Meet Our SPWF Volunteers
I want to make a difference and have at least one hour each day to contribute.
Rosanne Elizabeth ("Ro")
CoFounder/CEO, Strong Prison Wives & Families
Rosanne attended the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, where she earned her Bachelors of Arts and Sciences degree in Sports Medicine. For the past 12 years, she has worked as an SEO Specialist for a large legal publishing company.
In 2012, Rosanne CoFounded the 501c3 recognized Non-Profit Organization, Strong Prison Wives & Families. For the past 16.5 years, she has earned firsthand experience of the trials and tribulations faced by loved ones of the incarcerated. She has a deep passion to help make the experience easier for and break stigma against inmate supporters around the world. She became a certified Life Coach in October, 2015.
Rosanne currently resides in New Jersey. In her spare time, you can find her at the gym, outdoors or playing with her nieces and nephews, the loves of her life.
Rosanne attended the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, where she earned her Bachelors of Arts and Sciences degree in Sports Medicine. For the past 12 years, she has worked as an SEO Specialist for a large legal publishing company.
In 2012, Rosanne CoFounded the 501c3 recognized Non-Profit Organization, Strong Prison Wives & Families. For the past 16.5 years, she has earned firsthand experience of the trials and tribulations faced by loved ones of the incarcerated. She has a deep passion to help make the experience easier for and break stigma against inmate supporters around the world. She became a certified Life Coach in October, 2015.
Rosanne currently resides in New Jersey. In her spare time, you can find her at the gym, outdoors or playing with her nieces and nephews, the loves of her life.
Cait Smith
Cate Smith has worked in many different industries including retail, good and hospitality, but her biggest passion is helping others in her home state of Montana. During the last 5 years Cate has worked in a residential group home as a treatment service technician for a non-profit organization that helps youth with that have emotional distress, mental health and behavioral issues. Cate helps these youth learn and work on anger management, social and life skills to help cope with difficult situations. This job has a high burnout rate and can be very stressful at times but has taught her the strength and patience that has helped her on this journey of being a prison wife.
Cate found SPWF shortly after her husband was incarcerated in 2015, she immediately felt at home and not along with all the warm welcomes from fellow members and admins. As time went on Cate realized she wanted to do more to help other's on this journey, so she became volunteer fall of 2016.
In her spare time Cate likes to focus on her health, loves to exercise in a strength and conditioning class and yoga are a great stress reliever. Family and friends are of the up most importance and she would got to ends of the earth for them, her cats giver her great comfort and company. Cate is a devoted wife, fur mama, sister, daughter and friend. Her favourite part of being a part of the SPWF community is the sisterhood, you are never alone on this journey and they have your back.
Cate found SPWF shortly after her husband was incarcerated in 2015, she immediately felt at home and not along with all the warm welcomes from fellow members and admins. As time went on Cate realized she wanted to do more to help other's on this journey, so she became volunteer fall of 2016.
In her spare time Cate likes to focus on her health, loves to exercise in a strength and conditioning class and yoga are a great stress reliever. Family and friends are of the up most importance and she would got to ends of the earth for them, her cats giver her great comfort and company. Cate is a devoted wife, fur mama, sister, daughter and friend. Her favourite part of being a part of the SPWF community is the sisterhood, you are never alone on this journey and they have your back.
Catherine Janese Julius ("MrsB1948")
Catherine was born and raised in Buffalo, NY and works as an executive secretary at a cancer hospital. She is the Bonus mother of 2 Bonus sons and is deeply involved in their lives. She is proud of the young men they are today. Catherine's oldest is in Pre-Medical School and youngest is in the United States Marine Corps. Catherine brings her unique experience as a prison wife and military parent to the SPWF community.
Catherine was raised in a traditional Italian household. She values human kindness, loyalty, integrity and authenticity. Catherine's father was a well-known, local hair colorist. She began apprenticing with him at thirteen years old. She was employed as a successful hair colorist for over seventeen years. After recovering from a life-threatening illness, Catherine transitioned out of the salon and began working at the cancer hospital. She is passionate about serving Cancer Research.
Catherine is a founding member of SPWF. She has known her fiancé for 30 years. They began dating 6 months before he was sentenced. After serving 4 years in a New York State prison, he was released in early 2014. He will remain on parole until 2020. Catherine uses the lessons she has learned during the reentry process to support similarly situated members.
Despite the parole restrictions, Catherine is enjoying this new phase of life. "I'm in my mid-40's and healthy once again. This is exactly where I want to be. It’s not easy but I am pushing along and still smiling. If there is anything I've learned it is that you cannot have the good without experiencing the bad. I appreciate every day of this second lease on life that I have been gifted."
