Brashani Reece, PsyD
Director of Carceral Mental Health Programming
Dr. Brashani Reece is a forensic psychologist, survivor‑advocate, and nationally recognized leader in the movement to end extreme sentencing. As Co‑Founder and Executive Director of Drop LWOP New England, she brings more than a decade of expertise studying violence, trauma, and human transformation. Her work is grounded in both rigorous forensic scholarship and lived experience: after surviving an attempted murder, Dr. Reece chose a path rooted in healing, accountability, and the belief that redemption is real.
A trained facilitator who has worked extensively inside prisons, Dr. Reece has witnessed firsthand the profound capacity for change among incarcerated people. She uses forensic evidence and trauma‑informed practice to educate policymakers, shift public narratives, and build coalitions dedicated to ending “death by incarceration.” Her leadership includes Project North Star 2030, a national initiative reframing how communities understand extreme sentences and the human potential for transformation.
As Director of Carceral Mental Health Programming at Ben Free, Dr. Reece designs and leads trauma‑informed, evidence‑based programs that support emotional growth, accountability, and psychological resilience for system‑impacted individuals. Her work strengthens Ben Free’s mission by ensuring that mental health programming—both inside and outside carceral settings—is grounded in humanity, science, and the belief that every person deserves the chance to heal and rebuild.