About UV4SOR
Our Story
United Voices for Sex Offense Reform (UV4SOR) was born at a moment when families across the country – many traveling the same difficult journey – began searching for justice within a system that often felt unjust.
Disillusioned by a criminal legal system rooted more in punishment and permanent stigma than in rehabilitation, restoration, and second chances, our founders came together with a shared purpose. Each member brought a unique and deeply human story – as someone directly impacted, or as a loved one of a person convicted of a sexual offense.
From those beginnings, UV4SOR has grown into a national community of advocates united by compassion, courage, and determination. We are families, directly impacted individuals, and allies working side-by-side to challenge harmful policies, humanize the narrative, and pursue meaningful reform.
Today, our members span the nation, collaborating across state and federal jurisdictions to advance evidence-based laws, protect civil rights, and create pathways to redemption, healing, and hope.
UV4SOR members unequivocally believe that no sexual abuse is ever acceptable. We also believe that sex offense laws should be based on sound research and common sense, not fear or paranoia that currently fuels societal perceptions.
We have critical work ahead and powerful voices to elevate. We welcome all who share our commitment to advancing meaningful reform. United Voices for Sex Offense Reform members advocate fiercely, educate tirelessly, and work to advance justice – striving to reduce harm to individuals charged with sexual offenses and their families while advancing prevention strategies that promote safer, more informed communities.
Our goals:
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Advance fair sentencing grounded in logical, rational, and evidence-based sexual offense laws
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Promote prevention through education, early intervention, and informed public policy
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Raise awareness among legislators, stakeholders, and the public
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Equip advocates with the tools and knowledge to effectively advance our mission and vision
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Support access to mental health services, treatment, and pre-trial diversion opportunities
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Expand rehabilitation opportunities for those who are incarcerated and those reentering society
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Encourage restorative and transformative justice approaches that foster accountability, healing, and repair
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Strengthen connections that empower and restore impacted individuals and families
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Eliminate discrimination against individuals living with a past or current sexual offense charge
“One of the secrets in life is to make stepping stones out of stumbling blocks” – Jack Penn
Meet the Board
Members of the Board are among UV4SOR’s best ambassadors, strongest champions, and most generous supporters.
They volunteer their time and expertise to ensure that the organization is fulfilling its mission and operating in its best interest.
You can learn about our current board members below.
Executive Director
SHAWN
Shawn Barrera-Leaf is a criminal legal system advocate whose work is rooted in lived
experience, collaboration, and community safety. She is the Executive Director of UV4SOR, where she leads nationally recognized efforts focused on informed advocacy, policy modernization, and addressing the collateral consequences of conviction registries. Shawn works alongside legislators, community partners, and survivor-centered stakeholders to advance evidence-based approaches that strengthen families, enhance public safety, and promote human dignity.
President
JennIFER
Jennifer graduated from Western Illinois University with a BA in Political Science and has been an advocate for individuals with Intellectual Disabilities for more than twenty years. After she and her husband raised their four boys, she pursued her master’s degree in Legal Studies from Purdue University Global, focusing on family/disability law and legal research.
Vice President
SHARON
Sharon’s commitment to justice reform and advocacy gives her hope that, by speaking out, we can provide education, foster prevention, and bring awareness to change judicial and societal views of sexual offenses, sentencing laws, and incarceration.
Secretary
KATHY (She/Her)
With a background in international and community work across non-profit, para-church, and secular settings, Kathy developed a passion for supporting survivors of hardship and has since built a career as a mental health professional, trainer, and emergency responder, blending her skills with a heart for advocacy. Kathy is committed to promoting research-driven reforms and fostering greater understanding of the stigma surrounding sexual offenses.
Treasurer
Rita
Rita, a native of the Illinois/Indiana region, is a passionate advocate driven by personal experience and an unwavering commitment to justice.
Trustee
Betty
Betty is a wife of 43 years, a mother of four and a retired LPN with fourteen years of professional experience and relationship building skills.
Distinguished Board Members
BONNIE BURKHARDT
Bonnie Burkhardt is a software engineer and President of her company, Blue Ridge Software Consulting. She has a Top-Secret security clearance and over 35 years of experience intercepting and analyzing signals for the Department of Defense.
STEPHANIE JERSTAD
Dr. Stephanie Jerstad is a professor of Criminology at Millersville University in PA. Dr. Jerstad’s research focuses on corrections, barriers to re-entry, collateral consequences, and housing instability (i.e., homelessness, access to long-term care facilities). Specifically, her research concentrates on macro- and micro-level policies with an emphasis on sexual offense policies.
DWAYNE DAUGHTRY
Dwayne is the Program Director – Homeless and At-Risk Operations for Wake County, NC. He is on the board of NCRSOL. Dwayne is leveraging his academic background and advocacy skills to make significant contributions in the field of criminal justice system reforms, with a specialization in post-conviction sexual offense policies.
JOE NICHOLSON
Joe Nicholson is a proud leadership partner of UV4SOR, contributing to the national mission of sex offense reform through his bold and proven approach to Thought Reform and Transformative Justice. Joe is a former athlete turned system disrupter – guiding people and institutions toward healing, accountability, and deep-rooted transformation.
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UV4SOR does not provide legal services or advice. The information provided on UV4SOR’s website and social media does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. All information, content, and materials available are for general informational purposes only.
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UV4SOR is an advocacy and education organization and does not provide mental health counseling or crisis-intervention services. If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or is in crisis, please seek immediate help from trained professionals. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency number.