Team

We are a community of more than 140 researchers, practitioners, policy experts, writers, and collaborators who believe deeply in our mission to advance safety and second chances. Check out the map below to see where our staff live and work.

Leadership


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Director
As director of the CSG Justice Center, Megan Quattlebaum leads a staff of more than 140 who work across an array of specialties that span the criminal justice continuum to develop research-driven strategies to increase public safety and strengthen communities.
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Before joining the organization, Megan most recently served as a research scholar in law and the program director of the Justice Collaboratory at the Yale Law School, where she taught as well as developed and oversaw research projects and led the organization’s work on behalf of the National Initiative for Building Community Trust and Justice. She was also the Senior Liman Fellow in Residence for the Arthur Liman Center for Public Interest Law and served as a lecturer in law at Columbia Law School. Additionally, she has served as a practicing criminal and civil defense attorney with Zuckerman Spaeder LLP in New York and an Arthur Liman Public Interest Fellow and attorney at the Neighborhood Legal Services Association in Pittsburgh. She also clerked for the Hon. Julio M. Fuentes of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. She received her BA from Sarah Lawrence College and her JD from the Yale Law School.
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    Deputy Director
    Marshall Clement provides strategic leadership across the breadth of the CSG Justice Center’s policy and programmatic work to increase public safety and strengthen communities. Previously, Marshall served as the organization’s director of the State Initiatives Division. Over a 13-year tenure
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    at the CSG Justice Center, Marshall led the growth and evolution of the Justice Reinvestment Initiative program, which assists policymakers seeking to reduce spending on corrections and reinvest savings in strategies that lower recidivism rates and increase public safety. As part of this process, Marshall coordinated the work of a team of policy analysts and national experts to analyze corrections data and policy and develop policy options for policymakers in 27 states. He regularly facilitated meetings among judicial and state agency officials and testified before legislative committees in various states across the country; his findings have been used to inform policy initiatives that have enjoyed overwhelming bipartisan support. Marshall received his BA in public policy with honors from Brown University.
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    Director, State Initiatives
    Grace Beil Call, as director of state initiatives at The Council of State Governments Justice Center, advances policies for a more effective, equitable, and responsive criminal justice system. Her contributions, alongside those of people on the state initiatives team, are
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    evident in programs like Justice Reinvestment, Justice Counts, and Lantern. Before her role at the CSG Justice Center, she served as a visiting fellow for the Office for Victims of Crime at the U.S. Department of Justice. Grace directed the Victims of Crime Act program for the Office of Crime Victims Advocacy in Washington, showcasing her understanding of victim services and work as a State Administering Agency. Her leadership included directing the Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault, and she began her advocacy as a volunteer at the Rape Recovery Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, more than 25 years ago. Grace holds a BS in gender studies from the University of Utah.
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    Director, Finance, Operations, and Administration
    Nerisha Degale performs in-depth variance analysis of revenue and expenses and restricted and unrestricted financial schedules. She also conducts research, creates ad hoc financial reports, and develops the CSG Justice Center’s operating budget. Before joining the CSG Justice Center, she
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    was a tax-processing specialist at Deloitte & Touche and was an assistant to the controller at Le Bernadin, Inc. She holds a BBA in accounting and finance from Boise State University.
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    Interim Director, Behavioral Health
    Hallie Fader-Towe works with local and state policymakers to craft policies, processes, and programs that bring research-informed approaches to their jurisdictions. In her positions with the CSG Justice Center, she has worked with jurisdictions around the country on collaborative, data-driven
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    planning and implementation efforts to address criminal justice functions from initial detention through reentry, including a focus on people with mental illnesses. She has also managed the development of training materials on mental health courts and on judicial responses to the prevalence of individuals with mental illnesses involved with the criminal justice system. She has written on court case processing, competency to stand trial, dispute systems design for state trial courts, pretrial responses to people with mental illnesses, information sharing between criminal justice and mental health systems, and mental health court design and implementation. Before joining the CSG Justice Center, she was a management consultant with McKinsey & Company in New York. Hallie received a BA from Brown University and a JD from Harvard Law School. 
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    Director of Reentry Initiatives, Corrections and Reentry
    Susan Gottesfeld is the director of reentry initiatives at The Council of State Governments Justice Center. Susan has worked in the criminal justice and human services fields for more than 25 years. Before this role, Susan was chief program officer
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    and executive vice president at the Osborne Association, developing and supervising programs across the spectrum of reentry and alternatives to incarceration. Susan’s experience includes pre-arraignment diversion and mitigation, jail- and prison-based services, workforce development and housing services, treatment services, family visiting programs and services to children of incarcerated parents, as well as anti-violence programs. Throughout her career, Susan has focused on developing and implementing innovative solutions to lessen the human and economic costs of incarceration. She holds master's degrees in forensic psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and in developmental psychology from Columbia University. She also holds bachelor's degrees in psychology and criminology from the University of Florida. She is based in New York City. 
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    Director, Communications and External Affairs
    Christopher Horn oversees developing and implementing communications strategies for the CSG Justice Center and its programs. Before this role, Christopher was the head of strategic communications and partnerships at C40 Cities and the director of communications at American Forests, positions
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    in which he created communications and marketing plans that raised awareness of and advanced the organization’s key policy issues and program areas. Christopher received a BS in journalism from the University of Kansas. 
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    Director, Development & Grant Administration
    Sandy Jamet leads the CSG Justice Center’s efforts to grow and diversify our funding from public and private sources and ensure that we are good stewards of our existing funding. Prior to this role, Sandy served as the director of
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    foundation relations for the CSG Justice Center and as co-interim director and program director for operations in the Behavioral Health Division. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Sandy was the associate vice president for foundation giving at the United Way of New York City. Previously, she led fundraising for the Corporation for Supportive Housing, which consistently exceeded its fundraising targets under her leadership. Sandy received a BA in economics from New York University and a master’s degree in public affairs from Princeton University.
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    Director of Strategic Alignment, Finance, Operations, and Administration
    As the director of strategic alignment, Dr. Maya McDoom guides collaboration among the leadership team and enhances organizational alignment on priorities and outcomes. Maya brings valuable experience from her tenure as the senior director of research and evaluation at the
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    Center for Policing Equity. There, she led team operations and guided evidence-based evaluation and applied research for public safety redesign. Previously, Maya's team at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield drove operational improvements and cost savings for various programs through strategic insights to executives. Maya's expertise spans program management, operations, health equity, and social determinants, cultivated across her career in the academic, nonprofit, and private sectors. Maya earned a PhD from Boston University and an MPH from the University of Kentucky. 
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    Director, Human Resources
    As a member of the CSG Justice Center senior management team, Kenya Salaudeen plays a key role in the delivery of human resources programs. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Kenya served as director of human resources for the
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    New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA). In this capacity, she oversaw the administration of all personnel programs and the staffing of public housing developments, central offices, and all other NYCHA locations with more than 11,000 employees, and also oversaw the agency’s labor relations program. Before her time with NYCHA, Kenya served as vice president at HELP/PSI, a health care and social services organization, where she revamped the recruitment and hiring processes and designed and implemented programs in both employee health benefits and employee recognition. Kenya has also served as assistant director for benefits and policies at Harlem Children’s Zone, where she provided human resources support to employees at 20 locations across New York City. She is currently an adjunct lecturer for the City University of New York, School of Professional Studies and volunteers as a mediator of small claims cases. Kenya holds a BA in sociology from Hunter College and graduated summa cum laude with an MS in organizational leadership from Mercy College.
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    Director, Research
    Dr. Jessica Saunders oversees the Research Division at the CSG Justice Center. She has more than 20 years of experience supporting effective and equitable criminal justice administration through rigorous research, including identifying best practices and addressing systemic racial bias. Her
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    research spans the criminal justice system continuum, from school-based delinquency preventive interventions to reentry and system-wide performance metrics. She has been a principal or co-principal investigator on over $25 million in competitive research grants and contracts and has published over 50 scientific articles, books, and technical reports. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, she was a policy researcher at RAND Corporation and an assistant professor at Arizona State University. Jessica received her PhD in criminal justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
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  • Behavioral Health


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    Senior Policy Analyst, Behavioral Health
    Ethan Aaronson provides technical assistance to Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program grantees and Law Enforcement-Mental Health Learning Sites. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Ethan worked at the Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs, where he assessed how
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    well local governments met the human service needs of residents. He also was the data manager for a project that supported individuals with co-occurring diagnoses in reentry. Previously, he was a counselor in New Jersey and Oregon, helping young men prepare for their return home after completing probation or parole. Ethan earned BAs in political science and history from the University of Vermont and his MA in criminal justice from Rutgers University.
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  • Joseph W Arnett
    Policy Analyst, Behavioral Health
    Joseph W. Arnett provides policy recommendations, training, and technical assistance, working with a wide range of stakeholders in local governments, law enforcement, criminal justice, and behavioral health fields to improve police-mental health collaborations. Previously, Joseph worked for the Alcohol, Drug
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    Addiction, and Mental Health Services Board in Cleveland, Ohio. His role included the planning, implementation, and oversight of behavioral health programs for adults involved in the criminal justice system. Joseph was also previously a probation officer, supervising a mental health/developmental disability caseload, completing pre-sentence investigations, and working with clients to determine risk levels and needs. Joseph has an MS in criminal justice and a BS in substance abuse counseling from the University of Cincinnati.
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    Senior Policy Analyst, Behavioral Health
    Dustin Bartley provides training and technical assistance for the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program. As a licensed therapist in Nebraska, Dustin spent 10 years providing direct service to adults with co-occurring disorders. Dustin has worked in residential and outpatient
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    settings, with his county’s community corrections department, and has provided on-site treatment services for an adult drug court program. Dustin spent nearly eight years with Nebraska’s Judicial Branch in the Administrative Office of the Courts and Probation working with officers and providers statewide on service development, training, and implementation. Dustin earned a BA in psychology from Nebraska Wesleyan University and an MS in mental health counseling from Emporia State University. 
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    Senior Policy Analyst, Behavioral Health
    Mari Bayer helps coordinate crisis response alternatives and initiatives and provides technical assistance and education on community responder programs. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, she was a research associate at the Urban Institute, where she led projects on
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    topics that included mental health, youth and families, alternatives to crisis response, and The Credible Messenger Movement. Before that, Mari was a research associate for the U.S. Sentencing Commission, where she worked to amend the federal sentencing guidelines and inform policy decisions. Mari previously worked for Multnomah County, Oregon, where she evaluated juvenile justice reform initiatives. Mari earned her bachelor’s in psychology and criminal justice from Saint Louis University and a master’s in clinical psychology from Pacific University.
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    Policy Analyst, Behavioral Health
    Avery Bertocci provides technical assistance to federal grantees and works with leaders and stakeholders to help communities address challenges at the intersection of behavioral health and criminal justice. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Avery was a recovery support
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    navigator at Spectrum Health Systems’ MA Department of Corrections Medication Assisted Treatment Program. She worked with returning citizens with substance use disorder to support their reentry, substance use treatment, connection to resources, and continued treatment. Avery previously worked as a case manager at a men’s residential reentry program in Boston and with justice-involved young men in New Zealand at an outdoor therapy-based diversion program. She earned her BA at Wheaton College (MA) and her MPA at Suffolk University.
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    Senior Policy Analyst, Behavioral Health
    Niara Boyd-Watson provides training and technical assistance to Second Chance Act Improving Adult and Juvenile Crisis Stabilization and Community Reentry Program grantees. Before joining the CSG Justice Center, Niara worked in crisis response and stabilization with Wekiva Springs in Jacksonville,
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    Florida, where she evaluated evidence-based interventions, assigned co-occurring clinical diagnoses, and trained new staff. She has also provided clinical therapy to adolescents and adults with co-occurring disorders, as well as evidence-based treatment to people participating in felony, drug, mental health, and veterans courts. She holds a BA in criminal justice from Savannah State University, a certification in child and adolescent psychology, and an MA in forensic psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
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    Senior Policy Analyst, Behavioral Health
    Meredith Butler leads efforts for Stepping Up for Juvenile Justice in Kansas. She provides individualized technical assistance, training, and support to Kansas counties interested in implementing this initiative. Previously, Meredith was the project director of the 4-H Military Partnership Project
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    at Kansas State University, where she ensured that military-connected youth, families, and service-branch program professionals worldwide had access to research-based, positive youth development opportunities. Meredith also served as the Kansas 8th Judicial District Community Corrections Director for 11 years. There, she provided leadership and oversight of intensive community-based probation programs for high-risk, high-need adult and juvenile offenders. She earned her BS in criminology from Kansas State University and her MLS in organizational leadership from Fort Hays State University. 
