who we are

Chandra has been practicing Centering Prayer since 2012 and facilitating a group inside a medium security prison since January of 2017. She began volunteering in prisons in 2011 as part of a lay Catholic worship team, then was invited by a Chaplain to teach in a faith/character-based dorm. Practicing Centering Prayer with the men in that dorm planted the seed that grew into her passion: sharing this contemplative practice with those currently residing behind prison walls and supporting those desiring to continue the practice post-release. Chandra was appointed Prison Outreach Liaison for Contemplative Outreach, Ltd. (COL) in June 2020, helping organize the current iteration of COL’s Prison Outreach Service Team and serving as its leader until August 2023. Prior to her role with PCF she served as President of Praestolari.

Lead facilitator for 4th Sister Facilitation, Sharon is a self-described meeting junkie who emanates humor, common sense, and respect in ways that make meetings a joy for others, as well. Her passion and enthusiasm for collaborative group process shines through her work. Sharon is largely self-taught as a facilitator, having gathered skills from student cooperatives, communal living, and employment in social services, progressive non-profits, and co-operatives. She holds professional certification in Conflict Management from Woodbury College and has shared Buddhist meditation practices inside prison walls.

The Rev. Canon Eric McIntosh earned a Master’s Degree of Divinity from the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary June of 2012. He is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Natural Sciences. He has served in ministry for over 30 years. He is married with three daughters. As Canon, Eric leads racial justice and reconciliation work for the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, Also, Since 2013, Canon Eric has served as Priest in Charge at St. James’ Episcopal Church, where he is engaged in daily urban ministry, church planting, and offering pastoral care to the Penn Hills community.

After completing an 18-year prison sentence in North Carolina, Joshua founded Living With Convictions Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides transitional housing to men and women starting over after incarceration. He is the author of When the Flower Opens: The Extraordinary Friendship Between Abbot Shodo Habukawa and Monsignor Luigi Giussani; editor of Edward Hopper: The Eternal Instant; and author of the forthcoming Shakedowns, Shanks & Shackles: A Writer’s Guide to Prison Life. His essays and interviews have appeared in Magnificat and Convivium.

Octavia is passionate about supporting non-profits and advocating for overlooked populations. As a firm believer in individual agency, she’s committed to providing unwavering support that empowers others to shape their own success. Outside of work, you'll find her reading fantasies and drawing doodles.

Jon is a 20-year survivor of the California prison system. Before that, he was a schoolteacher known for his creative and dramatic style. He had naively trusted in the government, the justice system, and the church and God of his forefathers. Incarceration destroyed all that. In the process of trying to find meaning and healing in a system that seemed aimed to prevent both, he came across the practice of Centering Prayer; it was one of the things that helped him to maintain his sanity in that chaotic environment. While “behind the walls,” Jon served as a chapel music leader, librarian, and tutor, joining with others trying to turn brokenness into wholeness. He also continued his education, becoming the first California inmate to earn an accredited PhD during his incarceration.

Phil spent 32 years in custody, during which he was introduced to Centering Prayer. In his own words: "It totally changed my life, allowing me to become who I am today." Phil helped to found the first known and likely the longest running Centering Prayer group inside a prison. He now feels blessed to be "paying it forward" both as a volunteer and in his role with POND.

Jeff comes from a diverse background in management, support services and computers. He enjoys service to others and has a dedication to assisting those who have been impacted by the incarceration system by bringing awareness about the challenges they face to others.