In her free time, Catherine enjoys boxing, cooking, fashion, watching movies, volunteering and spending time with her family and friends.
Catherine can be contacted via email at [email protected].
Catherine was raised in a traditional Italian household. She values human kindness, loyalty, integrity and authenticity. Catherine's father was a well-known, local hair colorist. She began apprenticing with him at thirteen years old. She was employed as a successful hair colorist for over seventeen years. After recovering from a life-threatening illness, Catherine transitioned out of the salon and began working at the cancer hospital. She is passionate about serving Cancer Research.
Catherine is a founding member of SPWF. She has known her fiancé for 30 years. They began dating 6 months before he was sentenced. After serving 4 years in a New York State prison, he was released in early 2014. He will remain on parole until 2020. Catherine uses the lessons she has learned during the reentry process to support similarly situated members.
Despite the parole restrictions, Catherine is enjoying this new phase of life. "I'm in my mid-40's and healthy once again. This is exactly where I want to be. It’s not easy but I am pushing along and still smiling. If there is anything I've learned it is that you cannot have the good without experiencing the bad. I appreciate every day of this second lease on life that I have been gifted."
In her free time, Catherine enjoys boxing, cooking, fashion, watching movies, volunteering and spending time with her family and friends.
Catherine can be contacted via email at [email protected].
Jenna B.
Jenna Barnard, has a diverse background, her educational background includes a bachelors degree from OIT, with a major in Information Security/Information Technology, a minor in Graphic Design and Post grad studies in Law, as well as Business administration, her carrier background is just as Diverse and has over 20 years in Sound production, 20 years in Customer Service, Retail, as well as have worked in the wireless industry, and before deciding to monetize on her minor, working in the Print Industry for over 7 years, where she had eventually reached athe Senior management level Position of “Director of General Operation’s” at a print group in the DC Metro aria. Jenna Considers herself to be Bi-costal, she was raised in California, before moving to Oregon at 18, then to Pennsylvania, and The district of Columbia while in her thirties. Prior to suffering a traumatic event leading her to go back to Oregon where she met her husband. Jenna is a self proclaimed workaholic, who has carried multiple positions her entire life. Even while in her director Position she worked with a high-end women’s clothing store where she has maintained employment for over 5 years. As of current she is also working as a key person for a high end cookware store, writing a book, and is now a volunteer for Strong Prison Wives and Families. Jenna has gotten to reap many rewards on the way being sighted for her technological feet’s, in accomplishing network Fluidity by the city of Coos Bay, being part of the Customer service team earning JD Power and Associates best in Customer Service three years in a row, as well as earning best place to work in Arlington Status for her company in 2014. While in business a huge part of her job was dealing with negotiation of contracts with CEO’s and working with several branches of the Department of Defense. She is proud of the fact she got to work directly with figures such as the previous administrations Secretary of the Navy, and Secretary of Deffence. Her team building leadership style has allowed her many successes in growing business growth, and accomplishing growth goals, which lead to not only her own success but the success of her team.
While new to SPWF, Jenna has decades of experience working in 501c3 Non profit Organizations, a Pastors daughter, she has helped build on the foundations of many of the churches in which her father pastored while growing up, This gave her the opportunity to learn the skillset of being a team leader in development while holding chair positions in many of the comities related to those religious organizations. She was one of the Cofounders of her Fathers current church, which was established in 2003 and has seen consistent growth sense the church was founded. While in Washington DC her Non Profit experiance grew working with Organizations such as HRC (Human Rights Campaign) and AGLA, (Arlington Gay and Lesbian Alliance) working for equality on both a local and National Scale.
As you can probably guess by her bio Jenna could not foresee dealing with the Justice system from the side of a defendant’s wife. The hardest thing for her to do was let her husband fight his battle his own way, even if she knew his way was wrong. Her goal is to not only help grow SPWF but work with other organizations in taking on the problems that our current Criminal Justice system as well as Department of Corrections have been operating under for decades. That said she is still new to the Prison Wife Life, Her husband was recently convicted and is not scheduled for release until February, 2026. So as much of a leader and mentor she is she is also a student.
Jenna is an avid writer, intellect, a mother of a beautiful 13 year old daughter, and a devoted wife. While it would be safe to argue she has no concept of “free time”, she has worked hard on her work life balance, Her daughter and Husband mean more to her then anything.
