Dora Gilreath is the communications assistant at Good Dads. She joined the team in 2024 and has Bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in creative writing at Missouri State University. She loves reading, writing and anything related to theater.
Ryan Washington
Before Good Dads, Ryan Washington had been incarcerated for seven years.
While the father of seven has always had a relationship with his children, he wanted to take a more hands-on approach to being a dad, he said. Like many of the fathers who attend our workshops, Ryan sadly grew up without a father. For much of his life he was exposed to incarceration, experiencing it on and off himself.
Now a graduate of the New Pathways for Good Dads program, Ryan was able to make positive changes in his life, for himself and his family.
“(Fatherhood) means everything,” he said. “Being a father helps me relax, to get back and experience life.”
Ryan says he’s faced obstacles when it comes to his mental health, especially with anxiety and depression. But knowing that he wasn’t alone has guided him through his fatherhood journey.
“(Good Dads) gave me an opportunity to be around other fathers,” he said. “(You) see the avenues they took and find different avenues to help you.”
Good Dads has helped Ryan to build a robust support system and improve his communication skills. During each class, he looked upon a wall in his classroom filled with a collage of names and phone numbers of New Pathways participants and facilitators. He sent and received regular calls and emails on updates and other helpful information.
“It feels good to have people check in on you and help,” he said.
Through one-on-one interactions between participants and facilitators, Ryan felt comfortable enough to open up.
“I harbor my emotions a lot,” he admitted. “It does get overwhelming, but (Good Dads) gave me more time to process and open up and learn different processes that come with it. It was a learning experience for me.”
His advice to fathers who are just starting the program?
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions and keep pushing,” he said. “One obstacle doesn’t mean you can’t achieve relationships with your family. Keep an open mind and remember your goal.”
Ryan recently graduated from culinary school, giving him a “chance to breathe and start over.” As a sous chef at Big Cedar Lodge, a resort outside of Branson, MO, he continues to strive for and take advantage of new opportunities for improvement.
Ryan, along with nearly 50 fellow fathers, walked the stage at the New Pathways graduation on June 4th, 2026. He felt both accomplished and motivated.
His children know about his fatherhood journey through the New Pathways for Good Dads program, and they came to his graduation to support him.
“(I’m) vocal with my children about my process and the steps I’m taking,” he said. “It was fun to see my kids at the end tell me they were proud of me. I want my kids to see my achievements, follow in my footsteps and achieve the same thing.”
One of Ryan’s biggest goals is to be in his children’s lives more. Through outdoor activities, such as fishing, he’s learned about the best ways to engage with children. And he’s learned a thing or two about his own interests, too.
“I’ve found different ways to interact with them,” he said “(I’m) not ashamed of what I’ve been through, and I don’t let it deprive them.”
Ryan continues to be a positive presence in the lives of his children, fulfilling the important role fathers play.
“I feel that every child needs their father for leadership, guidance and moral support,” he said. “I know I lacked moral support, guidance and someone to hug. They need that father, and my relationship with all my kids continues to grow.”
