THE TEAM
The Uncuffed Project aims to reform policies for those people who have been marginalized, disenfranchised, neglected, abused and suffered travesties of justice in all facets of their lives. We care about them and their loved ones. We provide access to basic human care. Giving recently returned citizens a place where they can decompress without enduring daily pressures placed on them is what we strive for. Recently returned citizens who are new to our communities are still in need of our help. We must end their prolonged victimization at the hands of the current justice system. We feel society as a whole must be more inclusive and less judgmental.
DAMON COOKE
Co-Founder & CEO
As someone who has fought the fight for freedom for 30 years, the internal information I hold is invaluable. To anyone who truly seeks to know and understand what goes on behind the walls of prison, emotionally, physically and mentally I welcome your inquisitiveness. I have a need to right a wrong. I am driven to eradicate recidivism. I am tired of seeing the same men return to prison time after time. When the pain is too great to ignore, I am driven to not simply stand by, but to DO something and the possibility of The Uncuffed Project was born.
LISA STRONG
Co-Founder
As a volunteer chaplain, it became clear that there was a need for support for those being released from incarceration. I witnessed first hand the fear and abandonment men endured as they took their first steps towards freedom. I knew the intrinsic value of these individuals and sought for that same understanding amongst my peers outside of prison. It is my mission to lead our brothers and sisters back to freedom as whole, valued, and trusted members of society. We, the Founders of The Uncuffed Project came together through a spiritual connection with the same goal in mind…
Senior Navigator
During his community outreach, Bip discovered The Uncuffed Project. His passion to give back to the marginalized and disenfranchised among those less fortunate was evident and he quickly became the Senior Navigator with the organization. His work is tireless and he is driven to make a difference within the inner city of Oakland. The Uncuffed Project is fortunate to have a man of Bip’s caliber champion their cause.
Brandy Rametta
Wellness Navigator
"My mission is to create a space for diversity in yoga, health & wellness" - Brandy Rametta
Brandy Rametta uses yoga not just as a physical practice but also as a source of light to strengthen mental health and raise emotional intelligence. With a personal interest in helping others, she uses yoga as a form of therapy. Certified in both yoga and as a cognitive behavioral practitioner, Brandy uses her education along with her life experience to better serve others. A graduate of Cal State University Northridge and a certified 200-hour registered yoga teacher from the school of Soul Ascension Healing Arts, Brandy is continuing her yoga education and is currently working on her 500-Hour YTT Yoga Alliance certification with Science of Self; she also continues to educate herself in the mental health field and finds her advocacy by inviting speakers and wellness sponsors to the Heart & Soul Yoga space to share inspiration, motivation, community connection and healing. Brandy is committed to bringing awareness to communities, corporations and organizations and sharing yoga as a universal remedy for healing, mindfulness and peaceful living. Rametta is grateful to have had the opportunity to teach yoga and speak on topics like generational wellness, healing, yoga & mental health to major groups such as ActiVision, The Lions Club, The Female Maker Market, The Chito Foundation, The City of Whittier School District, The Whole Child, National Charity League, Rise Up Act, Bridge Home Health & Hospice for Senior Citizens and is currently the Wellness Director for The Uncuffed Project.
Erin Larsen, LCSW
Board Member
Erin Larsen, LCSW, earned her master's degree in Social Work from the University of Utah. She specializes in Gerontology and Medical Social Work. She is the Patient and Family Services manager for a local hospital and is an adjunct instructor at Weber State University. Erin is a wife, mother, and grandmother, who is passionate about her family and her career. She has experience working with diverse populations and remains a strong advocate for marginalized, underrepresented communities. Ms. Larsen has been a board member of The Uncuffed Project for two years. She is excited to see this organization grow while it continues to serve formerly incarcerated individuals navigate their freedom.
