a filmmaker and educator. She has taught digital media to students of all ages and has worked with organizations across the country to design and implement innovative curriculum. Her career has been dedicated to making storytelling and digital media more accessible to under-resourced communities. She is excited to continue that work with The Last Mile’s AVP Program.

John was one of the students selected to the Last Miles’s inaugural cohort in Michigan. He spoke on behalf of the class during its grand opening and was the first to graduate both Track 1 and Track 2. His love and understanding of coding, and his love for teaching allowed him to become a student worker after the second week of class and a tutor upon completion of the program. Now working for The Last Mile, John is afforded the ability to incorporate most of his dreams as one single pursuit: his love of coding, advocacy, teaching, learning, creativity, and growth.

Johnson started his career with The Last Mile Code.7370 program, where he learned valuable skills in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and initiative-taking. After his release from prison, he worked at Checkr Inc. and was promoted twice, but ultimately left to pursue software engineering. He completed a Full-Stack Software Engineering Immersive program through Adobe Digital Academy and General Assembly, gaining expertise in React, JavaScript, Node.js, Python, Django, HTML, and Sass. Johnson is motivated to continue learning and excel in his career.

With a diverse background in audio engineering and graphic design, Jose has cultivated a unique skill set that allows him to blend creativity with technical expertise. His journey began in sound, where he honed my recording, mixing, and sound design abilities, working on various projects ranging from music production to film scoring. Alongside his passion for audio, he discovered a love for visual storytelling through graphic design, creating compelling visuals that enhance the auditory experience.

Karly is a software engineer and educator who is passionate about
accessibility, equity, digital media, and (always) learning. With a decade
of experience teaching and developing middle, high school, and higher
education courses, they approach their work with flexibility, excitement,
creativity, and a deep focus on student empowerment. Karly is a
career-switcher and graduate of Rithm School’s full-stack web development
bootcamp, and in the time following has held intern, contract, and
volunteer roles collaborating on EdTech softwares and apps, performing
accessibility audits, and building websites for LGBTQ organizations. They
feel incredibly privileged to be working with such a passionate,
impact-focused team at TLM, and are excited every day to contribute to this
awesome mission and community.

Kate Weaver strives to create compassionate, holistic, and inclusive workplace initiatives and considers herself an employee-first advocate. She brings 10 years of HR and organizational development experience to The Last Mile team and is a Society of Human Resources Certified Professional. Additionally, she holds a B.A. and M.A. in English, with concentrations in Rhetoric and Professional Writing from SDSU and ASU, respectively. 

Outside work, Kate is mom to her son, Cillian, and Belgian-Shepherd, Josephine. She is a San Diego native and divides her time between its sunny coastline and alpine mountains. Her free time is spent reading, writing, cooking or chasing her toddler around the backyard (sometimes all at once!).

Kevin brings a wealth of knowledge and energy to the TLM team. He has been an advocate of fair chance employment for 23 years and a volunteer in San Quentin State Prison for 8 Years, most recently as the ED of Prison2 Employment Connection (Prison2EC.org).
Kevin is leading the expansion of our hiring partner network, working with the TLM Reentry team to increase services and community engagement and he will be developing new TLM business enterprises to provide career pathways for program participants.
His passion for helping his fellow human beings is infectious. Kevin is the co-founder of Social Imprints, one of the most successful Social Enterprises in the country.
Kevin is excited to bring his experience and dedication to The Last Mile and help propel our mission across the country.
“I am very grateful for this opportunity to change the world.”

KD is a graduate of The Last Mile Program at Mabel Bassett Correctional Center in Mcloud, OK. She is dedicated to making a positive impact on the perception of returned citizens and their successful reintegration into the workforce. As a Returned Citizen Advocate with The Last Mile, KD is committed to ensuring that the reentry process goes as smoothly as possible and strives to ensure returned citizens find suitable employment opportunities. Her ultimate goal is to target systemic inequalities, advocate for equal opportunities and resources, and break down the barriers that prevent returned citizens from accessing the same opportunities as others. KD is honored to be joining the TLM family and is passionate about empowering and providing support to returned citizens.

Mark joined The Last Mile in 2022, where he was introduced to computer coding for the first time. Discovering a passion for software development, he found direction and motivation in his life, aiming high while continually learning and growing.

Mark is proud to be the first in his family to graduate from college, earning an Associate of Arts in Business and Technology and is now embarking on the path towards a Bachelor of Arts degree. His goal is to continue growing and positively impacting the lives of justice-impacted individuals, providing them with a second chance at life, much like the opportunities he received through organizations like TLM.

Messigh Perry-Garner is a dedicated advocate for second chances, a devoted family person, and a driven entrepreneur committed to breaking the cycle of incarceration. After experiencing the justice system as a youth, I have returned to society with a renewed purpose—to inspire others through success, resilience, and positive change.

Through creativity, Perry connects with others who have walked a similar path. By using art and music to spark hope, life is possible after incarceration. 

Mikayla is a former TLM student who developed a deep passion for coding and reignited her love of teaching. Upon her release, she wanted to further pursue her education in coding with the Justice Through Code program. Mikayla is looking forward to working closely with TLM students as a web development education apprentice. She is thrilled to merge both passions: coding, and teaching into one.

