Our Board

Conor Johnston

Chairman

View Bio

✕

Conor Johnston

Chairman

Conor serves as Chairman on the COCI Board and is Managing Director with Alvarez & Marsal's Corporate Performance Improvement practice in Houston. Conor's work expertise is focused on helping organizations improve their performance through organization, process and service delivery improvements. We are proud to have Conor serve on our Board, and we thank him for our commitment to our mission.

​Sharon Mills

Vice Chair, Int. Affairs
​Treasurer

View Bio

✕

Sharon Mills

Vice Chair, Internal Affairs Treasurer

Sharon is a former Managing Director in the Treasury Services within the Commercial Bank at JPMorgan Chase. She has extensive experience in sales, sales strategy, client management and client service, and has led large teams through significant organizational change. We are lucky to have Sharon as part of the COCI Board!

Jackie Grant

Vice Chair, Programs
Secretary

View Bio

✕

Jackie Grant

Vice Chair, Programs/Secretary

Jackie is an experienced Information Technology Project Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & health care industry. Jackie has been involved with COCI since 2017 and is a tremendous asset to our Board of Directors. Thank you for all you do for COCI and the GEMS Program, Jackie!

Eileen Hairel

Board Member

View Bio

✕

Eileen Hairel

Board Member

​Jackie Rex Tobin

Board Member

View Bio

✕

Jackie Rex Tobin

Board Member

​Darrell Rosenthal

Board Member

View Bio

✕

Darrell Rosenthal

Board Member

Darrell is a Senior Vice President of Wealth Management at UBS. For over 27 years, Darrell's career has focused on advising institutions, foundations, and high net worth families. Darrell is an incredible asset to COCI's Board of Directors and we thank him for his continued efforts to building better futures for children of incarerated parents

​Letitia Quinones

Board Member

View Bio

✕

Letitia Quinones

Board Member

Meet our board member, Letitia! Letitia brings over 23 years of criminal law experience to her clients in Houston, throughout the State of Texas, and across the nation. A graduate of Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Letitia began her legal career in a partnership, she subsequently accepted an apprenticeship under the tutelage of the legendary Robert A. Jones. After spending five years under the guidance of Robert A. Jones, Letitia branched out on her own and formed, Quinones & Associates, PLLC. Letitia is a tremendous asset and we are blessed to have her as a board member!

Jennifer Mcsorley

Board Member

View Bio

✕

Jennifer Mcsorley

Board Member

Jennifer is a Managing Director and Head of MCT Physical Oil Operations, Americas at Macquarie Group Limited. Jennifer is passionate about mental health and awareness in youth. In 2019, she was inspired to create and implement the “I AM / WE ARE” Project in her children’s elementary school. The project focuses on building selfawareness, compassion, respect, and community fostering a psychologically safe environment to over 900 students. We are proud to have Jennifer as a part of the COCI Board of Directors!

Our Advisory Council

​Rob Wisner

Advisor

View Bio

✕

Rob Wisner

Advisor

Rob is an attorney who represents financial institutions and a shareholder at the firm of Crain, Caton & James. Rob is passionate about the issues facing at-risk kids and has served on several Boards focused on at-risk kids and their support and development. We are blessed to have Rob serving as an Advisor of the COCI Board of Directors, formerly our Board Chairman!

Juli Hall

Advisor / Founder

View Bio

✕

Juli Hall

Advisor / Founder

Juli has been a crucial part of COCI - since the beginning! As the founder of COCI, Juli is still active as an Emeritus Board Member. For over 36 years, Juli has served as a Communication Program Leader for Landmark Worldwide, coaching and training in the areas of effective communication, team building, leadership, integrity, and producing results far beyond expectation. In addition to her work with nonprofits and with Landmark Worldwide, Juli is an accomplished stage and film actress and Film Producer. Thank you Juli for your ongoing support and dedication to providing a better future for vulnerable children.

Arelene Levy

Advisor

View Bio

✕

Arelene Levy

Advisor

Arlene Levy is a member of the Lifetime Board of Directors and Founder at Cherish Our Children, where she is recognized for her commitment to philanthropy and community service. She has been involved in managing the organization during leadership transitions and is appreciated for her contributions to the community

Our Staff

Von Guidry

Program Manager

View Bio

✕

Von Guidry

Program Manager

Ms. Von brings a diverse range of experience, spanning the oil and gas industry to law enforcement. During her nineyear tenure in law enforcement, she spearheaded the Community Problem-Oriented Program and trained hundreds of cadets for the Harris County Sheriff's Office—the largest in Texas and the third-largest in the nation. Before stepping into her role as program manager, she began her journey as a GEMS instructor, teaching Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in the classroom. Outside of work, she enjoys painting and spending quality time with her family, creating laughter-filled memories.

Ayriah Barr

Instructor

View Bio

✕

Ayriah Barr

Instructor

With a Bachelor of Science in Administration of Justice and currently completing a Masters in Social Work, Ms. Ayriah brings a deep understanding of the justice system to her work, fostering a supportive environment where students can develop essential life skills. Beyond the classroom, she has a strong background in campaign organizing and mentorship, with experience in voter mobilization, community event coordination, and outreach. Passionate about civic engagement, she has successfully increased voter participation in underserved communities. Through education and advocacy, Ayriah is committed to empowering individuals and strengthening communities. La Tonya Smith: With her roots planted in New Orleans Mrs. La Tonya earned a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Juvenile Justice from Southern University at New Orleans. Mrs. La Tonya brings a strong background and passion for education into the GEMS classroom. She has taught in traditional public schools and correctional facilities. She also has experience working for nonprofit agencies. Outside of the classroom Mrs. La Tonya is committed to raising her own kids. She enjoys traveling, shopping and is a foodie.

Terrance Robinson

Instructor

View Bio

✕

Terrance Robinson

Instructor

La Tonya Smith

Instructor

View Bio

✕

La Tonya Smith

Instructor