artist biographies

Jennifer Barela

My name is Jennifer Barela. I'm 47 and currently incarcerated. While here in prison I've taken advantage of the groups they have to offer. I'm proud to say I've grown and will continue to do so.I've learned to take this negative and turn it into a positive. When I return home to my family, I'll return a much better person. I'm still working hard towards obtaining two associates degrees. I'm happy to report I'm almost there. I've been honored to be part of P.A.C.E. two times now. It is such an amazing experience. Words can't describe how freeing this collaboration has been. Thank you Amie, Reyna, Rayvon and all the USF students who've made this possible.

Charlotte Coan

Hello! My name is Charlotte Coan and I am a third-year transfer student, majoring in psychology. I enjoy film photography, tending to my plants, and collecting candles, tarot, and crystals. In my free time, I enjoy thrift shopping, beachcombing, and exploring all that San Francisco and Santa Cruz have to offer. It has been an honor to participate in class with Amie and Reyna, as well as with my inside partner, Megan. It has been a goal for me to educate myself about incarceration, how we can advocate for people inside, and working on sharing personal experiences relating to ourselves and others; building a mutual relationship with both classmates and all of our collaborators has been a major element of connection and fulfillment for me. Thank you for the opportunity to showcase the artistic and linguistic talents of fellow students and our partners inside.

Safi Salamey

My name is Safi Salamey and I am an undergraduate Biology major at USFCA. I was born in Michigan, but lived in Beirut, Lebanon for the majority of my life. I chose to partake in this class because I was interested in the prison system in the US, and how policies have made injustice a norm. I’m very glad to be able to try and make a little bit of change in this corrupt system, regardless of how little that change is. I’d like to thank LaTasha, who has cooperated with us despite the harsh circumstances she is dealing with. I’d also like to thank Lupe for her determination while working on this project and her passion for criminal justice.

Guadalupe Garat

Hi everyone, I am Guadalupe Garat (she/ella). I am a graduating senior studying psychology & criminal justice studies and work as a preschool teacher here in the city. More importantly though, I am a human being who has love to give to other human beings. I was raised to make the world a better place and joining this class gave me an opportunity to delve into my passions of seeking justice for those who need it most. If it weren’t for this class, I wouldn’t have gotten the pleasure to collaborate with Tasha Brown. Although we didn’t have the chance to have much dialogue, her beloved Mama, Miki, and I were able to connect so she could share stories of Tasha. It has been an incredibly inspiring journey to collaborate with Tasha and I’m so grateful I got the chance to create art on behalf of her. I plan on continuing the path towards justice for those with similar experiences as Tasha & the fellow inside artists. Thank you for taking the time to read! Cheers to CHANGE!

Tasha Brown

I'm Tasha. As a 15 year old 10th grader, I suffered a devastating spontaneous abortion. Though the fruit in my womb was possibly conceived through an act of unconsentual sex, the sudden and unexpected loss of life precipitated my inhumane act against a fellow human being: kidnapping and murder. I was sentenced to 37 years to life for my crime, which means I could be in prison until I die. My crime against humanity cannot be justified, and the abuse I suffered does not absolve me of my guilt, however, my indeterminate sentence felt like a continuum of the punishment life had already dealt me. At 15 a child cannot sign a legally binding contract,purchase alcohol or cigarettes, vote or get a driver's license, yet a child of 15 can be sentenced to life in prison. Using my voice to shatter moral numbness, I advocate for adolescent offenders, victims of gender violence, and for equality of all.

Maria Martinez

My name is Maria, I’m 35 years old serving a 24 to life sentence. I’m a Drug and Alcohol counselor here in CCWF as well as a service dog trainer. Daily, thriving to make a living amends to anyone I’ve hurt… willing to change, heal and grow. Giving back by sharing my life openly, in hopes that someone might feel that internal freedom by connecting one's heart to the greater good and no longer letting shame and guilt be the internal prison… I constantly live to be the change I seek to see in the world… Forgiveness, Acceptance Love. And gratefulness.. Thank you to Every person in My life who continues to Support and Love me!

Blake Wittman

My name is Blake Wittman, and I am a freshman kinesiology major at the University of San Francisco. I am a part of the USF Baseball Team, and I hope to one day work in the field of exercise science. Throughout this project and this class, I have learned more about perspective than I ever had before. Learning about the justice system in a completely unique way has really opened my eyes to all the things that never make it to the media. Working with Maria has been an amazing opportunity, and I have learned so much from her and her story. Through making this project, I have learned a new level of empathy, and have come to appreciate the artistic process more than I ever thought I would.

