The Team

While incarcerated (from the age of 15), Nelson successfully completed his Associates degree; was certified as a rape/crisis counselor; graduated a public access service dog for a retired police officer who lives with PTSD and TBI (a 2 year commitment through New Life K9s program); as well as completed a large number of self-help courses, with additional college credits (including conflict resolution certification and a customer service certification). In addition to being a co-founder of Kid C.A.T., he created Acting with Compassion and Truth (A.C.T.) at San Quentin, a support group for gay, bi and transgender persons and their allies. As principal author of The First Step curriculum, principal founder of the Kid C.A.T. program, and someone who is successfully living his life on the outside, Michael brings his insights and experiences to the program members and participants. More important, he holds his work with Kid C.A.T. as his responsibility to contribute to restorative work, and has dedicated a great deal of his life to the program.