"Connecting the dots of my past has liberated me from the shackles which had kept me chained to the feelings of hopelessness, low self-esteem and depression. Transforming into my true self has allowed me to sever the ties to my past, replace my faulty beliefs with principles and values I am proud of."

David Basile was born in 1952 in Santa Clara, CA. He was raised with principles and values which led to 38 years of incarceration. While at San Quentin State Prison, Dave was exposed to new ways of thinking about himself and the harm he had caused to others in his life. After being exposed to different principles and values centering around a commitment to self-reflection, accountability and service, Dave was able to heal his life and go on to become a contributing member of society. Dave is currently employed at Community Housing Partnership in San Francisco, which provides homes for those who are struggling economically, emotionally and financially to sustain themselves.

Currently, I am a redeemed human being and advocate in continuing to assist others in breaking the cycle of incarceration, abandonment, and self-sabotage."

Darnell Hill is a Returned Citizen Advocate who works with adults and youth transitioning back into society. Darnell believes, “no one cares how much you know until they know how much you care!” Darnell has broken the cycles of incarceration, abandonment, toxic relationship codependency, and insecurity that led him down the path of self-sabotage. Darnell has over 2 decades of experience in cognitive behavioral training, Victim Offender Education Group (VOEG) training the trainer certificates, and 24 years of incarcerated experience as a past “lifer'' who was paroled from San Quentin State Prison on Oct. 2nd, 2014. Since Darnell’s release from incarceration, he has maintained his integrity to his family and community as a Case Manager and Returned Citizens Advocate. Darnell also believes that Restorative Freedom starts from the head to the heart. Darnell is a Patten University AA degree graduate in communications. Most importantly, Darnell is passionate about the holistic approach to the process of healing from the trauma that can stagnate us from becoming or being our true selves.

Michael Nelson serves as the Executive Director of Kid C.A.T., a non-profit aimed at bridging the gap between harm and healing, while supporting the incarcerated youth offender population - those serving (adult) life sentences for crimes they committed during their youth.

During his 20-plus years of incarceration, Michael was introduced to Restorative Justice, becoming a facilitator and trainer in circle keeping.

Since his release from prison in 2018, Michael has continued to facilitate discussions on Restorative Justice and circle keeping with various communities of folks - including law enforcement, incarcerated individuals, college students, youths, and families. His commitment to contributing to the healing around him is rooted in his sense of obligation, as someone who is responsible for committing harm in the world.

Utilizing a restorative approach along his healing journey, as well as with being in circle, Michael has found that the clearest path to living in his truth has been through accountability, vulnerability, curiosity, and by holding space for radical acceptance. Through communal story sharing, Michael was introduced to the truth of our interconnectedness; and that in our Oneness is where we find collective wisdom. Today, he continues to spread the experience of being in circle, as was gifted to him inside prison. He has been featured in films such as: The Mask You Live In, The Prison Within and a short, The Underdogs. When he’s not sitting in a circle with his incarcerated community, you can find him with his dog, Morgan, enjoying time at one of the many beaches on the Central Coast of California.

"Inspired by working in the prison and the victim offender dialogue work I was doing, I created a restorative justice curriculum for prisoners to help them connect the dots of their lives and begin to heal. I have been a witness to the transformative journey of others and have also transformed my own life while doing this work and raising a family. As an ally and witness to this movement, I see myself as a bridge to help others learn about the effects of incarceration and the transformative impact of restorative justice.”