2025 ACA 155th Congress of Correction Denver_Program Book

Success Coaching: Bridging Personal Development and Career Aspirations in Corrections Room 103 Overview: This workshop, titled “Success Coaches: Bridging Personal Development and Career Aspirations in Corrections,” aims to illuminate the pivotal role of success coaches in enhancing the training and professional journey of future officers within the correctional academy. By focusing on the dual objectives of personal development and career readiness, the session will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of how tailored success coaching can foster resilience, improve problem-solving skills and promote officer well-being. Participants will gain insights into the program’s framework, including how success coaches provide individualized support that addresses both personal challenges and professional aspirations. Moderator: Alexandra Merritt , LE Peer Counselor, Georgia Department of Corrections, Office of Professional Development, Forsyth, Georgia Speakers: Adam Baswell , Office of Professional Development Director, Georgia Department of Corrections, Forsyth, Georgia; Amber Hammond , Georgia Corrections Academy (GCA) Director, Office of Professional Development/Georgia Department of Corrections, Forsyth, Georgia; Sabrina Handsford-Henry , Success Coach Program Manager, Office of Professional Development/ Georgia Department of Corrections, Forsyth, Georgia Reel Resilience: Transforming Entertainment into Programming Room 108 Overview: Many justice-impacted individuals have limited contact with prosocial models. To fill this gap, we present results from a pilot study of a film-based program tested in a male youth prison, ages 18-24. The program teaches how to improve Protective Factors via 12 inspirational films. Pre/post-testing is based on the Good Citizenship Model Flourishing domains. Qualitative data highlights meaningful

to withstand today’s inmates, who are more aggressive, less compliant and more likely to exploit physical weaknesses in security infrastructure. The panel will review an ongoing retrofit initiative in the Tennessee Department of Corrections. Facing maintenance burdens across multiple facilities, they sought a tamper-resistant locking system that could be mounted onto existing doors. The solution had to meet stringent testing while working around the constraints of aging infrastructure, the current prison population and budget. Speakers: Eric Goodman , VP Business Development, Willo Products Company, Decatur, Alabama; Robert Hurley , Facility Construction Specialist, Tennessee Department of Corrections, Nashville, Tennessee; Frank A. Niedzwiedz , Engineer, R&N Systems Design, Memphis, Tennessee Why It Matters: Crime Victim Reentry Wraparound in Virginia Room 106 Overview: Since 2017, VADOC has revolutionized post-conviction victim services in Virginia by providing reentry wraparound services to registered crime victims. During the six months leading up to an inmate’s release, while facilities and districts are preparing the inmate for his or her return to the community, the Victim Services Unit is preparing the crime victim for this same transition. By assisting victims in planning for their safety and sharing relevant information with probation so they can avoid potentially problematic home plans and supervise returning probationers more effectively, VADOC collaborates across the agency to enhance public safety and set everyone up for greater success. Speakers: Emily Sattie , Victim Services Manager, Virginia Department of Corrections, Richmond, Virginia; Cristianne Smith , Regional Victim Advocate Senior — Northwest Region, Virginia Department of Corrections, Richmond, Virginia

WORKSHOPS

Monday, Aug. 25 ▼ 10–11:30 a.m.

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