My favorite part of being in the SPWF Family, is seeing the support that these women have for each other, that they are helping each other up when they are down, and empathies for there sisters during lockdowns, transfers, and so many other terms related to the DOC that none of us really ever wanted to know. Her goal for SPWF is to see these women grow, and rise above the stigma of having a loved one incarcerated, that we could become the voice for the voiceless, and that the stigma that comes with being a prison wife can be broken.
While new to SPWF, Jenna has decades of experience working in 501c3 Non profit Organizations, a Pastors daughter, she has helped build on the foundations of many of the churches in which her father pastored while growing up, This gave her the opportunity to learn the skillset of being a team leader in development while holding chair positions in many of the comities related to those religious organizations. She was one of the Cofounders of her Fathers current church, which was established in 2003 and has seen consistent growth sense the church was founded. While in Washington DC her Non Profit experiance grew working with Organizations such as HRC (Human Rights Campaign) and AGLA, (Arlington Gay and Lesbian Alliance) working for equality on both a local and National Scale.
As you can probably guess by her bio Jenna could not foresee dealing with the Justice system from the side of a defendant’s wife. The hardest thing for her to do was let her husband fight his battle his own way, even if she knew his way was wrong. Her goal is to not only help grow SPWF but work with other organizations in taking on the problems that our current Criminal Justice system as well as Department of Corrections have been operating under for decades. That said she is still new to the Prison Wife Life, Her husband was recently convicted and is not scheduled for release until February, 2026. So as much of a leader and mentor she is she is also a student.
Jenna is an avid writer, intellect, a mother of a beautiful 13 year old daughter, and a devoted wife. While it would be safe to argue she has no concept of “free time”, she has worked hard on her work life balance, Her daughter and Husband mean more to her then anything.
My favorite part of being in the SPWF Family, is seeing the support that these women have for each other, that they are helping each other up when they are down, and empathies for there sisters during lockdowns, transfers, and so many other terms related to the DOC that none of us really ever wanted to know. Her goal for SPWF is to see these women grow, and rise above the stigma of having a loved one incarcerated, that we could become the voice for the voiceless, and that the stigma that comes with being a prison wife can be broken.
Jolene ("JoJo")
JoJo (Jolene) is a Canadian transplant in Arizona. She moved to Arizona arriving on her 22nd birthday. She was hoping to find new adventure and to find her place in the world.
She has a well established history in customer service having held various positions such as bartender, server, cashier, stock person in industries such as restaurant/food service, and retail. Wanting more for herself she attended Cortiva School of Massage Therapy in Scottsdale where she graduated in April 2010. She maintained her license for three years, working mainly on friends and family members. After that she decided massage therapy wasn’t for her and moved on. She went on to hold positions in office environments such as data entry clerk, receptionist and recruiting assistant. In 2011 she returned to the restaurant industry to indulge in her passion for meeting new people and delicious food.
JoJo grew up as a foster sister and foster aunt to several foster children. Her hope is to one day become a foster parent herself. Her goal is to purchase a house that will be safe, roomy and homey environment to accommodate the children. She also aspires to become a social worker that works with released prisoners providing them support to help reduce the rate of recidivism
JoJo began volunteering with SPWF in 2013 where she began and remains as the group moderator for the Lifer Beauty group. Lifers hold a special place in her heart, as she has a brother and fiancée both locked up for life. She also organizes some of the annual programs such as: Holiday card swaps, Fathers Day card swaps which help bring joy to the inmates. Recently JoJo accepted the position of team lead/group moderator on the SPWF website where she will help support the group moderators who are volunteering on the website. She is an avid blogger on the site, writing blogs that provide inspiration and hope to others like her on their journey. The most rewarding thing is knowing that her words have an impact on the members of the website.
She has a well established history in customer service having held various positions such as bartender, server, cashier, stock person in industries such as restaurant/food service, and retail. Wanting more for herself she attended Cortiva School of Massage Therapy in Scottsdale where she graduated in April 2010. She maintained her license for three years, working mainly on friends and family members. After that she decided massage therapy wasn’t for her and moved on. She went on to hold positions in office environments such as data entry clerk, receptionist and recruiting assistant. In 2011 she returned to the restaurant industry to indulge in her passion for meeting new people and delicious food.
