Tonya Kent | 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

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.

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.