Miguel Ramos

My name is Miguel Ramos and I am a senior at USF studying Economics. The last four years my studies have been primarily focused in learning about financial markets and mathematics. This Art and Incarceration course has allowed me to expand my worldview and, in turn, gave me the chance to foster skills that make me an overall better human. This class has enabled me to work on being an active listener, vulnerable storyteller, and empathetic. I am so fortunate to have been able to interact with the collaborators at CCWF and it has been a pleasure having the opportunity to learn more about what defines them. I want to specially thank Noava Martinez for the honest and vulnerable conversations we have had over the semester.

Noava Martinez

My name is Noava Martinez I am a 47-year-old Native American and half Hispanic. I come from a family of drugs and alcohol and violence. When my parents divorced my life fell apart. Who I was before can not define the person I am today. I work hard every day to give back to my kids and society. I am a human being who deserves a second chance. What I went through as a child I wish on nobody. Today I am a different person and this video is an example of my life and it speaks volumes. I am a human being that deserves to be heard. I am at CCWF serving 70 years to life sentence for 2nd-degree murder. I volunteer in the dog program as a service dog trainer and it has been a life-changing experience for me, in all areas of my life.

Caitlin Camastral

My name is Caitlin Camastral. I am a senior at USF majoring in sociology and minoring in business. I grew up mainly in Southern California and partially in Buenos Aires. Starting at a young age, I was lucky enough to be exposed to many different languages, cultures, food, music, and art. I have always loved to create art whether it is painting, poetry, ceramics, photography, music, or simply sharing food with loved ones. I have also been involved in student politics and social justice efforts, leading several initiatives to try and make the world more just and sustainable. Those are the main reasons why I was so excited to take this class. It seemed like a beautiful integration of social justice and art. Looking towards the future, I am actively applying to brand and product management positions and ideally will move to NYC or stay in the bay. In the meantime, I will be backpacking alone through Europe in order to continue collecting eclectic memories and exposing myself to new cultures, people and places.

David Timperio

My name is David Timperio and I am currently a senior here at USF majoring in Biology with a minor in neuroscience. I will be graduating this May! I am still not sure what my future holds however I would like to do either clinical neuropsychology or neuropsychological research. I grew up in Boston Massachusetts and have lived there my entire life before I moved to San Francisco. Before I took this class I was never artistically inclined. I have always enjoyed art and poetry but was never inspired. The work that we have done in this class has taken me outside of my comfort zone and helped me find a new artistic side of myself. Caitlin and I have been working with Kanoa this semester and it has been an honor to be able to tell his story. The three of us share a passion for mental health awareness, and through this project, we hope to break the stigma behind it.

Kanoa Harris-Pendang

My name is Kanoa harris-pendang and I am a 48 year old trans male. I have been incarcerated since 1998 and am serving lwop plus 25 to life.

For me mental health begins with a secure sense of being loved, known and accepted for who you are, without this developmental foundation there cannot be a firm source of identity. Without a feeling of belonging, first in a nuclear and extended family, then school and society as a whole, internal conflict will inevitably lead to psychological distress. If gender dysphoria is added as a contributing factor, generalized dysfunction and a perception of being rejected as an entire individual. Where do we turn to when feeling unloved, unaccepted, rejected? Unfortunately, we turn to those who exploit us, abuse us, take advantage of our vulnerabilities and where does that lead us? to make mistakes, to lack of judgment, to being pushed even further trying to belong. Youth and immaturity are vital factors, however, it is the lack of a firm sense of identity at all levels of humanity that bring me here to share part of my life with you.

Valerie Lam

My name is Valerie Lam and I’m a sophomore Business Management major minoring in Dance and Public Service Community Engagement. I’m passionate about working at the intersection of art, education, and social justice. In my short time here at USF, I’ve had the opportunity to experience the melding of art and advocacy several times. In congruence, this art and incarceration class offers experienced based learning with meaningful community impact. Thus far, we’ve learned about the possibilities for prison abolition through direct relationships. I’ve had the honor of collaborating with Mimi Le, a leader and loving mother. With shared Vietnamese heritage, we’ve brought together our families who have experienced life in America very differently but are breathing evidence of our shared humanity. Our piece reveals the raw tenderness of familial love and grief inherent in the human experience. However, for those incarcerated, there may never be complete closure as the grievance process remains in a perpetual loop.

Mimi Le

My name is Mimi Le. I am Vietnamese and White, born and raised in Sacramento, California. I am currently serving Life Without the Possibility of Parole. I am a survivor of childhood and adult trauma. I am the mother of three truly magnificent kids. I am a daughter to a strong resilient mother who survived the death of her only love, my father, 4 years ago. I am the Aunt to a fantastic set of nieces and nephews. I am a friend to all. Most of all I am a woman who survives everyday for my family and my community. I can never give back all that my mistakes have taken from the universe so everyday I am a better person than the day before. My life purpose is to be of service to others and by sharing my story hopefully it prevents someone from making the same mistakes I made. My suffering is nothing in comparison to what my children have had to endure. I hope in the representation of our story, people can walk away with a better understanding of the impact of incarceration from a mother's point of view.

