staff

​Jackie Durant
​Director

For several years, Jackie served as a director for drug and alcohol treatment facilities and as an instructor for State certified drug and alcohol counselors in northern California. Having previously worked with both victims and offenders in the criminal justice system, she now serves as Executive Director of HOPE City Redding, a non-profit organization providing community-based programs under the umbrella of Restorative Justice Practices.

​As a Restorative Justice Practitioner, Jackie believes that trauma, crime and wrongdoing cause harm / injustice; and the fruit of justice should be healing and restoration for all stakeholders involved. She combines her leadership and passion to implement programs that motivate people towards walking in freedom and inner healing. She applies empathetic insight through teaching and program development to see healing and wholeness restored to all those seeking justice in their community.  

Certified: Hope Navigator, Nurturing Fathers, Anger Management​ 

Dani Carstens
Office Manager

Dani is originally from Dallas, Texas ​and has lived in Redding for the past 12 years. She is passionate about helping kids and families who are going through a hard time find hope, healing, and restoration. She's been a foster parent for 6 years and has been able to see the restoration of families first hand on many occasions. Dani loves going to the ocean, playing Pickleball, hanging out with friends, and finding a good restaurant!

Dani oversees the office administration and finance's for HOPE City Redding. She is happy to help connect you with our team and answer any questions you may have! She loves the mission and vision of Hope City and is excited to bring her administrative skills to see the programs and services thrive.

Andrew McElvy
​Mentor Coordinator

Andrew, originally from Modesto, moved to Redding, CA, in 2015, where he lives with his wife and daughter. He is passionate about encouraging others and creating a safe, fun, and caring environment for young people. He believes in the power of words to heal and inspire hope.

Andrew has been engaged in social services since 2018 and currently coordinates Hope City mentors for at-risk youth in his county. Andrew serves as the Campus Mentoring Coordinator for HOPE City, coordinating support and life skills development for at-risk youth across multiple schools in Shasta County.

​Andrew leads a curriculum called "Nurturing Fathers," aimed at encouraging fathers to strengthen their connections with their children. He is a certified fitness and nutrition coach with a passion for outdoor activities, family time, exercise, sports, cooking and making healthy smoothies.