Lee Chapelle's Story
Lee Chapelle learned his life lessons the hard way. As a wayward youth, he first found himself behind bars at the age of sixteen. Much of his young adult life was spent incarcerated. In addition to numerous Provincial detention centers, he has firsthand experience with the following penitentiaries:
Archambault – Maximum Security
Millhaven Population (J Unit) – Maximum Security
Millhaven Reception (MAU) – Maximum Security
Kingston Penitentiary (KPTD) – Maximum Security
Collins Bay – Medium Security
Joyceville – Medium Security
Fenbrook – Medium Security
Bath – Medium Security
Frontenac – Minimum Security
Beaver Creek – Minimum Security
Pittsburgh – Minimum Security
Struggling to find meaning after receiving an extended sentence, Lee started advocacy work for inmates from within the system and served numerous years in the various roles of Inmate Committee Chairman (elected position), Unit Representative (elected position), Peer Counselor, and Grievance Coordinator.
Lee discovered that he had a skill for conflict resolution and was frequently called upon by both inmates and staff to negotiate peaceful resolutions to tricky situations. He possesses a unique skill set that allowed him to work within the system while at the same time maintaining the respect of his peers.
Throughout his years of advocacy work, Lee has had extensive dealings with prison administrators and staff alike. He is a relentless lobbyist for inmate/human rights and understands the intricacies of the system in ways that allow him to advocate efficiently and effectively.
Lee has supported hundreds of federal inmates navigate their way successfully through the system, providing assistance with rights information and protection, parole applications, and parole hearing preparation. Even/especially prior to entering the system, there are many things people can do to ease the transition to incarceration.
Lee brings a compassionate, mindful approach to his work. His reflective and empowering style of communication fosters a sense of trust and security, allowing people working with him to gain the information and inner resources necessary to do their time effectively.
Lee works actively with clients to address the issues that led to their charges and/or incarceration so that they are not simply "doing time" but rather using their time productively to address the issues that led to their incarceration. This approach lays the foundation for early release, and just as importantly, to stay out.
Life After Life In Jail
Following release from prison and successful completion of his sentence, Lee was drawn to service in the area he was most familiar with: assisting those facing, or serving, jail time and their families. Realizing that he had gained specialized knowledge and expertise over the years, that if put to good use would allow others the chance to avoid many of the challenges and pitfalls he faced earlier in life.
Lee now dedicates his life experience to help others and towards the active pursuit of Canadian crime prevention initiatives and prison reform. The following is a listing of Lee's dedicated actions towards these pursuits since the completion of his prison sentence in 2009.
Crime Prevention
Lee works actively with young people through mentoring programs and crime prevention/anti-bullying motivational speaking engagements. He endeavors to remove any sense of glamour or coolness attached to perceptions of the criminal world or 'thug culture'. The message is simple; true strength and true toughness come from overcoming adversities, staying the course, and 'walking in the light'.
Reinforcing the significance and empowerment derived from doing the right thing, 'especially when everyone is watching'.
University Lecturer
2014 marks Lee's sixth consecutive year as a guest lecturer in Criminology classrooms at the University of Ottawa. He has also had speaking engagements at Carlton University, Algonquin College, and Sir Sandford Fleming College.
Author
Lee published his first book on Canadian Corrections and the justice system in the spring of 2014:
One Man's Journey: Inside & Out: An Insider View of Canadian Justice Policies & Corrections
This book is available in both E-Book format and the Print version and provides readers with an overview of corrections in Canada from the 1700s to the present day while offering solution-based ideas to the growing harmful consequences of Canada's new tough-on-crime legislation. Lee considers prison to be grossly over-used to the point of warehousing in Canada today based upon a culture of punishment instead of rehabilitation.
Creative Advisor
Lee has worked as a consultant with other authors and people in the entertainment industry, providing an authentic insight into the world of crime and prisons for various creative projects.
Motivational Speaking Engagements
Lee has more than a decade of experience conducting motivational guest speaking engagements at Canadian high schools. These talks are rooted in anti-bullying, crime prevention, and the empowerment of self-value and belief. The road to this involvement began while still incarcerated in 2001, addressing a visiting high school class that attended Fenbrook medium-security penitentiary for a presentation by inmates.
Media
Lee has collaborated with the media on various Canadian corrections stories, offering his analytical insights on subjects such as Ashley Smith's tragic death & the increasing use of solitary confinement in Canadian corrections, overcrowding, and policy changes – what they represent to inmates, victims, front line prison staff & management and the larger impact on society in general.
Jordan Archer
Jordan is deeply committed to guiding individuals through one of the most challenging transitions of their lives—preparing for incarceration and navigating the correctional system. Having completed a Master of Law and Juris Doctor from Queen’s University, Jordan has developed a strong foundation in criminal and correctional law, advocating for individuals facing the realities of the justice system.
Jordan has worked closely with incarcerated individuals, representing them in disciplinary hearings, parole proceedings, and institutional matters. In doing so, Jordan gained an immediate understanding of the emotional and psychological toll of incarceration, as well as the overwhelming complexity of the correctional process. Jordan has also worked at two Crown Office’s as well as a defense firm giving Jordan valuable insight into sentencing, appeals, and legal strategies critical for those preparing for their time behind bars.
Having experienced the incarceration of a parent firsthand, Jordan understands how difficult it is to process this new reality and the emotional weight and uncertainty that comes with entering the prison system. This personal experience has fueled a deep passion for ensuring that individuals and their families feel supported, informed, and prepared for what lies ahead. By breaking down procedures, explaining institutional expectations, and offering guidance and support, Jordan helps clients regain a sense of control in an otherwise uncertain situation. With a compassionate approach Jordan is dedicated to helping individuals navigate incarceration with dignity and confidence.
