About UV4SOR
Our Story
United Voices for Sex Offense Reform (UV4SOR) began at a point when many people, who were traveling the same journey, collectively began looking for justice in an unjust system. Disillusioned with our nation’s criminal justice system, a system based on punitive punishment and revenge rather than rehabilitation and second chances, UV4SOR members – each with a unique and complicated human story – united together with a common goal. Each member is or knows someone impacted by the life changing experience of a being a person convicted of a sex offense.
Our members are one community of like-minded warriors, spanning the nation while working closely together to affect change at both the Federal and State jurisdiction levels.
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 much to accomplish, we have much to say, and we welcome anyone who would to like partner with our cause. The members of UNITED VOICES FOR SEX OFFENSE REFORM will fiercely advocate, educate, and fight for justice, to mitigate damages to persons charged with a sexual offense, and their impacted family members.
Our goals are:
- Fair sentences based on logical, rational, evidence-based sexual offense laws
- Bring awareness to legislators and the public
- Educate advocates to effectively promote our mission and vision
- Promote mental health interventions and pre-trial diversion opportunities
- Rehabilitation opportunities for those who are incarcerated and those who are reentering life
- Mitigation and restoration between victim and person charged with an offense
- Eliminate discrimination against those 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
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 members board members below.
Meet the Board
Shawn Barrera–Leaf
Executive Director
Like many people, Shawn Barrera-Leaf, a Michigan native, had no idea what it meant to have a loved one impacted by the criminal justice system. Read more
JENNIFER LEE
President
Kathy De Vries
Secretary
Kathy has held roles in non-profit, para-church and secular organizations with positions granting her the opportunity to live in and experience the cultures and perspectives of different countries. Read more
Sharon Monroe
Vice President
Sharon is proud to be a part of the UV4SOR team to effectively advocate for reform of mandatory minimum laws, sentencing guidelines, and for judicial reform. Read more
RITA BETTY
Treasurer
Rita Betty is an Illinois/Indiana native who has been an advocate for the past four years. Read more
BETTY R. BRAND
Trustee
Betty Brand is a wife of 40 years, a mother of four and a retired LPN with fourteen years of professional experience and relationship building skills. Read more
Distinguished Board Members
BONNIE BURKHARDT
Distinguished Board Member
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. Read more
STEPHANIE JERSTAD
Distinguished Board Member
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. Read more
contact us!
UV4SOR Bi-Weekly ZOOM General Meetings
Want to get involved? Complete the contact form to request the link via email.