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  • Amy Button
    Project Manager, Behavioral Health
    Amy Button supports local and state policymakers and other community stakeholders to develop and implement data-driven policies focused on improving outcomes for people with behavioral health needs who are in the criminal justice system. Before joining the CSG Justice Center,
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    Amy led community engagement in New York State for a National Institute on Drug Abuse-funded implementation research project studying community-led, data-driven strategies to reduce opioid overdose deaths. She has worked in local and state government and health care systems to improve practice, data use, and outcomes for populations with high service utilization and complex clinical and social needs. Amy has a BA in literature from Hartwick College and an MPA from Marist College.
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    Ryan Carlino
    Senior Policy Analyst, Behavioral Health
    Ryan Carlino provides technical assistance and policy guidance to counties participating in the States Supporting Familiar Faces initiative. Before joining the CSG Justice Center, Ryan worked at the University of Chicago Crime Lab where he supported government agencies in designing,
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    testing, and scaling programs and policies that address criminal justice and behavioral health system challenges. Prior to that, Ryan worked as a research analyst with the Travis County Juvenile Probation Department. In 2020, Ryan was appointed as a commissioner on the inaugural City of Austin Community Police Review Commission, which provides civilian oversight of police activities in Austin. Ryan earned a BA in anthropology from Grinnell College and an MPP from the University of Texas.
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    Project Manager, Behavioral Health
    Thomas Coyne provides technical assistance to jurisdictions addressing the housing needs of people with mental illnesses who are involved with the criminal justice system. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, he worked on health and housing policy with the
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    Health & Housing Integration team at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. He brings field experience from social work, having worked extensively with people who have serious mental illnesses in Washington, DC, as well as with families reuniting with their children from foster care in Michigan. Thomas earned his BS in criminal justice and BA in sociology from Madonna University and his MPP from the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration at the George Washington University.
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    Program Director, Behavioral Health
    Dr. Megan Davidson is the program director of the Stepping Up initiative, the national effort to reduce the number of people with mental illnesses in the justice system. Megan has over 10 years of experience leading complex stakeholder engagement, research
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    and evaluation, and technical assistance projects at the intersection of behavioral health and criminal justice. She has supported many jurisdictions with the implementation and evaluation of systemic efforts intended to improve outcomes for individuals touched by the behavioral health and criminal justice systems. Megan earned her PhD in public affairs with a concentration in criminal justice from the University of Central Florida.
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    Senior Policy Analyst, Behavioral Health
    Bridget Degnan provides technical assistance to programs addressing substance use needs in the criminal justice system. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Bridget worked at a prison diversion program for women with substance use disorders. She also served as
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    the principal investigator of a study on victim-centered responses to sex trafficking and contributed to the Federal Monitor’s research project on the impact of police body-worn cameras. She brings over a decade of experience partnering with government agencies and community leaders to address behavioral health needs in communities. Bridget received her BA from Patrick Henry College and her MEd from the University of Oklahoma. 
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    Steven Diehl
    Senior Policy Analyst, Behavioral Health
    Steven Diehl provides training and technical assistance under the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program for projects focused on the implementation of specialty courts. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, he served as the 17th Judicial District Treatment Courts
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    coordinator in Central Pennsylvania. There, he oversaw 8 Specialty Court Programs, which also served as National Mentor Court Programs under the direction of the National Drug Court Institute and the U.S. Department of Justice. Steven earned his BS in criminal justice from York College of Pennsylvania and his MS in criminal justice administration with a concentration in justice administration from Loyola University New Orleans.
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    Interim Director, Behavioral Health
    Hallie Fader-Towe works with local and state policymakers to craft policies, processes, and programs that bring research-informed approaches to their jurisdictions. In her positions with the CSG Justice Center, she has worked with jurisdictions around the country on collaborative, data-driven
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    planning and implementation efforts to address criminal justice functions from initial detention through reentry, including a focus on people with mental illnesses. She has also managed the development of training materials on mental health courts and on judicial responses to the prevalence of individuals with mental illnesses involved with the criminal justice system. She has written on court case processing, competency to stand trial, dispute systems design for state trial courts, pretrial responses to people with mental illnesses, information sharing between criminal justice and mental health systems, and mental health court design and implementation. Before joining the CSG Justice Center, she was a management consultant with McKinsey & Company in New York. Hallie received a BA from Brown University and a JD from Harvard Law School. 
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    Senior Operations Specialist, Behavioral Health
    Elizabeth Fleming provides writing, research, and project management support to the Behavioral Health Division. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, she was a fine art photographer for over a decade and served as a chapter leader for the International
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    Cesarean Awareness Network, where she advocated for maternal and child health. Elizabeth holds a BFA in photography from Washington University in St. Louis; an MFA in photography, video, and related media from the School of Visual Arts in New York City; and an MA in sociology from Columbia University.
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    Deputy Program Director, Behavioral Health
    Charles Francis oversees work at the intersection of housing, criminal justice, and behavioral health. He focuses on strategies for state and local partners to increase access to and availability of housing to reduce justice system involvement and facilitate successful reentry,
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    as well as effective law enforcement and community responses to homelessness. Previously, Charley was assistant director of Leased Housing at Rhode Island Housing and director of Policy for the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development. At the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, he played a lead role in implementing the Rental Assistance Demonstration program. Charley holds an MPP from the Heller School for Social Policy at Brandeis University and a BA from Hamilton College. 
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    Policy Analyst, Behavioral Health
    Kaniyaa Francis provides technical assistance and education to Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program grantees and projects related to crisis response alternatives and community responder programs. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Kaniyaa was an associate research manager at
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    Public Health Advocates, where she led policy research, development, and advocacy in California at the state and local levels. Over the years, Kaniyaa has facilitated the adoption and implementation of policies spanning a wide range of topic areas, including public safety reform and alternatives to emergency response systems, housing and homelessness, and childhood trauma and prevention of adverse childhood experiences. Kaniyaa holds a BS from the University of California, Davis, and an MPH from Columbia University.
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  • Gretchen Frank
    Senior Policy Analyst, Behavioral Health
    Gretchen Frank provides technical assistance to sites participating in the Stepping Up initiative. Before joining the CSG Justice Center, Gretchen was a policy analyst at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, where she worked to ensure
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    that the city and state were enacting equitable policies focused on the mental health and well-being of the city’s children and families. She previously served as a child welfare attorney for the New York City Administration for Children’s Services. She received her BS from Cornell University and her JD from the University at Buffalo Law School.
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    Senior Policy Analyst, Behavioral Health
    Audra Goldsmith provides county-based technical assistance for the Kansas Stepping Up Technical Assistance Center, collaboratively supporting and assisting systems improvement projects. Previously, she served as the jail behavioral health supervisor for Horizons Mental Health Center and the Reno County Correctional
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    Facility, providing direct client care and advocacy to people experiencing mental illness and co-occurring use disorders and assisting in reentry services. Prior to that, Audra worked in the Horizons Same Day Access department serving people experiencing acute mental health crises as well as providing same-day-access services. She graduated from Wichita State University with a BA in psychology and Emporia State University with an MS in clinical psychology.
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    Deputy Division Director, Behavioral Health
    Risë Haneberg serves as Deputy Division Director, Behavioral Health Division, for the Council of State Governments Justice Center.  In this role Risë leads the Stepping Up Initiative, the national effort to reduce the number of people with mental illnesses in
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    the justice system with partners National Association of Counties (NACo) and the American Psychiatric Foundation (APAF).  Additionally, Risë provides oversight to county systems improvement projects and technical assistance to Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program (JMHCP) grantee sites. Before joining the CSG Justice Center, Risë served as the criminal justice coordinator for Johnson County, Kansas, from 2008 to 2014. Risë previously served as the chief court service officer in Johnson County and began her career in criminal justice as a juvenile probation officer in 1979. Risë holds a BS in criminal justice from Wichita State University and an MA in public administration from the University of Kansas. 
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  • Alexandria Hawkins
    Senior Policy Analyst, Behavioral Health
    Alexandria Hawkins provides training and technical assistance to Second Chance Act grantees and supports projects related to substance use. Previously, Alexandria worked in state and federal government, most recently as a U.S. probation officer. She served as a treatment specialist
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    overseeing the substance use and mental health programs for the organization. Alexandria has also served as a state probation officer working on specialized domestic violence cases and as a substance use counselor for people with behavioral health needs in outpatient settings. Alexandria earned her BA in criminology from North Carolina State University and her MS in criminal justice with a concentration in corrections and offender rehabilitation from the University of Cincinnati.
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    Policy Analyst, Behavioral Health
    Joseph Hayashi provides technical assistance focused on substance use disorders, co-occurring substance use disorders, and mental illnesses to enhance collaboration between local and state agencies. Before joining the CSG Justice Center, Joseph directed a program for local youth in an
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    underserved area. Previously, Joseph worked for the Jackson County, Oregon, Transition Center, where he worked with incarcerated individuals who had substance use needs. Joseph has a BS in criminal justice from Southern Oregon University and an MA in international policy and development from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies.
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    Senior Policy Analyst, Behavioral Health
    Katie Herman plays a key role in the Stepping Up initiative, mental health diversion, and other work at the intersection of justice, behavioral health, and homelessness. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, she worked at the Center for Alternative
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    Sentencing and Employment Services (CASES) in New York City for eight years. She was initially the court liaison social worker for the CASES Nathaniel ACT Team, the city's first felony alternative to incarceration program for adults with serious mental illnesses. She then supervised their Criminal and Supreme Court Team. Katie received a BA in English from the University of San Diego and an MSW from the Columbia University School of Social Work.
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    Policy Analyst, Behavioral Health
    Megan Hitchman provides technical assistance to 20 Connect and Protect grantees as a member of the law enforcement team within the Behavioral Health Division at the CSG Justice Center. Previously, Megan worked for the Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council in
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    San Antonio, Texas, which develops, implements, and maintains the regional trauma and emergency healthcare system for 22 counties in southwest Texas. Her role included the planning, implementation, and oversight of multi-agency behavioral health response teams and mobile integrated healthcare teams. Megan also brings vast experience and knowledge in data mining and information sharing. She has a BS in criminal justice from Tarleton State University and is licensed as an EMT in Texas. 
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  • Katie Holihen 2022
    Senior Policy Analyst, Behavioral Health
    Katie Holihen works to advance locally driven state policymaking at the intersection of criminal justice, behavioral health, and housing. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Katie was a grant analyst at the Cook County Public Defender’s Office in Chicago,
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    where she worked with cross-sector partners to launch holistic defense and data analytics programs. She also led curriculum development for national law enforcement training initiatives in procedural justice and cultural humility at the Center for Public Safety and Justice at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Katie has a BA in history and political science from Marquette University and an MSW from Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
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    Policy Analyst, Behavioral Health
    Paul Houston provides technical assistance to sites participating in the Stepping Up initiative. Before joining the CSG Justice Center, Paul was a research analyst at the National Center for State Courts, where he partnered with state and local courts to
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    advance racial equity and access to justice in their jurisdictions. Paul also drafted and published several briefs providing guidance to justice practitioners on these topics. He holds a BA in criminal justice from Roanoke College and an MA in criminology, law, and society from George Mason University. 
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    Policy Analyst, Behavioral Health
    Ethan Kelly provides technical assistance to grantees working with people who have co-occurring substance addictions and mental illnesses and are involved in the criminal justice system. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Ethan was a clinical supervisor and trainer
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    for behavioral health/criminal justice programs, managing a pretrial mental health program and providing trainings on mental health, critical incident stress management, and criminogenic risk. He earned his BSW from Southern Connecticut State University and his MSW from Fordham University.
