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Our Team & Departments

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

At the heart of NxtChapter’s mission is a network of dedicated departments and passionate individuals working together to create lasting change. From program development and youth outreach to advocacy, mentorship, and workforce placement, each team plays a vital role in supporting successful reentry and strengthening our communities. Behind every success story is a committed group of professionals and mentors who believe in second chances and the power of transformation. Get to know the people driving our impact every day.

Leading with vision and purpose, our Executive Director and Founder established NxtChapter to create lasting change for justice-impacted individuals. Our commitment to second chances and community empowerment continues to shape our programs, partnerships, and mission-driven impact.

Executive Director Founder

Josephine Burton

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jburton_38@nxtchapter.org

Our Youth Director is dedicated to guiding at-risk youth toward brighter futures through mentorship, education, and early intervention. By fostering personal growth and positive decision-making, they play a vital role in breaking the cycle of incarceration before it begins.

Youth Director

Kenny Harris

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kennyh@nxtchapter.org

As the Peer Recovery Coach Lead, this role provides guidance, mentorship, and support to individuals navigating recovery. With lived experience and specialized training. As a coach, I empower participants through peer connection, goal-setting, and community resource navigation—offering hope, accountability, and a clear path forward in their recovery journey.

Peer Recovery Coach

Samuel Elfay

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samuelel@nxtchapter.org

Works directly with youth who are at risk of violence or have been impacted by violence. This role provides mentorship, crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and support services to help young people make positive choices, build healthy relationships, and connect with community resources that promote long term safety and success.

Youth Violence Prevention/Secondary Violence Interruption Specialist

Kevin Gayton

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kevinga@nxtchapter.org

The Program Coordinator oversees the planning, execution, and daily operations of NxtChapter’s programs. This role ensures services run smoothly, supports team collaboration, tracks outcomes, and helps participants stay engaged and on track. With a strong focus on organization and impact, the coordinator plays a key role in delivering effective, community-centered programming.

Program Coordinator

James Harris

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jamesh@nxtchapter.org

Bridging experience with empathy, our Peer Recovery team offers relatable, real-world support to individuals navigating the road to sobriety and reintegration. By walking alongside participants with lived experience, they foster trust, accountability, and hope every step of the way.

Peer Recovery

James Harris Jr. 

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jamesh@nxtchapter.org

As a driving force behind NxtChapter’s foundation, our Co-Founder brings passion, perspective, and dedication to the mission of second chances. Our leadership supports strategic growth, innovative programs, and the continued empowerment of individuals and communities affected by incarceration.

Co Founder

Marquell Burton

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marquell@nxtchapter.org

Our Director of Recovery leads with compassion and expertise to support individuals on their journey to healing and stability. Through tailored recovery programs, peer support, and resource navigation, they help participants overcome barriers and build healthy, substance-free futures.

Director of Recovery

Mark Palasz

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markp@nxtchapter.org

Provides individualized support to help participants achieve their personal goals and improve their overall well being. This role connects individuals with community resources, develops personalized service plans, monitors progress, and advocates for access to housing, employment, healthcare, education, and other essential services to promote long term stability and success.

Case Manager

Kenyale Burton-Hobley 

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kenyalebh@nxtchapter.org

Our Tech Specialist ensures NxtChapter stays connected, secure, and innovative. From maintaining digital systems to supporting tech-driven solutions for program delivery and outreach, they play a key role in keeping our mission running efficiently and effectively.

Tech Specialist

Zanubea Flowers

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zanubeaf@nxtchapter.org

The Lead SE.E.D Youth Facilitator mentors and empowers young participants through the Support, Empowerment, Education, and Development (SE.E.D) Program. With a focus on guidance, growth, and resilience, they help youth navigate challenges, build life skills, and envision brighter paths forward.

SE.E.D Youth Facilitator/ Peer Recovery Coach

Morgan Harper

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morgan@nxtchapter.org

Supports individuals returning to the community after incarceration by helping them successfully transition into everyday life. This role connects participants with housing, employment, education, healthcare, and other essential resources while providing guidance, advocacy, and ongoing support to reduce barriers and promote long term stability and independence.

Reentry Coordinator

Mickey Manaway

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mickey@nxtchapter.org

Our Outreach Team connects NxtChapter to the heart of the community. Through engagement, education, and relationship-building, they raise awareness, foster partnerships, and ensure individuals and families know where to turn for support and second chances.

Outreach Team

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jabari@nxtchapter.org

Assists individuals in obtaining essential personal documents needed to access services and opportunities. This role helps participants secure identification cards, birth certificates, Social Security cards, and other vital records, ensuring they have the documentation necessary for employment, housing, healthcare, education, and other essential services.

Vital Documentation Coordinatior 

Benjamin Hervey

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benjaminH@nxtchapter.org

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