Board Members

Meet our Board Members

Tonya Kent
Shantelle Bridges
Lacy Ruffin
Richelle Gittens
Richelle Gittens
Lacy Ruffin
Lacy Ruffin
Lacy Ruffin

🦋 Tonya Kent | Founder & Chief Executive Director


Tonya Kent is the visionary founder of Infinite Hope Restoration Ministries (IHRM)and serves as the Chief Executive Director of the Second Chance Mothers Mentorship Program. Her leadership is rooted in compassion, restoration, and a deep commitment to helping women rebuild their lives.


With a heart for incarcerated and justice-impacted mothers, Tonya leads initiatives that focus on healing, mentorship, and family reunification—ensuring that women are not only restored individually but reconnected with their children and communities.


Focus: Reentry Support, Family Reunification, Housing Initiatives


Member: Ohio Recovery Housing - CO & ORH-CO Advisory Committee

🦋 Shantelle Bridges | President & Chief Operating Officer


Shantelle Bridges is a dynamic leader, dedicated coach, and passionate advocate for women, youth, and families. Based in Colorado Springs, she has spent over 20 years creating meaningful impact within her community.


As the CEO and founder of Aligned Living for Women, Shantelle equips women to live with clarity, confidence, and purpose by helping them identify their core values and embrace authentic growth.


Focus: Leadership Development, Women’s Empowerment, Community Impact

🦋 Lacy Ruffin | Vice President


Lacy Ruffin brings a strong foundation in both education and social work, along with a deep passion for advocating for and empowering marginalized communities.


Her experience working with the Department of Human Services in foster care provides valuable insight into the challenges families face, making her a vital asset in supporting second-chance mothers on their journey toward reunification with their children.


Focus: Family Advocacy, Reunification Support, Community Empowerment

🦋 Heather McBroom | Treasurer


Heather McBroom brings over a decade of experience in strategic leadership and mentorship, with a strong passion for fostering positive change and empowering communities.


She is committed to helping individuals build better lives by creating spaces rooted in collaboration, integrity, and growth. Heather’s ability to connect with the community and uplift others makes her an essential part of advancing the mission of Infinite Hope.


Focus: Organizational Support, Community Engagement, Leadership Development

🦋 Richelle Gittens | Program Manager


Richelle Gittens is a retired educator who has discovered her second calling as a care manager and transition specialist serving the reentry population.


She specializes in guiding returning citizens toward employment and self-sustainabilitythrough intentional case management and supportive transition planning. Her work is rooted in building meaningful relationships that empower individuals to recognize their value and step confidently into their purpose.


Focus: Reentry Support, Employment Placement, Case Management

🦋 Lisa Godley | Director


Lisa Godley is a faith-driven leader and accomplished executive with over 40 years of experience in the U.S. Air Force and federal contracting. She leads with integrity, operational excellence, and a strong sense of purpose.


Rooted in her Christian faith, Lisa views leadership as service—grounded in humility, trust, and stewardship. She is passionate about mentoring women and creating spaces for growth, encouragement, and meaningful connection.


Focus: Leadership Development, Mentorship, Community Impact

🦋 Jaron Cook | Director


 Jaron Cook is a full-time father, internationally published author, and community leader whose life reflects transformation and purpose. From overcoming personal challenges within the justice system to becoming a voice for change, he now uses his story to inspire healing, growth, and self-expression.


Through his social impact initiative, Fathers First (FFI), Jaron leads fatherhood support groups and mentors men in building stronger families and communities.

At the center of his work are his daughters, Lilliy and Leilani, who fuel his passion for leadership and legacy.


Focus: Fatherhood Advocacy, Mentorship, Community Leadership


🦋 Stephanie Hooks | Director


Stephanie Hooks brings over 34 years of experience in the U.S. Air Force and federal service, along with a strong commitment to advocacy and fair treatment for others. During her time at Fort Carson, she served in multiple leadership roles within the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), including as president and Fair Practice Representative.


She is passionate about serving others and creating spaces that encourage connection, communication, and understanding, including her initiative to launch a women’s book club that brings together diverse voices and perspectives.


Focus: Advocacy, Community Engagement, Leadership Support


Lacy Ruffin

🦋 Si’Mona Johnson | Director


 Si’Mona Johnson serves as an Assistant Principal in Widefield School District 3, where she leads with purpose, compassion, and a strong commitment to student success. She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.and the Order of the Eastern Star, holding various leadership roles and demonstrating a deep passion for service and community uplift.


Grounded in her faith, Si’Mona leads with strength and grace, placing God at the center of all she does. She is also a proud mother to her 8-year-old twin boys, who inspire her daily.


Focus: Youth Development, Leadership, Community Engagement

Board of Directors Advisors

Emerald Taylor-Jiron
Ladonna Pacheco
Laurie Thornton

🦋 Emerald D. Taylor | Advisor


Emerald D. Taylor is a passionate advocate for empowering women through seasons of transition. With a heart for growth and transformation, she develops impactful programs in financial education, business consulting, and community outreach.


Guided by her mantra, “Be bold enough to change,” Emerald is committed to helping individuals build stability, confidence, and a renewed sense of direction.


Focus: Financial Education, Business Consulting, Community Empowerment

🦋 LaFonna Pacheco | Advisor


LaFonna Pacheco is a dedicated mental health therapist committed to bringing healing, hope, and second chances to individuals and families navigating trauma and life’s challenges.


Through evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, ACT, and solution-focused therapy, she helps clients identify patterns, understand their thoughts, and develop healthier emotional responses—empowering them to build stronger relationships and a renewed sense of self.


Focus: Mental Health, Trauma Recovery, Family Support

🦋 Laurie Thornton | Advisor


 Laurie Thornton is a devoted wife, mother of three, and faith-centered leader with a deep passion for helping others live in the fullness of their identity in Christ. She is committed to seeing individuals walk in joy, freedom, and purpose through a deeper understanding of God’s love.


Alongside her husband, Laurie helps shepherd a growing network of fellowships and house churches in Colorado Springs known as Kindred, creating spaces for authentic connection and spiritual growth.


Focus: Faith Development, Community Building, Spiritual Growth

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