Reentry Reframed Kristen Shook & Melissa Goodman | Mirror, Inc

This episode is incredibly special because Heather is sharing her journey for the first time on a public platform. Heather will tell you, “Hope is everything,” and we could not agree more. Born raised in South Central California, Heather DiDomenico Graves recalls what impacted her childhood most was childhood obesity. Reflecting, she describes how living in an area with such high beauty standards in Southern California, she struggled with lack of self-love and self-worth. With very strict parents who worked a lot, especially with her father in the military, she spent much of her time with her older siblings. In school, Heather was bullied for her weight which led her to a group where she found acceptance. Unfortunately, what she found was a “false sense of solidarity” as she began to experiment with substances at the age of twelve. From there, her story takes many curves ultimately leading her to where she is today. As a licensed cosmetologist for the past twenty years, she bought her first commercial property seven years ago. Heather’s first salon opened almost six years ago, Onyx Salon and Wellness Spa. She now has a boutique and café by Onyx as well as second salon location that has been open for nearly two years. It takes tremendous courage to tell your story; in doing so, this shows others there is a brighter tomorrow that can impact so many people.  Heather, thank you for trusting us with your story, and we wish you nothing but the best!

Judge Stephen Bough joins us for a special episode providing perspective from his side of the courtroom. Judge Bough was nominated by President Obama in 2014 to serve as a United States District Judge of the United States Court for the Western District of Missouri. In more recent years, Judge Bough presided over Reentry Court for the Western District of Missouri. Like drug court and other specialty courts, this model serves as an intervention for individuals releasing from prison who are struggling throughout the reentry process. Reentry Court is a collaborative approach to assist in successfully completing the conditions of supervision and providing an alternative opportunity to avoid incarceration. On that note, we discuss the “weight” that comes with sentencing, and Judge Bough does not take his position of authority lightly. As he looks out in the courtroom during a trial and sees family members of the defendant,  Judge Bough shares some staggering statistics children with an incarcerated parent face. As we discuss the power of second chances, sentencing reform, and much more, Judge Bough’s passion, compassion, and wisdom radiates throughout his episode. Judge Bough, we are convinced you are the right person for the bench!

Dustin Moore grew up in an idyllic setting in San Diego, California, where he surfed and lived the “country club” lifestyle. He claims his childhood was one of privilege and care, and he gravitated towards any sport he could be involved with. Starting college, that is when his life started to turn course; regarding addiction, Dustin remarks this is something you just “have in you” or you do not. He quickly felt a new, strong gravitational pull towards substances he had always stayed away from. Dustin describes when he identified as an athlete, his life was structured. When he went to college and the structure and his connections went away, he filled those voids and time with drugs, alcohol, and other people focused on “partying.” From there, his life began to spiral out of control with his addiction and a life of crime. Dustin describes his fatal flaw was not understanding the depth of his addiction, and ultimately what it would take to work his way out of. Finally, after breaking through the cycle of addiction, this is where Dustin’s life truly takes off when he learned there is much more to recovery than just abstaining from substances. In finding his purpose, he has been able to build bridges and close gaps in recovery and reentry through Artists Helping the Homeless. Dustin, we admire your passion and dedication to helping others!

Sheesh! What a wild ride! This past year has “kinda” been one for the books. As MG and K. Shook reflect on previous episodes, guests, new program initiatives, and just downright nonsense, this episode is a lot of fun. With thirty episodes published and going strong, Reentry Reframed continues to be a force to be reckoned with. Second chances are a beautiful thing when a person changes their course, puts in the work, and the community rallies behind them. We are here to celebrate and applaud the individuals who are standing up and giving back to others demonstrating there is a way out, and everyone is deserving of happiness. Reentry Reframed has a ton in store for the next year, so stay tuned and please join us for the ride! 

As the first face welcoming those seeking sobriety walking through the doors of Topeka Residential Treatment, LaShanda Daniels says, “When you’re here, you’re family.” Emulating the ‘open arms’ approach of Mirror’s beloved director who passed away in 2020, Richard Gilchrist, LaShanda explains how she carries on his legacy every single day. LaShanda is always going the extra mile to help others, and she is the connecting point for lifesaving treatment for countless individuals. Before starting her career with Mirror, she explains how she was part of an extremely close-knit family. As a family, they have been devastated by violence, addiction, and incarceration over the years. LaShanda describes how she loved and supported her brothers during their absence from incarceration and ultimately the impact this had on their family. For her legacy, she wants to be known for always helping others. On behalf of your Mirror Family, LaShanda, thank you and we love you! 

From a young age, Nathan Voss recalls struggling in school. Eventually, he was prescribed medication to help him focus while learning. It did not take long for Nathan to realize his medication was a hot commodity he could trade for other medication, such as opiates, to feed his addiction. While his passion was in music, he spiraled deeper in his addiction as a musician in a band where the fast lifestyle was not conducive to maintaining sobriety. For years, his life went on in a pattern bouncing between active addiction and substance use disorder treatment. Nathan was not the father he wanted to be for his daughter, and this eventually contributed to his first child in state custody. After getting out of prison, he was determined to regain and maintain his sobriety. In 2021, with a new 2-year-old daughter, he opened the first father/child Oxford House in Topeka, Abba House. In 2022, he opened his 2nd Oxford House for fathers with children. Today, his days are filled with joy from both daughters in his life! He parents his youngest daughter in the Oxford House they both call home. Recently, Nathan was hired as a Parent Engagement Coordinator for Kansas Children's Service League. We wish you and your girls nothing but the best.