Who I Am and What I Do

My name is Romado Stephens

I am the founder and CEO of Life After the Wall, INC. In addition to this role, I am also the ​Vice President of the Criminal Justice Club at Colorado Technical University. I am actively ​involved in various organizations within my community, such as being a member of the Key ​West Chamber of Commerce and serving on the Education Committee.

Furthermore, I am proud to be a member of the NAACP Miami Chapter, where I work with a ​dedicated group of individuals to advocate for social justice and equality. These ​opportunities have allowed me to contribute to meaningful causes and make a difference in ​the lives of others.

I am passionate about using my skills and experiences to create positive change and ​empower those around me. Thank you for allowing me to share a bit about who I am and ​what I do. I look forward to connecting with each of you and continuing to work towards a ​better future for all.

The Mission

With our vision of implementation of programs of prevention and

diversion of our high-risk youths and those previous incarcerated

individuals from entry and re-entry into the system of criminal

justice.

Factoring on their characters, to include accountability,

responsibility, and decision making while navigating the challenges

of everyday life.

To include creation of successful programs that will educate, ​guide

and provide support during their journey towards rehabilitation, ​re-

entry into civilized communities. Also assistance in development of

life skills for employment opportunities which plays a pivotal role in

success

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change the world. Indeed ​it is the only thing that ever has.” - Margert Mead

MARCELLA MEYER

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Greetings, I am marcella, administrative assistant to this wonderful organization. A fun fact about me ​is that I know God had to have a sense of humor, for He entrusted me with the job of trying to put a ​smile on someone else’s face every day. I am originally from Brooklyn, New York, a mother of 2 grown ​children, grandmother of 4 and great-grand to 7. At the age of 25yrs, I embarked on my second ​journey of life and moved south after becoming divorced. Ran south to Georgia lived there for over ​44+ years worked at one of the most prestigious hospitals until I retired after 36.5yrs from the ​surgical unit as a paper chaser not a nurse. Then in 2021 ran straight for the Gulf coast of ​Mississippi. Living only 5 minutes from a beautiful beach. I am currently studying to obtain another ​degree at the Great Colorado Technical University (any school that allows me to attend must be ​great) just graduated in 2023 with a master's in criminal justice. As stated, prior to that I am back in ​the classroom. To me education is a key to survival at such a time as this. I have been a Court ​Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children for over 30+ years. I became one while in Ga, now I ​am currently an advocate here in MS. Advocates are needed all over. When the opportunity came to ​become part of this industrious organization, the only thing I could do was say, thank you Lord, for ​this organization is and will help those who do not have a voice for the language of LAW is at time ​incomprehensible. It is about allowing us to assist those who need support and for those who need ​guidance. The vision of our CEO is so astounding, and to know that we are our brothers and sisters' ​keepers, allows us to grow and save this nation. We all have children, and it is imperative that we ​take a stand if we plan to see them become men and women of the future. For the future is today, ​for tomorrow is not promised. We all have family or know families with members who have been ​incarcerated. Every day I read stories of incarceration and there needs to be a change now. ​marcella

ROTIA STEPHENS

CHEIF FINANCIAL OFFICER

I am Rotia Stephens, and I am honored to be here today to share a little bit ​about myself. I was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where I grew up as ​the loving daughter of a large family. I am the sister to five brothers and four ​sisters, and my family has always been a huge part of my life.

In addition to being a family-oriented person, I am also an entrepreneur. I ​currently own a cleaning company and a candle business, and I am excited to ​soon be adding real estate to my list of ventures with my upcoming realtor ​license.

For the past eight years, I have been involved in the Big Brother's Big Sister's ​program, where I have had the privilege of mentoring children and guiding them ​on the right path in life. I am passionate about making a positive impact on the ​lives of young people and helping them realize their full potential.

SAMANTHA JOHNSON

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

I am Samantha Johnson. I am currently a Special Education Teacher, for ​Milwaukee Public Schools. I have 16 years with the MPS. I have worked ​for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee for a total of 7 years ​altogether. I knew I wanted to be a teacher at the young age of 5 years ​old. I realized I wanted to be a special education teacher in middle ​school. It’s my passion and purpose to give back to the youth in the ​community that I grew up in and live in. It gives me the honor to work ​with my students and their families, giving them the support that they ​need, it also allows me to advocate and be a voice, when they can’t ​speak up for themselves. I have my associates degree in early ​childhood education, bachelor’s degree in specialized administration, ​and also a master’s degree in special education.

DEVIN RECKLEY

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

SHANDLE CHAPMAN

CO DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

Shandle Chapman is an experienced freelance writer and ​Author. She was born in Laurel, Mississippi and raised in ​Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She currently lives in Florida with ​her two sons. Her desire to write began when she was a ​teenager and poetry is the genre she enjoys writing most. ​Her love for the fine arts extends to music, photography, ​design and theatre. Shandle's topic of interest when writing ​is mental health and her mission is to speak courage into ​anyone affected directly or indirectly by mental health ​issues. Each book she has authored includes relatable ​topics from personal life challenges which gives her the ​experience needed to write and help others.

Get in Touch

Email: ​lifeafterthewall@gmail.com

Mobile:

305-317-9197

Office address:

1107 Key Plaza , Key West, FL 33040

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