Meet The Team

Mary Moran

Mary has been in the reentry field for over 30 years. Mary has dedicated her life to under-served communities her entire career. However, she became more involved and focused on reentry when her youngest son went to prison at age 17. This event had a significant impact on her and she dedicated her life to helping pre and post releases from prison/jail reenter society.

Mary was instrumental in helping "Ban the Box" (2008) in Travis County and in creating, developing and administering the first comprehensive reentry programs in Travis County, both in the Criminal Justice Planning Department (2007) and in the Travis County Sheriffs office, Del Valle Correctional Complex (2012). She holds the highest level as a Master Instructor Reentry Workforce Development Specialist and is certified as a Global Career Development Facilitator.  She has trained more than 75 Reentry Workforce Development Specialists in Texas. She is currently serving as OPRC's Executive Director and believes in providing the best customer service to justice impacted individuals. She believes strongly that not just employment is needed to succeed, but the whole person needs to be addressed. She believes that we are indeed our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers!

De'borah Jones

De’borah has been a catalyst for change for over 18 years by serving multiple populations including, judicially involved individuals, adult education students seeking a (GED), displaced or underemployed workers, and students enrolled in workforce/quick careers continuing education programs designed to help them enhance skills, re-tool, up-skill or obtain a certification. She believes that the ability to adapt to change and navigate setbacks is a skill that can be learned. Her belief in second chances has led me to her professional calling, which she likes to refer to as (H.O.P.E.) Helping Others Pursue Excellence!

Rochion Gregg

Rochion Gregg, throughout nearly 26 years of experience in human resources and civil rights, has excelled as an informed reentry leader and trusted influencer.  She has developed impeccable expertise in introducing new talent to opportunities. Specifically, she emphasizes employment opportunities for those marginalized individuals transitioning from jail to the community.  Her skillfulness in helping the job seeker obtain the career opportunity extends to employee development so that the “new talent” stays engaged and advances within the organization.  They walk away realizing that although they have made mistakes the lessons learned must be recognized and incorporated into their critical thinking going forward.

As an Offender Workforce Development Specialist (OWDS) Facilitator, Ms. Gregg, in collaboration with other groups, has trained and graduated over 2500 Reentry Employment Specialist (RES) and OWDS from across the country.  Because of her mastery of the subject matter and her role as a mentor and advisor, these professionals receive up-to-date instruction on best practices when working with returning citizens.  

As an Employment Retention Master Facilitator, the message to private employers includes an emphasis on the benefits of giving formerly incarcerated citizens a second, third, and fourth, chance.  She helps employers recognize and understand the value of hiring from this untapped pool of applicants.  As a community leader, Ms. Gregg was an instrumental player in the "Banning the Box" movement which, in 2008, resulted in the removal of the “criminal background” question on the City of Austin job applications.  Ms. Gregg believes that increasing employment opportunities will reduce recidivism, reduce racial disparities in the criminal justice system, increase the hiring pool of qualified applicants, and strengthen families to create safer communities.

Pamela Holt

Pamela Holt worked for the City of Austin for over 26 years a Graduate from Prairie View University

Pamela Holt is an exceptional employment specialist and community advocate with over a decade of experience in workforce development. Specializing in reentry cases, Pamela has dedicated her career to helping former inmates successfully reintegrate into society through meaningful employment and essential support services. She is known for her unwavering commitment, empathy, and innovative approach to career counseling.

Born and raised in a close-knit community, Pamela witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by individuals reentering society after incarceration. Her passion for social justice and belief in the transformative power of employment led her to pursue a degree in Human Services, with a focus on criminal justice reform.

In addition to her role as an employment specialist, Pamela is the co- director of "Lisa=s Hope Chest," a non-profit organization that provides clothing to individuals in need, particularly those reentering society after incarceration. Recognizing that access to appropriate attire is crucial for job interviews and daily life, Pamela worked with Lisa’s Hope Chest to ensure that everyone had the clothing they need to make a positive impression and regain their dignity.

