Board Members

Meet our Board Members

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

Tonya Kent | Co-Founder, Chief Executive Director

Tonya is the Chief Executive Director of the 'Second Chance Mothers' Mentorship program at Infinite Hope and Restoration Ministries (IHRM).

As the founder of our organization, my vision for the future is to expand our impact on the lives of incarcerated mothers and provide a comprehensive solution to the challenges they face post-release. Central to this vision is the establishment of housing initiatives that facilitate the reunification of mothers with their children.

Shantelle Bridges | President, Chief Operating Officer

Shantelle Bridges is a dynamic leader, dedicated coach, and a powerful advocate for women, youth, and families. A loving wife to her husband, Steve, and mother of five, Shantelle calls Colorado Springs home, where she has dedicated over 20 years to advancing her mission of creating impactful change in the community.


As the CEO and founder of Aligned Living for Women, Shantelle has developed a coaching program designed to empower women to live with clarity, confidence, contentment, and connection. Her approach focuses on helping women discover their core values as a foundation for a fulfilled and authentic life. With a focus on leadership development and strategic personal growth, Shantelle is known for guiding others to break free from societal constraints, embrace their unique identities, and lead with purpose.

Richelle Gittens | Program Manager Committee 
Richelle is a retired teacher who has found her second passion and life’s work as a care manager/transition specialist within the re-entry population.  She specializes in transitioning returning citizens into employment and self-sustainability through guided case management. Her passion is building relationships that help further her clients’ ability and capacity to become contributing members of society. Her work transforms communities into safer places by allowing people to find their purpose through meaningful employment.

Lacy Ruffin | Secretary
Lacy Ruffin has a diverse background in both education and social work. She has a deep passion for empowering and advocating for marginalized communities. Lacy Ruffin has previously worked with DHS in foster care and this will be an asset in helping give our second-chance mothers assistance in reuniting with their children.

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 currently serves as Chief Operating Officer, where she leads with integrity, operational excellence, and a deep sense of purpose. Rooted in her Christian faith, Lisa views leadership as a form of service. Her philosophy is anchored in humility, trust, and stewardship—values she applies in both professional and community settings. She actively mentors women, creating spaces for encouragement, growth, and honest connection, always striving to leave things better than she found them.

Originally from Chicago, Lisa has been married to her husband, Ron, for over 30 years. Together, they’ve raised two remarkable sons, whom she considers her greatest personal blessing. She remains actively involved in her church and local community, supporting initiatives focused on youth mentorship, women’s leadership, and veteran outreach. In her free time, Lisa enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, and competing in pickleball. She is also
launching a faith-based coaching practice to inspire and empower the next generation of women leaders.

Jaron Cook | Director

Jaron Cook is a full-time single father, internationally published author, and community leader whose life is a living testimony of transformation. From navigating personal trials with the justice system to becoming a voice for change, Jaron has turned his story into a platform for purpose. His work is featured in major retailers like Barnes & Noble, and his creative journey has inspired countless others to embrace healing, growth, and self-expression. At the center of his world are his daughters, Lilliy and Leilani — the heartbeat behind everything he does. Including father's support groups held by his social impact business FFI (Fathers First Initiative). Through discipline, resilience, and heart, Jaron has become a trusted mentor, lived experience community leader, and storyteller who continues to lead by example and light the way for others.


Stephanie Hooks | Director

Stephanie has over 34 years in the Air Force and Federal Service. During her federal service at Fort Carson, she was an American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) member and served in various roles, including president. She also served as AFGE Fair Practice Representative in District 11 Region. Stephanie has participated as a committee member on multiple occasions within District 49 schools in Colorado Springs.

She is highly driven and passionate about serving
others and ensuring fair treatment. Stephanie is in the process of starting a book club to bring women together of diverse backgrounds and interests to promote communication and understanding of one another. Stephanie, her late husband of 36 years, and her son arrived in Colorado Springs in 2002 and now consider Colorado Springs home. She enjoys reading, hiking, music, sports, traveling, and cooking. She is a true foodie at heart.


Si'Mona Johnson | Director

Si'Mona Johnson proudly serves as an Assistant Principal in Widefield School District 3 (WSD3), where she leads with purpose, compassion, and a deep commitment to student success. A devoted member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Order of the Eastern Star, Si'Mona has held numerous leadership roles within AKA, consistently demonstrating her passion for service and community uplift.


Grounded in her faith, Si'Mona is a woman of God who puts Him first in all areas of her life. Her strength, grace, and guidance flow from that foundation. Outside of her professional and community commitments, she treasures her role as the proud mom of 8-year-old twin boys who are the absolute light of her life. In her free time, you’ll find Si'Mona enjoying a good book, taking peaceful walks, scrapbooking cherished memories, or spending quality time with her family. She brings warmth, wisdom, and authenticity to everything she does—both in and outside of the school walls.

Board of Directors Advisors

Emerald Taylor-Jiron
Ladonna Pacheco
Laurie Thornton

Emerald Taylor-Jirón | Advisor

Emerald Taylor-Jirón is a passionate advocate for empowering women in various times of transition. Guided by her mantra, “Be bold enough to change,” she has developed impactful programs in financial education, business consulting, and community outreach. Emerald’s dedication to fostering growth and stability makes her a valuable asset to any organization.


LaFonna Pacheco | Advisor

LaFonna is dedicated to bringing healing, hope, and second chances to individuals facing trauma and severe life stressors. As a passionate mental health therapist, she assists clients in identifying unproductive patterns, understanding thought processes, and managing emotional responses. Through various methods such as CBT, ACT, Radical Acceptance, Solution-focused, DBT, and more, LaFonna empowers children, adults, and families to develop healthy perceptions of themselves and strengthen relationships.

Laurie Thornton | Advisor

Laurie Thornton is a devoted wife and mother of three who is shamelessly and completely in love with Jesus. She’s passionate about seeing the people of God live in the fullness of their identity as lovers and beloveds of God and longs to see them walk in all the joy, power, and freedom that Jesus promised them. Together with her husband, Laurie helps shepherd a multiplying network of fellowships and house churches in Colorado Springs called Kindred. She also loves fly-fishing, working in her garden, and feasting with friends.


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