Anthony Puthuff
Director of Re‑Entry Programming
Anthony Puthuff is an addiction treatment specialist, re-entry case manager, and trauma‑informed group facilitator whose work centers on supporting justice‑impacted individuals as they rebuild their lives after incarceration. Known for his grounded leadership and person‑centered approach, Anthony brings lived experience, professional training, and deep empathy to every space he enters.
An alumnus of CDCR’s Offender Mentor Certification Program (2022), Anthony has developed extensive expertise in trauma‑sensitive practices that guide individuals toward holistic healing, emotional development, and sustainable personal growth. His background includes facilitating rites‑of‑passage youth programs, restorative‑justice circles, and reentry workforce development initiatives that help returning citizens secure stability and long‑term opportunity.
Anthony’s commitment to community transformation is reflected in his work with underserved populations across California. He has contributed to major reentry‑focused events—including the Fair Chance Housing Event in Oakland—and is a Formerly Incarcerated People’s Performance Project Fellow, recognized for his leadership in arts‑based and community‑centered reentry programming.
His academic achievements include earning six associate degrees in disciplines such as Communication Studies, Psychology, and Sociology, demonstrating his dedication to understanding human behavior and the complexities of personal change. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, further strengthening his clinical and therapeutic skill set.
As Director of Re‑Entry Programming at Ben Free, Anthony brings a rare blend of professional training, lived experience, and compassionate leadership. His work ensures that Ben Free’s reentry initiatives are trauma‑informed, culturally responsive, and grounded in the belief that every person deserves the chance to heal, grow, and reclaim their future.