Emily Kleeman
Executive Director
As a lover of mountains, hiking, skiing, and anything water-related, I moved to Colorado in 2001 to attend Colorado State University, where I earned a bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies. During my time there, I discovered my passion for human services and, in 2005, began working with vulnerable populations. After graduation, I relocated to Baltimore, Maryland, to be closer to family and worked in social services within the disability and homeless sectors. In 2007, I decided to further my education by enrolling in the University of Maryland's School of Social Work. I pursued a dual concentration in Clinical Social Work and Management of Community Organizations, completing my MSW in 2011 and earning my LCSW in 2014. I spent five years in the Washington D.C. area leading non-profit efforts focused on helping women transition from shelters to stable housing. Following the Freddie Gray Baltimore Uprisings in 2014, I felt a deep call to advocate for nationwide criminal justice reform. In 2015, I was given the opportunity to return to Colorado to take on this new challenge. During a training with another employer, I met Deborah Simmons, the founder of TRI. That connection changed not only my path but also TRI’s future. Founded in 2016 as a small grassroots organization, TRI asked me to become the Director and help grow the organization. Since 2018, I’ve worked tirelessly to expand funding and develop unique, inclusive programs that meet the needs of TRI Members. My efforts over the past six years have helped TRI gain recognition as a leading reentry program statewide, even capturing attention from local media, newspapers, and national outlets like Women’s Health Magazine. This increased visibility has highlighted effective reentry practices, inspiring other organizations to follow TRI’s model of care. My primary goal is to ensure that Deborah’s legacy and vision of criminal justice reform continue to flourish until the warehousing of humans is no longer the dominant model. It is truly an honor to serve TRI, our founder, and the Board of Directors. I am deeply passionate about dismantling the criminal justice system and replacing it with gender-responsive, trauma-informed practices that heal communities instead of punishing them.
Welcome Back Center Team
Dominique Vodicka
Program Manager & Peer
Dominique is a Boulder Native. Her background includes Accounting, Lead Server, Master Dog Trainer, and Cosmetologist. The not so pretty parts of her background also include addiction and time in prison. Dominique first became a part of TRI in 2016 when she was accepted to be a participant in the first TRIumph class, offered at the Denver Women’s Correctional Facility. The last stint in prison caused Dominique to really take a look at herself and make some changes. She took every class possible to better herself; including Therapeutic Community, CDOC k-9 companion program where she trained service dogs, Cosmetology, and TRIumph pre-release program. Dominique has her Peer Support Specialist Certification and runs the Welcome Back Center in the TRI HQ. Through lived experience she is able to relate to members of TRI and be supportive in all aspects. Dominique is celebrating 10 years of sobriety!
James Moore
Peer Mentor
Originally from California, James has lived in Colorado since 2015, when he was just passing through and got arrested. While in jail he obtained his GED and received multiple other certificates. When he got released to the halfway house in 2020, he found his way to TRI. He met members and staff that welcomed him with open arms. TRI helped James with resources to reintegrate successfully into society. After he finished his parole he was invited to join the team as a Peer Support and has been giving back to his community ever since. James has said his passion comes from his past and bad decisions. Hurt people, hurt people but healed people, heal others.
Wellness Center Team
Anita Lewis
Therapeutic Care Manager
As a therapist at The Reentry Initiative, I’m deeply committed to second chances and fostering community healing. My focus is on creating a safe and authentic therapeutic environment where individuals can navigate their paths to sobriety, resilience, and a renewed sense of self. Understanding the profound impact of trauma on TRI's Members, I see it as my calling to work collaboratively with them to honor their journeys. I have a passion for supporting those who face challenges with mental health and substance use. Practicing as a Licensed Clinical Social Work and Licensed Addiction Counselor, I’ve spent seven years working with justice-involved individuals who have co-occurring disorders. I’m proud to continue advocating for normalizing therapy and ensuring its accessibility for all who seek it. In addition to providing individual and group therapy to TRI's Members, I serve as a program manager overseeing funding for housing and offering tangible support to individuals on probation. Outside of my work, I love hiking and exploring the beautiful Colorado outdoors, listening to podcasts, spending time with my kiddo, walking my dog, and cheering passionately for the Denver Nuggets.
Hannah Hughey
Therapeutic Care Manager
Hannah is a therapist at The Reentry Initiative. She was born and raised in Boulder County and has lived experience in the juvenile and adult justice systems in Colorado. It was in these systems that Hannah discovered her calling, to reenter the criminal justice system as a professional, rather than a client. Hannah received her Bachelor of Science in Social Work in 2023, followed by her Master of Social Work in 2024. Throughout her education, Hannah focused on Criminal Justice as well as Mental Health. Hannah interned as a Deputy Probation Officer in Boulder, where she came full circle, returning to the County that she was on probation in as a juvenile. Next, she set her sights on providing therapeutic intervention to incarcerated youth in the Division of Youth Services (DYS). Through these experiences, Hannah decided to switch gears and focus on reentry services for those on Probation and Parole. She joined The Reentry Initiative in September of 2024. As a therapist, Hannah strives to provide a safe and collaborative space for her clients. She believes that every client already has the answers within them and focuses on cultivating self-discovery and self-growth to produce results that last. Her passions include social justice, crafting, exercising, and spending time with her family.
Interns
Brandi Wagoner
Peer Mentor Intern
Brandi is a Longmont native. Growing up along the Front Range has given her an appreciation for nature, the outdoors, and especially the mountains. She enjoys camping, trail walks, and even just sitting outside enjoying a sunset. Participating in 4-H as a child, Brandi developed a deep love for horses, which contributed to her love of the Equine Coaching Program offered through The Reentry Initiative. For years Brandi struggled with substance use and mental health challenges. It wasn’t until she found TRI in early 2023 that her path began to change for the better. Through The Reentry Initiative she has since graduated from probation, regained custody of her son, and completed the Peer Support Mentor training. She began her internship with TRI this winter. Because of her love of family and her deep ties to the community, Brandi is eager to support others in recovery as they navigate the judicial system.
Office and Back End Management
Maureen Buckner
Office Manager
Maureen first started with TRI as a volunteer managing the TRI shop in summer of 2020. She is now also the Office Manager, greeting members and doing whatever needs doing. Maureen retired after more than 40 years in the retail industry. She keeps busy playing with her dog, reading, spending time with her family and discovering new and old hobbies.
Christie Maurais
Accounting and Bookkeeping
Christie was first introduced to The Reentry Initiative several years ago when she participated as a volunteer to help furnish and “design” TRI’s client apartment in Longmont. She was fascinated and encouraged to learn about TRI’s programs and see them in action. Christie has a long-time commitment to women’s empowerment and ensuring their safety. The Reentry Initiative does both, so she was thrilled when she learned of the opportunity to join their team as the Accounting Manager. She has a few decades of experience in finance, most notably with non-profits. Christie graduated from Fairview High School and attended Colorado State University and then returned to Boulder 12 years ago. She is proud to be working with an organization that positively impacts our community.