I am an Associate Professor of Criminal Justice Sciences at Western Oregon University and have been at WOU since June 2019. I have been working with and learning directly from people impacted by the criminal legal system for over a decade. My research focuses on interventions within and legislation concerning juvenile and adult corrections that affect reentry and recidivism, as well as addressing social hostility toward those with justice system involvement.

My earlier experiences as a high school special education teacher and consultant, as well as a foster parent, have contributed to my research and activism regarding disproportionate representations of vulnerable and marginalized populations in the criminal and juvenile legal systems. My work on affecting the outcomes of youth and adults in these systems has led to participation in numerous academic, behavioral, and reintegration programs in both juvenile and adult correctional facilities with a priority on emphasizing the voices of those seldom heard. I have presented on behalf of my research participants and fellow change agents at multiple national and regional criminal justice conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals across various related fields of study..

What I have had learned from the beautiful people impacted by the criminal legal system who have been kind enough to teach me and share their vulnerability with me is the foundation for everything I do.

There is no darkness so great that it cannot be penetrated by the light from a single flame.