Meet the Board

Agents of Change

Meet the dedicated board devoted to housing, education, rehabilitation, justice, and health care

Tedra L. Cobb is president of her consulting firm, Tedra L. Cobb & Associates, and founder and
president of BACKROADS PAC. Cobb’s expertise is in program and organizational development and
facilitation of highly effective, interactive educational workshops. Her diverse experience ranges from
bilingual counseling (Spanish) in the New York State prison system to directing a community-based
health coalition. She currently serves as a consultant trainer for the University of Rochester Medicine
Recovery Center of Excellence and travels across the country working with rural communities to
address stigma and substance use disorder. Her civic engagement includes a term as an elected county
legislator, a run for Congress, and appointments to the state’s Committee on Open Government and
the Northern New York Healthcare Redesign Commission. The common thread throughout her career
is building community.

Heidi Czerepak, Master CASAC (Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor) is currently the Clinical Supervisor at North Country Freedom Homes’ Men’s Community Residence in Canton, NY. A formally incarcerated individual in recovery from substance use disorder, Heidi is a proud graduate of SUNY Potsdam (undergraduate and graduate programs) who has chosen to dedicate her life to helping others struggling with addiction and legal barriers to navigate personal, social and systemic challenges and create the life they deserve. Heidi enjoys running, hanging out with her cat (and any other animals that will have her) and is honored to be a part of the Second Chance Scholars mission.

Nancy Lewis, Ph.D., is the Program Director of Potsdam@RCF a partnership between SUNY Potsdam and NY-DOCCS-Riverview Correctional Facility, originally a Second Chance Pell site. Dr. Lewis is a Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice Studies at SUNY Potsdam. Before joining the College twenty-five years ago, Dr. Lewis worked in the criminal justice system including in law enforcement and on the Parole Board in Ontario Canada, making decisions about early release for provincially sentenced individuals. Dr. Lewis is proud to be part of the solution to mass incarceration and inequality offered through Second Chance Scholars and college in prison.

I am Ezequiel Reyes, a recent graduate of SUNY Potsdam, where I earned a degree in Sociology with a minor in Human Services. I am also certified CRPA. My personal journey has been marked by significant challenges, including a period of incarceration that lasted over twenty years. However, I have been fortunate enough to experience a profound transformation in my life. Two pivotal decisions have been instrumental in changing my life’s trajectory. Firstly, I accepted Jesus Christ as my savior, which had a profound impact on my spiritual growth and personal development. Secondly, I made the decision to pursue higher education by enrolling in college. This decision not only equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed but also instilled in me a sense of purpose and direction. As a result of my experiences, I am now committed to giving back to my community and making a positive impact on the lives of others. I am passionate about supporting individuals who are struggling with mental health issues or substance abuse, and I am eager to serve as a mentor and role model for young people. My unique blend of personal experience and academic preparation has prepared me to make a meaningful contribution to the community. I am excited to be part of the second chance scholars and look forward to working collaboratively with others to drive positive change and promote the well-being of our community.

As a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate, a SUNY Potsdam graduate in Sociology with a minor in Human Services, and an independent climbing arborist, William brings a diverse range
of skills and experiences to support individuals on their recovery journeys. With a strong
foundation in peer support, William specializes in providing empathetic guidance, fostering
resilience, and promoting wellness. William’s role involves collaborating with clients to develop
personalized recovery plans, offering emotional support, and connecting them with community
resources. William focuses on person-first approaches to addiction, recovery, and incarceration,
ensuring that each individual’s unique experiences and strengths are at the forefront of their recovery process. As a small business owner, William has honed his leadership and problem-
solving abilities through managing all aspects of his arborist services. William is dedicated to
empowering others by sharing his own recovery story and demonstrating that sustained recovery
is achievable. William’s commitment to continuous learning and advocacy ensures that he stays
informed about the latest best practices in the field. He is passionate about creating a supportive
and inclusive environment where individuals feel valued and understood.

Formerly incarcerated, Brandon Rodriguez is a J.D. candidate at Vermont Law and Graduate School, after graduating from SUNY Potsdam in Fall 2024. A passionate social entrepreneur and business owner, Brandon is the visionary founder of the nonprofit organization Second Chance Scholars, where together in community, formerly incarcerated and allies work to eliminate barriers through housing, education and entrepreneurship initiatives. Having overcome foster care, juvenile detention, and prison, Brandon is driven to provide platforms for others to thrive. Through innovative business ventures, he works tirelessly to uplift disadvantaged individuals by offering both employment and ownership within his enterprises.

Bill Doyle is a former drug user from the North Country. Bill worked in the recovery field for 4+ years as the Program Manager for The Valley Recovery Center in Ogdensburg facilitating Recovery Coach Trainings and managing day-to-day operations. Bills current role has taken him to the treatment world where he is the Operations Manager of Behavioral Health Inpatient Services for Rochester Regional Health, St. Lawrence Region, managing CPH Rehab and Massena Detox services. When Bill isn’t working, he enjoys time on the golf course, volunteering in his local community, and spending time with his family and Mack, the family pit bull.