Staff Profiles
Jonathan J. Houston
President & CEO
Chief operating, fiscal, and executive officer of Justice Assistance. Reports to the Board of Directors. The founder of Justice Assistance, Mr. Houston has over 40 years experience in criminal justice. He is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island and completed post-graduate work at Rhode Island College and Salve Regina University. He has received specialized training from the American Correctional Association, National Victim Center, U.S. Department of Justice, and Harvard University.
Katherine E. Brown
Deputy Director – General Administration
Principal contract manager; personnel management and management information systems; accounts payable and disbursements; office management and special events coordinator. Oversees the recruitment and training of staff, volunteers and student interns. Reports to the President & CEO. Mrs. Brown has over 30 years experience with Justice Assistance. She earned her Bachelor's of Science Degree from Rhode Island College and she is a graduate of the former Katharine Gibbs School.
Brendan Horan
Director of Development/Grant Writer
Responsible for corporate, foundation and government proposals and solicitations. Reports to the President & CEO. Mr. Horan has been with Justice Assistance since 2007. He is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island where he studied psychology, and he is currently pursuing his Juris Doctorate Degree at Roger Williams University - School of Law.
Emily Costa
Case Manager
Responsible for program service delivery in the 6th Division and 4th Division District Courts. Services include, but are not limited to victim and offender notification; monitoring restitution and all client court-ordered sanctions, court escort, referral and technical assistance. Ms. Costa joined Justice Assistance in 2019. She earned her Bachelor's of Arts Degree from Rhode Island College and her Master's of Public Administration from Roger Williams University.
Keith Whitt
Case Manager
Responsible for program service delivery in the Third Division and Second Division District Courts. Services include, but are not limited to victim and offender notification; monitoring restitution and all client court-ordered sanctions, court escort, referral and technical assistance. Mr. Whitt joined Justice Assistance in 2019. He earned his Bachelor's of Science Degree from Mitchel College in New London, Connecticut, and he is pursuing his Master's of Science Degree from the University of Rhode Island.
Veronika Valois
Intake/Administrative Assistant
Responsible for coordinating data of victim/client information from the court. Duties include general and administrative support for the staff. Provide translation services for Spanish speaking clients. Ms. Valois joined Justice Assistance in 2020. She earned her Associate's of Applied Science Degree from the Community College of Rhode Island, and her Bachelor's of Science Degree from Rhode Island College.
Neil J. Houston, Jr.
Memorial Awards
2021 Recipients:
- Kobi J. Dennis
Diversity and Inclusion Manager
YMCA of Greater Providence - David Neill
Outreach Coordinator
US Attorney's Office
District of Rhode Island - The Honorable Netti C. Vogel
Associate Justice
Rhode Island Superior Court - Michael J. Yelnosky
Professor of Law
Roger Williams University
School of Law
Past Recipients (.PDF)
Edward V. Healey, Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award
R. Kevin Horan Emerging Leader Award