Welcome to "I" DEFINE - Dayton Ohio
Empowering Through Servant Leadership
At “I” DEFINE, we believe that transformation begins with awareness and intentional choice. We are here to guide individuals impacted by incarceration, substance use, and trauma to awaken their inner potential, rise above limiting patterns, and reclaim their lives. We envision a world where empowered individuals do create stronger, healthier communities, breaking cycles of trauma and inspiring lasting change. Grounded in our core values of listening, empathy, accountability, and service, we actively nurture personal growth while placing the well-being of the community at the center of everything we do.
Mission Statement
At "I" DEFINE, we believe no one is bound by their past or circumstances, but defined by the conscious choices that awaken their potential. Our mission is to empower those impacted by incarceration, substance use, and trauma to reclaim authorship of their lives. Through programs grounded in self-awareness, growth, and community reintegration, we help individuals break cycles, unlock purpose, and build meaningful futures.
Vision Statement
We envision communities where every person—regardless of past mistakes or hardships—can awaken to purpose, reclaim dignity, and live with meaning. By fostering resilience, healing, and connection, "I" DEFINE breaks generational cycles of harm and ignites lasting change—building safer, stronger, and more compassionate communities where all are free to define who they choose to become.
Message From Founder
“Real change doesn’t begin just because we decide to be different — it begins when we truly see ourselves as we are. Most of us move through life believing we’re in control, unaware of how much our thoughts, emotions, and actions are shaped by habits and automatic reactions. Real transformation starts the moment we have the courage to look within and face those patterns honestly.
“I” DEFINE was born from my lived experience — a story of resilience, transformation, and the power of conscious choice. At 25, I was sentenced to 66 years and 8 months in federal prison, ultimately serving 22 years in some of the nation’s most violent and restrictive penitentiaries. Refusing to give in to despair, I chose to thrive. I turned to education, self-reflection, and leadership as pathways to personal freedom. I fully engaged in evidence-based programs like the Challenge Program, Threshold, NR-DAP, the GROW Unit, and 7 Habits on the Inside — each focused on changing criminal thinking and promoting emotional, behavioral, and cognitive growth.
Over time, my journey shifted from personal development to helping others transform. I began designing and implementing programs that promoted accountability and growth within three federal penitentiaries, earning recognition from the Federal Bureau of Prisons. These included Servant Leadership: From the Inside, CoLuMnS, InDEPTH, and the MENTOR program — each empowering incarcerated individuals to take ownership of their development. MENTOR was later adopted by multiple institutions and recognized by U.S. District Courts for its impact on reducing recidivism, contributing to measurable improvements such as a 17% reduction in institutional violence.
Following my compassionate release in December 2024, I founded “I” DEFINE to continue this mission. “I” DEFINE is built on the belief that we are not defined by our past, but by the conscious choices we make to grow, serve, and lead. At “I” DEFINE, we understand that real change is impossible until we recognize the necessity of inner growth. The moment we realize that growth isn’t optional but essential becomes the first step toward freedom — the shift from unconscious existence to conscious becoming.
My team and I walk beside individuals at this threshold, offering guidance, structure, and community as they begin their own work of transformation. Through this process, what once felt like struggle becomes the very path forward — a journey toward wholeness, awareness, and the realization of one’s true potential.”
Brad Steel, Attorney
“I learned John’s story when I was assigned to work on his Motion for Compassionate Release as a young attorney. I poured over 21 years of records reflecting John’s time spent incarcerated and the work he undertook while in prison. I learned from those records how John worked tirelessly to improve himself and the people around him despite risks to his own safety and wellbeing. He selflessly committed himself to mentoring others and learning skills to deal with his difficult circumstances. I have represented criminal defendants in a variety of matters. I have seen how our criminal justice system grinds people down and creates a sense of dread and hopelessness for incarcerated people. John refused to become one of them. He is a shining example of how people can overcome their past mistakes and how placing an emphasis on rehabilitation and support can help others overcome their past mistakes as well. The lessons we can learn from John are vitally important; now more than ever.”
Pam Bailey, Co-Founder of More Than Our Crimes
"Through my work with More Than Our Crimes, I have come to know literally thousands of men and women in prison. But John Kuehne stood out because despite his many years of incarceration and – initially – little hope of returning home anytime soon, he remained positive, focused on personal growth and committed to helping those around him develop as well. The federal Bureau of Prisons’ programming leaves a lot to be desired, so it takes people like John to develop their own, then do the (very) hard work of selling it to the administration. John stuck to it, despite the hurdles. When he was released, John didn’t abandon his desire to help others who have walked his path. Despite the push and pulls of needing to reacclimate and earn an income, Johns continues to do the hard work to make “I" Define a reality that will change lives."