Lisa Petz

My name is Lisa Petz and I am a junior Finance major at the University of San Francisco, planning to attend law school at an undetermined location. I grew up exceptionally sheltered in Clovis, California, and have had many eye-opening experiences while living here in San Francisco and especially while taking this course. While searching for courses, I came across Art & Incarceration and I was immediately intrigued. I located the email address for the course professor and instantly emailed questioning what the course would entail. Though it sounded like a hefty course, I knew the experience would be worth it. Working with Jennifer while being present in such a talented group of classmates has enriched my understanding of so many issues I, unfortunately, would have never learned about. Looking back, I am so glad I took the challenge. Creating art on behalf of Jennifer has been such a wonderful experience.

Jennifer Trayers

I want people to know that those that are incarcerated are human beings, we are more than just a number. The media wants us to be hated, without really knowing anything about us or having the ability to walk in our shoes. We shouldn't be locked up, ignored and forgotten. Just because someone is incarcerated doesn't mean we are bad people. We may have had bad behavior or made poor choices, but transformation and change is possible if given the chance. If given the opportunity many of us would take advantage of healing and rehabilitation for second chances. Some of us will spend a lifetime atoning for the choices we made.

We are someone's mother, daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin friend, and above all we are human beings, people like everyone else.

My wish is that people will try to be understanding and have compassion instead of being so quick to judge.

Eva Lovell

My name is Eva Lovell (she/her) and I’m a first year at USF. I’m a Physics major with a love for reading, art, and social change. I don’t know exactly what I want to do in the future, but I know that I want to learn as much as possible and use my art to share more stories and aid in social and environmental change. I have learned so much from this class as well as from my collaborator Karina. I am inspired by her optimism and her capacity for growth and change, and I am so grateful for her willingness to share with me and learn from this process with me. This class has made me evaluate societal systems through a new lens, as well as strengthen my passion and commitment to learning and art.

Karina Ponico

At 21 years of age I was incarcerated. At that time and for the next 15 or so years I believed that I'd never get out of here. That was after all my sentence--Life w/o Parole.

That changed ... One day I saw a fellow LWOP walk through the door and I'll never forget when she said that she was given a board date. A few months later she walked through that same door and said she had been found suitable.

It was then that something inside of me lit up. It no longer was an impossibility. I could get out one day.

I haven't stopped working towards that goal since. Everyday I think of how and what I have to do to be given a second chance. First by God of course and then by man.

In the last 3 years I've obtained 3 degrees from Coastline College and I graduated from Blackstone for paralegal/legal assistant. Most importantly however, I don't stop working on myself--on becoming a better person inside.

In the meantime... While I wait my turn, I no longer feel imprisoned. I have to say that it somehow feels freeing to make good decisions. I get a much more satiating feeling from my thought processes today.

Victoria Resendiz

Hello, my name is Victoria Resendiz (she/hers), I am a first generation graduating senior studying Biology at the University of San Francisco. I have aspirations to attend medical school and become a pediatrician. I decided to take the class because I wanted to get in touch with my creative side as I never have and still do not consider myself a creative person. Not only did this class realize I can be creative and artistic but it also provided a beautiful opportunity to use creativity and art to resist and fight for justice for the communities in need. I had the honor of working with Maria on this collaborative project, our shared experience of being Latina inspired our project to focus on what it is like to be Latina in the United States. Maria and along with this course have inspired me to incorporate more activism in my life and have encouraged me to never stop learning and to be unapologetically myself.

Nikki Afuso

My name is Nikki Afuso and I’m a senior biology major at the University of San Francisco; and I will be graduating in the spring of 2022! I took this class to learn more about the prison system, whilst expressing my creative side. This class has taught me about the prison industrial complex and the ugly truths of incarceration in this country, and the racism that is linked throughout it. In working with Naomi, I got to learn about her, and her journey and we discussed her experiences with motherhood while incarcerated. Learning about Naomi as both a person and a mother has made me reflect on my own ideas and vision of what a mother is. It is through her story that I have a more complex idea of motherhood. I would like to thank Naomi for being so open and Amie and Reyna for their support.

Naomi Heater

My name is Naomi Heater and I am a mother and grandmother. I have made many mistakes so I am not perfect. I was told once that mothers are like superheroes so when we make mistakes it seems like the end of the world, but that is not true. I am working on becoming the best me by taking responsibility and learning and sharing my experiences. My heart is in the right place and I have what it takes to be the best mom. The video shows how imperfect a mother may be, but in the same breath: always a mother.