John "Doc" Fuller
Board Member
John grew up in Keyport, NJ. As a wayward youth he dabbled in petty crimes. At the age of 23, he moved to Los Angeles, where he was seduced by the money and perceived glamor that accompanied a life of crime. John’s criminal behaviors eventually caught up with him, as served one year in a state prison for forgery and eight months later, he was arrested again and spent the next 10 years behind the bars in more than five federal prisons for conspiracy to distribute cocaine. He refused to let that destroy him, and vowed that he would turn his life around and encourage others living on the edge to do the same. When John was released in 2002, he began coaching others who were facing incarceration about how to make the best of their time in prison. In 2004, he formalized his coaching by founding Prison Coach Speaking and is currently one of the most sought-after prison coaches in the world. An expert in the space of incarceration.
Dr. Deanna Cooke
Board Member
Dr. Deanna Cooke is currently a Clinical Associate Professor and Director of Engaged Learning at Loyola Marymount University. She previously directed programs at Advancement Project California and at Georgetown University. Dr. Cooke is committed to seeking equity and justice in communities of color through partnership and uplifting community voices. As a Community Psychologist, she has spent over 20 years collaborating with non-profit, non-governmental organizations, and government agencies. Her work seeks to take on community advancement using core principles of community psychology such as working at the levels of individuals, communities, systems, and policies, and seeking to address the root causes of social issues in addition to ameliorating the immediate needs in communities. She is also a senior research associate with Loyola Marymount University’s Applied Research Center and with Imoyase Community Services Inc, through which she has projects related to culturally appropriate mental health services and community collaboration on homelessness.
Pamela Williams
Board Member
As a university counselor with a Master's in Business Management & Human Resources, Pamela is a certified financial planner and practical money manager. She’s sat on the Board for The Welcome to America Project (WTAP) since 2016, faithfully representing refugees finding support in America after volunteering in 2011. Pamela is committed to serving those less fortunate, returned citizens, and welcoming refugees to America. Building a good life for those less fortunate is what attracted her to The Uncuffed Project. She is a proud mother of one son and loves interior design. Because of her love for everything beautiful, Pamela is passionate about designing tiny and transitional homes for returned citizens
Ricard Rametta
Board Member / Geospatial Scientist / Navy Veteran / Social Justice Activist
As a veteran who has struggled with emotional conflicts and anger throughout my life, careers, and education, I am passionate about helping homeless veterans and recently incarcerated individuals find their own way by showing them that there is help out there and they are capable of creating a good life for themselves. I’ve been fortunate enough to receive a strong education, including an associates degree in liberal studies at Los Angeles Harbor College, a Bachelor's degree with double major In Computer Technology & Labor Studies at California State University Dominguez Hills, a Masters degree Geographic Information Science at Cal State University Long Beach, and Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Leadership at the University of Southern California. This has only served me for the better in my pursuit to help marginalized groups like homeless veterans and freed individuals.
When Ricard is not with his family or working as a GIS professional, Ricard is volunteering his time and efforts to helping to develop GIS and IT Solutions to help support the Uncuffed mission.
" There isn't much that separates us as human beings, just the mental barriers we have created in our own minds"
Clifford Lelikona Parker
Board Member
Clifford Lelikona Parker was a formerly incarcerated (life) prisoner, who through many life challenges and struggles, has found himself in trouble since the age of 10. He was able to take advantage of cognitive behavioral programs offered by community members dedicated to preparing those returning home with the necessary tools to become and remain a productive and law abiding citizen. The life skills offered through these cognitive behavioral programs are profound and equip each individual with the necessary tools to enhance quality of life.
Since Clifford's release, he founded two non-profit organizations and has been a strong advocate and dedicated servant to the reentry and homeless population. He has been instrumental in creating several successful reentry and homeless programs in Northern California that offer transitional living, residential living, job skill training, job placement and other services such as family reunification and a multitude of cognitive behavioral therapeutic and educational classes. His practical experience has allowed for a "Real World" solution approach.
Suzanne Daggert
Board Member
Suzanne Daggert is a certified public accountant with her own public practice serving clients in the San Francisco Bay Area and nationwide. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Washington and a Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning from Golden Gate University. Ms. Daggert utilizes her 25 years of experience in small business accounting and family wealth management to assist clients to integrate their personal and professional financial strategies. She has served on the boards of several non-profit organizations as she seeks to embody the spirit of tikkun olam - repairing the world.