Get Involved

SISU Freedom Foundation is built through the support of individuals, organizations, and community partners who believe in second chances and long-term success after incarceration.

There are several ways to get involved, depending on your experience, availability, and level of commitment.

Volunteer

Support Program Delivery. Volunteers play an important role in supporting operations and program delivery.

This may include:

Assisting with program coordination
Supporting community-based events
Helping participants navigate resources

Become a Facilitator

SISU programs are led by individuals who understand reentry firsthand or bring relevant professional experience.

Facilitators help guide:

Restorative justice conferences
Community concern circles
Goal-setting and personal development sessions

We are especially interested in individuals with:

Lived experience
Backgrounds in counseling, social work, or reentry support
A strong commitment to accountability and personal growth

Partner With SISU

Organizations and Institutions

We work with institutions, treatment providers, and community organizations to deliver structured reentry support.

Partnership opportunities include:

Hosting SISU programs within institutions
Providing housing, employment, or education resources
Supporting program expansion into new regions

Join Now

Meet The Team

Data Analysis

Carol Koman

Carol Komen is a technology and operations leader focused on advancing tech-enabled economic opportunity and responsible digital ecosystems. With over a decade of experience designing and managing large-scale technology and digital services programs, she works at the intersection of workforce systems, global operations, and social impact. Carol brings expertise in building sustainable talent pipelines, strengthening technology-enabled work in emerging markets, and ensuring that innovation translates into meaningful opportunity for communities. She is passionate about using technology as a force for inclusive growth and about shaping systems that expand access, dignity, and economic mobility.

Bookkeeper

Roberto Heckscher

Roberto Heckscher serves as the bookkeeper for the Sisu Freedom Foundation, leveraging his extensive background in financial management and business operations to support the organization's mission. His expertise in managing financial records and ensuring accuracy has proven invaluable in his role at Sisu Freedom Foundation.

Before his incarceration, Roberto was a highly successful franchisee with Baskin Robbins, owning and operating up to three franchises over a span of 31 years.

His wealth of experience in both corporate and small business finance has shaped his approach to helping Sisu Freedom Foundation achieve its financial goals and ensure its continued success.

Vocational Director

Bryan Slabaugh

Bryan Slaburgh is the Vocational Director for Sisu who has over 15 years of trade experience, and is a certified electrician with the IBEW. He uses his knowledge and expertise to help those interested in alternative pathways to career development in the trades through vocational education and training. As a system impacted person he has found a meaningful career path that is accessible to similar individuals upon re-entry. His life experience, excitement for hands on learning and ability to navigate the various training opportunities will help guide interested candidates in a direction that will provide a solid foundation for a successful career in the trades.

Treatment Director

Aaron Burns

Aaron Burns believes strongly in the holistic transformation of mind, body, and spirit,

emphasizing the importance of rediscovering purpose and developing a genuine

passion for life. Since 2015, he has been dedicated to providing counseling services for

individuals struggling with substance use disorders. Aaron graduated from the Alcohol

and Other Drug Studies program at San Diego City College, where he now serves on

the program’s Alumni Board. His clinical approach incorporates Cognitive Behavioral

Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and 12-Step–based counseling.

Having struggled with addiction for more than 20 years himself, Aaron brings a deep

level of empathy and understanding to his work. Since achieving sobriety in 2015, he

has committed his life to helping others find freedom from the bondage of addiction. His

lived experience allows him to genuinely connect with clients and demonstrate that

recovery and a fulfilling life are possible for those willing to put in the work.

Aaron’s mission is to help others reclaim their lives, discover their potential, and build

meaningful, sober futures.

Executive Director

Ryan Shipley

Ryan Shipley is the Executive Director and Founder of the Sisu Freedom Foundation, leading a movement to transform reentry through restorative practices that start during incarceration.

With a Master’s degree in Peace and Justice from the University of San Diego and certified as a restorative justice facilitator, Ryan values the intersection between formal training with lived-experience; In his case having lived through every jurisdiction of the system from juvenile to federal and the aftermath of supervision.

In under four years, Ryan rebuilt his life in recovery and reentry becoming a husband, father, homeowner, and professional. That transformation became the blueprint for Sisu: helping others do the same.

Through in-custody programming and reentry support, Ryan and his team guide individuals to confront root causes, navigate incarceration, and build a plan to stay out once and for all no matter what. The mission goes beyond release, it’s about creating a life worth protecting.

Sisu is a community built on shared experience! Having those lived-experience experts lead the way to guide and encourage the next generation towards the lifestyle they only ever dreamed possible.