Shows
Hiding in Plain Sight: The Neighbors You Never Hear FromBONUS: Kimberley's StoryIn this bonus episode of Hiding in Plain Sight: The Neighbors You Never Hear From, Host Tia Ryans speaks with Kimberley about the anxiety of parole, the challenges of reentry, and the road back to self after incarceration. [This episode contains explicit language.]Kimberley is a loving mother of two. Her passions surround helping those in need and she uses that desire to thrive in the hospitality field. She plans to pursue her post-secondary education in the medical field.To support the continued work of NJ F.O.R.T.E House and learn...
2021-06-2612 min
Hiding in Plain Sight: The Neighbors You Never Hear FromNelson's StoryWe previously heard from Nelson, but in episode 7 of Hiding in Plain Sight: The Neighbors You Never Hear From, we hear a more in-depth interview when he spoke with Host Tia Ryans. Nelson served a 17-year prison sentence. We hear about Nelson’s journey of what he described as “becoming a man.” From childhood sexual abuse, gang involvement, and his love for God, Nelson reveals how he weaved through all of that as an impressionable man. Nelson Gonzalez is currently proud to be on the front lines as an Aveanna Essex County COVID-19 vaccination site supervisor. Nelson is a Certif...
2021-06-2112 min
Hiding in Plain Sight: The Neighbors You Never Hear FromParish's StoryIn episode 6 of Hiding in Plain Sight: The Neighbors You Never Hear From, Host Tia Ryans speaks with Parish King, who spoke about his personal reentry troubles and physical health struggles that began with the lack of a proper diet during his confinement and medical care.Parish King was born in Brooklyn, NY, raised in Far Rockaway Queens, and currently lives in Newark, NJ. After graduating High school, Parish attended Baruch College CUNY and worked in local church ministry, where I taught Sunday school. He received his Associate's degree in Liberal Arts and is currently attending Rutgers...
2021-06-1111 min
Hiding in Plain Sight: The Neighbors You Never Hear FromSummer's StoryIn episode 5 of Hiding in Plain Sight: The Neighbors You Never Hear From, Host Tia Ryans speaks with Summer Sprofera, who disclosed just how difficult her reentry journey was and still is because of the trauma of incarceration. Summer was incarcerated for approximately 9 years at Edna Mahan Correctional facility. She has learned how to grow through a terrible situation and be empathetic to those still struggling. Summer Sprofera is a graduate of Rutgers University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Planning and Design. Summer is the recipient of the American Society of Landscape Architects’ Mer...
2021-06-0509 min
Hiding in Plain Sight: The Neighbors You Never Hear FromJason's StoryIn episode 4 of Hiding in Plain Sight: The Neighbors You Never Hear From, Host Tia Ryans speaks with Jason Conway, who explains with a proud veteran who gave a vivid description of the parallels between his time serving in the military and his sentence in New Jersey’s state prison.Jason D. Conway is currently enrolled in the M.P.A. program at Rutgers University-Newark School of Policy and Public Administration. He received his Associate's of Arts for Mercer County College and Bachelors from Rutgers- Newark. Jason is a proud student of New Jersey Scholarship and Transformative Ed...
2021-05-3109 min
Hiding in Plain Sight: The Neighbors You Never Hear FromHanif's StoryIn episode 3 of Hiding in Plain Sight: the Neighbors You Never Hear From, Host Tia Ryans speaks with Hanif Parker, who explains the effects of an addiction that lead to his incarceration and the social ills in urban spaces that challenged his identity.Hanif Parker is certified as a drug and alcohol counselor and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Justice Studies from Rutgers University- Newark. He minored in Philosophy and Mathematics. Hanif Parker is passionate about justice. Thus, he worked as a proxy for Rutgers’ Law School and The New Jersey Institute of Social Justice to resto...
2021-05-2112 min
Hiding in Plain Sight: The Neighbors You Never Hear FromCassandra's StoryIn this episode, Host Tia Ryans speaks with Cassandra Severe, who is a mother that takes us on an emotional journey of surviving sexual abuse as a child, how her acts of rebellion led to her eventual incarceration, and the moment she had to explain to her son that her stay at “college” was actually time spent in jail. Cassandra Severe is a mother, student, survivor, activist, and change agent living and working in Newark, New Jersey. She currently works with the Newark Housing Authority to support the Asset Manager and the Department of Operations. She holds an A...
2021-05-1410 min
Hiding in Plain Sight: The Neighbors You Never Hear FromSeries Trailer: Meet Tia Ryans & Welcome to Hiding in Plain SightIn 2021 it’s difficult for the average person to imagine that someone born and raised in the United States does not know how to use technology or navigate public transportation, or could be overcome with anxiety at the thought of crossing the street. Now imagine being in a position where it’s frowned upon to ask for help in those situations or even ask questions because you’re expected to just KNOW. I was that person 6 years ago. For over a decade I lived in what I call a time capsule. I was eventually released from one of NJ’s...
2021-05-1205 min