MEET OUR MENTORS

Shawn Gardner is a dedicated father, husband, author, activist, mentor, paralegal, and entrepreneur. He has self-published several books, including "The Morals and Principle Pals" storybook, curriculum, and workbook. He is the founder of Behind The Walls Mentors. Along with the help of other positive men, their program has helped several youths in troubled communities. They have also hosted several community outreach events. 

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Cautionary Tales (Urban Literature)

• A Hustlaz Dreams & Nightmares, Shawn Gardner

• Two Faced "A Baltimore State of Mind" Vol 1., Shawn Gardner

• Two Faced "A Baltimore State of Mind" Vol 2, Shawn Gardner

• The Broken Code (Coming Soon), Shawn Gardner & Kianga Gardner

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Children's Books

• The Morals & Principle Pals: In the Track Meet, Shawn Gardner

• Los Amigos Con Valores Morales En la Carrera, Shawn Gardner

• The Morals & Principle Pals Curriculum Unit, Shawn Gardner

• Los Amigos Con Valores Morales en Carrera Programa De Estudios, Shawn Gardner

• The Morals & Principle Pals Workbook, Shawn Gardner

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Marco Lomax is the author of "Finding What's Missing", a memoir sharing his experiences and poor decision-making while fulfilling his duty to give himself, his wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of the need for change. He also has a "Finding What's Missing(Workbook)" which is a relevant questionnaire that requires individuals to analyze their past, present, and where they're headed. Mr. Lomax is dedicated to advising others to utilize their story propel them forward.

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Memoirs

• Finding What's Missing, Marco Lomax

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Self Help

• Finding What's Missing (Workbook), Marco Lomax (Coming Soon)

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J.S. Russell is a successful self-published poet and author of deeply moving children's books such as "Malia's Daddy and the Magical Mash Potatoes and Gravy" and "The Princess, The Dragon, and The Wizard in the Golden Pumpkin". He has written several insightful books of poetry that highlight his thoughts, struggles, aspirations, and desire to be free. Most of the time is dedicated to the education of young men with the aim of lowering recidivism.

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Cautionary Tales (Urban Literature)

• ​Lessons of the Game: A Warning to the Young Playas, Mike Enemigo (Short Story Contributed by J.S. Russell​

Children's Books

• Malia's Daddy and the Magical Mash Potatoes and Gravy, J.S. Russell

• The Princess, The Dragon, and the Wizard in the Golden Pumpkin, Malia Simmons & J.S. Russell

• Jazmin's Journey, Armani Sawari & J.S. Russell (Coming Soon)

Poetry

• Writing Freedom from Within the Pen, J.S. Russell

• Writing Freedom in the Pen Vol. 2, J.S. Russell

• Love Locked In, J.S. Russell

• Poems from a Prison Church, J.S. Russell

• J.S. Russell, The Prison Poet, Live from the Pen

• Writing Freedom Vol. 3, J.S. Russell

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Dr. Jachin Walls Sr. is a leader and mentor to many incarcerated individuals as well as many who are in the world. Dr. Walls is also a gifted, talented teacher of biblical principles. He holds a Doctorate degree in Sacred Theology and a Master's in Religious Education from Amherst Theology Seminary. Dr. Walls is devoted to today's youth and helping them reach their full potential. Dr. Walls is also a family man, he is a father of two sons (one of which is in the U.S. Navy), two daughters, two granddaughters, and two grandsons.

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Memoirs

• Behind The Walls, Dr. Jachin Walls Sr.

Self Help

• How 2 Properly Prepare for Parole, Dr. Jachin Walls Sr. (Coming Soon)

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Aaron Holly is a successfully returned citizen, paralegal, and public speaker. He is the author of "BullyProof". He used his time incarcerated to grow into a better person and is actively doing what he can to guide the youth in the right direction. He is fighting to bring awareness while using his knowledge to navigate the physical, emotional, and mental struggles of incarceration. Mr. Holly is currently working in a law office and has formed Freedom Chasers Paralegal &  Investigative Services. 

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Children's Book 

• BullyProof, Aaron Holly

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Andre Young is a father, entrepreneur, mentor, and author of "My Ambitious Imagination". Mr. Young is a successfully returned citizen who owns his own business, Boss N Toss Hauling & Landscaping Company. He is continuing the work he has done in prison as a Youth Challenge facilitator and Behind the Wall Mentor to help the youth avoid the mistakes he has made.

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Children's Books

• My Ambitious Imagination " I Can Be Whatever I Want to Be", Andre M. Young

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Bakari Atiba is an author, advocate, coach, consultant, and entrepreneur. he is a successfully returned citizen who holds a degree in Applied Sociology, a certificate in Peer Recovery, and a prior certification in Life Coaching. He currently serves as a Community Leadership Specialist for a harm reduction organization in East Baltimore. He is the Community Liason for H.O.P.E. Baltimore, which serves men and women impacted by the criminal justice system.​

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Self Help

• The Omoyo Paradigm: The African Guide to Self-Empowerment, Bakari Atiba

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