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    Deputy Program Director, Behavioral Health
    Alexis Lacy oversees training and technical assistance to Second Chance Act and Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program grantees; leads substance use, mental illness, and reentry projects; and coordinates operations and logistics for behavioral health/reentry projects. Prior to joining the
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    CSG Justice Center, Alexis worked in state and local government, most recently serving as the deputy director of the City Clerk & Clerk of Council Offices in Alexandria, Virginia. She also served as a criminal justice specialist for Recovery Courts with the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, where she worked with specialty court programs to implement and expand statewide behavioral health treatment initiatives. Alexis was also a law clerk for a circuit court judge with the Metropolitan Nashville Davidson County Government. Alexis earned an MPA, Nonprofit Management Certificate, and BS in political science from Tennessee State University. 
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    Program Manager, Behavioral Health
    Anne Larsen helps coordinate crisis response alternatives and initiatives and provides technical assistance and education on community responder programs. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, she worked for the Olympia Police Department and created, implemented, and managed the Crisis
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    Response Unit (CRU) and Familiar Faces program. CRU is designed after the CAHOOTS model, which deploys unarmed, civilian-first responders to community members in crisis. Before working for the police department, she worked for the Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney’s office championing alternatives to the criminal justice system and supporting treatment courts. Anne has a BA in public administration and an MPA from The Evergreen State College.
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    Senior Policy Analyst, Behavioral Health
    Marilyn Leake works on county-based initiatives focused on improving outcomes for people in the criminal justice system who have behavioral health disorders. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Marilyn served as the coordinator for the mental health and drug
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    court programs in Prince George’s County, Maryland. In that role, she collaborated closely with local stakeholders throughout the criminal justice and behavioral health systems on diversion and other tactics to improve outcomes for people in the justice system with behavioral health disorders. She also worked on initiatives to standardize data collection and measurement strategies for treatment courts in Maryland. Marilyn holds a BS from Appalachian State University and an MSW from the University of Maryland.
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    Project Manager, Behavioral Health
    Rachel Lee provides technical assistance to Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program grantees and offers support on other projects that focus on the intersection of behavioral health and criminal justice. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Rachel worked for
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    C4 Innovations, where she provided project assistance to several recovery-focused Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration initiatives. Rachel has also served as a therapist for people with behavioral health disorders in both inpatient and outpatient health care settings. Rachel earned her BA in psychology from Bates College and her MSW and MPA from Columbia University.
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  • Felicia Lopez Wright
    Project Manager, Behavioral Health
    Felicia Lopez Wright oversees training and technical assistance for Second Chance Act Crisis Response and Community Reentry grantees. She also contributes to projects on topics such as gender-responsive services for women in the justice system and enhancing crisis and justice
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    system collaborations. Felicia previously provided training and technical assistance under the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program. Felicia is a licensed clinical social worker with over a decade of combined experience providing mental health therapy to demographically diverse populations in various care settings, special education case management in a public school district, and short-term counseling at a community court program. She earned a BA in psychology from The College of New Jersey and an MSW from Rutgers University. 
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    Policy Analyst, Behavioral Health
    Melissa McKee provides technical assistance on projects related to alternative community responder programs. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, she provided direct service to people at the intersection of complex behavioral health needs and criminal legal involvement in the
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    Olympia, Washington, community through Olympia Police Department’s Familiar Faces program, which is built on the concept that changed people have the capacity to change lives. Melissa brings to this position a wealth of knowledge and perspective gained through a history of lived experience within the criminal legal system. She earned her BA from The Evergreen State College, where she is currently working toward her MPA. 
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    Policy Analyst, Behavioral Health
    Tiffany McKnight provides technical assistance to grantees focused on substance use disorders and co-occurring substance use disorders and mental illnesses to enhance collaboration between state and local agencies. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, she was the senior program
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    administrator at the Anne Arundel County, Maryland, Department of Health. Tiffany was responsible for managing the recovery community support services portfolio with an emphasis on programs related to peer support, community case management, and intensive care coordination for individuals utilizing the public behavioral health system. Tiffany is a licensed graduate professional counselor. She earned her BS in criminal justice and MS in alcohol and substance use counseling from Coppin State University.
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    Senior Policy Analyst, Behavioral Health
    Sean Quitzau helps states and communities design and implement programs and policies that increase access to safe, affordable housing for individuals who have been involved with the criminal justice system. Before joining the CSG Justice Center, Sean worked as the
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    outreach team lead for SEARCH Homeless Services in Houston, TX, where he oversaw multiple street outreach programs designed to rapidly move people from the streets into permanent housing. Previously, Sean worked on policy in the Houston Mayor’s Office for Homeless Initiatives and as an advocate on behalf of the city’s nationally recognized “The Way Home” Housing First initiative. Sean has a BA in international affairs with a concentration in conflict resolution from The George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs.
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    Policy Analyst, Behavioral Health
    Shontelle Ramsay supports the development of peer learning opportunities for sites across the country. She works with a wide range of stakeholders focused on local, state, and Tribal government; law enforcement; criminal justice; and behavioral health technical assistance efforts. Prior
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    to joining the CSG Justice Center, Shontelle worked at the National Association on Drug Abuse Problems where she provided leadership and staff oversight of the Outreach Enrollment Department. She developed and managed formal partnerships with hospitals, government agencies, clinics, and more. Shontelle holds a BS in human services from NYC College of Technology and an MPA from Metropolitan College of New York. She is currently pursuing an MSW from Walden University.
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    Project Manager, Behavioral Health
    Kate Reed leads initiatives focused on addressing equity and supporting the expansion of alternative interventions for people with behavioral health challenges in the justice system. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Kate led the Stepping Up Initiative for the
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    City of Philadelphia on behalf of the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services and used a data-driven approach to develop programs and policies aimed at reducing the number of people with serious mental illness in jail. Kate also played a key role in the development and implementation of Philadelphia’s crisis system transformation. Kate earned her master’s degree in clinical psychology from The George Washington University and is a licensed professional counselor in Pennsylvania.
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    Project Manager, Behavioral Health
    Carleigh Sailon manages Law Enforcement-Mental Health Learning Sites and oversees the team that provides technical assistance to grantees who are developing alternative response and law enforcement diversion programs. Carleigh is a licensed clinical social worker and a licensed addiction counselor
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    who has an extensive history working in community behavioral health. Before joining the CSG Justice Center, Carleigh worked for a large behavioral health provider in Denver where she created and managed programs throughout the criminal justice system that helped improve outcomes for individuals living with mental illness and co-occurring disorders. She is also known for her work developing and implementing Denver’s Co-Responder and STAR programs. Carleigh earned her BA in sociology from Long Island University and her MSW from Stony Brook University.
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    Ernest-Stevens
    Deputy Division Director, Behavioral Health
    Ernest Stevens oversees the portfolio of work focused on improving outcomes for people experiencing behavioral health conditions and homelessness who encounter law enforcement. Ernest supports communities in adopting, implementing, and evaluating new practices. Previously, Ernest spent over 28 years in
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    law enforcement helping develop new programs and policies for the San Antonio Police Department. He also worked as a program manager for the Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council that oversees emergency operations for 22 counties in Texas. Ernest was featured in the Emmy Award-winning documentary Ernie and Joe: Crisis Cops. Ernest also wrote Mental Health and De-Escalation: A Guide for Law Enforcement Professionals. He earned his BS in criminal justice from Wayland Baptist University. 
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    Deputy Program Director, Behavioral Health
    Mark oversees the delivery of broad-based technical assistance products and tools to assist counties in their Stepping Up efforts. Mark has also provided technical assistance to Second Chance Act and Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program grantees that serve people
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    with co-occurring substance use disorders and mental illness, and he has coordinated additional projects designed to advance practices at the intersection of the criminal justice and behavioral health. Before joining the CSG Justice Center, Mark worked for the Partnership to End Addiction in New York City where he developed educational tools for state decisionmakers on improving addiction prevention and treatment through health policy. He also worked for Families USA in Washington, DC and for Hunger Free Vermont as part of the Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellowship. Mark earned his BA in political science and sociology from Ohio University and his MPA at Baruch College.
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  • Andrea Taatjes
    Senior Policy Analyst, Behavioral Health
    Andrea Taatjes provides technical assistance to grantees focused on substance use disorders, co-occurring disorders, and mental illness to enhance collaboration between state and local agencies. Andrea is a licensed mental health counselor who has an extensive history working in criminal
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    justice and community behavioral health settings. Before joining the CSG Justice Center, Andrea worked as the behavioral health coordinator for the Portland Police Department in Maine, where she oversaw the Behavioral Health Unit that is nationally recognized for its law enforcement-mental health co-responder program. She also created the department's first Alternative Response Program, which deploys civilian mental health teams to appropriate 911 calls for service without law enforcement. Andrea earned her BA in psychology from The University of New England and her MA in forensic and counseling psychology from William James College.
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    Senior Project Analyst, Behavioral Health
    Ashtan Grace Towles supports division-wide behavioral health projects. Before joining the CSG Justice Center, she served at the NYC Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes and on NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio’s presidential campaign. In addition to working at
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    the Yale Law School Allard K. Lowenstein Human Rights clinic to support a lawsuit against a Connecticut supermax prison for inhumane conditions, she was a director’s fellow at the Yale Institution for Social and Policy Studies and a summer fellow at All Our Kin through the Yale Law School Liman Center for Public Interest Law. She graduated with distinction from Yale University with a BA and MA in political science, concentrating on legislative policy and communities of color.
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    Deputy Program Director, Behavioral Health
    Allison Upton provides technical assistance to grantees and supports policy development and projects specializing in the intersection of criminal justice and behavioral health issues. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Allison worked at the Center for Alternative Sentencing and
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    Employment Services (CASES) as the director of court programs, where she oversaw the court and community operations of several alternative-to-incarceration (ATI) and detention programs serving adults with behavioral health needs in New York County. While at CASES, she developed a gender-specific track of ATI services for women involved in the justice system and provided training on evidence-based practices in screening/assessment in justice settings, gender-responsive recidivism risk assessment, trauma-informed case management practices, and cognitive behavioral group interventions aimed at minimizing risk of recidivism. Allison previously worked as a staff psychologist in inpatient services at the Manhattan Psychiatric Center and as the director of an outpatient program at the Bronx Children's Psychiatric Center. She received her BA from the University of Miami and her MS and PsyD in clinical psychology from Nova Southeastern University.
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    Deputy Division Director, Behavioral Health
    Sarah Wurzburg oversees technical assistance focused on behavioral health, diversion, and reentry and serves as the lead for projects related to substance use, mental illnesses, and housing. She leads the work on the development of community responder programs, including a
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    toolkit that supports sites in development of non-police responses to people in crisis. Previously, Sarah was a research analyst at the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors, Inc., where she was the team lead for Youth and Women’s Services and was the primary author of research reports on youth substance use disorder treatment, driving under the influence, and Medicaid. Sarah has also worked as a juvenile court advocate and in community substance use disorder prevention. She received her BA from DePauw University in English (writing) and her MA in social services administration with a focus on policy analysis from the University of Chicago.
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  • Communications & External Affairs


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    Content Project Manager, Communications and External Affairs
    Darby Baham manages editorial priorities for the CSG Justice Center and serves as lead editor for some of the organization’s most complex projects under health policy, housing, mental health, law enforcement, substance use, and corrections/reentry. She also helps develop short-
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    and long-range editorial strategies to ensure the CSG Justice Center’s content effectively promotes the organization’s work and communicates complicated criminal justice policy issues in a clear and compelling way. Before joining the CSG Justice Center, Darby was a public affairs specialist with the D.C. Department of Corrections, where she oversaw media relations and served as the publications manager, social media manager, photographer, designer, and internal communications coordinator for the agency. She also previously worked as a writer/editor for the D.C. Department of Transportation and as a freelance writer for various magazines. Darby earned a BA in journalism from Howard University and an MA in American government from Georgetown University.
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    Digital Media Specialist, Communications and External Affairs
    Besnik Berisha implements strategies and marketing efforts to promote the CSG Justice Center in the digital space. Besnik is a results-oriented digital marketer with a robust skill set spanning search engine optimization, social media marketing, paid search, and digital strategy.
