Our Team

Meet some of the wonderful individuals who have helped make Journey to Freedom possible.

Vickie M. Coakley-Thornton

• Born and raised in Boston, MA

• Wife of over 30 years

• Mother of four

• Master's Degree - Carlow University

• Graduated from Hartey Bible School

• Prison ministry involvement over 10 years

• Instructor for the Foundation of Hope at the Allegheny County Jail

• Educator for more than 30 years

• Entrepreneur over 20 years

• Visionary and founder of Journey to Freedom

• Find her Forgiveness Journal here!

Joyce Henderson

• Bachelor's Degree - Geneva College

• Certificate in Nouthetic Biblical Counseling

• Ordained Minister

• Teacher/Lead Instructor at Renewal Treatment Center

• Blogger - www.knowingwhoyouareinchrist.net

Previous Offices Held:

*Youth Minister
*Sunday School Superintendent
*Volunteer Chaplain/Counselor Allegheny County Jail

Lora Hubbard

• Native Pittsburgher

• Associate Minister

• Licensed Professional Counselor

• Doctorate of Ministry student

• Author of Not Off the Hook at 491: When Unforgiveness Feels as Natural as Breathing

• Teacher

• Mother

• Grandmother

• Great Grandmother

*Find out more about her book here!

Sheila A. Smith

• Master of Library Science

• Organizer in homes, libraries

• Intercessor

• Missionary/Evangelist

• Community worker and organizer

Previous Offices Held:

*Children's Worker
*Children's Choir Leader
*Interim Children's Pastor

Emily Thornton

• Nebraska native

• Bachelor's in Accounting

• Wife

• Foster mom

• Adoptee advocate

• Child care director

"Journey to Freedom has given me such a beautiful community of others who are traveling through life and offer support and love through all the ups and downs."

Rosetta Fletcher

• Bachelor's Degree - Geneva College

• Writer of Christian Instructional Guides

• Elder/Minister

• Wife

• Mother

“On the first Journey to Freedom trip to Africa, I experienced a kaleidoscope of browns with hues of tans. It was wondrous to my eyes. I knew then God made our melanin beautiful. The human race is beautifully and wonderfully made.”

Gloria Gordon

• Born in New Kensington, PA

• Mother of two

• Grandmother of five

• Great grandmother of one...soon to be two

• Associate's Degree in medical assistance

• Certificate in retail management

• State and local prison ministry

• LMS Women and children program coordinator

• Lay teacher for The Book of Life Academy

Scherrita Folks

• Associate's Degree in business management

• Bachelor's Degree in human resources - Geneva

• Mother of 4 beautiful children

• Passionate about helping others

"In a world where we often take detours following our own desires which can lead to road blocks, Journey to Freedom symbolizes a new beginning on a road to the future God always intended for us."