The Story: How Did We Get Here?
ReCA was born inside the walls of a medium-security federal prison in Northwest Pennsylvania in 2011, where eight men and one woman crossed paths under extraordinary circumstances. At the center of this story is Susan Folk, the newly appointed Associate Warden of Programs at FCI McKean, who came with a mission to inspire growth and transformation. She introduced life coaching principles into the prison’s programming—planting the seeds of what would become a national movement.
One of the men, Talib Shakur, reached out to Dr. Pat Williams, founder of the Institute for Life Coach Training (ILCT), requesting access to the curriculum. With the support of Dr. Williams and his partner, Dr. Ellen Ritter, Susan Folk began training these incarcerated individuals to become certified life coaches. What started as one class quickly grew into a culture of coaching within the facility.
As the coaches trained others and new classes formed, a unique, peer-led coaching model emerged—one rooted in lived experience, self-determination, and community transformation. Even after Susan Folk was promoted to Chief of Learning and Career Development for the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Washington, D.C., the coaching approach lived on—now influencing systems well beyond the prison walls.
Today, many of those original coaches have come home and continued the work through ReCA—bringing the same transformational model into reentry spaces and community systems. Their journey proves that rehabilitation isn’t enough—true change begins with empowerment, growth, and a belief in human potential.
Guides and Partners
Susan Folk
Former Associate Warden and Chief at the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Susan has remained an active mentor and champion of our work, continuing to guide ReCA following her retirement.
Dr. Ellen Ritter & the Institute for Life Coach Training (ILCT)
As the steward of ILCT, Ellen has been instrumental in validating and supporting our coaching efforts, offering training, wisdom, and unwavering belief in our mission.
Dr. Pat Williams
Founder of ILCT and a lifelong advocate of the coach approach, Pat remains a trusted coach, mentor, and ally as we scale our impact nationwide.
Sue Kastensen – Fair Shake
Sue, founder of the nationally respected reentry organization Fair Shake, is a powerful partner in helping returning citizens transition with dignity and support. Her vision aligns closely with ours.
Equality Equation
Our partnership with Equality Equation in Baltimore strengthens our ability to provide coaching-infused workforce development and wraparound services that drive lasting transformation.
Coaching Beyond the Fences
As a key partner in ReCA’s mission, Coaching Beyond the Fences (CBtF) expands our reach into communities, training new peer coaches and supporting system-impacted individuals through empowerment, healing, and leadership. Together, we are redefining what’s possible beyond the fences.