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    Previously, Besnik was a digital marketing manager at the City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy, Center for Systems and Community Design, NYU-CUNY Prevention Research Center, and Firefly Innovations, creating innovative marketing strategies; managing social media; paid social and search campaigns; and designing engaging graphics. Besnik holds a BBA with a focus on digital marketing from Baruch College’s Zicklin School of Business, where he also served as vice president of the American Marketing Association.
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    Deputy Division Director, Communications and External Affairs
    Catherine Moga Bryant develops and implements innovative solutions for division success and helps strengthen the CSG Justice Center’s profile as a trusted source of information and influential leader in the criminal justice field. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center,
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    Catherine led strategic planning and policy development for the North Carolina Pandemic Recovery Office. She also oversaw policy and programs at Communities in Schools of North Carolina that provide students with the resources and support to be successful in school and beyond. Previously, Catherine led the transformation of the state’s workforce system to ensure that all people had access to education and training leading to good jobs. Catherine holds an MA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a BFA from the University of Missouri at Kansas City.
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    kevin dugan
    Public Affairs Manager, Communications and External Affairs
    Kevin Dugan facilitates public affairs and communications efforts to expand and promote CSG Justice Center initiatives. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Kevin worked on a variety of advocacy efforts throughout New York, working directly with college students to
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    become advocates for themselves and their communities. Kevin has a BA in political science from Binghamton University, SUNY. 
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    Courtney Fields
    Deputy Division Director, Communications and External Affairs
    Courtney J. Fields leads efforts to advance internal and external communications for division success and helps strengthen the CSG Justice Center’s profile as a trusted source of information. For over a decade, Courtney amplified community voices across New York City
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    and State, provided strategic direction in NYC schools, and worked to advance education policy within city agencies, including NYC’s Department of Education. While navigating an ever-changing political landscape, Courtney has committed her life’s work to building sustainable solutions for children in underfunded communities and supporting victims of violent crimes in NYC. Courtney has a BS in political science and international relations with a concentration in women’s studies. 
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    Leslie Griffin
    Director of Content Strategy, Communications and External Affairs
    Leslie Griffin leads the strategic creation, delivery, and governance of CSG Justice Center content. She oversees the types of content produced, the structure of that content, and the standards and guidelines needed to ensure quality and assess performance. Prior to
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    joining the CSG Justice Center, Leslie had an 18-year career in educational publishing overseeing the development of literature textbooks for grades 6–12. Leslie received her BA from Sarah Lawrence College with a concentration in English and creative writing.
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    Director, Communications and External Affairs
    Christopher Horn oversees developing and implementing communications strategies for the CSG Justice Center and its programs. Before this role, Christopher was the head of strategic communications and partnerships at C40 Cities and the director of communications at American Forests, positions
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    in which he created communications and marketing plans that raised awareness of and advanced the organization’s key policy issues and program areas. Christopher received a BS in journalism from the University of Kansas. 
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    Senior Public Affairs Manager, Communications and External Affairs
    Aisha Jamil guides strategic media relations, public affairs, and broader communications assistance for the CSG Justice Center’s Communications and External Affairs team. She strategically engages with leadership and stakeholders to advance high-profile organization-wide initiatives and serves as a key contributor,
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    amplifying the CSG Justice Center’s work and overall messaging. Previously, Aisha worked for the National Police Foundation (NPF) as a lead editor and content developer, where she supported NPF’s business development, communications, marketing, and dissemination efforts. Aisha has a BA in communications and journalism and an MSW from George Mason University. Her social work experience has primarily been in foster care, homeless services, and domestic violence.
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    Sarah Kelley
    Public Affairs Manager, Communications and External Affairs
    Sarah Kelley supports and guides public affairs, marketing communications, and media relations. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Sarah worked in digital marketing and public relations, supporting multiple businesses and nonprofits by leading and executing digital marketing strategies with
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    creative design. In addition, Sarah worked as a mental health clinician and in various social work roles, with experience in substance use services, foster care, youth services, and mental health servicing youth and families in high-needs neighborhoods in NYC and Virginia. Sarah holds a BS in health and human services from St. John’s University and an MSW from the University of Southern California. 
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    Content Project Specialist, Communications and External Affairs
    Alice Oh provides editorial and project support to a wide range of CSG Justice Center content. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Alice worked at the New York Civic Engagement Table, where she launched communications strategies and campaigns to
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    mobilize New Yorkers across the state. She also previously worked in both communications and research at Massachusetts General Hospital and served as a content developer at Harvard University to develop a course on addressing racial disparities in health care. Alice received a BS in psychology from Yale University.
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    Digital Media Specialist, Communications and External Affairs
    Yewande Ojo supports the vision of the CSG Justice Center through collaborating with stakeholders across divisions in preparing and executing projects. She utilizes her extensive experience in digital strategy, transformation, and management to achieve captivating digital media campaigns. Prior to
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    the CSG Justice Center, she worked in several sectors including but not limited to publishing, tech, and travel. Her passion is building and optimizing user-centered solutions and growth for the social good. Yewande received her BA in psychology and MA in user experience strategy from the University of Denver.
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  • Jacob Satterlee
    Communications Associate, Communications and External Affairs
    Jacob Satterlee contributes to the CSG Justice Center’s ability to effectively message and amplify new research and models of success. He develops various types of content to ensure the CSG Justice Center’s initiatives reach their targeted audiences and supporters. Before
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    joining the CSG Justice Center, Jacob worked for a domestic violence nonprofit providing resources to victims across New Jersey. While serving in this role, he assisted with communications, outreach, and client relations. Jacob received his BA in political science from Rutgers University, where he is now pursuing his MPA. 
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    Corrections & Reentry


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    Project Manager, Corrections and Reentry
    Valerie Carpico supports agencies and community-based organizations in planning and implementing initiatives to reduce recidivism, strengthen family engagement, and improve other reentry outcomes. Previously, Valerie was the reentry coordinator in Fairfield County, Ohio, where she leveraged partnerships between law enforcement
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    and behavioral health. In this role, she facilitated a local reentry coalition of community agencies and coordinated new behavioral health programming within the local jail. She also served as the Stepping Up coordinator, setting new goals and initiatives for her county focused on sober housing, jail screening tools, and a crisis stabilization facility. Valerie holds a BS in criminal justice from Ohio University and an MS in justice administration from Tiffin University.
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    Senior Project Analyst, Corrections and Reentry
    Kecha Dupree works as a project specialist, helping to create web content and providing administrative and technical assistance for conference planning and day-to-day tasks across a range of policy-related projects for the Corrections and Reentry Division. Prior to this role,
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    she interned at Global Ties U.S., a nonprofit, member-based partner of the U.S. Department of State, which oversees federally funded exchange programs through the International Visitors Leadership Program. Kecha earned her BA in political science from Oakwood University.
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    Project Manager, Corrections and Reentry
    Josh Gaines focuses on issues involving the collateral consequences of criminal conviction, barriers to work, and relief from the long-term impacts of a criminal record. He previously served as the deputy director of the Collateral Consequences Resource Center, worked extensively
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    on the Restoration of Rights Project, and provided counsel for federal pardon applicants. Josh received his BA in sociology from North Carolina State University and his JD from the Washington College of Law at American University.
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    Director of Reentry Initiatives, Corrections and Reentry
    Susan Gottesfeld is the director of reentry initiatives at The Council of State Governments Justice Center. Susan has worked in the criminal justice and human services fields for more than 25 years. Before this role, Susan was chief program officer
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    and executive vice president at the Osborne Association, developing and supervising programs across the spectrum of reentry and alternatives to incarceration. Susan’s experience includes pre-arraignment diversion and mitigation, jail- and prison-based services, workforce development and housing services, treatment services, family visiting programs and services to children of incarcerated parents, as well as anti-violence programs. Throughout her career, Susan has focused on developing and implementing innovative solutions to lessen the human and economic costs of incarceration. She holds master's degrees in forensic psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and in developmental psychology from Columbia University. She also holds bachelor's degrees in psychology and criminology from the University of Florida. She is based in New York City. 
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  • Christina Gilbert
    Project Manager, Corrections and Reentry
    Christina Gilbert works to improve outcomes for youth involved with the justice system, providing technical assistance across the country. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Christina worked at the Gault Center (formerly the National Juvenile Defender Center), where she built
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    the capacity and quality of youth defense systems and representation. At the Gault Center, Christina also managed a campaign to end shackling of youth in court and directed The Equity Project, a collaborative initiative to ensure fair, equitable, and dignified treatment for LGBTQI+ youth. Christina holds a JD from Northeastern University School of Law and a BA in social thought and political economy from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. 
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    Senior Policy Advisor, Corrections and Reentry
    Dr. Nicole Jarrett provides guidance on diversion, treatment, and reentry initiatives. She previously served as director and deputy director of the Corrections and Reentry Division. Prior to this role, Nicole served as the director of health policy research at the
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    National Medical Association, where she led projects to strengthen the public health safety net and improve the quality of care provided in underserved communities. She also served as the director of community health policy at the Baltimore City Health Department, where she directed the city’s participation in the Community Voices: Healthcare for the Underserved Initiative. She received her BS from Rutgers University and her PhD in health policy and management from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Center of Behavioral Health Services and Criminal Justice Research at Rutgers University.
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    Deputy Division Director, Corrections and Reentry
    Stephanie Joson oversees the Corrections and Reentry Division’s efforts with the Communications and External Affairs division to promote reentry policy and practice through the organization’s website, publications, newsletters, and outreach. She also manages and supports grant writing, reporting, and compliance.
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    Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Stephanie worked at an art gallery, writing press releases and managing the archives and requests for rights and reproductions. She received a BA from Fordham University and an MPA from the School of Public Affairs at Baruch College.
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  • Megan Pfeiffer
    Senior Policy Analyst, Corrections and Reentry
    Megan Pfeiffer provides technical assistance to state and local criminal justice agencies implementing programs for incarcerated parents and their children, and for people returning home after incarceration. Previously, Megan worked as a program director on Rikers Island in NYC, where
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    she developed and oversaw the program’s visiting, parenting, counseling, and advocacy services. She is a licensed social worker with over a decade of experience providing services to survivors of gender-based violence and people impacted by the criminal and family court systems. She received her MSSW from Columbia University, MS in criminal justice policy from the London School of Economics, and BA in history from the University of Michigan. 
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    jasmine
    Policy Analyst, Corrections and Reentry
    Jasmine Quintana provides policy research and development to reduce structural barriers to economic opportunities for people with arrest and conviction records. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Jasmine worked with the Vera Institute of Justice supporting postsecondary education expansion
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    in prisons through the Second Chance Pell Initiative and with REDF conducting research on workforce best practices for employment social enterprises that primarily serve formerly incarcerated individuals and individuals with severe mental health conditions. Jasmine holds an MSW specializing in macro social work from the University of Southern California and received a BA in comparative ethnic studies from the University of California, Berkeley.
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    Deputy Division Director, Corrections and Reentry
    Nina Salomon oversees the Improving Outcomes for Youth Statewide Juvenile Justice Initiative, supporting states to develop, adopt, and implement legislative reforms. Nina was a lead author of the School Discipline Consensus Report, and leads the organization's efforts to improve educational outcomes
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    for youth involved with the juvenile justice system. Previously, she was a policy advisor at EducationCounsel LLC, a national policy and legal consulting firm, where she provided assistance to clients at state education agencies, school districts, and national organizations to advance policy change. As an investment associate at The Chicago Public Education Fund, Nina conducted due diligence on prospective investments and managed projects to ensure they achieved performance benchmarks. She also conducted research and wrote policy briefs and funding guides to support charter schools and youth development programs and worked in government relations for a national youth development organization. Nina earned a BA in political science from The George Washington University and an MSEd in education policy from the University of Pennsylvania.
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    Senior Policy Analyst, Corrections and Reentry
    Tiana Smith provides technical assistance to federal grantees engaged in strategies to improve outcomes at systems and programmatic levels. Previously, she worked at the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, where she provided comprehensive grant management and technical assistance to
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    the federal, state, and local governments and nonprofit agencies within the adult criminal justice system that received state and federal funding to implement evidence-based programs throughout Pennsylvania. She also worked as a discharge and release coordinator, state mental health case manager, and second chance reentry specialist. Tiana holds a BA in human services from La Roche University and an MS in criminal justice administration from Point Park University.
