Our Mission

Paul is a criminal justice and reentry consultant specializing in housing development, systems change, program design, and research related to justice-involved individuals. Through his consulting practice, he advises nonprofit organizations, government agencies, researchers, and legal teams on issues including permanent supportive housing

Paul is a criminal justice and reentry consultant specializing in housing development, systems change, program design, and research related to justice-involved individuals. Through his consulting practice, he advises nonprofit organizations, government agencies, researchers, and legal teams on issues including permanent supportive housing, reentry program development, corrections policy, deflection strategies, and evidence-based interventions.  He also serves as an expert witness in criminal and civil matters involving correctional systems, community supervision, and reentry services. Paul previously worked at Sponsors, Inc. for 23 years, including 13 years as Executive Director. Sponsors is an Oregon-based nonprofit nationally recognized as a model for prisoner reentry services. During his tenure, he led the organization’s growth into a multi-site housing and service provider operating 20 buildings across six campuses with more than 240 beds of transitional and permanent housing, along with comprehensive wraparound supports for individuals returning from incarceration. Under his leadership, Sponsors became widely recognized for its innovative housing models, strong outcomes, and national influence. In addition to his consulting work, Paul serves as Chair of the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission and Co-Chair of the Governor’s Racial Justice Council’s Criminal Justice Reform and Police Accountability Committee. He also serves on the University of Oregon Institutional Review Board. His prior leadership roles include Chair of the Dave’s Killer Bread Foundation, Chair of the Partnership for Safety and Justice, Chair of Lane County’s Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC), Chair of the Lane County Reentry Task Force, and Vice-Chair of the Oregon Public Defense Services Commission (OPDC). Paul is widely regarded as a national expert in the development of affordable housing and delivery of evidence-based reentry interventions for individuals with conviction histories. He is a frequent speaker at national conferences, webinars, and policy forums, and has advised jurisdictions and organizations across the country.

Jack has been the president of the Yarg Foundation since its inception in 2011.  He is also the chair of its Justice Reform Initiative Committee. Now retired, Jack spent his career in the alternative agriculture movement farming. He has been on the board’s of his local library, food security organizations, a produce distribution company a

Jack has been the president of the Yarg Foundation since its inception in 2011.  He is also the chair of its Justice Reform Initiative Committee. Now retired, Jack spent his career in the alternative agriculture movement farming. He has been on the board’s of his local library, food security organizations, a produce distribution company and in Oregon helped establish perpetual purpose trusts (an alternative business structure that eliminates shareholders). He became an advocate for change within the criminal legal system through experiencing the arrest, incarceration and reentry of a loved one. Jack is an active member of a Eugene support group for friends and families of those incarcerated. 

Nichole brings more than 30 years of experience in corrections and state government, including over 15 years focused specifically on reentry initiatives. Her career began inside Florida correctional institutions, where she served in key leadership roles such as Classification Supervisor and Duty Warden.

She later advanced to the position o

Nichole brings more than 30 years of experience in corrections and state government, including over 15 years focused specifically on reentry initiatives. Her career began inside Florida correctional institutions, where she served in key leadership roles such as Classification Supervisor and Duty Warden.

She later advanced to the position of Assistant Bureau Chief for the Bureau of Re-Entry, where she managed a broad portfolio of statewide programs. Her oversight included the Short Sentence Correctional Institution/Unit initiative, the Mentor Academy, the 100-Hour Transition Program, Re-Entry Centers and dorms, the Veterans dorm program, and the statewide Roadmap to Restoration efforts. She also directed the statewide Volunteer Services program, coordinated reentry seminars across Florida, and delivered training to staff, volunteers, and community partners on agency initiatives.

Nichole currently serves as a Facility Client Liaison with The GEO Group, continuing her long-standing commitment to strengthening reentry services and enhancing correctional operations.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Florida State College at Jacksonville.

Nichole has been an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Correctional Association, the Corrections Foundation, the Correctional Peace Officer’s Foundation, and the Association of Women Executives in Corrections. She also served as a board member and Vice President of the National Association of Re-Entry Professionals.

