Meet The Team

Dasha McClain (Dae), Administrative Assistant
Dasha, affectionately known as Dae, is the youngest member of the Knewstart team but brings wisdom and maturity far beyond her years. Not even 21 yet, she has already achieved what many can only dream of—becoming a manager of a well-established restaurant at just 18 years old. Her independence, determination, and work ethic set her apart, making her one of the first to step up and join the Knewstart mission.
Dae’s drive to make a difference is deeply personal. She has experienced the heartbreak of losing childhood friends to suicide and gun violence, and she has seen the impact of incarceration on her own family. These experiences shaped her compassionate perspective and strengthened her resolve to be part of an organization that provides hope, healing, and second chances.
Deeply spiritual and grounded, Dae brings a sense of purpose and faith into everything she does. Beneath her tough exterior lies a compassionate heart dedicated to helping others and supporting causes she believes in. As the Administrative Assistant, she plays a vital role in ensuring the company’s daily operations run seamlessly.
From coordinating schedules and managing communications to organizing key events and handling crucial documentation, Dae is the glue that holds the team together. Her attention to detail and proactive nature ensure that every aspect of Knewstart’s work is executed with excellence. Whether it’s supporting the team, liaising with partners, or brainstorming new ideas to expand our reach, Dae’s contributions are invaluable.
Dae’s dedication, strength, and unwavering commitment to Knewstart’s mission make her a cornerstone of our team. Her journey is a testament to the power of believing in yourself, transforming pain into purpose, and the impact of hard work, no matter your age.
 

Brandy Jefferson, Texas & Louisiana Regional Manager
Brandy Jefferson is the powerhouse of the Knewstart team—headstrong, determined, and fiercely passionate about making a difference. Hailing from Louisiana, a state with one of the highest incarceration rates in the country, Brandy’s mission is deeply personal. She has seen firsthand the devastating impact of incarceration on families, including her own, and has witnessed many friends caught in the revolving door of recidivism.
Despite her tough exterior, Brandy has one of the biggest hearts on the team. Her strength comes from a place of deep compassion and a genuine desire to see others thrive. Brandy’s unique perspective and personal connection to the struggles faced by incarcerated individuals and their families fuel her determination to break the cycle and create opportunities for change.
As the Regional Manager for Texas and Louisiana, Brandy takes on a leadership role that is integral to the success of Knewstart’s mission. She oversees programs, builds community relationships, and ensures that the organization’s impact reaches those who need it most. Brandy’s organizational skills and ability to connect with people from all walks of life make her an exceptional advocate for change.
Brandy is more than just a manager—she’s a force for good, a voice for the unheard, and a symbol of resilience. Her dedication to Knewstart’s mission and her unwavering belief in the power of second chances inspire everyone around her. Whether she’s mentoring individuals, organizing regional initiatives, or strategizing for the future, Brandy brings strength, empathy, and vision to everything she does.
Brandy’s journey is a reminder that even in the face of systemic challenges, change is possible. Her work with Knewstart is proof that a strong will and a big heart can open doors and create lasting impact in communities that need it most.
 

Aerial Bruno, Knewstart Programs Manager
Aerial Bruno is a dedicated leader and visionary with over 15 years of customer service experience and a passion for helping others overcome challenges. As Knewstart's Programs Manager, Aerial brings her exceptional organizational, event planning, and problem-solving skills to the forefront, ensuring that every initiative is impactful and aligns with the organization's mission.
Aerial’s connection to Knewstart runs deeper than her professional expertise. Having faced her own challenges as a youth, she knows what it means to navigate tough times and emerge stronger on the other side. This personal experience gives her a unique perspective and drives her commitment to helping others find their path to a better future. Her philosophy of "reach one, teach one" perfectly aligns with Knewstart Inc.'s mission to empower individuals and families affected by incarceration, giving them the tools and support to rebuild their lives.
Aerial’s leadership is rooted in fostering meaningful connections and creating structured environments where individuals can thrive. Her focus on mentorship, collaboration, and delivering exceptional outcomes has been instrumental in shaping the programs that Knewstart offers. Whether she’s planning large-scale community events, managing day-to-day program operations, or strategizing new initiatives, Aerial approaches every task with efficiency, attention to detail, and a heart for service.
Looking ahead, Aerial’s long-term goal of opening an enrichment program aligns seamlessly with Knewstart’s mission. Her vision of providing valuable learning opportunities to individuals of all ages reinforces the belief that positive change starts with investing in people.
With Aerial at the helm of program development, Knewstart continues to grow as a beacon of hope and empowerment, creating opportunities for transformation and lasting impact in the lives of those it serves. Her resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication make her an invaluable member of the team.
 

Priscilla Lozano, CSC Programs Manager
Priscilla Lozano brings unmatched passion and resilience to her role as CSC Programs Manager. Hailing from California, Priscilla’s journey has been marked by perseverance in the face of adversity. Having lived on her own since the age of 16, she understands the challenges of navigating life without a safety net. Her personal experiences, including the heartbreaking loss of her sister to the streets, have ignited a deep desire to make a difference in the lives of children.
At Knewstart’s Children’s Sensory Channel (CSC), Priscilla is the driving force behind programs that empower and educate young minds. Her strong commitment to helping children is evident in her work as she visits schools to read the books authored by Knewstart’s founder, Bartrell Gilliard. Through these sessions, Priscilla not only shares important lessons on emotional awareness and safety but also inspires children to see the potential within themselves.
Priscilla’s ability to connect with youth stems from her understanding of the struggles many children face. She uses her story to motivate others, showing that even in the face of hardship, transformation is possible. Her dedication to promoting Knewstart’s mission, both through her outreach efforts and her role in managing CSC programs, ensures that the next generation has the tools they need to thrive.
A compassionate leader and advocate, Priscilla’s work at CSC embodies Knewstart’s commitment to building stronger, safer communities. Her unwavering dedication to empowering children and her ability to turn her own struggles into a source of strength make her an invaluable asset to the team.