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    Project Analyst, Corrections & Reentry
    Crystal Song (she/her) supports operations, grant writing and reporting, communications, and technical assistance for reentry programs. Previously, Crystal worked at a college-in-prison nonprofit organization, where she worked directly with incarcerated students toward capacity-building and development. Throughout her master’s program, Crystal
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    was also a graduate teaching assistant for undergraduate public policy courses. She has a BA in law, societies & justice from the University of Washington (UW) and an MPA from the UW Evans School of Public Policy & Governance.
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    Deputy Program Director, Corrections and Reentry
    Stephanie Ueberall works with states and counties to improve outcomes for youth in the juvenile justice system. Stephanie has also worked to reduce the overuse of jail through initiatives such as Stepping Up and the MacArthur Foundation’s Safety and Justice
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    Challenge. She has extensive experience with youth and families involved in the justice system through direct service, research, technical assistance, and program design. Most recently, Stephanie was the director of violence prevention at the Citizens Crime Commission of New York City, where she worked to enhance community-led youth gun violence prevention. Stephanie holds a BS in psychology from the University of Arizona and an MA in community psychology from the University of New Haven.
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    Deputy Program Director, Corrections and Reentry
    Chidi Umez provides direction and support for projects that reduce policy barriers to economic opportunity for people with criminal records. Projects in this portfolio address the impact of a criminal record on job participation, occupational licensing, and business engagement. Prior
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    to joining the CSG Justice Center, Chidi served as a court attorney in the New York Civil Supreme Court and as an indigent defense attorney in Harris County, Texas. She received a BA in English and corporate communications from the University of Houston and a JD from Texas Southern University, Thurgood Marshall School of Law.
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    Deputy Division Director, Corrections and Reentry
    Josh Weber directs the CSG Justice Center's juvenile justice program, which focuses on helping states use effective methods to reduce recidivism and improve outcomes for youth in contact with the juvenile justice system. Previously, Josh spent 10 years working on
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    building the capacity of programs and systems that serve vulnerable youth in the juvenile justice, youth development, workforce development, and child welfare systems. Josh managed research programs for the Youth Development and Research Fund in Maryland and the Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago. In addition, Josh led the development and implementation of NYC Administration for Children’s Services' alternative to placement and reentry program for juveniles using evidence-based practices. He also directed the District of Columbia’s Justice Grants Administration, which managed all federal juvenile and criminal justice grants for the District. Josh received his BA in psychology from Duke University and his MPA from Princeton University.
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  • Development & Grant Administration


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    Development Specialist, Development & Grant Administration
    Katie Bower supports and guides the funding efforts of the CSG Justice Center. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Katie gained experience as a writer and researcher, most recently using these skills as a paralegal. Previously she worked with
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    nonprofits to fund programs to provide necessities to youth in inner cities and others who are disadvantaged. Katie earned her BA in political science from Michigan State University.
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    Development Specialist, Development & Grant Administration
    Caleb Duncan works on all grant and development-related matters for the CSG Justice Center. He prepares proposals in close coordination with the policy teams, identifies potential funding prospects, and supports the build-out of the CSG Justice Center’s individual giving program.
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    Previously, Caleb worked as a grants manager with Millennium Strategies, LLC, to develop strategic plans and competitive grant proposals for local governments and nonprofits in the mid-Hudson region of New York State. He also worked for HONK Technologies, a Los Angeles-based tech start-up, as an editing consultant and quality assurance analyst where he helped create a QA department. Caleb earned a BA in English literature and language from the University of Houston.
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    Director, Development & Grant Administration
    Sandy Jamet leads the CSG Justice Center’s efforts to grow and diversify our funding from public and private sources and ensure that we are good stewards of our existing funding. Prior to this role, Sandy served as the director of
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    foundation relations for the CSG Justice Center and as co-interim director and program director for operations in the Behavioral Health Division. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Sandy was the associate vice president for foundation giving at the United Way of New York City. Previously, she led fundraising for the Corporation for Supportive Housing, which consistently exceeded its fundraising targets under her leadership. Sandy received a BA in economics from New York University and a master’s degree in public affairs from Princeton University.
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  • Finance, Operations, and Administration


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    Executive Assistant to Senior Management, Finance, Operations, and Administration
    Renée Brackett coordinates logistics, including hotel and meeting site selection, contract negotiations, and all related travel arrangements. She also serves as the executive assistant to the director. Renée has been with the CSG Justice Center since 2001.
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    IT Help Desk and Training Coordinator, Finance, Operations, and Administration
    Gabriel focuses on delivering quality service to refine existing support standards and processes. One of his core values is establishing a team dynamic. Additionally, his goal is to create meaningful connections within the organization. Gabriel has dedicated his career to
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    helping others solve technical challenges and improving their technical proficiency. He previously worked at General Electric as a remote support engineer providing technical support and empowering users by helping them learn practical skills to benefit their daily lives. Gabriel is currently on a pathway to receiving a BA from Miami Dade College in information technology.
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    Director, Finance, Operations, and Administration
    Nerisha Degale performs in-depth variance analysis of revenue and expenses and restricted and unrestricted financial schedules. She also conducts research, creates ad hoc financial reports, and develops the CSG Justice Center’s operating budget. Before joining the CSG Justice Center, she
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    was a tax-processing specialist at Deloitte & Touche and was an assistant to the controller at Le Bernadin, Inc. She holds a BBA in accounting and finance from Boise State University.
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    Deputy Division Director, Finance, Operations, and Administration
    Lisa Halstead is the deputy division director of operational management and innovation. Lisa previously served as deputy division director for State Initiatives. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Lisa was the founder and president of GreaterGood.org, a nonprofit that
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    provides immediate disaster response fundraising. In that role, she established a grant-making program that raised and distributed nearly $4 million annually to more than 200 grantee organizations worldwide. Lisa was also the chief operating officer of CharityUSA.com, where she oversaw a $9.5 million operating budget and sustained a 30 percent annual growth rate at the forefront of the cause marketing explosion. Lisa received her BA in communications from the University of Washington. 
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  • Toni Jo Howard
    Deputy Division Director, Finance, Operations, and Administration
    Toni Jo Howard is responsible for in-depth analysis of financial data, including programmatic budgets; variance analysis; and coordinating and leading teams in researching and building financial data for the organization’s budget. She oversees the team of financial analysts and managers
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    in executing the organization’s more than 60 projects. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, she served as the finance director for local municipalities, managing financial operations, grants, and budgeting. She holds a BBA in accounting and an MPACC from the University of West Georgia and is a licensed CPA.
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    Vinita jethwani
    Project Finance Manager, Finance, Operations, and Administration
    Vinita Jethwani works to ensure effective oversight of the CSG Justice Center’s project portfolios. She provides budgeting expertise and assistance and monitors financial and programmatic compliance. Previously, Vinita worked at the Guttmacher Institute, where she was responsible for research operations,
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    project management and budgeting, and government grants. Prior to that, Vinita worked as a project manager for the violence against women program at the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and as a research analyst, conducting evaluations of federally-funded programs. Vinita received a master’s degree from the Hubert Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota, with a concentration in women and public policy, and her BA in history from Douglass College at Rutgers University
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    Associate Project Finance Manager, Finance, Operations, and Administration
    Eunice Kwak provides a range of project-based and administrative support to the Behavioral Health Division. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, she was a youth advocate and data analyst for the community-based program NYC ROSES. As a youth advocate,
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    she worked one-on-one with clients to help them work toward their educational, professional, and creative goals, with the objective of reducing their involvement in the criminal justice system and improving their educational outcomes. Prior to that, she served as a data analyst for ROSES, helping to evaluate its efficacy. She earned her BS in applied psychology from New York University.
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    Associate Finance Operations Specialist, Finance, Operations, and Administration
    Fiona McCall provides administrative and logistical support to the staff of the CSG Justice Center. Before joining the CSG Justice Center, Fiona had more than 14 years of experience as an administrative professional. Most recently, she served as an accounting
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    technician with an international organization where administrative organizational skill, accuracy, attention to detail, multitasking, and excellent customer service were essential. Fiona studied business administration at Cambridge University.
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    Director of Strategic Alignment, Finance, Operations, and Administration
    As the director of strategic alignment, Dr. Maya McDoom guides collaboration among the leadership team and enhances organizational alignment on priorities and outcomes. Maya brings valuable experience from her tenure as the senior director of research and evaluation at the
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    Center for Policing Equity. There, she led team operations and guided evidence-based evaluation and applied research for public safety redesign. Previously, Maya's team at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield drove operational improvements and cost savings for various programs through strategic insights to executives. Maya's expertise spans program management, operations, health equity, and social determinants, cultivated across her career in the academic, nonprofit, and private sectors. Maya earned a PhD from Boston University and an MPH from the University of Kentucky. 
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    Director of Governmental Affairs, Finance, Operations, and Administration
    Jamal Nelson cultivates and maintains relationships with members of Congress and the administration and acts as a liaison to various coalitions and groups to effectively implement the legislative priorities of the CSG Justice Center. Before joining the CSG Justice Center
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    in 2009, Jamal served as deputy director of intergovernmental affairs at the U.S. Department of Commerce, where he worked on international trade issues. Jamal received his BS in political science from Southern Connecticut State University.
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    Information Technology Analyst, Finance, Operations, and Administration
    Ben Oakley provides technical support to CSG Justice Center staff, working with the CSG IT department to ensure that the CSG Justice Center's computing and technology needs are met. Before joining the CSG Justice Center, Ben worked as an operations
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    assistant at Princeton University, in an electronics repair shop, as a Dell technician, and in the IT department of his alma mater, Cornell College. Ben earned a BA in philosophy from Cornell College.
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  • Jennifer Palmer
    Database Administrator, Finance, Operations, and Administration
    Jennifer Palmer administers the CSG Justice Center’s data management system. Previously, she worked as a fiscal analyst for both the Alabama Legislature and the Georgia Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget. Most recently, she was the statistician for the Alabama
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    Administrative Office of Courts, Family Court Division, where she administered the intake system used by juvenile probation officers statewide. Additionally, she was responsible for providing data analysis and reports on juvenile data collected by the courts. She is a three-time graduate of Auburn University at Montgomery, having earned a BS in political science, an MPA, and a Master of Information Systems Management. 
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    Director of Project Management, Finance, Operations, and Administration
    Jennifer Shin works collaboratively across teams to assess and identify opportunities to improve internal systems using creativity, strategic problem-solving, and her passion for the CSG Justice Center’s mission. From social services to education, Jennifer has supported nonprofits across the country
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    in her roles as a consultant and a fundraising executive. She brings 15 years of experience focused on institutional resource growth, strategic planning, nonprofit operations, and stakeholder relationship management. She holds a BA in political science from the University of Washington and an MBA from Seattle University.
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    Human Resources


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    Director, Human Resources
    As a member of the CSG Justice Center senior management team, Kenya Salaudeen plays a key role in the delivery of human resources programs. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Kenya served as director of human resources for the
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    New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA). In this capacity, she oversaw the administration of all personnel programs and the staffing of public housing developments, central offices, and all other NYCHA locations with more than 11,000 employees, and also oversaw the agency’s labor relations program. Before her time with NYCHA, Kenya served as vice president at HELP/PSI, a health care and social services organization, where she revamped the recruitment and hiring processes and designed and implemented programs in both employee health benefits and employee recognition. Kenya has also served as assistant director for benefits and policies at Harlem Children’s Zone, where she provided human resources support to employees at 20 locations across New York City. She is currently an adjunct lecturer for the City University of New York, School of Professional Studies and volunteers as a mediator of small claims cases. Kenya holds a BA in sociology from Hunter College and graduated summa cum laude with an MS in organizational leadership from Mercy College.
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    Human Resources Generalist, Human Resources
    Felicia Pagden provides strategic and tactical human resources and recruiting support to the CSG Justice Center team. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Felicia served as a consultant in the outsourced human resources department at Marcum LLP. In this
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    role, she managed the daily human resources and payroll processing functions of more than a dozen nonprofit organizations across the U.S. She also worked with organization executives to align company policies and processes with stated missions and values. Felicia earned her BS in psychology from the University of London, Goldsmiths College.
