The Cipher Staff

Christopher "Gator" Ockletree
Co-Founder
Hip hop and spoken word artist, community activist, and leader; Dropped out of Reagan High School in 2003, returned in 2004 with renewed drive and energy, became class president and an under-21-spoken-word champion; Used opportunities to speak out about social and personal issues in school assemblies, press conferences, and in national competitions; At 19, became involved in local non-profit collaborations and has worked with SafePlace, Southwest Key's juvenile justice programs, Austin Voices for Youth and Education and many other youth programs; Together with his hip hop group, has performed, presented, and taught at Texas Association Against Sexual Assault's (TAASA) teen leadership conference (2007); national conference, "A Call to Men," working with men on issues related to violence against women (2007 and 2008).

Shannon Sandrea MS, LPC
Co-Founder
Licensed professional counselor, over 15 years experience working with teens and families in New York City, Boston, Houston and her hometown, Austin; Master's degree with specialization in family and school counseling, has focused on issues related to poverty, court-involved youth, substance abuse and domestic violence prevention and intervention; Previously a counselor at SafePlace for the last four years; Has collaborated with ALL of the other Cipher advisory members and group leaders for over three years on various Austin community projects; Has established relationships with the original Hip Hop Project in New York City.