Our Core Values
Listening
Listening is where transformation begins. We give our full attention to those we serve — without interruption, judgment, or distraction. Through genuine listening, people feel seen, valued, and understood.
Healing
True leadership creates space for healing. We recognize the wounds caused by trauma, disconnection, and past environments, and we foster cultures of trust, safety, and renewal where people can begin again.
Empathy
Empathy allows us to see through another’s eyes. We take time to understand each person’s journey — their strengths, struggles, and dreams — so we can help them grow into their fullest potential.
Self-Awareness
Change starts within. We encourage reflection, honesty, and humility — understanding our own strengths and limitations so we can better serve others. Awareness opens the door to authentic growth.
Persuasion
We lead not through power, but through influence. Persuasion, for us, means building understanding and unity — inspiring shared purpose rather than imposing control.
Conceptualization
We hold vision and reality together. We dream boldly while staying grounded in action, helping individuals and communities move from possibility to purpose.
Foresight
Wisdom is learning from what has been to prepare for what will be. We use reflection, experience, and collective insight to anticipate challenges and create better paths forward.
Stewardship
We lead by example. Stewardship means taking responsibility for the well-being of others, the integrity of our mission, and the impact we leave behind. We model the values we teach.
Commitment to the Growth of People
We invest in people — their learning, healing, and leadership. Growth is not optional; it’s the heartbeat of transformation. When people grow, communities thrive.
Building Community
We believe no one heals alone. We build relationships rooted in trust, compassion, and shared purpose — creating communities where belonging replaces isolation, and connection fuels change.
Organizational Goals
Programmatic Goals
Our Dedicated Team
Founder
John D. Kuehne, Jr.
John D. Kuehne Jr. is a passionate advocate for transformational change—beginning from the inside out. As the founder of “I” DEFINE, he believes that true leadership is rooted in service, and that the most powerful way to influence others is through personal example and inner alignment. Having experienced firsthand the journey of incarceration, transformation, and renewal, John’s life work centers on helping individuals rediscover their worth, purpose, and potential in meaningful, life-changing ways.
Grounded in the principles of servant leadership, John teaches that lasting transformation begins with the heart—through humility, empathy, discipline, and a genuine desire to uplift others. He emphasizes the importance of holistic health—integrating emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical well-being—as the foundation for sustainable growth and meaningful contribution. His mission is deeply personal: to interrupt cycles of trauma, restore dignity, and create opportunities for healing, development, and forward movement.
Through “I” DEFINE”, John continues to pour his experience and insight into programs that heal, equip, and empower individuals to rise above circumstance, embrace accountability, choose responsibility, and live intentionally with purpose. His work includes community mentoring, mindset development, peer support, and leadership training shaped by lived experience and compassionate guidance. His message is simple yet profound: we are not defined by our past, but by the conscious choices we make today to serve, grow, and lead from within. John dedicates his life to building environments where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential beyond limitation.
Chief Operating Officer
Kelsey Cathcart
Kelsey Cathcart brings passion, empathy, and a strong foundation of training to her role at “I” DEFINE. With a commitment to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Kelsey is dedicated to person-centered care that prioritizes dignity, safety, and inclusion.
She holds multiple certifications through the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, including specialized training in dual diagnoses, substance use disorders, and trauma-informed care. Her knowledge in these areas allows her to provide compassionate, informed support to individuals with complex needs.
Kelsey is certified in CPR and AED, medication administration, and other critical health and safety areas such as choking and fall prevention, UI/MUI reporting, immediate response and investigation protocols, and elopement prevention. Her proactive and attentive approach ensures a safe, responsive, and health-conscious environment for the people she supports.
As an advocate for autonomy and ethical care, Kelsey is trained in the Bill of Rights for People with Developmental Disabilities, the NADSP Code of Ethics, and the role of guardianship and consent. She uses this knowledge to empower individuals while upholding their rights.
At “I” DEFINE, Kelsey plays an active role in person-centered planning and is certified in the Ohio Individual Service Plan process. She believes in amplifying the voices of those she supports and values their active participation in shaping their own lives.
Stories Of Transformation
At “I” DEFINE, transformation isn’t just a goal—it’s a lived experience. Our members are at the heart of everything we do, and their stories reflect the power of conscious choice, mentorship, and community.
“I never realized how much my choices could impact others until I joined "I" DEFINE. Now I feel connected and empowered.”
“The workshops and mentorship helped me break cycles I thought were permanent. I’m stronger and more hopeful than ever.”