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  • Research


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    Data Scientist, Research
    Andrew Byrum conducts data analysis and visualization for several CSG Justice Center projects. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Andrew was a research analyst with the City University of New York, leading research and program evaluation of several citywide
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    K–16 initiatives. Andrew received his BA in sociology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and his MA in sociology from Columbia University. His master’s thesis work focused on the relationship between inequality and time-use in New York City.
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    Data Science Program Director, Research
    Chris Callaghan is a data scientist with experience in data management, visualization, modeling, and communication in R and Python. Before joining the CSG Justice Center, Chris worked as a faculty researcher for the U.S. Navy at the Naval Postgraduate School
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    in Monterey, CA, where he supported research efforts on homeland security and defense through the lens of data science. He has taught courses on data analysis and visualization methodologies for military, law enforcement, and international defense and security partners. Chris earned his BS in biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and an MPA from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey.
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    Deputy Program Director, Research
    Becky Cohen works on school discipline and juvenile justice issues for the CSG Justice Center’s Research Division. Previously, she was a math teacher at a public middle school in Brooklyn, New York, and a director of academics at CitySquash, a
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    nonprofit after-school program in the Bronx, New York. She later worked in the Texas legislature as an aide to Representative Scott Hochberg, vice chair of the House Committee on Public Education, where she staffed the committee and analyzed education-related legislation. Becky recently completed her doctoral studies with a research focus on the impact of exclusionary discipline on student outcomes. She earned a BA in sociology from New York University, an MA in middle childhood mathematics education from Brooklyn College, and a PhD in educational policy and planning at the University of Texas at Austin.
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    Senior Research Analyst, Research
    Ana Daniels conducts data analysis for multiple projects, such as Justice Counts and the Justice Reinvestment Initiative. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Ana was the interim director of the Arizona Statistical Analysis Center at the Arizona Criminal Justice
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    Commission. There, she headed agency efforts for the Arizona Youth Survey, represented the agency as the lead epidemiologist for the Arizona Substance Abuse Prevention Epidemiology Workgroup, and oversaw the completion of annual technical reports using statewide criminal history data. Ana earned her BA in criminal justice and psychology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and her MS in criminology and criminal justice from Arizona State University.
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    Data Science Project Manager, Research
    Rachael Druckhammer designs and manages research projects to analyze state- and local-level criminal justice data as part of the Justice Reinvestment Initiative. Prior to taking this role, Rachael was the lead researcher for the Travis County Juvenile Probation Department, where
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    she evaluated outcomes for department programs, generated reports on department activity, and developed grant performance and outcome measures. She also worked for the Hays County Criminal District Attorney’s office as a legal assistant. Rachael earned her BS and MS in applied sociology from Texas State University – San Marcos.
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  • Martha Eichlersmith
    Data Scientist, Research
    Martha Eichlersmith is a data scientist with experience in programming to clean, manage, analyze, and visualize data in R and R Shiny. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Martha worked on data visualization projects for the Department of Labor's Employment
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    and Training Administration, which explored the Participant Individual Record Layout (PIRL) data. She also worked in investment banking focusing on the senior living industry. Martha received a BA in mathematics from Gustavus Adolphus College and an MS in statistics from Northwestern University.
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    Research Operations Manager, Research
    Jessica Gonzales-Bricker provides project management support to the CSG Justice Center research team, coordinating workflows and project resources. Previously, Jessica worked as the director of research for the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute’s Center for Justice and Health and as
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    a research project manager at the CSG Justice Center. In her previous role at the CSG Justice Center, she analyzed data and provided policy support for multiple projects, including the Justice Reinvestment Initiative. She has also conducted research and technical assistance for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department and worked as a policy analyst in the Texas House of Representatives. Jessica has a BA in political science from Baylor University and an MPA from the University of Texas at Austin. 
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    Research Project Manager, Research
    Angela Gunter’s work primarily focuses on the data monitoring of Justice Reinvestment projects during Phase II policy implementation. She supports various ad hoc research efforts, including the 2014 Recidivism Reduction report, the Reentry and Employment pilot program, and the evaluation
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    of the pretrial process for Bexar and Dallas Counties. Angela began her career in criminal justice in 2001 at the Texas Criminal Justice Policy Council, where she worked on forecasting the impact of juvenile justice policy options for the Texas Legislature and creating monthly projections of bed capacity for juveniles. Angie later joined the JFA Institute and conducted research on different aspects of the criminal justice system, including parole, probation, and juvenile justice in Texas, Kansas, and Puerto Rico. In 2008, Angie worked with the CSG Justice Center as a consultant on various projects, including mental health IT development for the State of Alaska. Prior to her career in criminal justice, Angie worked in the private sector as a business systems analyst where she oversaw the project lifecycle of custom-built software applications. She received her BA from Rice University and her MPA from Indiana University.
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    Deputy Research Program Director, Research
    Seba Guzmán manages and contributes to projects designed to help policymakers tackle criminal justice system issues. Before joining the CSG Justice Center, he worked at the Vera Institute of Justice; was full-time faculty at Universidad Andres Bello, West Chester University
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    of Pennsylvania, and SUNY-Purchase; and conducted applied research in Chile. For over 15 years, he has been conducting research and teaching about inequality and policy in multiple areas, including in the criminal justice and juvenile justice systems. Sebastián has been principal or co-principal investigator in several projects. He received a BA from Universidad Católica de Chile and an MA and PhD in sociology from The New School for Social Research.
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    Data Scientist II, Research
    Matt Herman performs data collection, manipulation, and visualization for several CSG Justice Center projects. Before joining the CSG Justice Center, Matt was a deputy director in the Office of Research and Analytics at the NYC Administration for Children's Services, where
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    he created automated and reproducible workflows to generate outcome measures and performance indicators for investigations of child abuse and neglect. He collaborated with managers of frontline child protection staff to interpret this data in order to create actionable quality improvement plans and assess the impact of these plans. Matt received a BA in American studies from Columbia University and an MS in applied social research from Hunter College.
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  • Joshua Mallett
    Deputy Division Director, Research
    Joshua Mallett supports management of the Research Division with over 10 years of experience programming to clean, manage, and analyze data in R, Stata, and the Statistical Analysis System (SAS), with a focus on innovative methods of promoting quality assurance
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    and leading the design and development of data visualizations. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Joshua managed and reported performance metrics from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Participant Individual Record Layout data. He was also a research programmer at the RAND Corporation, managing and analyzing Medicare Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems data. Joshua received a BS in mathematics from Northern Arizona University and an MS in biostatistics from the University of Arizona.
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  • Sofia-Nystrom
    Deputy Division Director, Research
    Sofia Nystrom provides broad technical support to the Research Division, including the Justice Reinvestment Initiative research portfolio. She has ten years of experience designing advanced criminal justice program and policy evaluations. Previously, she was the co-director of research at the
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    Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, part of Utah’s Governor’s Office. There, she led and collaborated on research initiatives across the justice system, including criminal and juvenile justice reform efforts, sentencing policy, and identifying systemic racial and ethnic disparities and barriers to successful reentry. Sofia received a PhD in economics with a concentration in econometrics from the University of Utah and later completed course-work in data mining from their School of Computing. 
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    Data Scientist, Research
    Mari Roberts performs data analysis and visualization for various CSG Justice Center projects, such as Justice Counts, Justice Reinvestment, and More Community, Less Confinement. She has also contributed to projects related to behavioral health, sentencing reform, and corrections. Before joining
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    the CSG Justice Center, Mari worked at the Correctional Association of New York, where she tracked COVID-19 in New York State prisons and reported findings to the legislature and broader public. She also worked at New York University as a data analyst looking at the relationship between food security and well-being in rural Bangladesh. She earned a BS in biology from Florida State University and an MS in applied statistics for social science research from New York University.
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    Research Project Manager, Research
    Emily Rogers performs data analysis for juvenile justice projects. Before joining the CSG Justice Center, Emily worked to produce justice system measures, evaluate programs, and manage data in both criminal and juvenile justice systems for Travis County, Texas. She also
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    worked at the Austin/Travis County Reentry Roundtable to coordinate reentry efforts and increase community engagement on reentry issues. She earned a BA in English from Vassar College and her MSS from the Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research.
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    Senior Research Analyst, Research
    Shradha Sahani manages and contributes to complex research projects focused on tackling criminal justice system issues across law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Shradha worked as a research assistant on multiple large federally funded
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    projects focusing on racial/ethnic inequality in crime and justice, immigration and crime, cybercrime, domestic radicalization, and political extremism. Most recently, she served as a research assistant at the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism contributing to the Profiles of Individual Radicalization in the United States project. Shradha earned her BA, MA, and PhD in criminology and criminal justice from the University of Maryland.
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    Director, Research
    Dr. Jessica Saunders oversees the Research Division at the CSG Justice Center. She has more than 20 years of experience supporting effective and equitable criminal justice administration through rigorous research, including identifying best practices and addressing systemic racial bias. Her
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    research spans the criminal justice system continuum, from school-based delinquency preventive interventions to reentry and system-wide performance metrics. She has been a principal or co-principal investigator on over $25 million in competitive research grants and contracts and has published over 50 scientific articles, books, and technical reports. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, she was a policy researcher at RAND Corporation and an assistant professor at Arizona State University. Jessica received her PhD in criminal justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
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  • Amund Tallaksen
    Data Scientist, Research
    Amund Tallaksen provides data analysis and visualization for multiple projects, including Justice Counts, an initiative to help policymakers make better decisions using public safety data. Before coming to the CSG Justice Center, Amund worked as a lecturer at Carnegie Mellon
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    University (CMU), where he taught several classes focused on drug policy and criminal justice. Amund has also worked in drug treatment in Norway and has volunteered at a needle exchange in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Amund received an MS in public policy and management from CMU's Heinz College and a PhD in history from CMU.
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    Research Analyst, Research
    Chelsey Wright serves as the resident correctional analyst for the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections (LDPSC). Her work focuses on improving LDPSC’s preclassification and data reporting process to ensure that people are not incarcerated past their release dates.
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    Previously, Chelsey was a data and policy analyst for the City of New Orleans’ Office of Criminal Justice Coordination, where she created data dashboards to inform the public and criminal justice practitioners on what was occurring at the Orleans Parish Jail. She also supported criminal justice agencies with capacity building for more efficient data sharing between organizations. Chelsey received her BA in criminal justice from Loyola University New Orleans and her MA in international criminology from the University of Sheffield. 
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  • State Initiatives


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    Director, State Initiatives
    Grace Beil Call, as director of state initiatives at The Council of State Governments Justice Center, advances policies for a more effective, equitable, and responsive criminal justice system. Her contributions, alongside those of people on the state initiatives team, are
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    evident in programs like Justice Reinvestment, Justice Counts, and Lantern. Before her role at the CSG Justice Center, she served as a visiting fellow for the Office for Victims of Crime at the U.S. Department of Justice. Grace directed the Victims of Crime Act program for the Office of Crime Victims Advocacy in Washington, showcasing her understanding of victim services and work as a State Administering Agency. Her leadership included directing the Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault, and she began her advocacy as a volunteer at the Rape Recovery Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, more than 25 years ago. Grace holds a BS in gender studies from the University of Utah.
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    Project Manager, State Initiatives
    Esteem Brumfield supports state agencies in implementing and using criminal justice data through the Justice Counts initiative. Before joining the CSG Justice Center, Esteem served as the research director for the Mass Incarceration Lab at Brown University, where he led
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    efforts to archive the effects of mass incarceration in the United States through oral accounts and writings of those impacted by the criminal legal system. Esteem also served as a public health commissioner for Alameda County, California, focusing on the relationship between incarceration and community health. Esteem received a BA in rhetoric and a BA in political science from UC Berkeley and an MPH from Brown University. 
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    Policy Analyst, State Initiatives
    Antoine Brunson supports policymakers to make better decisions using criminal justice data as part of the Justice Counts initiative. Previously, he worked for the NYC Department of Education, where he supported the Office of the General Counsel. As a supervising
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    legal coordinator, he worked on settling lawsuits filed against the NYC Department of Education and worked closely with different agencies such as the Mayor’s Office, Administration for Children’s Services, and the Law Department. He received his BA in English with a minor in criminal justice from the University at Albany. He also received his MA in political science with a concentration in international affairs, global justice, and foreign policy from Brooklyn College. 
