ReCA’s Coaching Project is a peer-led initiative designed to support individuals during their transition back into society. Led by restored citizens, the program offers unique insight and guidance from those who’ve faced—and overcome—similar challenges.
Management & Organization
Our peer facilitators are highly trained life coaches, educators, and community leaders—restored citizens who have successfully navigated the justice system and reentry process. They bring lived experience, professional skill, and a deep commitment to transforming communities, one group at a time
FACULTY COACHES & FACILITATORS
Kevin N. Tyler, Sr. – Executive Director
Kevin N. Tyler, Sr. is a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience in the public and private sectors. As Executive Director of ReCA, he leads national growth and community-focused reentry initiatives.
His past roles include Executive Director of Tuerk House and Board Chairman of Total Health Care, where he helped merge the two organizations to improve access to care. Kevin has also held leadership roles in Fortune 500 companies and multiple nonprofits, always focused on equity, service, and transformation.
Inspired by his father’s legacy of community service, Kevin is committed to building pathways for empowerment through ReCA.
Irene C. Lyons
Chief Strategy Officer, I. Lyons Consulting Group
Program Manager, ReCA Foundation
Irene Lyons is a lifelong advocate for second chances with nearly 30 years at the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, where she led major initiatives like the Ohio CQE, sentencing reform, and the Ex-Offender Reentry Coalition. She holds a J.D. and M.S. from Pepperdine University and is a Certified Public Manager. Irene now serves as Program Manager for ReCA Foundation and 1st Vice President of Programs for the National Coalition of 100 Black Women (Central Ohio Chapter), where she also contributes to public policy, bylaws, finance, and national audit committees.
Michael Talley – Transformative Coach & Advocate
Michael Talley is a certified Life Coach and co-founder of the Reentry Coaching Academy (ReCA), dedicated to empowering individuals through coaching, education, and advocacy. While incarcerated, he co-created the only life coaching reentry program in a federal prison and became a certified Offender Workforce Development Specialist.
Michael holds a B.A. in Sociology from Norfolk State University and plays a key role in juvenile justice and reentry reform through organizations like Voices for Juvenile Justice and the Allegheny County Anchored Reentry Consortium (ACAR). He also contributes to curriculum development and DEI efforts with Stride K-12 and the Community College of Allegheny County.
Through his lived experience and professional leadership, Michael is committed to building pathways of hope, equity, and transformation for underserved communities.
Richard A. Brown – Life Coach & Entrepreneur
Richard A. Brown is a certified life coach and co-owner of Refresh Atlanta, a high-end sneaker boutique known for its exclusive collaborations and community-focused mission. During his 14-year incarceration, Richard found purpose in facilitating personal development programs, guiding others through transformation and second chances.
Since his release, he has remained deeply committed to supporting justice-impacted individuals through his work with the Re-entry Coaching Academy (ReCA). Drawing on training from the Institute for Life Coach Training (ILCT) and the Co-Active Training Institute (CTI), Richard blends lived experience with professional coaching to inspire growth and resilience.
Now free for six years, Richard is a proud father and passionate advocate for redemption, entrepreneurship, and the power of intentional change.
Christopher Colon – Certified Life Coach & Reentry Specialist
Christopher Colon is a Certified Life Coach with over 27 years of lived experience in the justice system, which now fuels his passion for helping others transform their lives. As a founding member of the Re-entry Coaching Academy (ReCA), Chris brings deep insight, authenticity, and unwavering commitment to guiding individuals through reentry and personal growth.
While incarcerated, Chris earned multiple Department of Labor apprenticeships, co-taught college-level courses through the University of Pittsburgh’s Inside-Out Program, and became a published author. Since his release, he has achieved key milestones—including securing employment, housing, and certifications—and now uses his skills to support others on their journeys.
Chris is known for his energy, integrity, and dedication to building strong futures for youth and formerly incarcerated individuals. He lives by his motto: “The door is always open—come in if I can help.”
Jamaar A. Blakey
Reentry Specialist | Life Coach | Educator
Jamaar A. Blakey is a nationally certified life coach and reentry specialist with over a decade of experience leading transformative programs in prisons and communities. With lived experience and professional training, he’s dedicated to helping people rebuild their lives with purpose.
He holds an A.S. in Construction Management and certifications in life coaching, carpentry, and workforce development. Jamaar has delivered 10,000+ hours of programming focused on personal growth, leadership, and reentry.
A former Reentry Specialist for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, he helped lead national initiatives like the FCI McKean Reentry Summits and has trained dozens of coaches and facilitators. He is a nationally trained Offender Workforce Development Specialist and a member of the Delta Epsilon Honor Society.
Jamaar’s mission: build people, shift systems, and open doors to second chances.
Kendra Russell Delacruz – Project Manager, Certified Life Coach (PCC),
Kendra Russell Delacruz is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Project Manager at ReCA, and Executive Director of Coaching Beyond the Fences (CBtF), a nonprofit dedicated to empowering justice-impacted individuals through coaching, healing, and leadership development.
With a strong blend of lived experience and professional training, Kendra leads with purpose and compassion. At ReCA, she oversees project coordination, builds community partnerships, and delivers transformational coaching to support successful reentry and personal growth. Her work is grounded in a deep commitment to equity, transformation, and the power of second chances.
Mianta McKnight – Administrative Assistant, Life Coach & Trauma Healing Practitioner
Mianta McKnight serves as ReCA’s Administrative Assistant and is a certified Life Coach specializing in trauma recovery and holistic healing. With a deep passion for supporting others on their healing journey, Mianta brings organization, heart, and lived experience to everything she does.
In addition to managing day-to-day operations, she offers coaching rooted in trauma-informed practices, helping individuals reclaim their power, process their experiences, and move forward with clarity and purpose. Mianta’s work reflects her belief in healing as a path to transformation—for individuals and entire communities.
Melanie Williams – Administrative Assistant & Intake Coordinator
Melanie Williams is ReCA’s Administrative Assistant and Intake Coordinator, with a background in addiction counseling, trauma recovery, and peer support. A Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) and Recovery Coach, she brings both lived experience and professional expertise to her role. Melanie is passionate about creating safe, supportive spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, and empowered to heal.
Danyelle Johnson – Manager of Site Services & Administration
Danyelle Johnson brings over 8 years of experience in the mental healthcare field to her role as Manager of Site Services and Administration at ReCA. With a background in accounting and billing, she holds an Associate’s Degree in Accounting and has successfully transitioned into operations management, where she leads HR, administrative services, and team coordination.
A Certified Investigator, NNA Certified Notary Public, and Signing Agent, Danyelle is also the creator of a support program for young mothers and their children. A proud single mother herself, she embodies resilience, compassion, and a deep commitment to empowering others through both professional excellence and community engagement.
