Our Team
Founder & Executive Director
Okha Shank Butler
In Okha's remarkable life journey, she has encountered profound challenges, from the tragic brutal murder of her mother to her father's wrongful arrest for her murder, a staggering 22 years later. Nevertheless, Okha's unwavering determination and the embrace of various healing modalities saved her life. Holding a Master's degree in Special Education from The University of Nevada and dedicating nine years to the education field, she positively impacted numerous lives spending most of those years working at KIPP SoCal Schools. Certified in various healing practices, Okha now guides group and one-on-one retreats, embodying a natural and heartfelt compassion. Okha is an Essie sister and outside organizer with Initiate Justice. She is passionate and determined to making the healing potential of retreats accessible to those affected by incarceration. She sees a specially curated retreat center 90 minutes outside of Los Angeles for people who are affected by incarceration and domestic violence to experience. The name of The Heart Center came to Okha when she was playing in the sand in Joshua Tree. Okha is a natural visionary who feels deeply called to this work.
Secretary
Paradyse Oakley
Paradyse Oakley (she/her/they) is on Tongva Land, South Central Los Angeles, California. Paradyse is a recent graduate of the University of California Santa Cruz, majoring in Community Studies, Critical Race and Ethnic Studies and Politics. Paradyse identifies as an abolitionist, Black Feminist, Intersectional Environmentalist, and cultural worker. Paradyse is working with Parenting for Liberation which supports the inter-generational healing journey for Black families while navigating the balance of loving our children and protecting them. Paradyse is currently a Solís Policy Institute Fellow working on legislation for incarcerated birthing individuals to have dignity concerning Environmental Justice, Reproductive Justice and Community Care. A long time community member of South Central Los Angeles, Paradyse lives her life with the love & dedication to her community in mind at all times. Inspired by the motto “see a need, fill a need;” she aims to use her skills and resourcefulness to aid her community’s needs. She is an advocate for taking as much time to rest as needed. She is a down to earth foodie ready to try amazing vegan food.
Treasurer
Cara Bryce
An empowerer of women, Cara has a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting & Finance from Portland State University and a background as a public auditor. Her superpower is helping women of color build start-up businesses, aiding them in blazing their personal paths toward power and fulfillment. While her passion began in the PNW, she has since moved to Los Angeles, expanding to work with a variety of community organizations and small businesses to assist them in their growth and operations. Away from her Excel sheets and Zoom meetings, Cara enjoys practicing dance and exploring various forms of movement as a way of working through life traumas. She also dabbles in other holistic modalities, including somatics, herbalism, and meditation. It was this healing journey, and a yoga class, that connected her with Okha.
Board Member
Richard Mireles
A dynamic public speaker and expert communicator with advanced leadership experience, Richard has a Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Management from California Coast University. A certified career coach with additional certifications from the world-renowned Toastmasters International, he is also an Alcohol & Other Drug Counselor who has been recognized by the state of California for his efforts in the recovery community. Richard spent 20 years inside the California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation, during which he co-founded Inside Solutions and lead intern for CROP Organization’s programs offered within correctional institutions. A graduate of Initiate Justice's "Institute of Impacted Leaders," Richard was found suitable for parole at his initial Board of Parole hearing and was released in March 2019. Today he is the Director of Outreach & Engagement at CROP Organization and host of The Prison Post Podcast.
Board Member, Director of HR
Dani Gray
Rooted in the sun-kissed landscapes of Hawaii, Dani's journey embodies the transformative power of compassion. A steadfast partner navigating life's challenges with unwavering love, she volunteers with boundless generosity, infusing every act with a heartwarming touch. As the Director of HR for The Heart Center, Dani's influence reflects her innate strength and years of expertise in the field. A devoted mother to two bright minds, she nurtures growth with wisdom and care. Dani's commitment to her community radiates through her unwavering presence, as she stands ready to uplift those in need. As an outside organizer with Initiate Justice and an Essie sister, she channels dedication into transformation, and her role as a powerful Essie facilitator for the Healing to Advocacy program underscores her ability to guide profound healing journeys. In the symphony of life, Dani's melody is one of courage, compassion, and the profound impact of a heart dedicated to making the world a better place.
Board Member
Leila Rachedi
A nurturer by nature, Leila was born and raised in Southern California. Her greatest gifts lie in her ability to genuinely hold a safe space for another, a spot where individuals can come to feel seen, supported, and heard. It is her hope that through such interaction, both she and those she supports can release their fears, long-held stories, and life uncertainties in order to pursue growth in an atmosphere of vulnerability, acceptance, and love.
Board Member
Edwin Paragus
Edwin Paragas, at 10 years old, emigrated to the U.S. with his family, forced to flee the Philippines after Mount Pinatubo erupted. Edwin experienced immigration and other childhood traumas, which led to gang involvement, substance use, and truancy. At 16, he was tried and convicted as an adult and received a life sentence. With the help of Healing Dialogue and Action, Edwin was able to find true accountability through making amends and being of service to others. After serving 24 years in prison, Edwin earned his way out of the system and stepped into his life’s true purpose. Today, Edwin is a trauma-informed advocate and a wounded healer. He is a Re-Entry Director at HDA, often accompanying to court the person who harmed and the people and communities that were impacted. Edwin is also court appointed gang expert. Edwin created a mindfulness program for Boundless Freedom Project that is implemented throughout California, and most recently, added to Rikers Island. Edwin is a Board Member for Mass Liberation and the advisory board for Restorative Fund. Before HDA Edwin was membership Director for Transformative In-Prison Workgroup, community-based organization coalition throughout prisons in California ensuring there is access to transformative programs in prisons. Edwin is an inspiration and a mentor.
Board Member
Jasmine Banks
Jasmine Banks is a career educator, encourager, and self-proclaimed thought partner. Every day she makes a choice. A choice to make a priority of investing in herself and her community. Her purpose in life is to encourage other BIPOC to do the same for themselves through her servitude, actions, and ultimately with her shared personal journey of self-love and empowerment in her poetry. Jasmine earned her bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Southern California, her masters degree in special education from Arizona State University, and is currently a doctoral candidate for the educational leadership for social justice program at Loyola Marymount University. Jasmine resides and leads in South Los Angeles. In her free time, Jasmine enjoys basking in nature, writing, spending time with loved ones, and taking on rigorous physical challenges.
Board Member
Serafin Serrano
Serafín Serrano, the beloved son of Teodoro and Celia and a devoted father to Alina Jeanine (Sergeant Serrano), emerged as the youngest son among eight siblings and endured a profound loss when his mentor and brother, Theodore, was tragically taken from him in 1986. His life's path led him through a turbulent period as a wounded teenager, ultimately serving a five-year sentence in The California Youth Authority (CYA). Yet, upon his release in 1992, Serafín channeled his energy and intentions towards social justice, mentorship, and healing, achieving academic success with an Associate of Arts Degree in Human Services from Cypress College and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Social Behavior from The University of California, Irvine. Despite further heartache when Theodore's only son, Ernie Teddy Serrano, was lost to violence at the hands of Riverside Sheriff in 2020, Serafín's unwavering mission has been to transform a legacy of pain into love and medicine. His extensive roles, including Inland Empire’s Chapter Coordinator for Crime Survivors for Safety & Justice (CSSJ), Membership Manager for Transformative In-Prison Workgroup (TPW), Joven Noble trainer, Facilitator at Los Angeles & Orange County juvenile hall, Consultant at Honeycomb Justice Consulting, and co-founder of Sacred Purpose, along with his dedication to advocating for humane, just, equitable, and healing-centered public policies and spaces, underscore the warmth and love that define his life's work.