Natasha has boundless enthusiasm, a love for learning and all things tech. A former participant in The Last Mile coding program at California Institution for Women in Corona, CA, she deeply believes in The Last Mile’s mission to bring career and life skills to people who have experienced incarceration, giving them another chance at success.

Natasha credits The Last Mile for providing her with a fresh start in a life, providing new direction filled with purpose and passion. She strives to inspire others to be their best and when she's not coding or teaching, she can be found fishing or enjoying extreme heavy metal music.

Nichole is passionate about helping others grow and achieve their personal goals. She was introduced to coding and Web Development at Rockville Correctional Facility. After completing The Last Mile program in June 2023, she served as a teacher assistant supporting other students on their journey to learn code. These experiences have had a profound impact on directing her personal and career paths.

Nichole considers it an honor to be part of this life changing organization that assists returning citizens. In her spare time, she enjoys taking long walks with her pitbull "Bidness", reading, and listening to music.

Having spent several years as a nurse, Paolo developed exceptional skills in communication, empathy, and problem-solving. These qualities, coupled with his natural curiosity and affinity for technology, led him to transition into the world of web development. His unique background as a nurse gives him an empathetic approach to web development. He understands the importance of user-centric design and strives to create accessible and inclusive digital experiences. His ability to communicate effectively with others and understand their requirements enables him to translate their vision into reality.

Paolo’s journey as a Fullstack Web Developer began with a strong foundation in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript at Pelican Bay where he was part of The Last Mile’s Web Development Fundamentals “Class Beta” cohort. He quickly honed his abilities in both front-end and back-end development, creating visually appealing and responsive websites. With an eye for detail and a commitment to providing seamless user experiences, Paolo’s designs stand out for their aesthetic appeal and functionality.

When he is not coding, Paolo is on a never-ending quest to find the perfect chicken nugget that is balanced in flavor and texture.

Pat is a proud alumnus of The Last Mile and their full-stack web development program. Through engaging in their curriculum, he developed a strong working knowledge of JavaScript tools for front-end (HTML, CSS, React.js) and back-end (Node.js, Express.js, MongoDB) web development. After graduating, he continued to stay involved with The Last Mile as a classroom tutor to assist his peers through their learning journeys. As a returned citizen, he feels honored to continue that endeavor in his new role with the organization as a Remote Instructor.

Pat’s motto is “The work will teach you how to do it”. Through times in his journey when the path forward was unclear, this belief was a steady source of inspiration and optimism that, over the long run, you will get out what you put in. When he’s not at his computer, he enjoys jogging, listening to electronic music, watching his beloved football teams (The Detroit Lions and The Notre Dame Fighting Irish), and reading science fiction.

Pete brings an extensive background in technology leadership to TLM. He has a BS in Computer Science from WashU. During his career, he has worked with startups, public companies, and growth organizations to scale teams and technology efficiently.  Pete has specialized in leading mission-driven global organizations focused on SaaS, operational resilience, digital transformation, agile practices, cloud migrations, security, and culture building.

Phaedra is a lifelong learner who loves both teaching and learning. She was introduced to TLM at Indiana Women’s Prison (IWP), where she discovered her passion for technology through the Web Development Fundamentals (WDF) program. Phaedra is excited to join the TLM staff as a Program Operations Coordinator, allowing her many opportunities to lend her support to returned citizens.

Originally from Chicago, Phaedra credits TLM for helping her to transform her life, providing her a second chance through reentry support and gainful employment.

Robert Roche is the Content Marketing Director for The Last Mile. In this role, Robert oversees the creation and distribution of compelling content that showcases The Last Mile's innovative programs and success stories. He manages the organization's social media presence, develops strategic marketing campaigns, and works to amplify the voices of justice-impacted individuals, all while ensuring that The Last Mile's message reaches a global audience.

Robert's early career was in the music industry, where he produced albums and managed digital media for 15 years, honing his skills in content creation and audience engagement. This experience laid the foundation for his future in marketing. It was during a subsequent five-year tenure as a marketing manager for a consulting firm that Robert experienced a profound shift in perspective. He realized that traditional marketing often relied on predatory tactics, and he became determined to forge a new path – one that aligns marketing with morality and mutual benefit. Shifting to the podcasting industry, Robert used his new approach as an executive producer for a podcast that reached 3 million listeners in its final year without spending a single dollar on marketing. 

At The Last Mile, Robert has found a calling that resonates deeply with his personal ethos and newfound marketing philosophy. He is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to an organization that is reimagining criminal justice and creating pathways to success for justice-impacted individuals. Whether it's through managing social media, producing content that reach millions, or developing innovatives strategies to uplift paradigm shifting ideas, Robert is committed to sharing The Last Mile's message of hope and transformation with the world. His work is fueled by a fundamental sense of optimism and a dedication to building a more just and equitable society – a perspective deepened by his experience of fatherhood, and investing in a better future for his wife and son. 

