Corrections_Today_Winter_2025-2026_Vol.87_No.4

STANDARDS & ACCREDITATION

and mentor their group during the afternoon practical exercise. Finally, they evaluate how the students per formed in the practical exercise. Both training programs assist staff to prepare for or maintain accreditation. Amanda also assists ACA in conducting auditor training at facilities using the same model with training in a classroom and practical exercises in the facility. Additionally, she is one of the lead instructors in ACA’s Professional Development Leadership Training, having led basic and advanced lead ership training in Virginia. She is a great instructor because of her teaching technique, knowl edge of the process and expected practices. In addition, her use of real-world experience and examples and the care she displays for the corrections industry and the staff who work in all fields of correc tions makes her an effective mentor and educator.

Some people would look at Amanda Moon and all the accom plishments and recognition she has had, and they would say she is successful. Some people look at success by how much money you make or recognition you receive. However, I agree with Coach Lou Holtz, who said it’s more important to be significant than successful. Significant is when you make other people successful. That will last longer than your individu al success. While in the Army, I always measured my significance by how my unit performed after I left. If they continue to do good work, then I have succeeded because I have created processes and/or mentored others to do good work. With all the training and men toring Amanda Moon has done in corrections and leadership, she has made so many others successful, thus she is significant. Thank you, Amanda, for all you do.

To everyone else ACA is looking for instructors for the Standards and Accreditation Department and the Professional Development Department. Step forward and leave a significant legacy by helping us to fulfil ACA’s vision and mission. CT

Share the “Story of Us!” ACA wants to hear your ACCREDITATION STORIES. For more information, contact David Haasenritter at davidh@aca.org .

David Haasenritter is the Director of Standards & Accreditation at the American Correctional Association in Alexandria, VA. For more

information, contact David Haasenritter at (703) 224-0070 or davidh@aca.org.

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