Client's Hall of Fame
Andrea D. Harrison
Andrea D. Harrison received her Master’s degree in Organization Development from American University in 2003. At the pinnacle of her career she was faced with the deep dark secrets of her past….8 years previously she had embezzled over $200k from her employer. This became the beginning of a new life for Andrea. As a result of these fraudulent acts, Andrea and her co-defendant were sentenced on two counts of mail and wire fraud. The judge mandated a sentence of 27 months, 15 of which to be served in a Federal Prison Camp and the remainder 12 months to be served on home confinement. This type of split sentence is usually unheard of in the court system. Looking at the structure of her sentence, Andrea knew that she was blessed by God’s grace and mercy, in spite of her mistakes. Today, while building a new life for herself she will be able to use her life experiences to help others not to falter when things get difficult. As Andrea begins to rebuild her life she is faced with the many challenges of being an ex-felon. For some, titles and status mean everything. In this instance the title of ex-felon is nothing more than a subtle reminder of society’s role in making an individual pay over and over again for their mistakes. Andrea is determined not to let her felony conviction define who she is or who she will become. After her release from Alderson Federal Prison Camp in August 2007, she was able to volunteer for the National Women’s Prison Project (NWPP). This position eventually turned into a full time paid position as a Case Manager. In this role, she provided one-on-one support to women who had previously been incarcerated and were dealing with substance abuse problems. In addition, she was instrumental in providing administrative support to the organization. Andrea also conducted various instructional courses in the area of computer literacy and interpersonal development. In July of 2008, she began another position with Prisoners Aid Association of Maryland (PAA). In this role she serves as the Case Manager for the Female Transitional Program, providing support and development to over 23 women who live in transitional housing provided by PAA. She also provides training and development for the women in the areas of conflict and confrontation management, personal development, self-awareness, anger and change management. Andrea is passionate about helping women define and reinvent themselves. Andrea has now purposed to be an advocate for those who are and have been incarcerated. It is her desire to put a voice to those who are inside and provide everyday citizens with the lost and missing information about the penal system and its outdated and “under-serving” way of operation. On August 1, 2008, she established ExpressUrSelf, LLC which is a consulting and coaching business. ExpressUrSelf was developed from Andrea’s internal desire to help others help themselves. This organization focuses on clients from all walks of life, providing coaching, training and developmental opportunities to assist people in reinventing themselves to achieve their ultimate dreams and goals. Her life experiences, becoming a mother at the age of 15 coupled with her professional experience allow her to speak on a wide range of topics. Andrea speaks to individuals and groups on topics such as, parenting, relationship building, and communication to name a few. She has served in many roles from volunteering for non-profit and social justice organizations, working in the public sector to working as a personal fitness trainer and personal life coach. Andrea specializes in coaching and leadership development, helping individuals, business leaders and their teams create successful communication and business strategies. Her coaching enables clients to enhance their ability to lead and achieve breakthrough results. She brings extensive experience in leadership and development as well as coaching and interpersonal development. “I have a passion for helping people reach their full potential. I know what it is to feel helpless, powerless and hopeless….and it is only through deep reflection and individual work that one can find their true passion and purpose in life.” Andrea is a lover of life. She is elated to be reunited with her husband, Charlie of 10 years. She enjoys exercising and spending time with her 6 year old grandson and family. Andrea believes that it is only when we can begin to deal with the haunting hurts of our past that we can begin to let go, let God and develop the unique destiny for our life. One of her favorite quotes is: “Be the change you want to see in the world”, by Gandhi and another quote that she uses often is by Maya Angelou: “I can be changed by what happens to me, I refuse to be reduced by it.” With nothing more than determination, desire, faith, courage and the support of her family and dear friends Andrea is embarking on a new journey that will undoubtedly change the hearts, thoughts and behaviors of all that she encounters. “It is my desire in life to help anyone who has been faced with challenges that have all but, destroyed their world create a new destiny. I believe that each of us, has unique gifts and talents and with support and opportunity we can achieve our wildest dreams.” “My story is a true testimony of how dreams can come true, in spite of what obstacles may come along the road of the journey called life.”
