Meet the team behind the mission
Over 80% of our staff are people of color who have been directly affected by the justice system and are passionately committed to criminal justice reform. This experience uniquely positions the team at Exodus to empower individuals through our programs, advocate for systemic change and educate the public at large.
Meet Our Leadership Team
Our dedicated team of leaders, staff, and credible messengers are committed to empowering justice-impacted individuals. Learn more about the people making a difference every day.
Kathleen Bernier
CEO
Kathleen Bernier is the CEO of Exodus, where she has led the organization’s trauma-informed transformation since 2017. She helped design the Center for Trauma Innovation, launched the CTI Training Institute, and co-created the Peace Broker program. Kathleen brings decades of experience in clinical social work, community health, and program development.
Gil Aviles
Chief Financial Advisor
Gil Aviles, MBA, is the Chief Financial Officer at Exodus, where he leads financial strategy and compliance across all programs. With over a decade of nonprofit and healthcare finance experience, Gil is committed to transparency, equity, and mission-aligned stewardship that ensures resources are managed with integrity and impact.
David Nieves
Deputy Director
David Nieves is Deputy Director at Exodus, breathing decades of direct experience into his work and championing innovative solutions for individuals impacted by the justice system. David is committed to providing avenues of transformation for all who walk through our doors and for those who remain behind bars.
Brittany Smith
AVP of Workforce Programs
Brittany Smith is the Associate Vice President of Workforce Development at Exodus. With over 15 years of reentry and youth development experience, she brings a trauma-informed, participant-centered approach to designing programs that empower justice-impacted individuals to succeed in work and life
Chris Payton
Clinical Director
Chris Payton, LCSW is Clinical Director of the Wellness Center and Genesis Mental Health Clinic at Exodus. He brings deep expertise in trauma-informed care, substance use treatment, and mental health, and is dedicated to empowering individuals and communities impacted by the criminal legal system across New York.
Board of Directors
Exodus’ board members share a deep commitment to improving opportunities for people in reentry. Along with fulfilling the standard duties of board members, many are Exodus mentors and share their experience and expertise by participating on panels and presenting at Exodus workshops and events. All have had successful careers in business, law, or education and are able to impart valuable, directed advice, and support.
Rev. Dr. Lonnie Mcleod, President Emeritus
Robert Hall, Chairman Emeritus
Katina Rojas-Joy
Yumari Martinez
Shaivali Shah
Join Us In Creating Second Chances
Nora V. Reissig
VP of Development & Programs
Nora Reissig is Vice President of Development and Programs at Exodus. With over 35 years in human services and public policy, she brings deep expertise in reentry, housing, and crisis intervention, guiding programs that serve justice-impacted individuals and families across East Harlem and the Hudson Valley.
Ray Tebout
AVP of People and Practices
Jennifer Kaake is Senior Director of Healing at Exodus, where she oversees the Genesis Mental Health Center and the Wellness Center. A Licensed Mental Health Counselor with deep experience in trauma-informed care, she leads with compassion and collaboration to create healing-centered spaces for justice-impacted individuals and communities.
Michael Luciano, Board Chairman
Kathleen Bernier
Wayne Atwell
Ray Tebout leads the People and Practices department at Exodus, where he champions trauma-informed, equitable HR strategies. With deep experience in human resources, executive coaching, and nonprofit leadership, Ray ensures that workplace culture and systems support both staff well-being and the mission of serving justice-impacted communities.
Jennifer Kaake
Senior Director of Healing
At Exodus, our team is made up of dedicated professionals, credible messengers, and justice-impacted individuals working together to change lives. Whether you're looking to become part of our team or support our work, you can make a difference today