JoJo grew up as a foster sister and foster aunt to several foster children. Her hope is to one day become a foster parent herself. Her goal is to purchase a house that will be safe, roomy and homey environment to accommodate the children. She also aspires to become a social worker that works with released prisoners providing them support to help reduce the rate of recidivism
JoJo began volunteering with SPWF in 2013 where she began and remains as the group moderator for the Lifer Beauty group. Lifers hold a special place in her heart, as she has a brother and fiancée both locked up for life. She also organizes some of the annual programs such as: Holiday card swaps, Fathers Day card swaps which help bring joy to the inmates. Recently JoJo accepted the position of team lead/group moderator on the SPWF website where she will help support the group moderators who are volunteering on the website. She is an avid blogger on the site, writing blogs that provide inspiration and hope to others like her on their journey. The most rewarding thing is knowing that her words have an impact on the members of the website.
LaSann (AKA Momma Sann)
LaSann has a heart for people and a loves to be an uplifting voice for those that are down. She is honest about her own feelings and tries to be transparent about the journey she is on. She has been in customer service and bookkeeping positions since she was fifteen. Currently she is on the business and the social media teams with SPWF.
LaSann gained her name Momma Sann from during her chapter of life as a foster parent. During this time she had 32 children. Her home was known for emergency and short term placement; most were waiting on grandparents to be contacted and vetted before the children could go live with them. This allowed LaSann to be the warm and non-judgmental heart that these scared children needed. LaSann ended up adopting one of her last foster children. He is now in his mid-twenties and is her birthday twin! Since then she has acquired two more children. Her step daughter is in her early 20’s and her second adopted son almost 18.
In December 2013, LaSann earned her AA in Para legal studies from Liberty University. This was a 24 month set of courses that she was able to complete in 18 months. She carried a full course load while working as a full-time Bookkeeping, a part-time childcare position, being a full time mother and caregiver for her husband as he had multiple major surgeries. There was no extra time on her hands during these months.
This journey as a PW has really been a struggle for the MOMMA in her; she was use to taking care of her husband’s post-surgical needs; in their first few years of marriage he underwent at least four major surgeries. Now she has to trust the system with his total healthcare. She has taken a proactive approach with the medical teams and has only needed to pull the warden into a situation once. This is an accomplishment because they do not have to listen to outside influences.
One of LaSann’s person goals is to work for an organization that assist our disable veterans with obtaining their benefits along with getting the help they need returning and thriving in society; she has several members of her immediate family, including her husband, that are either currently serving or have served our country.
LaSann gained her name Momma Sann from during her chapter of life as a foster parent. During this time she had 32 children. Her home was known for emergency and short term placement; most were waiting on grandparents to be contacted and vetted before the children could go live with them. This allowed LaSann to be the warm and non-judgmental heart that these scared children needed. LaSann ended up adopting one of her last foster children. He is now in his mid-twenties and is her birthday twin! Since then she has acquired two more children. Her step daughter is in her early 20’s and her second adopted son almost 18.
In December 2013, LaSann earned her AA in Para legal studies from Liberty University. This was a 24 month set of courses that she was able to complete in 18 months. She carried a full course load while working as a full-time Bookkeeping, a part-time childcare position, being a full time mother and caregiver for her husband as he had multiple major surgeries. There was no extra time on her hands during these months.
This journey as a PW has really been a struggle for the MOMMA in her; she was use to taking care of her husband’s post-surgical needs; in their first few years of marriage he underwent at least four major surgeries. Now she has to trust the system with his total healthcare. She has taken a proactive approach with the medical teams and has only needed to pull the warden into a situation once. This is an accomplishment because they do not have to listen to outside influences.
One of LaSann’s person goals is to work for an organization that assist our disable veterans with obtaining their benefits along with getting the help they need returning and thriving in society; she has several members of her immediate family, including her husband, that are either currently serving or have served our country.
Lauren ("Lauren S.")
Lauren was born and raised on the west coast of Florida where she still resides. She has 2 very active children, ages 9 &11, that keep her very busy. She has worked in several different industries including television and merchandising. Currently she works for a large company that provides unique services to customers around the country.
Lauren and her husband met while he was serving a 14 ½ year sentence in Federal prison. Since they have been together, he has become eligible for a reduction in his sentence. His original release date was 2020 but he will be heading to the halfway house in August 2016 with a release date of February 2017.
Lauren and her husband met while he was serving a 14 ½ year sentence in Federal prison. Since they have been together, he has become eligible for a reduction in his sentence. His original release date was 2020 but he will be heading to the halfway house in August 2016 with a release date of February 2017.
Lisa G. ("Lisa G.")
