Rhiannon began her career at PACE as the Employment Developer, creating the agency’s first official employment program, targeting employers who are willing to hire ex-offenders. From there, she went on to serve as the Director of Transitional Services & Employment before being promoted to Executive Director in 2008. Rhiannon also served the City of Indianapolis as the Director of Re-Entry for Mayor Greg Ballard.

Rhiannon gained extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system through her Master’s and Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice and her previous work as a certified paralegal, specializing in criminal defense cases. Throughout her career, her ultimate goal has been to assist those in need.

Rhiannon has nationally accredited certifications as an “Offender Workforce Development Specialist” trainer and has dedicated her life to working in the criminal justice arena, always looking for ways to improve our ever-changing system.

The importance of community stabilization and personal growth and success of all individuals is what motivates Rhiannon to continue to work hard at making PACE the most successful re-entry program in Marion County.

Her passion for offender reentry and innovative approach to ex-offender service delivery are recognized both regionally and nationally, leading her to work with a number of partner organizations to continue improving offender reentry in Indiana, including the Marion County Re-Entry Coalition, Marion County Re-Entry Policy Study Commission and United Way Public Policy Committee. She also participates in many panel presentations, tasks forces and other action driven projects in Indiana.

JaMarcus Fields brings to PACE his experience of navigating the justice system. He joined PACE as a
Regional Liaison. He graduated from Ball State University in 2006 with a Bachelor’s degree. He regularly
mentors troubled teens and men at the South Bend Community Re-Entry Center.

Sharon Love is the Director of Recovery Services and has over 27 years of experience working in Addictions and Mental Health. Sharon graduated from Indiana State University with a degree in Criminology.

Prior to coming to PACE, Sharon worked for 12 years in the Department of Corrections including overseeing the substance abuse program at the Indianapolis Re-Entry Educational Facility.

Sharon has more than 28 years of her own personal recovery and is passionate about helping others with their recovery. She is an avid animal lover. In her free time, she enjoys reading, watching horror movies and spending time with her family and her pets.

Shaffon Browder-Franklin joined PACE, Inc. in March 2017. Shaffon brings a wealth of experience in Program Management within the non-profit sector as well as providing direct employment case management oversight to a diverse population of individuals: to include homeless veterans, previously incarcerated juveniles & adults, individuals without a high school diplomas (GED/HSE), individuals with college degrees and vocational training as well as having provided supportive services to individuals with severe mental health concerns.

A graduate of Indiana State University, Shaffon earned her Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and earned a Master’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan University in Management. Shaffon is passionate about working with people and coming along-side them in reaching their goals-as being there is very rewarding as it is humbling. Shaffon is also a strong advocate of teamwork-as working “Together Everyone Achieves More”. She is extremely excited about her assignment with PACE, Inc. and working with the TEAM!

Hello! My name is Teresa Newell. I joined Pace in April of 2023 as a Peer Recovery Coach, and a Case Manager. I am so excited to be here and am honored to be part of this amazing organization. I have certifications through the Addictions Academy as a National Peer Recovery Coach. With the completion of the CAPRC 1 through ICAADA, I am able to be a peer coach here at Pace and am able to engage with our clients on a justice involved level and also substance use level. I am certified through the American Academy of CPR & First Aid, Inc. I am currently a student at Marian University where I am working towards my bachelor’s degree in the Health and Human Services accelerated program. I struggled with addiction from the age of 13 until I just recently celebrated 4 years of sobriety in March. I had been involved with the justice system in criminal matters for over 10 years with a total of 5 DOC sentences served. When I came across PACE online, I felt my heart skip a beat. Helping those still struggling to find their way out of criminal behavior, be their support system, and help them re-enter their communities in a safe and positive way, is where my career path is calling me. My hobbies are spending time with my children and my doggie, writing poetry, painting, and listening to music. We love to be outside, fishing, camping, and boating. I love pedicures, baking, and trying new foods!

Angela Guntz joined PACE in January 2023 as Executive Assistant. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University. Prior to PACE, Angela has 9 years’ experience working within the educational system. Outside of PACE, Angela is passionate about genealogy, serving on multiple boards of local and regional organizations. Genealogy reinforces that people are people and that we are all related.

Ashton has worked in human services since 2018 and has received several certifications as a result of her training in the field. She has received certification in client advocacy ,case management, trauma informed care to name a few. She has previously worked in community outreach with the Christamore House and has worked with Mental Health of America in the capacity of development of recovery plans and arranging strategies with clients, as well as providing support while validating feelings and experiences.

Ashton likes to volunteer in the community and with the Indiana Diaper Bank and Pregnancy Choice Indy. She enjoys passing out hygiene and food boxes to the community. She loves working with others in her free time and appreciates being with family and friends. Her hobbies include, camping, fishing, singing, and cooking.