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    Project Manager, State Initiatives
    Jowan Burton leads efforts to develop technology that helps state leaders diagnose system challenges, assists agencies in defining changes that can help address those challenges, and supports the implementation of changes to improve correctional outcomes. Previously, Jowan worked in community corrections
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    and reentry programs with the Virginia Departments of Corrections and Juvenile Justice. In Virginia’s adult courts, he conducted background investigations and wrote reports to promote equitable sentencing practices. Jowan was also previously a juvenile parole officer, collaborating with families and courts to identify alternatives to detention and state commitments. Jowan has a BS in criminal justice with a concentration in justice administration from Virginia Commonwealth University and a paralegal studies certificate from Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies.
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  • Kendra Carroll
    Policy Analyst, State Initiatives
    Kendra Carroll provides policy evaluation and support to policymakers to increase second chances and improve reentry, while also focusing on reducing criminal justice spending, as part of the Justice Reinvestment Initiative. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Kendra worked
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    in the juvenile justice sector in many capacities, including as a court designated specialist for the Kentucky Court of Justice and an intensive supervision officer for the South Carolina Department of Corrections. Kendra brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in recidivism reduction and reentry efforts, as well as informal diversionary sanctions. She earned her BS in forensic anthropology from Western Carolina University and her MS in criminal justice from the University of Cincinnati. 
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    Deputy Program Director, State Initiatives
    Amir Chapel supports states and local governments in implementing evidence-based and data-driven policies that increase public safety while reducing harm to the most vulnerable communities. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Amir provided program and technical support to public
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    defender departments implementing a collaborative defense model, as well as to state administering agencies developing strategic plans in compliance with Byrne Justice Assistance Grant and Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program requirements. Amir also brings experience with research and has analyzed numerous criminal legal data sets with the goal of providing data-driven recommendations to policymakers, community stakeholders, and other system partners. Amir approaches his work with a community-based perspective to ensure the best outcomes for those whose lives intersect with the criminal justice system. Amir earned his MS in criminology from the University of Cincinnati.
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    Deputy Program Director, State Initiatives
    Ruth Coffman provides support for state initiatives, focusing on improving community supervision and overall data utilization in state correctional departments. Previously, she worked at the Colorado Department of Corrections, where she oversaw improvements in compassionate release, parole reform, and market-wage
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    work programs. Ruth also was the first executive director of the University of Chicago Health Lab and the first research director for the Cook County Sheriff’s Department of Corrections. She has a BS in International Political Economy from Georgetown University, as well as an MPP and MDiv from the University of Chicago. 
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    Senior Policy Advisor, State Initiatives
    David D’Amora advises on risk and needs assessment, correctional programming, and the intersection of behavioral health and criminogenic needs. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, David worked in the criminal justice and behavioral health fields for more than 30
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    years. This included serving as the vice president of agency programs for a community-based agency providing multiple types of correctional and behavioral health treatment to formerly incarcerated people under community supervision. David was also a clinician at Somers State Prison and Meriden-Wallingford Hospital in Connecticut as well as a consultant with a national criminal justice technical assistance provider. A licensed professional counselor and certified forensic counselor, David earned his BA from Franklin College and his MS at Butler University.
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    Deputy Program Director, State Initiatives
    Madeleine Dardeau provides guidance to states considering new policies and practices to achieve public safety goals. In previous roles at the CSG Justice Center, she provided policy research, analysis, and technical assistance to states participating in Justice Reinvestment. Prior to
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    joining the CSG Justice Center, Madeleine managed Oregon's Justice Reinvestment grant program, which focused on strengthening community-based supervision and services to increase local alternatives to incarceration. She also previously worked as a policy staffer in the Oregon and Alabama legislatures. Madeleine earned a BA from Portland State University and an MPAP from American University. 
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    Senior Operations Specialist, State Initiatives
    Jan De la Cruz works with states to help align their subaward projects to the goals and overall vision of their Justice Reinvestment legislation. Jan has also provided technical assistance to Second Chance Grantees under the community reentry, smart supervision,
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    and careers technology grant programs. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Jan led operational efforts across various industries, including financial consulting and property management. Jan earned a BA in criminal justice and an MPA specializing in operational oversight from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
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  • Keosha Donald
    Policy Analyst, State Initiatives
    Keosha Donald analyzes policies and works in collaboration with policymakers and criminal justice agencies to develop a set of criminal justice metrics that is attainable for any state or agency. Previously, Keosha worked at the North Carolina Department of Commerce,
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    where she researched and verified economic trends and employment and wages changes across industries. She also worked for the North Carolina Department of Public Safety as a probation/parole officer aiding individuals returning to their communities after incarceration. She earned her BS and MS in criminal justice from North Carolina Central University and has also studied at the University of California, Irvine. 
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    Rhonda Ekwunoh
    Project Manager, State Initiatives
    Rhonda Ekwunoh provides technical assistance and guidance to states advancing new policies and practices to achieve public safety goals as part of the Justice Reinvestment Initiative. Previously, Rhonda worked full-time as an elementary teacher, and as a lead data and
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    research manager at Campaign Zero, whose goal is to achieve zero police violence in the U.S. At Campaign Zero, Rhonda led a team of researchers in developing a database of over 350 community-based organizations that provide crisis, behavioral, mental health, and crime intervention services to underserved communities. Rhonda holds a BA in political science from Carlow University, an MA in teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education, and an MA in educational leadership, politics, and advocacy from New York University. 
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    Gina Evans headshot
    Project Manager, State Initiatives
    Gina Evans leads Justice Reinvestment efforts to help states adopt and measure research-driven policies to improve public safety, reduce corrections and related criminal justice spending, and reduce recidivism. Previously, Gina worked as director of advocacy at the largest residential substance use
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    disorder treatment program in the Upper Midwest, working toward community alternatives to incarceration and second chance efforts that included drug sentencing reform, family reunification legislation, expungement reform, and re-establishment of the Ombudsman for Corrections office. Gina serves on the Hennepin County, Minnesota, Sheriff’s Community Advisory Board and was appointed by the commissioner of corrections to the Interstate Compact Commission. Gina has a degree in construction electricity and is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist.  
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    Program Director, State Initiatives
    Sara Friedman oversees a portfolio of projects that help state leaders improve outcomes and reduce recidivism by building and implementing technology for data-driven decision-making. Prior to this role, she led teams of CSG Justice Center staff who helped states adopt
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    and measure research-driven criminal justice policy and practice changes through the Justice Reinvestment Initiative. Previously, Sara was the director of resource development at an alternative-to-incarceration nonprofit, focusing on grant writing, program development, and building organizational capacity through data collection and program evaluation. Sara earned her BA from University of Pennsylvania and her MPA from New York University.  
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  • Shanell Gist
    Project Manager, State Initiatives
    Shanell Gist works to improve the systemic response to victims of crime. Shanell accomplishes this mission by working diligently with multiple state leaders, providing technical support and engaging with diverse stakeholders. Previously, Shanell worked as a director of Anti-Human Trafficking
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    and Advocacy at the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center in Ohio. With years of advocacy and leadership experience, Shanell also has expertise in critical thinking, crisis intervention, strategy development, and collaborating with community leaders. Shanell has a master’s in criminal behavior from Tiffin University and completed a certificate in “Child Protection: Children’s Rights in Theory and Practice” at Harvard University.  
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    Project Manager, State Initiatives
    Greg Halls provides project management for state-based teams and assists in policy research, analysis, and technical assistance activities for states undergoing the Justice Reinvestment process. In his previous role as a policy analyst on the economic mobility team, he provided
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    technical assistance (on- and off-site) to Department of Corrections and tribal grantees in Delaware, Florida, Minnesota, North Carolina, Texas, and Navajo Nation for increasing the employability of individuals impacted by the criminal justice system. Additionally, Greg conducted the IRES Pilot Process Evaluation and co-authored the “Integrating Reentry and Employment Strategies (IRES) Pilot Project: Process Evaluation Report.” Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Greg was a project-research assistant at the National Center for Mental Health and Juvenile Justice at Policy Research Associates. As a program associate, he provided technical assistance to nine pilot sites implementing a mental health model in the juvenile justice realm. Greg also coordinated and evaluated juvenile justice trainings delivered to CIT trained professionals and juvenile probation, detention, and corrections professionals. He earned his MA in criminal justice and research from SUNY University at Albany’s School of Criminal Justice.
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  • robert
    Project Manager, State Initiatives
    Robert Hamill focuses on projects involving victim compensation. Before joining the CSG Justice Center, Robert was the administrator of the crime victim compensation and sexual abuse examination payment programs in the Iowa Department of Justice’s Crime Victim Assistance Division. He
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    also managed Iowa’s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative project and helped lead efforts to improve responses and transparency regarding sexual assault evidence in the state. Robert has also been a consultant with the State Administering Agencies Support Team and the OVC VOCA Center. Previously, Robert served in the Des Moines office of U.S. Senator Tom Harkin in several roles. Robert received a BA in business administration from Grand View College.
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    Kendric H. headshot
    Policy Analyst, State Initiatives
    Kendric Holder provides expert guidance to states advancing new policies and practices to achieve public safety goals through the Justice Reinvestment Initiative. Previously, Kendric was a research fellow for the Southern Education Foundation, where he assisted with primary research and
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    policy analysis that resulted in equitable and effective systems change for students from low-income households in the South. He has also worked for the City of Huntsville’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and as a philanthropy intern with the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville, seeking to advance equity and improve the quality of life in Huntsville, Alabama. Kendric holds a BA in political science and a minor in history with honors from Alabama A&M University.  
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    Deputy Program Director, State Initiatives
    Jennifer Kisela assesses aspects of local and state criminal justice systems for adherence to best practices and provides technical assistance to jurisdictions implementing Justice Reinvestment legislation. Jennifer provides content expertise in evidence-based practices, risk and need assessments, changing behavior, programming,
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    and quality assurance. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Jennifer worked as the research and continuous quality improvement administrator at Oriana House, a large community corrections agency in Ohio. In this role, Jennifer implemented and oversaw the training and coaching of staff on the use of effective interventions for people in the criminal justice system. Jennifer has also provided training and coaching services as an independent consultant to community corrections agencies throughout the U.S. Jennifer holds a BA in justice studies from Kent State University and an MA in criminal justice from the University of Cincinnati.
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    Senior Policy Analyst, State Initiatives
    Sarah Lee supports policymakers to make better decisions using criminal justice data as part of the Justice Counts initiative. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Sarah was a public defender in Maricopa County, Arizona, where she represented indigent clients
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    in Early Resolution Court. She also served as a public defender in St. Lawrence County, New York. She earned her BA from the University of Pennsylvania and her JD from New York University. She is admitted to practice law in New York.
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    Project Manager, State Initiatives
    Estrella López provides technical assistance to state leaders in adoption and implementation of evidence-based policies and practices that reduce recidivism and advance public safety. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Estrella spent over a decade as a county prosecutor,
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    where she handled a wide array of criminal cases. Estrella received her BA from Wesleyan University and her JD from Fordham University School of Law. She is admitted to practice law in New Jersey. 
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    Deputy Program Director, State Initiatives
    Alison Martin leads project management for states implementing Justice Reinvestment legislation, helping states adopt and measure research-driven corrections and community supervision policies and practices that reduce recidivism. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Alison worked as a postdoctoral research
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    associate at the National Institute of Justice, where she was the lead investigator on projects related to the criminal justice response to crimes against American Indian and Alaska Native women. Alison also has experience conducting research on corrections, including topics such as prison violence, reentry, recidivism, and restorative justice. She earned her BS in public policy and administration from James Madison University and her MS and PhD in justice, law, and society from American University. 
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    Policy Analyst, State Initiatives
    Matthew Moore provides data-driven guidance to policymakers and stakeholders in developing evidence-based strategies to decrease crime and reduce recidivism. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Matthew worked at the Kansas Legislative Research Department providing nonpartisan fiscal and policy analysis
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    to the Kansas Legislature. In that capacity, he crafted detailed reports and engaging presentations to help legislators and stakeholders easily understand complex budget and policy issues regarding mental health and social services. Matthew has a BA in linguistics from the University of Kansas and received his JD with dean’s honors from Washburn University School of Law. 