Lisa has worked at the same nursing home for 30 years under different owners. During that time she has been a cna, restorative aide, and a rehab aide. Her husband and her have known each other for over 25 years however didn't start a relationship until 2013. They were married in 2016. He is currently serving a 13 year sentence in which he has to serve 85% of it. She has been a member of the Jaycees in the past in which she was Person of the Year. She has been active in her church by being on vestry and volunteering at different outreach projects. Even though she is fairly new at SPWF joining the main website just last year she decided to volunteer because she wants to help the best that she can the women going through this journey. In her free time she likes to watch tv, enjoy the grandchildren, do crossword and sudoko puzzles.
Megan
Megan attended Pensacola Christian College where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in history. She has been a middle school teacher since 2011 in Texas. She also works dual contract as a coach where she tries to help students to reach their full potential both in and out of the classroom.
During her free time, she enjoys singing either on stage in shows or at karaoke, which is where she met her significant other. The two of them had a relationship for a year before getting engaged, prior to his sentencing. They are currently within the first year of his sentence with the possibility of him coming home within the next seven years.
Megan is a social media admin for Pinterest and is regularly active on the SPWF app and Facebook page. Lately, she has been starting to perform in spoken word poetry where she has begun sharing her story and reaching out to other families in the area. She can be reached at [email protected]
During her free time, she enjoys singing either on stage in shows or at karaoke, which is where she met her significant other. The two of them had a relationship for a year before getting engaged, prior to his sentencing. They are currently within the first year of his sentence with the possibility of him coming home within the next seven years.
Megan is a social media admin for Pinterest and is regularly active on the SPWF app and Facebook page. Lately, she has been starting to perform in spoken word poetry where she has begun sharing her story and reaching out to other families in the area. She can be reached at [email protected]
Sarah ("MrsKilo")
Sarah Killough has been in customer service for 25 years and currently has a retail sales manager position for a well known and established company in her home state of California. She has been with the company for a total of 4 ½ years now and her multiple promotions have moved her around the state a couple of times. Sarah has been recognized for her excellence in providing exemplary guest service, working within her stores financial budget and loss prevention. Sarah also has 14+ years clean and sober and is active in the recovery community in her area. She has held many service positions at area level, giving her plenty of experience working with others both as a team and as a leader.
Sarah has been volunteering with SPWF since the fall of 2014 and in that time has worked on the Pinterest page, assisted in different groups on the website and is currently serving as the Business Team Lead. She has secured a working relationship between SPWF and Pigeonly, an internet based company designed to assist in keeping communication between inmates and their families easy and affordable. In securing that relationship, Sarah was able to help SPWF go mobile.
Sarah has a total of 4 ½ years experience in dealing with the California Department of Corrections. Her loved one has served time on more than one occasion and is currently serving half time on a 14 year sentence. She has experience with guardianship of stepchildren, divorcing your inmate, being denied visits (multiple times), being arrested and convicted with your inmate and being married to validated inmate.
Sarah is a devoted mother, writer and motorcycle enthusiast from Northern California. She loves to run, knit and watch Giants baseball in her free time.
“My favorite thing about being a part of this “family” is the hope that we give people. It allows me to share my journey with a family. Also, learning and teaching can be a lot of fun!”
Sarah has been volunteering with SPWF since the fall of 2014 and in that time has worked on the Pinterest page, assisted in different groups on the website and is currently serving as the Business Team Lead. She has secured a working relationship between SPWF and Pigeonly, an internet based company designed to assist in keeping communication between inmates and their families easy and affordable. In securing that relationship, Sarah was able to help SPWF go mobile.
Sarah has a total of 4 ½ years experience in dealing with the California Department of Corrections. Her loved one has served time on more than one occasion and is currently serving half time on a 14 year sentence. She has experience with guardianship of stepchildren, divorcing your inmate, being denied visits (multiple times), being arrested and convicted with your inmate and being married to validated inmate.
Sarah is a devoted mother, writer and motorcycle enthusiast from Northern California. She loves to run, knit and watch Giants baseball in her free time.
“My favorite thing about being a part of this “family” is the hope that we give people. It allows me to share my journey with a family. Also, learning and teaching can be a lot of fun!”
Stephanie
Stephanie attended Adelphi University where she received her Bachelor’s of Science in Music and Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling. Stephanie is a Mental Health Counselor at various locations, including an Alternative to Incarceration program for first-time shoplifting and violent offenses. She is looking forward to building her career specializing in reentry and providing services for formerly incarcerated people. It was her passion and dedication to prison reform that led her on the journey to becoming part of the SPWF family. Stephanie is currently engaged to a man serving a 12 year sentence in Federal Prison due to the Career Offender Guidelines. Stephanie continues to be an advocate for prison reform, sentencing reform, and the voice of the incarcerated.