Katherine Vockins founded RTA in 1996 at Sing Sing Correctional Facility and remains its leader.  She is also the Executive Director of Prison Communities International, RTA’s parent organization.

Prior to founding RTA, Katherine ran an international marketing organization, working with corporate  and non-profits clients including Save the Children, UNICEF and Habitat for Humanity.  She  produced fundraising events to support prison programs as well as several conferences on prison issues.

Katherine consults to foundations and nonprofit agencies on pre-release and re-entry issues and is a frequent speaker on these topics.

Javier Cardona, Director, Arts and Education, came to New York from Puerto Rico where he worked in community-based programs aimed at marginalized populations. 

Javier received a master’s degree in Educational Theatre from New York University where he still teaches, and is developing the RTA/NYU Prison Theatre Initiative.  Javier is also an accomplished actor and dancer.

Javier trains and supervises volunteers and is developing curricula emphasizing the transformative power of the arts.

Ricki Gold, Deputy Director, has worked with RTA since 2007 as writer, researcher, webmaster, grant and project manager.  Ricki served as senior author of a major employment feasibility study related to work in the transportation industry for the formerly incarcerated .  She has a master’s degree in Instructional Technology.