My name is Tyrone Wilbourn. I joined Pace as a Regional Recovery Liaison. I have a certification in Education and Training through the Department of Labor. I decided to join Pace because I have a strong will to help and serve those within our inner and outer communities to make a safe and productive environment. Prior to joining Pace, I worked as a Carpenter, commercial and residential and a Custodian, commercial and residential as well. I enjoy reading and writing in my spare time. My hobbies are exercising and studying different forms of art.

With over 25 years of experience in community outreach and engagement, case management, housing development, resource development and employment placement and retention services, Yvonne joined the PACE team in 2017.

Prior to coming to PACE she, in 2009, was the Coordinator for a Department of Justice funded program called “Weed and Seed” for CAFÉ on the far eastside of Indianapolis. She provided oversight for the housing and housing development program.

Yvonne is a graduate of Indiana Institute of Technology where she earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Organizational Leadership. In her spare time Yvonne is a “Handy Anna” she love to rehab and restore older homes and bring new life to them. Yvonne believes that her wealth is found in the non-profit work she loves.

Amy joined PACE in July of 2023 as Care Coordinator for the Interdisciplinary Defense System. This project provides a wholistic approach for those re-entering the community from incarceration in order to truly address obstacles to success. Amy has been a case manager for different marginalized populations in Indianapolis for over 15 years advocating for and assisting with navigating the many systems of services. Assisting those involved in the criminal justice system has long been her passion and she looks forward to continuing to serve those re-entering Marion county as a part of PACE. When not at work, she enjoys cooking, attending live music events, documentaries, and spending time with her husband and two extremely energetic dogs.

Jeannie joined the PACE staff as a Peer Recovery Coach in July 2020 and moved into the role of Lead Peer Recovery Coach in September 2021. She first came to the agency as a client in June 2018 after being released from incarceration and looking for direction and help. At that time, PACE helped Jeannie find a job at Goodwill Industries of Central and Southern Indiana, a position that allowed her to provide for herself for the first time in many years. Jeannie excelled in her role at Goodwill and was promoted many times to eventually become a Department Lead of Retail. This position gave her a chance to help associates with barriers she herself had experienced, and help them overcome them.

Using the confidence she gained as she re-entered the workforce, Jeannie soon became a House Manager at her temporary sober-living residence created to be a safe environment for individuals in recovery. There, she worked with other women like her, doing intakes, helping them find resources, and helping them find employment just like she had. Since completing the program, she has moved into a permanent sober-living community in Indianapolis.

Jeannie's extensive background with helping the recovery community and justice-involved includes sitting on PACE's Recovery Resource Center Advisory Board, working with Dr. Cain on the Marion County Public Health Department’s campaign focused on recovery called “What are friends for?” and participating in an open conversation about the history of America's criminal justice system, the values that have shaped it, and how to work toward decarceration on a panel for ACLU.

Jeannie celebrates more than 3 years in recovery, is a proud mother, and enjoys contributing to her community and family. She is fortunate to have the privilege of working with other men and women who are just like her, and is very grateful for this opportunity every day.

Brittney joined PACE in July 2021 as an intern with Youth Employment Services. After graduating with her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Indiana Wesleyan College. She decided to join the PACE family. Brittney has experience in the healthcare field and worked in that field for over 10 years prior to joining the PACE team.

Brittney is passionate about helping others and making a difference in their lives. She believes everyone deserves a second chance at life. Her goal is to use her experience from working with at risk population to help and guide others to make better life decisions.

When not working and studying for her Master of Social Work, Brittney enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and shopping.

Tawnya McCrary has over 30 years of work experience with fifteen of those in consulting and has successfully executed contracts with twelve local and/or national nonprofit agencies. She possesses over 25 years of customer service, data management and administrative experience and over nineteen years of training and management experience.

She is a results oriented manager, an empowering leader who embraces a team management concept. She has assisted nonprofits in obtaining or retaining over $5 million dollars of program funding support. She is skilled in grant writing, staff professional development, diversity, equity and inclusion training, management and strategic plan implementation, program development and implementation, database development, data management and data analysis, developing workflow processes, employment, life skills and computer skills training, program analysis and evaluation, motivational case management strategies, and working with at-risk youth.

Her education includes an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2013; a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Business Management, Human Resources Management and Marketing from Marian University in 2010; and an Associate of Arts in Business Administration Human Resources Management in 2008 from Marian University. Her awards and publications include: Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges 2009-2010, National Public Radio (NPR) 2006, Indianapolis Star & News 1999, 2005, Indianapolis Recorder 2005, 2010, Marian University Adult Program Newsletter 2009, 2010 and Published Author, AuthorHouse 2009, 2013.

