Curriculum Vitae

EDUCATION

various locations, 2015-current

• 2017 - Bard College, Associate's Degree

• 2019 - Bard College, Bachelor's Degree

• 2020 - New York Theological Seminary, Master's Degree (Professional Studies/Leadership -- a cross between Liberal Arts and Divinity)

• Current - Columbia University Business School: 18-week certificate program; upon completion, will earn three business-related certificates

• Future - Mr. Stephens will pursue a law degree upon release from prison and studies for the LSAT in his limited spare time. 

Program Associate, NYTS

Sing Sing Correctional Facility, 2021

Program Associates are custodians of the New York Theological Seminary program who act as liaisons between the DSP and the NYTS Program Director to ensure the smooth functioning of the program. Mr. Stephens assists in the preparation of much of the paperwork needed for each semester; orients new candidates; act as a tutor for candidates as they make their way through the program; maintains the library; ensures access to the computers and study areas; and facilitates meetings with candidates and their sponsors.

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He assists the Program Director and professors by distributing the necessary books and materials needed for each class; keeps attendance, assignments and book records; keeps student files of assignments and capstone projects; and assists in preparing packages for each graduation.

President, NYTS North Campus Alumni Chapter

Sing Sing Correctional Facility, 2021

As President, Mr. Stephens supervises the activities and affairs of the Alumni Chapter (AC) consistent with its stated purpose, aims and goals and represents the AC within the general population and the community at large. He presides over and establishes the agenda for all AC meetings of the executive board and the general membership.

Administrative Runner

Sing Sing Correctional Facility, 2020

In this role, Mr. Stephens delivers mail throughout the facility. This role requires high-security clearance due to the handling of correspondences, and there is frequent interaction with the civilian population and the upper-brass.

In September 2021, Mr. Stephens was granted full outside clearance, which allows him to work in areas outside of the prison itself with security escort.

Facilitator, Anti-Bullying Campaign

Fishkill Correctional Facility, 2019

As a part of a group of BPI (Bard Prison Initiative) and NYTS (New York Theological Seminary) alums, Mr. Stephens was designated to develop and facilitate "Anti-Bullying".  He gathered relevant literature and videos and created a syllabus for an eight-week program with participants meeting once per week. He also created a smaller-scaled version of that curriculum that could be completed in a three-day workshop and a one-day workshop.

Tutor/Facilitator, Network Program

Fishkill Correctional Facility, 2019

This program “assist[s] inmates in learning cooperative work and leadership skills, while demonstrating responsible behaviors.” Network Program, N.Y.S. Dep’t of Corrections & Comm. Supervision, available at http://www.doccs.ny.gov/ProgramServices/transitional.html#np (last visited Oct. 11, 2019). The focus of this program is to help inmates successfully reenter the community upon release.  Towards that end, Mr. Stephens co-facilitated two "Community Preparation" workshops, helped other inmates compile their parole packages and prepare for their hearings, and tutored other inmates in GED math.

Assistant Coordinator, PACE (Prisoners for AIDS Counseling and Education)

Eastern New York Correctional Facility, 2016 - 2019

Responsibilities: assist PACE Coordinator in setting and executing agenda; train new clerks and new facilitators; organize World AIDS Day events.

Clerk, Bard College

Eastern New York Correctional Facility, 2015-2019

Responsibilities: organize and maintain library; disseminate books and supplies; orientate new students into the program.

Tutor/Writing and Math Fellow, Bard College

Eastern New York Correctional Facility, 2015-2019

Responsibilities: tutor students in mathematics (ranging from algebra to calculus), writing, and science (biology, microbiology, and genetics); conduct workshops for first year students.

Coordinator, PACE (Prisoners for AIDS Counseling and Education) 

Shawangunk Correctional Facility, 2010-2013

Responsibilities: provide AIDS education to prison population; organize World AIDS Day events, oversee training of new facilitators; develop and expand services to the newly established Sex Offenders Program (SOP); prepare and approve lesson plans; set agendas for weekly meetings; organize special events; coordinate with staff advisor, DSP (Deputy Superintendent of Programs), and sponsoring agencies, i.e. Osborne Association and ARCS (AIDS Related Community Services) to fulfill the mission of PACE.

Administrative Clerk, Osborne Association

Shawangunk Correctional Facility, 2008-2013

Responsibilities: Solicit participation for Parenting, Healthy Relationships, Healthy Marriage, Breaking Barriers, and Breaking Barriers Training for Trainers programs; prepare callouts for each program; maintain records of current participants and waiting lists; act as liaison between Osborne representatives and the Deputy Superintendent of Programs (DSP).

Caregiver, Osborne Association

Shawangunk  Correctional Facility, 2008-2013

Responsibilities: facilitate positive interactions and activities between prisoners and their children then within the Osborne Children's Center.

Breaking Barriers Facilitator, Osborne Association

Shawangunk Correctional Facility, 2008-2013

Responsibilities: coordinate Breaking Barriers workshops to assist incarcerated men through cognitive therapy model.

President, Caribbean African Unity (CAU) Organization 

Shawangunk Correctional Facility, 2001-2013

Responsibilities: set agenda for organization; head weekly meetings; authorize and appoint heads of committees; develop and facilitate programs, including developing an "Effective Communication" workshop based off of the Great Courses DVD series of the same name, and maintain ABE and GED preparation workshops that tutored all sections of the GED 2-3 times per week; authorized all expenditures; coordinate with Deputy Superintendent of Programs (DSP) to ensure operation of the organization consistent with DOCS mandates.

Vice President, Caribbean African Unity (CAU) Organization 

Shawangunk Correctional Facility, 1999-2001

Responsibilities: assist the President in executing agenda; oversee fundraising and collection of dues; preside over meetings in the President's absence.