Citizens for Criminal Justice Reform – New Hampshire

During the fiscal year 2016–2017 the position of Chair was in the capable hands of Attorney Michael Sheehan who will now pick up the mantle of Vice-Chairman.  We thank Mike for his ongoing dedication and for providing his legal knowledge and expertise to everything we do.

Dr. Paradise began his volunteer service as our first vice-chairman from January 2011 to February 21, 2012 alongside of Chris Dornin as founding chairman.  Paradise then served four years as chairman from February 2012 until March 2016 when he voluntarily stepped down as chair in order to take a much deserved break. He continued to serve as a board member. 

The last twelve months has been anything but a respite or sabbatical.  In September of 2016, Dr. Paradise suffered the loss of his only child Elizabeth in a tragic car accident, and later in January he required the implantation of a pacemaker.  Elizabeth was 31 years old and the mother of his two precious grandchildren.  Along with his wife of 43 years they now care full-time for their grandson and part-time for their granddaughter. In the midst of these life-changing events Dr. Paradise has graciously volunteered to step back into a leadership role for CCJR.

Dr. Paradise is an ordained minister and a retired Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor with a Bachelor Degree in Theology, a Masters in Counseling, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Counseling. He is also a Licensed Temperament Therapist, and holds Board Certification in Abuse and Crisis Therapy, and as a Temperament Instructor. He is a Charter Member of the American Association of Christian Counselors, a Professional Clinical Member of the National Christian Counselors Association, and is a Diplomat with the National Board of Christian Clinical Therapists, of Sarasota, Florida.

The concepts of redemption and forgiveness are beliefs that most American’s tout, however societal practices as well as those who have been touched by the criminal justice system often speak a different tune. As a recipient of grace Dr. Paradise has a compassionate heart for those who have experienced failure and the men, women and families who have been affected by the criminal justice system.  Good people do bad things but Dr. Bob believes that every person is worthy of forgiveness and with a transformation of heart and mind anyone can change.  The past does not have to dictate the future!

Rehabilitation and support are key to this process. The simple truth is that the best practices in education, training, rehabilitative programs, therapy and parole all help protect the community.  Paradise believes that New Hampshire needs to make that kind of investment as a wise use of resources. At CCJR we support rational, cost effective programs and policies that reduce crime and slow the revolving door back into prison.  Rehabilitative programs along with needed therapy provide offenders a better chance to succeed, which in turn make our society safer. (Dr. Bob was a Founding Member of CCJR in October, 2010.)

Attorney Michael Sheehan, Esq. — Vice-Chairman — Mike has been a trial lawyer in Concord, New Hampshire for almost twenty-five years, focusing on civil rights litigation, criminal defense, and post-conviction issues. Mike has completed dozens of jury trials, appealed many cases to the New Hampshire Supreme Court, the First Circuit Court of Appeals, and once to the United States Supreme Court, and regularly appears before the superior and district courts and several administrative bodies throughout the state.  Mike serves as the Vice Chairman and is a member of the Editorial Committee and the Litigation Planning Committee. (Founding Member of CCJR in 2010)

Sandra McGonagle, CAGS — Treasurer — Sandra is a retired educator/consultant with 35 years in education in the New Hampshire school system. She earned her Master’s Degree in Education at Antioch New England and C.A.G.S. (Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies) from Plymouth State University. She is a resident of Gilford, NH and serves her community on various boards and commissions. She is a member of the Governor’s Advisory Board to DCYF. Sandra serves on our Membership Committee and is a member of the Editorial and Finance Committees.

Jeremy J. Olson — Board Secretary, Research Committee Chairman, Webmaster — Jeremy is an information technology professional, specializing in IT security and privacy, and has worked in the industry since 2000. He created his first website in 1996. He is currently a senior software developer at a mid-size software business in southern New Hampshire. He founded EPRCI, a small web-hosting, IT consulting, and web-development business, with many other liberty activists and organizations as its customers. He is a lifetime member and former Research Director of the New Hampshire Liberty Alliance (NHLA). He co-founded the Manchester Free Press with other liberty activists. He is a member and past president of the Canaan Lions Club. He is a member of the Board of Directors and Secretary of Peaceful Assembly Church in Grafton. He founded the Mascoma Valley Taxpayers Union (MVTU), and has served as its Chairman and Treasurer since its founding. He has served as a Trustee of the Trust Funds and a Planning Board Alternate and minute-taker for the Town of Grafton. He has been a volunteer with a variety of other liberty activist groups and causes in New Hampshire since 2007. More information can be found at JeremyJOlson.com. (Founding Member of CCJR.)

Thomas Adams, B.A. — After 39 years employment with the NEA-NH, an education association, Thomas Adams retired and enrolled in the NH Institute of Art, where in 2011 he established a photographic archive. As a social justice advocate, Adams helped found the Manchester Alliance for the Advancement of Hispanic Americans, and the Coalition of Organized Public Employees. Adams is a graduate of UNH and the Harvard Trade Union at the Harvard Law School. Adams is also a consultant of fine art photography. Tom is our Communications Secretary and a member of the Legislative Committee.

Richard E. Mori, B.A. — Richard is a graduate from Holy Apostles College, with a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy. Richard is a life long advocate for peace and justice; has worked in both the private and public sector, and see's criminal justice issues as the single most pressing concern in the local community. Richard is our NARSOL Liaison and a member of the Legislative Planning Committee and the Social Planning and Events Committee.

Melody Bourgeois

Kate Kirwood

Greg Papia

Maggie Ellis

Matthew Moris

Meredyth Armitage

Open Position  —