Charli Turner Thorne is a nationally respected coach, leadership developer, and mentor known for her commitment to empowering individuals through athletics, personal growth, and transformational leadership. She served as the Head Coach of the Arizona State University Women’s Basketball program for 25 seasons, becoming the winningest coach

Charli Turner Thorne is a nationally respected coach, leadership developer, and mentor known for her commitment to empowering individuals through athletics, personal growth, and transformational leadership. She served as the Head Coach of the Arizona State University Women’s Basketball program for 25 seasons, becoming the winningest coach in program history and leading the team to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, conference championships, and national rankings.

In addition to her collegiate success, Charli has coached on the international stage with USA Basketball, including serving on the coaching staff at the Olympic level. Her experience in elite global competition further reflects her expertise in high-performance leadership and team culture development.

Throughout her career, she has mentored hundreds of student-athletes, emphasizing character, resilience, accountability, and leadership alongside athletic excellence. She is also the founder of The Difference Coaching, a leadership development platform that supports athletes, executives, and emerging leaders in building strong team cultures and performing under pressure.

Within The Side Door, Charli helps shape leadership curriculum, mentors participants, and supports the use of sports and personal development as tools for transformation. Her partnership reflects her lifelong belief that meaningful change happens when individuals are given structure, mentorship, and belief in their potential.

Kaitlin is formerly Head of Brand & Experience for multiple industries spanning fintech, real estate, and luxury hospitality. She is currently a fractional Head of Marketing for growth-stage companies focused on high-loyalty customers. Kaitlin has a passion for community involvement and improvements around Portland, Oregon, where she resi

Kaitlin is formerly Head of Brand & Experience for multiple industries spanning fintech, real estate, and luxury hospitality. She is currently a fractional Head of Marketing for growth-stage companies focused on high-loyalty customers. Kaitlin has a passion for community involvement and improvements around Portland, Oregon, where she resides with her family. She loves to adventure, sculpt, and recently learning to freediving along the chilly Oregon Coast. 

Professionally, she helps companies by crafting and executing innovative brand ecosystems that increase exposure, and elevates customer engagement to drive business growth. In her client roles, Kaitlin is responsible for overseeing the entire conversion funnel experience, ensuring every customer touchpoint is purposeful and impactful. Her leadership is pivotal in developing compelling product narratives and growth strategies that align with the company's vision and objectives. Throughout her career, Kaitlin has honed her expertise in marketing and brand management, with a strong focus on leveraging AI, data, and the latest technology to enhance customer experiences. Her journey began with roles that emphasized digital marketing and communication, where she developed a keen understanding of the importance of storytelling in brand development. Kaitlin's ability to synthesize data into actionable insights has been a cornerstone of her approach, enabling her to design and implement strategies that are both innovative and effective. Her collaborative nature has allowed her to work seamlessly across teams, fostering environments where creative ideas flourish and lead to successful outcomes. 

MLIS, Leadership and Administration, Emporia State University, 2017; MIIS, Crisis & Health Communication, Southern Oregon University, 2015; BS, Psychology and Communication, Southern Oregon University, 2013

Erica Knotts is a Senior Instructor of Communication and the Program Coordinator for the Conflict Management Certificate within the Co

MLIS, Leadership and Administration, Emporia State University, 2017; MIIS, Crisis & Health Communication, Southern Oregon University, 2015; BS, Psychology and Communication, Southern Oregon University, 2013

Erica Knotts is a Senior Instructor of Communication and the Program Coordinator for the Conflict Management Certificate within the Communication, Media, and Cinema program at Southern Oregon University. Her academic interests include conflict management, negotiation, mediation, crisis communication, small group dynamics, and nonverbal communication.

Knotts is the co-creator and co-facilitator of SOU’s first Student-Ombuds program and a certified Collaborative Discussion Coach through the Interactivity Foundation. She also serves as the Co-Director of ACADEMY, an intensive academic and leadership camp for middle school students.

