Staff

Kristen Harlin is the Executive Director of Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministries (CJAMM) for The Oklahoma United Methodist Conference.

Harlin found her niche in corrections and law enforcement with a main focus in Juvenile Justice for 8 years. This led her to becoming the Administrator of Juvenile Justice facilities in Pottawatomie and Creek Counties as well as serving on the Oklahoma Juvenile Detention Center Association Board to work with the State on incarceration matters. Harlin was also the first female captain for the Creek County Sheriff’s Office. Harlin started programs in Juvenile Justice Centers as well as retained vital resources to assist children in Oklahoma and their families.

Harlin stepped out of corrections and law enforcement into Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministries in April of 2016. Her goals are to further the ministry with CJAMM as well as assist in educating Oklahomans and assisting them to break the generational cycle of incarceration in our state.

Harlin is married to Kerry and they have two children Samantha (16) and Chandler (7). The Harlin family are members of Kellyville United Methodist Church.

Lesa Rhoads has been with Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministries for 19 years. Lesa began as an administrative assistant to the executive director and is now the assistant director of CJAMM.

Lesa has an Accounting Degree and manages the financial aspects of CJAMM. Lesa has transitioned CJAMM into a 501(c)3 over the past several years.

Lesa has three children, three grandchildren, and has been married to Dale for 34 years. Lesa and her husband are members of the Tuttle United Methodist Church.