OUR STAFF

Dr. Torianto S. Johnson Sr  has a profound capacity for nurturing relationships and actively engaging with the community. With almost three decades of experience in pastoral ministry, community outreach, and spiritual care, Dr. Johnson has honed his abilities in bridging differences, fostering connections, and establishing enduring relationships with individuals from diverse political and theological backgrounds.

He is deeply committed to confronting social and economic inequality in a unifying rather than divisive manner. This commitment is not just a part of his work but a reflection of his values and beliefs. His vision for the community involves embracing individuals from all backgrounds and beliefs, Left and Right, Liberal and Conservative.

Dr. Johnson draws inspiration from Andy’s work in creating Next Chapter, which resonates with his own early efforts in the reentry field, including teaching Bible study in local jails, men’s and women’s homeless shelters, and halfway houses.

Dr. Johnson's academic journey began at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where he laid the foundation for his future studies. He continued his education at Yale Divinity School, earning a Master of Arts in Religion with a concentration in theology, where he was the recipient of the Edward Ashley Walker Scholarship at Yale Divinity School, which is voted upon by faculty and awarded to a current student based on academic excellence. During his time at Yale, Dr. Johnson served as a chapel minister for Marquand Chapel and the Reverend Dr. Samuel N. Slie, Pastoral Fellow for the University Church in Yale. He completed his doctorate at Duke Divinity School in 2024, marking a significant milestone in his academic career.

His life is enriched by his marriage to his wife of thirty years, Angela Johnson, and their four children: Torianna, Torisa, Torianto Jr., and Toriah.

“Through my personal experiences, I have truly appreciated the profound impact of community service in fostering connections and engagement within our society. My unwavering commitment to community service is a testament to my firm belief in its transformative power.”

Contact: Torianto.Johnson@NextChapterRochester.org

Jessica LaFavor is a dedicated mother of three grown children, a certified doula through DONA International, a certified peer recovery specialist, and a trauma healing facilitator through the Trauma Healing Institute. This creates community, support, and courage. Her heart is legacy—to equip, encourage, and empower women to be healthy, growing, and full of love! She is the Vice President of a non-profit, Embracing Miracles, and the founder of Grateful Life Reenteries LLC. With 25+ years of experience, her philosophy is love at birth, love for life—walking alongside those on the journey of new life physically and spiritually specializing in Christian doula training- Heart of Doula workshops, Grateful Life childbirth education, and Women of Strength healing retreats. She has been a keynote conference speaker, is a published author, was a Pastor for 11 years, and a part of the development team and taught at the Train a Child Center (TACC) in Kasson, served as the Coordinator for the Rochester Outreach Center, and was a Training Coach for Celebrate Recovery. Jessica attended Crossroads Bible College for 2 years, studying Theology, and has been trained in several types of inner healing prayer. At the Lighthouse she serves those impacted by the cycle of incarceration and has been an advocate in areas such as trauma, addiction/recovery, parenting, homelessness, and mental health. Her favorite Bible verse is Psalm 119:2, “Blessed are they that keep the testimonies of the Lord with their whole heart.” Jessica was born with a hole in her heart and has a miraculous testimony of how God made her heart whole!

Contact: Jessica.LaFavor@NextChapterRochester.org

Dondi McIntosh started his journey with Next Chapter Reentry Project as a resident and alumni of the Discipleship Program and transformation phase. He remained actively involved in the organization after leaving by volunteering with Little Legacies. Dondi is enthusiastic to be back at Next Chapter Reentry to give back and make an impact with other residents in the program, just as others did with him.

Dondi maintains a strong faith and let’s God lead the way, which guides him in mentoring young Black men who face similar circumstances that influenced his own involvement with the criminal justice system. He is involved with organizations including Community Engagement Response Team (CERT), Three Rivers Restorative Justice (TRRJ), and The Redemption Project. In addition, he hosts a weekly group called Real Talk, providing a confidential space for Black men to share their experiences and seek support.

Dondi is focused on spreading positivity, building community connections, and bringing passion, authenticity, and dedication into everything he does. His story of transformation embodies hope, resilience, self-reflection, and shows the amazing work that God does that leads to profound impact and restoration. Dondi hopes to continue Next Chapter Reentry Project’s mission to create pathways for individual transformation as they reacclimate into the community.

Contact: Dondi.Mcintosh@NextChapterRochester.org

Darrell Luce is the Men’s Resident Assistant. Darrell joined the team in February of 2024 and is an alumni of the Discipleship Program. Trained as a Peer Recovery Specialist, Darrell utilizes his lived experience to encourage the men at NCM to daily engage in their recovery and work hard towards restoration.

Elsa Craven was born and raised in Rochester, MN. In 2024, Elsa graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Gender and Women's Studies and a minor in Psychology from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Elsa has a passion for helping others, which has led her to continue her education. She is currently in the process of completing a Master's Degree in Clinical Counseling Psychology from Capella University, while working at Next Chapter Reentry Project. 

Contact: Elsa.Craven@NextChapterRochester.org

Lindsay Hunter  is a stay at home mom to 4 children and a wife. She has a heart to serve and use the gifts God has given her to love and care for those that the Lord puts in her path. As her children begin to all be in school she prayerfully sought out what the Lord's plan for her was as she began this new chapter in her life. Not knowing what that looked like, she chose to lay her future job or opportunity at the feet of Jesus. With open hands and an open heart, she began to volunteer at Next Chapter in October 2024 completely blind and had no expectations. God knew the plan He had for her, and she humbly became a part of the staff as an Office Manager in February 2025. She never would have imagined she would be here facing the things that held her back and made her uncomfortable. That is why she believes that God's plans are always greater than are own. Being a part of something that has a greater purpose is a beautiful thing. Being able to be the hands and feet of Jesus and loving even the least of these is her greatest joy.

Contact: Office@NextChapterRochester.org