2026 ACA Winter Conference Long Beach CA_Program Book

SATURDAY, FEB. 7

10–11:30 A.M.

Cognitive Life Skills Coaches — The Winning Playbook Against Criminogenic Thinking Room 102 A TRACK: Programming Overview: The Cognitive Life Skills program is designed to help individuals develop essential thinking patterns and behaviors that support better decision-making, emotional regulation and problem-solving. This program is currently utilized in correctional facilities within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to help participants recognize and change negative thought patterns that lead to poor choices or impulsive behaviors. Speakers: Christopher Carter , Division Director, Member ACA Board of Governors, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Huntsville, Texas; Ruby Davis , Deputy Division Director, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Huntsville, Texas Reducing Recidivism Through Commercial Driver (CDL) Training: The Roads2Work Model Room 102 C TRACK: Reentry Overview: Since 2015, Capital Transportation has partnered with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation & Correction to deliver pre-release COL training at Richland, Grafton, and Northeast Correctional Institutions, and post-release training with Alvis, Inc. clients. Over 600 trainees have earned CDLs and secured employment immediately after release, earning $50,000-$60,000 plus benefits, while cutting recidivism to single digits. This session shows how other states can replicate Ohio’s success through the Roads2Work model-a licensed framework combining transporta tion-specific career readiness, ELDT-compliant COL instruction and industry job placement to build sustainable reentry pathways.

WORKSHOPS Saturday, Feb. 7 ▼ 10–11:30 a.m.

Speakers: Richard M. Crockett , President & CEO, Roads2Work, Inc., and Capital Transportation Academy, Columbus, Ohio; Dave Evans , Academy Director, Capital Transportation Academy, Columbus, Ohio; Vernise Robinson , Workforce Development Administrator, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation & Corrections, Columbus, Ohio Empowering Officers and Enhancing Outcomes: The Future of Success Coaching in Corrections Room 102 B TRACK: Staff Development Overview: This workshop introduces innovative success coaching specifically designed for correctional officers, focusing on both personal and professional growth. Participants will explore the advantages of success coaching within a correctional training environment and examine a pilot initiative aimed at expanding success coaching in facilities to promote officer empowerment and development. Major points include: • Definition and significance of success coaching. • Overview of the pilot initiative’s objectives and strategies. • Key benefits: enhanced performance, reduced burnout, improved relationships

104 — ACA 2026 Winter Conference | Long Beach, CA