MEET THE TEAM
T.E.A.M. — Together Empowering And Motivating
Our team is boots on the ground, committed to meeting people where they are with compassion, respect, and real support. Through lived experience, community connection, and hands-on outreach, we work every day to help returning citizens overcome barriers and rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
_edited.jpg)
Mr. John Bailey
Founder / Reentry Advocate
"Life From Inside Out is more than an organization — it is a mission rooted in lived experience, redemption, and hope." After serving more than 28 years in prison, John Bailey walked free after never believing that day would come. Instead of allowing his past to define him, he turned his second chance into a mission to help others successfully transition back into society. Through compassion, mentorship, and lived experience, John is dedicated to helping his comrades break the cycle of reoffending by connecting them to the resources, support, and opportunities they need to remain free, rebuild their lives, and restore hope for the future.
Melissa Damm is a passionate advocate for second chances, community support, and family restoration. Through her work with returning citizens and their loved ones, she is dedicated to creating safe spaces for healing, growth, and opportunity. Drawing from both personal experience and community involvement, Melissa focuses on breaking barriers, connecting people to resources, and building stronger support systems for those impacted by incarceration. Her mission is to inspire hope, empower change, and remind people that their past does not define their future.
Melissa Damm
Resource Coordinator
Dr. Hariet Davis
Educational Leadership / Reentry Advocate
Dr. Harriet Davis is a dedicated educator, administrator, and community advocate with more than 24 years of experience serving Pinellas County. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and has served as an Assistant Principal, Adult Education Administrator, and Adjunct Professor at the University of South Florida. Following her retirement from Pinellas County Schools, she joined Life From Inside Out! as Office Manager, where she oversees data management and client services that support individuals transitioning from incarceration back into the community. Passionate about education, second chances, and community empowerment, Dr. Davis continues to volunteer as a mentor and tutor, helping both youth and adult learners achieve their goals.
Oliver brings a unique combination of technical expertise, community service, and personal advocacy to the organization. With a background in engineering, education, and quality assurance, he has dedicated his career to problem-solving and helping others succeed. Oliver played a vital role in supporting the release and pardon of his brother, John Bailey, and has assisted other incarcerated family members by navigating legal processes and advocating on their behalf. His firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by justice-impacted individuals fuels his passion for supporting returning citizens and their families as they rebuild their lives.
Oliver Bailey
Program Data Coordinator
Meet Our Strategic Partners
At our organization, we intentionally partner with individuals, businesses, and organizations that demonstrate a genuine commitment to serving the community. We believe meaningful change is created through action, not words alone. That's why we seek collaborators who are actively doing the work, showing up consistently, and making a measurable impact in the lives of those they serve. By aligning with partners who share our values of service, accountability, and compassion, we strengthen our collective ability to create lasting opportunities and positive change for our community.
Dr. Kimere Corthell holds a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Practice from Georgia State University and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Approved Clinical Supervisor. With more than 20 years of experience serving individuals of all ages in diverse settings, she is dedicated to helping people overcome barriers, achieve their goals, and create meaningful, lasting change in their lives.
Kimere Corthell
Co-Founder - Mind The Gap Together
The Rise & Thrive Foundation exists to disrupt the effects of generational instability after trauma by equipping children, parents, caregivers, and families with pathways of hope, health, healing, and success from the inside out. Through trauma-informed education, mental health advocacy, supportive programming, and community partnerships, the Foundation helps individuals and vulnerable communities strengthen resilience and create lasting change. In collaboration with Life From Inside Out, The Rise & Thrive Foundation supports opportunities for healing, restoration, and thriving communities.
Kay-Kay Smith
Founder - The Rise and Thrive Foundation
Katie Corthell holds a Bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy from Indiana University and brings over 10 years of experience in human services. Her background spans healthcare, housing, and mental health, equipping her with a diverse skill set and a deep understanding of community needs. Katie is passionate about removing barriers, connecting individuals to resources, and empowering people to reach their full potential through compassionate, person-centered support.