Her contributions to teaching and scholarship have been recognized with the SOU Raider Academy Award for Outstanding Faculty (2019) and the SOU Distinguished Teaching Award (2020). In 2023, she co-edited Women Educators’ Experiences During COVID-19: On the Front Lines with McDermott et al. Her published work includes chapters such as “Defining the Line: Freedom of Speech and Online Dispute Resolution Best Practices for Higher Education” in Contemporary Trends in Conflict and Communication (2022) and a chapter in Mental Health Among Higher Education Faculty, Administrators, and Graduate Students: A Critical Perspective (2021).

Beyond academia, Knotts is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections and breaking down barriers to understanding. She believes communication is a powerful tool for bridging divides, transforming conflict, and cultivating stronger, more inclusive communities. Whether in the classroom, mediation settings, or leadership roles, she is committed to helping others navigate difficult conversations and build relationships grounded in empathy, trust, and collaboration.difference.

Mr. Beers is the President of Portland Product Werks, LLC where he leads the product, sales, marketing, finance and operating teams at the Company. Mr. Beers possesses extensive consumer products and general management experience having served over 10 years at Columbia Sportswear Company in a variety of professional roles, including in th

Mr. Beers is the President of Portland Product Werks, LLC where he leads the product, sales, marketing, finance and operating teams at the Company. Mr. Beers possesses extensive consumer products and general management experience having served over 10 years at Columbia Sportswear Company in a variety of professional roles, including in the areas of Finance, M&A, and Brand Management. While at Columbia, Mr. Beers was integral to executing the successful turnaround of the Sorel brand, which grew from bankruptcy at the time he assisted Columbia in acquiring the brand to approximately $50 mm in revenue under his leadership.  Mr. Beers also served as the General Manager of Columbia Sportswear Company’s global footwear business, where he was successful in executing an operational turnaround for the division while positioning it for future growth.  Prior to founding Portland Product Werks, Mr. Beers was the Chief Executive Officer of Portland based Korkers Products, LLC, whose primary business is in the fly fishing marketplace. 

At present Mr. Beers is focused on the day to day operations of Portland Product Werks’ wholly owned subsidiary, Dovetail Workwear, which itself has grown from a true startup to the world's largest women's only focused workwear brand with retail distribution throughout North America in just 5 years. 

Mr.  Beers is the proud father of three boys, and an active member of his community through extensive work with start up businesses over the last decade and prior service as the Board Chair of the federally funded National Crime Victim Law Institute, a NFP engaged in helping crime victims throughout the US.  

Mr. Beers is a licensed attorney in the State of Oregon and is also a licensed Certified Public Account with the Oregon Board of Accountancy.  His interests include learning and playing music, fly fishing, and skiing. 

Elishama M. Wheeler is a retired U.S. Marine Officer and PMP-certified executive leader with more than 22 years of distinguished military service and continued impact across government and private-sector organizations. A proven strategist and operational leader, he has directed large, multicultural teams, managed complex, high-visibility 

Elishama M. Wheeler is a retired U.S. Marine Officer and PMP-certified executive leader with more than 22 years of distinguished military service and continued impact across government and private-sector organizations. A proven strategist and operational leader, he has directed large, multicultural teams, managed complex, high-visibility technology initiatives, and delivered mission-critical solutions in both dynamic operational settings and enterprise environments. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Virginia Tech and a Master of Science in IT Project Management, blending technical depth with disciplined execution, strategic foresight, and results-driven leadership.

Beyond his professional achievements, Elishama is deeply committed to community and youth development. He has served as a youth program leader at multiple churches, mentoring teens and designing structured, faith-centered leadership initiatives that equip young people with character, confidence, and purpose. He is also the founder of Lucky Ducky Party Rentals, a veteran-owned San Antonio-based business dedicated to creating safe, high-quality, joy-filled experiences for families, churches, and community organizations.

A devoted husband of 23 years to Patrice Wheeler, Elishama is Father to four adult children and Grandfather to three. He and Patrice reside right outside of San Antonio, Texas where he continues to champion faith, family, service, and sustainable community impact through both entrepreneurial leadership and nonprofit engagement.