Pamela’s approach is holistic, and client centered. She not only matches candidates with suitable job opportunities but also provides comprehensive support through resume building, interview coaching, and ongoing mentorship. Her ability to see potential in everyone and her relentless drive to open doors of opportunity have made her a respected figure in her field.

Throughout her career, Pamela has built strong partnerships with local businesses, fostering a network of employers willing to give second chances. Her efforts have resulted in numerous success stories, turning lives around and contributing to safer, more inclusive communities.

Outside of her professional life, Pamela is an avid reader, community volunteer, and advocate for prison reform. She believes in continuous learning and often participates in workshops and conferences to stay updated on best practices in reentry support.

Pamela ’s dedication, compassion, and expertise have not only changed the lives of many individuals but have also inspired those around her to believe in the power of second chances and the importance of community support.

Katy Dalrymple

Katy is a St. Edward’s University graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. She is dedicated to empowering marginalized communities and advocating for justice-involved individuals, BIPOC individuals, LGBTQ community members, troubled youth, the unhoused, and those battling substance abuse. During her academic career, Katy was involved in several community-focused initiatives.  She served as Vice President of the Social Work Student Association at St. Edward’s University, advocating for student welfare and community engagement. Alongside fellow members of the Social Work Student Association, she spearheaded a campus-wide initiative to ensure the availability of Narcan for students at St. Ed’s, effectively promoting harm-reduction practices. 

Katy co-facilitated an event on Intersectionality in collaboration with the Black Student Association, worked on the Mujeres Luchadores project, advocating for detained women seeking asylum, participated as a panel member at the Power to the People: Race and Incarceration event, and co-presented Corrections to College: Reversing the School to Prison Pipeline at the National Association of Social Workers Texas Conference. While Katy was a student at ACC, she co-founded and served as Vice President of the student organization, SWAP - Students With a Purpose, which provided resources and support for those who have come in contact with the criminal justice system. SWAP was recognized as Student Organization of the Year in 2019.

Katy has leveraged her lived experience as a justice-involved person and applies her professional insights toward criminal justice reform and being of service to others who are justice-impacted, including volunteering in women’s prisons. She is committed to addressing systemic inequities and supporting underserved populations, and those who experience systemic barriers. Katy is skilled in and passionate about restorative justice, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and fostering inclusive holistic healing and growth.

Clarence Watson

This part of his journey started 8 years ago when he enrolled in Austin Community College (ACC). Becoming a part of the ACC family has been a true blessing. During his  time at ACC, he has had the incredible opportunity to start the student organization called Students With A Purpose (SWAP). What began as a small initiative has blossomed into something much greater. SWAP aims to empower formerly incarcerated students and their families, helping them overcome systemic barriers and actively engage within the college and the community.

Additionally, he led an initiative called "Socks for our City" where he reached out to individuals experiencing homelessness. Through conversations, prayers, and providing them with socks, he’s aimed to bring support and comfort to those in need. This initiative lasted for two years, making a positive impact on the lives of many.

For 5 1/2 years, he dedicated his time to the Boys and Girls Club of the Austin area, serving as the Director of Character and Leadership. During this role, he had the privilege of positively influencing over 500 youth in our community, shaping their character and leadership skills for the future 

He also served as the Chapter Coordinator for Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice, an organization that helps trauma survivors heal from their experiences. Clarence has had the opportunity to testify on behalf of survivors in front of the Senate and House of Representatives on three separate occasions, resulting in the passing of three survivor bills. In addition, Clarence led the advocacy process for the establishment of Texas' first trauma recovery center. His efforts were recognized through three newspaper articles and multiple interviews with Austin Area news stations.
As well as these accomplishments, Clarence continues to mentor young adults and youth through a program that he created. The Through Follow Mentor.

Graduating from ACC is a tremendous accomplishment, and he is proud to announce that he has been accepted to Texas State University, where he will continue his educational journey in the fall with the social work program.