Erica joined PACE as the Recovery Works Program Manager in November of 2021. She comes with a wide array of professional experience after having worked with FSSA in several capacities including the Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning and Division of Family Resources. She has also worked in the private sector as a Community Navigator where she assisted inmates in local county jails with signing up for health coverage in order to access treatment and medical services once released.

She received her Bachelors in Social Work in 2006 from Ball State University and later her Masters in Social Work from Ball State in 2021 after completing her practicum here at PACE in the Recovery Center. Erica has a passion for working with and advocating for individuals that have involvement with the criminal justice system as she believes that we all deserve a second chance.

In her free time, Erica enjoys spending time with family and friends and traveling.

Nichole joined PACE in September 2022 as a Regional Liaison for the Recovery Works program. She was previously a Licensed Pharmacy Technician for 19 years and holds an associate's degree in Healthcare Administration. She is eager to help individuals struggling with substance use disorder as they re-enter their communities.

In her free time, Nichole can be found in the stands at the baseball diamond rooting for her son’s team.

Lenita joined PACE in February 2022 as a Regional Liaison for the Recovery Works program. She comes with a wide array of programmatic experience having worked with CCDF and FSSA as an Eligibility Specialist. She is the CEO/President of Sisters Embracing Sisters Ministry Inc., a non-profit organization located in East Chicago, Indiana. Lenita also has a passion for outreach and helping the homeless.

She received her MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University and has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration - Healthcare Management. In her spare time Lenita loves to craft and make beautiful things with her hands. She is an active member of her church where she is a licensed minister and serves in various ministries.

Jamie graduated from IUPUI in 2007 with a degree in Criminal Justice, during which time she supported Marion County Community Corrections. She has previously worked as a legal advocate with Turning Point Domestic Violence Services, and as a child support caseworker with the Bartholomew County Prosecutor’s Office for over 11 years.

Jamie enjoys direct services work, helping clients to overcome their individual obstacles and connect with resources.

In her free time, Jamie enjoys spending time with her husband and children, attending services and volunteering out at her church, watching movies, and reading multiple books at once.

Raymond Powell joined PACE in August 2022 as a Recovery Works Regional Liaison. He brings the lens of his lived experience with the justice system, serving as a mentor for the South Bend Community Re-Entry Center and traveling to colleges and universities for speaking engagements. He also holds a bachelor’s degree from Ball State University. In his spare time, Raymond enjoys reading, studying, and playing basketball.

Jill Bennett is the Director of Development and Marketing with over 23 years of experience working in the non-profit sector. She received a B.S. in communications with an emphasis in advertising and public relations from the University of Southern Indiana.

As a young child, Jill fell in love with nonprofits. Inspired by her mother who was always volunteering and raising funds for local organizations, she quickly developed a deep passion for charitable work.

Prior to coming to PACE, Jill was the events and corporate relations manager at IndyHumane where she created new programs, developed strategic partnerships and events, etc.

In her free time, Jill enjoys spending time with her family and fur baby, Izzy. She also loves music, sports, theater, taking walks, and volunteering in her community.

Chris spent nearly 15 years working in the hospitality field as a server, bartender, dishwasher, prep cook, manager, and just about anything else you can think of in the restaurant world. During this time he picked up some skills but also learned a lot about life. In 2014 he went back to school to work on a master’s degree in Intercultural Service convinced he wanted to do something that made a difference.

After graduating in 2017 he spent the next 5.5 years running a financial intervention program at an area non-profit organization. This included helping people find creative ways to balance their budget and begin to do more than just survive when it came to finances. Chris is passionate about not only helping people understand how to best use their money but helping them to begin to understand why they view and use money the way they do. In 2022 this passion led to Chris obtaining a master’s degree in Counseling, Applied Behavioral Science as well as a certificate in Financial Social Work.

Chris joined PACE in February 2023 as a financial coach with the hope that he can use his experience to help others see how they too can take control of their finances.

When he is not doing his part to try to make the world a better place; Chris loves hanging out with his dogs, watching way too many movies, and traveling around the world seeing as many new things as he can.

Melinda Adkisson has over ten years’ experience working in different areas of social services prior to coming to PACE. Melinda Adkisson has served the community in assisting the elderly and disabled community by providing transportation services for the handicap when she worked as a driver for Indy Go. Melinda Adkisson also worked for J.P. Crane house here in Indianapolis which is a non-profit organization that houses women with children through the department of correction. Melinda Adkisson played a vital role in making sure the building was always secured and the women and children that were housed there was always safe.

Melinda Adkisson has been on both sides of law enforcement, sharing her lived experiences as a Peer Recovery Coach and Peer Coach. Melinda Adkisson enjoys writing short stories, poetry and spending time with her dog Louie and her family.