Meet the Staff
Lt. Diane Goldstein (Ret.)
Executive DirectorExecutive Director Lieutenant Diane Goldstein (Ret.) is a 21-year law enforcement veteran of the Redondo Beach (CA) Police Department; she retired as their first female lieutenant in 2004, having worked in investigations, crisis negotiation, gang enforcement and special investigations, community relations, and community policing. Lt. Goldstein serves as the face of the organization, directing LEAP's vision, interacting with major funders, serving as the link between LEAP's staff and Board of Directors, and representing the organization in the media and to the general public. Lt. Goldstein has been an official representative of the Law Enforcement Action Partnership since 2010, serving on the Board of Directors from 2014 - 2020, and as Board Chair from 2018 - 2020. She joined the staff as Executive Director in 2020. View full bio
Darby Beck
Chief Operating OfficerDarby oversees the Law Enforcement Action Partnership's day-to-day operations, making decisions regarding administrative business, strategic planning, and partnerships. She holds an M.A. in Political Science with fields in Public Law, American Politics and Political Communication from the University of Washington and two B.A.s, in History and Political Science, from Trinity University. While at the UW, she studied criminal justice and TA’d a number of classes focusing on the political, social and legal implications of the War on Drugs, and her thesis examined media framing of a harm reduction model. Darby has interned for federal judge Orlando Garcia, as well as working in communications and research for a political nonprofit.
Eric Lane
Director of Development & Communications
Amos Irwin
Program DirectorProgram Director Amos Irwin manages the recruitment and training of Law Enforcement Action Partnership speakers (to inquire about become a speaker, contact Speakers@LawEnforcementAction.org) , as well as collaboration with LEAP’s ally organizations. Previously, he served as Chief of Staff at the Criminal Justice Policy Foundation. Amos has taught courses on the criminal justice system at the Northeastern University Foundation Year program and the Tufts University Osher Center. He has also published cost-benefit evaluations of supervised injection facilities in the Harm Reduction Journal and Journal of Drug Issues. Amos has a Master’s degree from the Tufts University Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and a Bachelor’s degree from Amherst College. He speaks Spanish, Chinese, French, and German.
James Davis
Media Relations DirectorJames Davis serves as Media Relations Director for the Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP), and he previously served as a legislative staffer for the Massachusetts State Legislature and the City Council of Berkeley, California. His drive for ending the drug war and implementing community responder models is rooted in his own loved ones' struggles with substance use. He holds a Master's in Public Administration from the University of Southern California and a Bachelors in Economics and History from Columbia University.
Esi Mathis
Program ManagerEsi Mathis, LEAP's Program Manager, is a social justice advocate who is deeply concerned about individuals and families impacted by mass incarceration. Her advocacy is fueled by trauma-induced experiences of several family members. She has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Florida A&M University and a master’s degree in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. She is currently enrolled as a PhD student in the Leadership and Change program at Antioch University. Her foreign travels include London, Israel, India, Ghana and Zambia.
Monica Westfall
Development and Communications ManagerMonica is LEAP's Development Associate, supporting the Director of Development and Communications with research, structure, and maintenance of the donor database, prospective funding, grant calendar, and development writing, including grants and appeals. She also helps with training and recruitment efforts. Monica holds a degree in IT Management from American Military University. Prior to joining LEAP, she worked for the Virginia State Police as the executive secretary supporting the Counter-Terrorism and Criminal Interdiction Unit, including Asset Forfeiture, Marijuana Eradication and Drug Diversion. She also worked in the training academy, and the department of human resources for the VSP. Outside of work, Monica enjoys spending time with her three adult children.
Lionel King
Program SpecialistLionel King is an ethnographer, author, and researcher. He holds a PhD in Intercultural Relations. His research centers on the use of religious/cultural practices in mental health treatment. Lionel is a New Orleans native and a proud husband and father.
Mariama Taifa-Seitu
Program AssociateMariama is the Program Associate for LEAP. She has a Bachelor’s degree in journalism from Temple University and a Master’s degree in international affairs from The New School University. Prior to joining LEAP, Mariama worked as an editor and writer for the U.S. Department of Defense and was a research consultant with advocacy groups on criminal justice reform and reparatory justice initiatives. She is a photographer, digital artist, and avid global traveler.
Allison Check
Media Relations AssociateAlly is the Media Relations Associate for LEAP. She has a bachelor's degree in political science from DePaul University. She is experienced with political campaigns and strategic communications. Prior to joining LEAP, Ally did communications work for the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Washington, DC.
Daut'e Martin
Program AssistantDaut’e Martin is the Program Assistant for LEAP. Daute’s passion for social reform is fueled by her experiences growing up in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. She holds a bachelor's degree in Africana Studies from the University of Notre Dame. Daut’e is an advocate for social reform that will improve the quality of life for all people. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, journaling, and spending time with family and friends.
Kimberly Haven
Program AssistantKimberly Haven is a focus-issue expert, a frequently called upon speaker, and a sought-after expert for legislative testifying and media commentary on a broad range of criminal justice reform and advocacy issues. She consults routinely with national, state, and local elected officials and executives on criminal justice issues. During her extensive career, she has played a leadership role in numerous statewide efforts. She has executed a variety of message campaigns in order to engage and impact public debates and ultimately to move policy. She has successfully ideated and created innovative community engagement strategies and campaigns during the past 20+ years and has the unique distinction of being the only formerly incarcerated individual who has written and passed several pieces of legislation at both the State and City levels that have resonated across the nation. She is an author, advocate, and activist and brings a fresh voice, insight, and authority that brings new attention to the issues in the criminal justice system.
Sofia Medina
Program AideSofia Medina is currently serving as a Program Aide for LEAP after learning so much from her experience as an intern for the organization last year. Sofia is currently seeking a BA with a double major in Criminology & Criminal Justice and Government & Politics at the University of Maryland, College Park. Sofia is a passionate advocate for criminal justice reform that will uphold public safety and rebuild community trust. Outside of work, Sofia enjoys reading and spending time outdoors.
