Meet the people committed to driving change

We are the people we want to help!

100% of us are justice involved or justice impacted

We are peer-driven

More than half of us have first-hand lived experience with addiction and recovery.

We know what's possible

Everyone on our team has faced and learned from mental health challenges, 

We provide stable support and guidance

Our relationships begin during incarceration and last as long as they need to after release.

We are committed to change

We are constantly trying to learn and grow so we can better help those we serve 

We want to grow a community

We know that connection is a key element in creating change

Meet the Team

  • Executive Director, Board Chair

    Chris Matic leads with compassion, vision, and a deep belief in the power of transformation. Chris brings proven leadership experience in program development and community partnerships, helping to build bridges of opportunity for those impacted by the justice system. Her passion for empowering individuals and her commitment to restorative approaches guide NGB’s mission of breaking cycles of incarceration and creating pathways to healing and hope.

  •  Director of Operations

    Paula Taylor leverages 39 years of professional experience in operations and financial oversight to strengthen the organization’s foundation. She is passionate about supporting second chances and building the systems that allow Not Going Back to deliver life-changing mentorship, education, and reentry support

  • Board Member

    Courtney Santanais the founder of the Survive2Thrive Foundation, which provides housing and resources for survivors of domestic violence. A singer, advocate, and community leader, Courtney brings her experience as a justice-impacted survivor, and shares her courage, and hope to advancing NGB’s mission of creating second chances and building pathways to healing.

  • Re-entry Specialist

    Sabrina Salazar brings her lived experience and a powerful story of recovery to her role as a Re-entry Specialist at Not Going Back. Having overcome a once hopeless state of mind and body, she is now pursuing her re-entry certification and dedicates her life to helping others find hope, healing, and a path forward. Sabrina is passionate about walking alongside justice-impacted individuals, offering guidance, encouragement, and proof that lasting change is possible.  

  • Board Member

    Bill Harris is a justice-involved individual who brings invaluable perspective and lived experience to the organization’s mission. Bill carries with him resilience, wisdom, and a deep commitment to helping others break the cycle of incarceration. His voice ensures that NGB’s programs are successfully implemented, and remain grounded in the real challenges faced by those returning to the community.  

  • Program Director

    Chris Gates is the creator of the recovery curriculum Not Going Back uses with it’s clients. With twenty-five years of experience in recovery, he brings with him years of courage and hope, dedicating his work to building programs that empower justice-impacted individuals with mentorship, recovery support, and opportunities for successful reentry.  

JOIN THE TEAM!

Want to join our team?  We are looking for passionate individuals to join our team and help make a difference.  If you think that is you, please contact us