Kirsten Knights • President

When we started Bridges Beyond Bars, my hope was simple: that no one would feel forgotten inside those walls. That the bleakness of prison life could be met with moments of hope, dignity, and connection.

I believe deeply that prison should not erase someone’s place in our community. Bars may separate people physically, but they shouldn’t divide us mentally, emotionally, or psychologically.

My background is in criminology and forensic psychology, paired with years of advocacy for people impacted by incarceration. I came to this work because of my own personal connection to the system - and because I couldn’t turn away from the reality of mass incarceration and the way it ripples through families, futures, and entire communities.

As President, my role is not about titles. It’s about responsibility. The responsibility to amplify voices that often go unheard. To make sure people returning home aren’t left behind. And to remind all of us that there is more to a person than their worst day.

I am proud to stand alongside an incredible board, both inside and outside prison walls, who share the same vision. Together, we are proving that real change is built on real voices.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

Sarah Moore • Vice President

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Darlene Smith • Secretary

For nearly three decades, Darlene Smith has dedicated herself to supporting her son during his incarceration. What began as a mother’s fight for her child grew into something larger - a recognition that her son was not alone. Countless families were facing the same struggles, all longing for hope, fairness, and second chances.

With the unwavering support of her daughter-in-law, Darlene stepped into advocacy, determined to make a difference. Along the way, she discovered a community of passionate individuals committed to amplifying voices too often silenced by the system.

Her journey has been one of transformation. Volunteering, joining Bridges Beyond Bars, and participating in legislative discussions gave Darlene the space to channel feelings of hopelessness into action. She has turned pain into purpose - becoming a voice for second chances and a steadfast advocate for change.

Today, as Secretary of the Board, Darlene brings both lived experience and deep commitment to the work of justice. She believes in redemption, in the power of community, and in the possibility of meaningful transformation when people come together.

Timm Smith • Treasurer

Timm brings over 33 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, where he specialized in production planning and managerial functions. Over the course of his career, he has worked with leading companies such as Pfizer and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, ensuring the delivery of safe and effective medicines.

With a strong passion for helping and supporting others, Timm has carried his professional expertise into his role with Bridges Beyond Bars. As Treasurer, he oversees the organization’s legal and fiscal responsibilities, ensuring accountability and sustainability in the work we do.

Timm’s commitment to service and his belief in our mission make him an invaluable member of the board. His skills, combined with his dedication to justice and community, help drive Bridges Beyond Bars forward in achieving its values and vision.

Felecia Blackston-Johnson

Felecia brings a strong passion for advocacy, legislative engagement, and direct support for justice-impacted individuals and their families. Her work is deeply rooted in both lived experience and a belief in creating meaningful, long-term change through community connection and systemic reform.

She is especially connected to issues surrounding sentencing disparities, long-term incarceration, re-entry barriers, and the emotional and financial impact incarceration has on families. Having personally supported a loved one through incarceration, clemency and pardon efforts, and rehabilitation, Felecia approaches advocacy with a focus on dignity, accountability, and hope.

Felecia’s strengths include community outreach, content creation, social media engagement, information organization, and developing clear, human-centered messaging. She is equally comfortable working behind the scenes to strengthen communication, systems, and follow-through in support of organizational goals.

She values a balance of advisory and hands-on involvement and is committed to building a long-term relationship with Bridges Beyond Bars while contributing to the mission and the community it serves.

Vega Moore

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Alejandro Ruiz

Alejandro Ruiz is a returning citizen and proud Virginia Beach native committed to giving back through service and advocacy. His passion lies in building connections, bridging gaps, and creating opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive.

Since April 2025, Alejandro has served as Pre-Entry Liaison with Bridges Beyond Bars. In this role, he:

- Helped design the Pre-Entry Assessment Test

- Facilitated applications from individuals at various facilities

- Maintained records and supported applicants through the process

- Piloted expansion projects, including the Financial Literacy Packet and the Interview Readiness Workbook

Alejandro is also a U.S. Army veteran, and the author of The Mic is Yours, a public speaking program equipping participants with communication skills for personal and professional growth. In May 2024, he was a featured speaker at TEDx Green Rock Correctional Center, now available on YouTube. He continues to facilitate The Mic is Yours alongside other TEDx speakers, and most recently collaborated with Bridges Beyond Bars to launch a mini-series showcasing the perseverance and stories of its inaugural graduates.

As a board member, Alejandro’s goal is to reshape the narrative around incarceration. Too often, public perception focuses on prison violence and overdoses, overshadowing the powerful stories of growth and transformation happening inside. Alejandro works to shine a light on these untold stories, to ensure returning citizens are seen as people - not mistakes.

He believes that when communities embrace incarcerated and returning citizens as human beings, reintegration becomes stronger, and the cycle of recidivism is broken. His dedication, vision, and lived experience make him an invaluable part of Bridges Beyond Bars.

Danny Thomas

Danny Thomas is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, VADOC CPRS trainer and a proud board member for Bridges Beyond Bars. Prior to my incarceration I served in The United States Army. Upon returning I found gainful employment and began my life in the civilian world with unlimited potential.

At 23 my young life took a horrific turn with a severe addiction to cocaine and alcohol and by 26 I found myself standing in front of a judge being sentenced to life plus twenty years for taking the life of another young man who struggled as I did. I was determined from that moment forward that substance use would no longer rule my life and I would dedicate my life to growth and become an advocate and example to show that redemption and rehabilitation are real.

I've been true to my word over the course of this 25 years which includes 25 years of sobriety. I currently serve in my role as certified peer recovery specialist in the Shared Allied Management (SAM) unit at Green Rock Correctional Center.

This environment provides peer support and overall recovery/wellness for individuals who struggle with mental and/or physical challenges. The most fulfilling achievement for me is witnessing my peers growth beyond their obstacles and believing that they have a future with great potential despite what confronts them. Bridges Beyond Bars is the right organization for these times and I am supremely blessed to be a part of this team!

I am the proud Father of one, Devin, a strong advocate in his own right for single fathers who's blessed me with two beautiful grandchildren Nolani and Jaden.

"Let's Build!"

Mark Wenberg

Mark is a retired educator and technology trainer with a strong focus on digital literacy and personal cybersecurity. With more than 25 years in public education - including leadership roles in classroom instruction and technology integration - he’s dedicated to helping as many people as possible navigate the digital world safely and confidently.

Mark’s path into advocacy was shaped by years of working in under-resourced schools and a desire to contribute positively to his community. Since retiring, Mark has continued this mission by working with several nonprofit organizations and developing accessible cybersecurity resources.

Mark is honored to bring his experience to the board of Bridges Beyond Bars and to help further its mission and impact.