Sam is the Sr. Manager of Research and Analytics at The Last Mile. After earning his BA and MS in Economics from Marquette University, Sam worked in a research role at the Social Policy Institute at Washington University in St. Louis, studying the socioeconomic needs and priorities of US households. Residing in Santa Barbara, CA, but originally from St. Louis, MO, Sam enjoys listening to (and occasionally playing) music, following his hometown’s professional sports teams, and advocating for restorative justice systems.

Samantha is a proud returning citizen and lifelong learner passionate about web coding. After spending three years with The Last Mile program before her release, she discovered her love for technology and problem-solving. She is a natural at puzzles and challenges and has used her coding skills to create new opportunities and build a brighter future. As a devoted mother, she is committed to her personal growth and helping others grow, especially those facing similar challenges. Samantha hopes to inspire and support other returning citizens by assisting them in finding their place in the coding world and empowering them with the skills and confidence needed to succeed.

Shamiya brings a wealth of experience in the education sector to her role at TLM, and has dedicated herself to fostering meaningful partnerships with students, educators, parents, and community stakeholders. Her approach to her work emphasizes amplifying the voices of those she serves, guided by principles of kindness, humor, and determination.

Shamiya is committed to cultivating inclusive learning environments - ensuring that every individual not only learns effectively but also feels welcomed, accepted, and valued throughout their education and employment journey.

Shaun has worked for underserved communities for nearly 20 years in non-profit communications for organizations such as GLAAD, Equality California, The MLK Jr. Freedom Center, and St. Anthony Foundation, and he's proud to bring that experience to The Last Mile. He also holds a B.A. in Communications from SFSU and an A.A. in Visual Design from CCSF.

In his free time, Shaun performs in the LGBTQ+-themed punk band, Middle-Aged Queers and enjoys traveling around the world playing music.

Sierra is a passionate individual with a flair for both baking and web development. With a positive and ambitious attitude, Sierra envisions a future where these two seemingly unrelated worlds can come together to make a positive impact. Fueling this ambition is a deep desire to open a business aimed at empowering at-risk youth through a combination of technology, life skills, empowerment, and career training. Sierra believes in the transformative power of education and aims to create a space where young minds can not only learn valuable skills but also discover their own potential.

Terrell joined The Last Mile in 2016 as a student in Ironwood State Prison. Released in February 2020, he immediately pursued his passion for Web Development and enrolled in General Assembly’s Software Engineering Immersive. Focused on his passion to be a Full-Stack Developer, he enrolled as a student at Cal State Fullerton University, where he is majoring in Computer Software Engineering. He is proficient in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Mongoose/MongoDb, Express, React, NodeJS, Python, Command Line, Git, and C++.

Thailee is a proud alum of The Last Mile program. As a TLM student, he went from having zero experience with technology to being introduced to a new world filled with amazing possibilities. After graduating, Thailee became a Teaching Assistant where he discovered a knack for connecting with students and developed his passion for teaching.

Thailee is currently a student at Cal State Fullerton working on his bachelor’s degree in Sociology and African American Studies. His goal is to continue educating and inspiring others - especially youth and incarcerated individuals.
In his free time, Thailee enjoys promoting mental wellness and creativity through teaching crochet to high school students.

Timothy hails from Cincinnati, OH but currently lives in Richmond, IN.

A graduate of the pilot AVP Program at Putnamville Correctional Facility, he now works as an Academic Success Representative for the AVP team at TLM and has a strong passion for the industry, creating content and adding his own creativity and expertise to the projects he's involved with.

IT Manager, Tulio Cardozo, works with The Last Mile to support the student and staff’s experience as it relates to technology across TLM’s learning services, proprietary network, and physical device infrastructure spanning three timezones.

Tulio’s career with The Last Mile initially started eight years ago as a founding graduate of The Last Mile Entrepreneurship Program. After serving seven years in state prison, Tulio has successfully transitioned into a technology career in San Francisco, CA.

Tulio is a state-credentialed employee and previously managed TLM Works, at San Quentin State Prison, the same prison he resided during his incarceration. TLM Works is the first-ever web development shop staffed by currently and formerly incarcerated web developers working for “outside” companies.

Aside from The Last Mile, Tulio has worked as a business analyst for technology accelerator, KickLabs, mastered WordPress as an independent contractor, lead engineering and development at Launch Podium (a tech startup in San Francisco), and has taught Web Design and Coding through Five Keys Charter School, to residents of the San Francisco County Jail and the San Francisco Adult Probation Department.

Tyler was a participant in The Last Mile program at Parnall Correctional Facility in Jackson, MI. Tyler was born and raised in Kalamazoo, MI and holds a BA from The University of Colorado. He has spent the last 15 years in the IT Sales/Consulting space and is excited to be a part of The Last Mile team. In his down time, Tyler enjoys spending time with his family, live music and being outside or on the water. He also loves spending time with his two Bulldogs.

Vah Saechao is a returned citizen and a graduate of The Last Mile program. He is an Operations Support Engineer for The Last Mile. All of his software skills were learned in prison. Vah is a constant learner and enjoys working as a team. With a wealth of experience in Web Development, Vah expands his skill sets by transferring what he has learned in programming to engineering.