Alexandra Genesse

HI! My name is Alex Genesse and I am a senior at the University of San Francisco graduating in December of 2022. I’m a marketing major with a passion for social change and environmentalism; and I hope to apply these in my future career. When I first registered for this class I did not know what to expect but it has become the most impactful course I have taken throughout my collegiate career. My collaborator, Jennifer Barela, is such an inspiration and positive beacon in my life. Through our piece ‘Change’, I hope we spread the positive message that one’s past does not define them and that you can grow and become a better person everyday.

Sean Izaki

Hi my name is Sean Izaki and I am a Junior studying Computer Science. I will be graduating next year. I do not exactly know what the future holds but hopefully to work in the field of blockchain and fintech related oppornitity. I took this class because I wanted to come to the realization that what goes on in a place like prison and I wanted to gain perspective on what those people feel on a daily basis. I would like to thank Mimi for being very cooperative throughout the project and my partner Valerie for putting on spectacular work. Lastly, I would like to thank Amie and Reyna for supporting all of us throughout the project.

Hailey Bierend

Hi! My name is Hailey Bierend. I am studying Biology at University of San Francisco. My dream is to go to medical school and become a surgeon. I am so thankful for taking this class because it was a bit out of my comfort zone, but it has been super enlightening on understanding what is happening on the inside. Taking this class is one of many steps in the right direction and it was a pleasure to be apart of it. I want to thank my partner Tami for being so amazing throughout this whole process. It was a a pleasure to get to know her and create beautiful art with her. Thank you to Reyna, Ami and all the CCWF collaborators!!

Elliston Ospina

Hello, my name is Elliston Ospina. I am a student at the University of San Francisco studying biology. I plan on getting a higher education after my bachelors by going to Medical School. From there I plan on being a physician or working on the business side of the medical field. I am currently enrolled in an art course called Art & Incarceration. This is the class that brings you the website you are on today. It has been a joy being here and working with the people inside CCWF. Quite an unforgettable experience.

Tami Huntsman

As a child, I was abandoned by my birth parents and raised by my grandparents and uncle I was surrounded by an abusive drug-addicted dysfunctional family, abused, isolated, afraid, as well as gangs and violence a part of my life. I not only felt abandoned but unloved unbalanced hopeless, not even knowing myself. physically and emotionally abused, I carried all of that throughout my life as it continued to compound in my relationships and marriage a mirror of my childhood, I masked to cover it up the best I could to get by, I became a rescuer and I was compelled to and did for others what I couldn't do for myself. I felt like there was no way out, learning from what I lived ultimately ended in tragedy and loss of loved ones beyond belief. I had built my life on hurt from the past, spent most of my life searching for the lost pieces of myself that never seemed to materialize. by the grace of God, today I know my worth and value are spiritually grounded have found and become in tune with my inner self and soul, overcoming obstacles and breaking away from unhealthy relationships and habits. What the world or others may want me to be and who I am may be different, but today I'm ok with being me, I'm growing daily using my voice for myself and others keeping faith and being the best me I can be for myself and my children I am stronger wiser and know that I'm not alone and want others to know and believe that as well. I'm determined to stay positive and continue to move forward I've been saved by the grace of God. I'm grateful for this opportunity

Megan Hogg

My name is Megan, I was born and raised in San Francisco, CA, I'm proud to be a native San Franciscan, which has become somewhat rare these days. I will be fifty years old this summer, having spent the last half of my life incarcerated, w/ a 25years to life sentence. Prior to my arrest, I had what most people would call an average or typical young life: strong family ties, friends, had jobs, enjoying social events, looking forward to the future. I also began struggling w/ mental illness around the age of thirteen. I wasn't diagnosed for many years, during which I struggled severely and silently. I dropped out of high school, began drinking and smoking weed regularly, and Around the age of twenty-three, I was diagnosed w/ Manic-Depressive disorder, which is now called Bi-Polar disorder, PTSD, and Clinical Depression. I mention this for two reasons: Despite believing I was always going to be inadequate and broken, I have finally been able to live an enjoyable life w/ the confidence in myself and my abilities to be OK. No, to be great. While in prison, I have additionally been diagnosed w/ Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Learning about myself allowed me to see where my life had been affected in the past, and how to take care of and protect myself from being negatively impacted now, or in the future.. If we don't discuss things, there's no way to understand or treat and resolve issues, or to find the unconditional love of and for self. I lost some relationships, and gained more that I value dearly. Just being seen for myself , not my diagnoses,and being loved and accepted w/ whatever flaws or quirks I have that make me who I am, has been key in my growth and healing. I have earned an Associates of Arts degree, Associates of Science degree, and am currently working towards my Bachelor's degree. For the first time ever, I maintained a GPA of 3.8 and above! This was a former high school drop-out that took an extra five years to get my high-school diploma. I am blessed to have my family and friends behind me, and don't ever feel ashamed for living w/ mental illness anymore. I believe by this time next year, I will be home w/all of them too. I want people to know the people they know w/ mental illness .