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    Myles Moore
    Policy Analyst, State Initiatives
    Myles Moore works to improve public safety, reduce corrections and related criminal justice spending, and reinvest savings in strategies that can decrease crime and reduce recidivism. Prior to working at the CSG Justice Center, he supported research that explores the
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    adoption and repeal of state and local public health policies on health outcomes. Myles also worked as a regulatory researcher in oncology clinical trials, reviewing study protocols and project management. He earned his BHS from University of Kentucky and his MPH in health policy and management from New York University. 
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    Program Director, State Initiatives
    Katie Mosehauer assists the state division in conceptualizing and constructing new projects and publications that help advance the criminal justice field in using evidence-based practices and understanding recidivism trends. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Katie was the executive
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    director of Washington Appleseed, a legal advocacy organization dedicated to generating research-based public policy impacting underserved populations in Washington state. As executive director, she developed and directed multiagency projects on topics ranging from early childhood nutrition to community reentry from prison. Katie earned her BA in anthropology from the University of Virginia.
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    Policy Analyst, State Initiatives
    Maya Nakamura supports projects improving states' victim compensation programs. Previously, Maya oversaw the daily operations of the Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence (ATASK) emergency shelter as the shelter advocate in the Greater Boston area, where she also spent a
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    year working as a residential counselor during university. Before returning to ATASK, Maya worked at national health policy and advocacy organization Community Catalyst, where she supported projects on Medicaid expansion, health equity, and equitable grant-making decisions. Maya holds a BS in behavior and health from Boston University’s Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences with a minor in Japanese language and literature.
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    Deputy Program Director, State Initiatives
    Paul Nichols works with the team to leverage data to help move state legislators towards adopting important criminal justice reforms. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, he held various leadership positions in the New York State Senate and played
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    a role in bringing meaningful changes to the justice system, such as voting rights for the formerly incarcerated and anti-employment discrimination for individuals with a criminal record. He was previously the director of a local community center that created programs to engage youth at risk of justice system involvement. Also an attorney, Paul has worked in the New York State Supreme Court, in the U.S. Congress, and for a corporate law firm. He received his BA from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and his JD from New York Law School. 
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    Policy Analyst, State Initiatives
    Meghna Padmanabhan provides policy insights and support for state governments improving their community supervision policies and practices in reducing recidivism. Previously, she worked at the Missouri Coalition Against Trafficking and Exploitation (MOCATE), where she tracked key legislative changes and developed
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    relationships with legislators to advance CATE’s policy goals to decriminalize trafficked victims. She has engaged in direct service and volunteer work in many St. Louis communities, providing administrative support at a women’s safe house and mentoring youth from the Clinton-Peabody neighborhood. Meghna received her BA in sociology from Washington University in St. Louis and her MSW from the Brown School of Social Work and Public Health, with a concentration in social impact leadership and a specialization in policy.  
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    Senior Legal and Policy Advisor, State Initiatives
    Carl Reynolds helps manage and develop projects related to courts, corrections, law enforcement, and sentencing. He works on Justice Reinvestment and other projects where expert legal and policy research is needed. Previously, Carl served as director of the Texas Office
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    of Court Administration. From 1997 to 2005, he was general counsel for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), responsible for prisons, probation, and parole. He also was general counsel to the Texas Board of Criminal Justice—the governing body for TDCJ. Prior to that position, he was the executive director of the Texas Punishment Standards Commission, general counsel to the Texas Senate Committee on Criminal Justice, director of the Senate's redistricting staff, and a briefing attorney for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. Carl holds a BA from the University of Cincinnati, an MA from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, and a JD from the University of Texas School of Law. 
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    Policy Analyst, State Initiatives
    Sephria Reynolds-Tanner supports the National Guidelines for Post-Conviction Risk and Needs Assessment project in a variety of ways, including providing technical assistance to jurisdictions that are adopting the guidelines. Previously, Sephria worked as a probation officer at Spokane County District
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    Court in Washington State and as a community corrections officer for various field offices throughout the state. She was the presenting community corrections officer for all violation hearings in Spokane; she also administered assessments and counseled clients about community resources. Additionally, Sephria served as a paralegal and as the administration/legal department head as yeoman second-class petty officer (E-5) for the United States Navy. Sephria holds a BA in justice with a minor in anthropology from the University of Alaska Anchorage and is currently pursuing an MA in criminal justice at Seattle University.
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    Project Manager, State Initiatives
    Laramie Riggs works strategically with the Justice Counts team to encourage stakeholders to record and report accurate data to inform policy decisions and better serve communities. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Laramie worked in education, first as an
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    eighth-grade math teacher in the Mississippi Delta and later in administration as the dean of community life working to amplify community input in the public education system. Her most recent role involved coordinating college in prison programs in Tennessee. She also has extensive experience with reentry and working with people to create meaningful plans after incarceration. Laramie continues to engage with nonprofit organizations that promote educational equity and work towards disrupting systems of harm. She has a BS in communications and international studies and an MEd in community development and action from Vanderbilt University.
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  • Madelyn Roman-Scott
    Project Manager, State Initiatives
    Madelyn Roman-Scott provides support and technical assistance to policymakers and stakeholders through Justice Counts, an initiative to help policymakers make better decisions using public safety data. Previously, she worked at the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, where she assisted agencies with
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    implementing evidence-based programs, led prevention initiatives, and started a youth justice advisory board for Pennsylvania. She also worked as a criminal justice systems planner with victims’ services, a youth advocate project manager, and a bilingual family service specialist. She was appointed a 2012 Youth Justice Leadership Institute Fellow through the National Juvenile Justice Network. Maddy holds a BA in psychology and criminal justice from Rutgers University and an MPS in organizational leadership from Central Penn College. 
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    Deputy Program Director, State Initiatives
    Michelle Rodriguez provides policy research, analysis, and technical assistance to states undergoing the Justice Reinvestment process. Michelle has worked on Justice Reinvestment projects in Rhode Island, North Dakota, and New Mexico. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, she worked
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    at Casey Family Programs, where she coordinated services to youth, young adults, and families involved in the child welfare system. Earlier in her career, Michelle was a mitigation specialist with the King County Office of Public Defense. In that role, she transitioned between the felony, mental health, and juvenile court systems to develop individual sentencing alternatives. Michelle received her BS in psychology and criminal justice at Seattle University and her MSW from the University of Washington.
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    Senior Policy Analyst, State Initiatives
    Lorretta Sackey provides project management for state-based teams, distills data, and analyzes legislative and administrative policies. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Lorretta worked as a project manager with the Program for Research and Outreach on Gender Equity in Society (PROGRESS), a university-based organization
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    where she trained and educated young girls and women to value their voice in negotiations. She has also worked as a fundraiser for political candidates on the local, state, and federal levels. Lorretta has a BA in political science from Canisius College and an MA from Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy.
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    Project Manager, State Initiatives
    Lahiz Tavárez administers the CSG Justice Center’s internal data management system and oversees internal data collection and reporting processes. As part of her role, she develops and implements systems and process guidance to improve internal data tracking and communicates that
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    information to staff through consistent resource development and leading of staff trainings. Additionally, she works on projects centered on risk and needs assessment communication and implementation guidance. In previous roles at the CSG Justice Center, Lahiz developed networks of community services for people returning to the community after incarceration, provided technical assistance to recipients of Second Chance Act grants, supported projects centered on improving risk communication in corrections and reentry of people convicted of sexual offenses, and worked to expand the Reentry Services Directory. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, she interned at the New York State Assembly as a legislative assistant, as well as with Albany County’s Crime Victim and Sexual Violence Center (CVSVC), acting as a victim advocate at Albany Criminal Court on behalf of CVSVC, and at SUNY Albany’s University Police Department (UAPD), also participating in UAPD’s Advisory Committee. Lahiz received a BA in criminal justice from SUNY University at Albany and is completing her MA in forensic psychology at CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
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    Deputy Division Director, State Initiatives
    Elizabeth (Liz) Thomas serves as deputy division director for the State Initiatives Division and is responsible for the overall internal experience, coordination, and cross-division collaboration for the division. Before joining the CSG Justice Center, she spent the majority of her
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    career in the nonprofit sector with a focus on organizational operations. She holds a BA from Hampshire College and an MA from New York University. 
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    Project Manager, State Initiatives
    Erin Thorvaldson leads implementation efforts and technical assistance for states using the Justice Reinvestment Initiative to advance criminal justice policy. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Erin worked as a treatment director for reentry efforts at the Wisconsin Department
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    of Corrections where she led development, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based interventions. In this role, Erin provided extensive training and technical assistance for risk and need assessments, continuous quality improvement, program evaluation, staff coaching, and program redesign. Erin holds a BA in psychology and a BA in social welfare from the University of Wisconsin and an MPA from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
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    Deputy Program Director, State Initiatives
    Laura van der Lugt provides justice systems assessment, policy development, and implementation technical assistance to states, counties, and cities. She specializes in improving correctional continuum practices, strengthening supervision practices, and building and sustaining networks of community resources necessary to improve
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    community supervision outcomes and public safety. Before joining the CSG Justice Center, she was the director of research and innovation at the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department (SCSD) in Boston, Massachusetts, where she oversaw the development, management, and measurement of SCSD policy innovation and programmatic strategy. Prior to SCSD, she worked as the director of evaluation and learning at Roca Inc., a Massachusetts-based nonprofit organization. Laura began her justice policy career in the Boston Police Commissioner’s Office of Research and Development, where she coordinated and managed the City of Boston’s federal Second Chance Act Adult Reentry Demonstration Project grant-related programming. Laura holds a BA in sociology from Bates College, an MA in criminology from the University of Pennsylvania, and a PhD in criminology and justice policy from Northeastern University.
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    Senior Policy Analyst, State Initiatives
    Vibha Venkatesha supports policymakers to make better decisions using criminal justice data as part of the Justice Counts initiative. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, she worked with the City of Detroit’s Returning Citizens’ Task Force since its inception.
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    In her roles as policy analyst and communications director, she researched and developed legislation and community outreach initiatives to reduce recidivism rates and managed communications. Vibha is also on the Board of Directors for Amnesty International USA. She has led workshops on human rights issues; been an expert consultant at the UN Office of Human Rights, where she drafted the World Programme on Human Rights Education; and presented to the UN ECOSOC forum. She has a BA in political science and sociology with honors from Wayne State University.
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    Stephanie Villanueva
    Policy Analyst, State Initiatives
    Stephanie Villanueva supports policymakers to make better decisions using criminal justice data as part of the Justice Counts initiative. Previously, she worked for American Prison Data Systems, preparing people for successful reentry. As a support associate, she visited jails and
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    prisons throughout the country and ensured access to educational and rehabilitative resources. She also worked in law enforcement as a community service officer and a crime analyst, providing geographic and statistical analysis to guide the Tampa Police Department’s crime reduction efforts. Stephanie has a BA in criminology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice with minors in gender studies and sociology. She also has an MA in criminal justice from Long Island University. 
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    Policy Analyst, State Initiatives
    Amber Watlington assists state agencies in applying data-driven information to make decisions on decreasing recidivism and advancing results for individuals on community supervision. Prior to joining the CSG Justice Center, Amber worked as a diversion specialist with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police
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    Department in North Carolina, aiming to keep youth out of the juvenile justice system. She used evidence-based practices to provide youth with the necessary tools to reduce delinquency. Amber also specialized in data analytics and provided up-to-date diversion data for various stakeholders, such as the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council. Amber has a BS in criminal justice from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and an MS in criminal justice from Saint Leo University. 
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    Project Manager, State Initiatives
    Kelli R. Williams serves as project manager for recruitment within the State Initiatives Division at the CSG Justice Center. Previously, she was the state director of South Carolina for the Working Families Party and the national director of Str8 2
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    The Core. As a community activist, the founder of District 5 Coalition, a development consultant for the SC Progressive Network, an organizer at WREN & SC United Coalition, and more, Kelli is dedicated to the betterment of her community. She holds a degree in business management from Miller Motte College.  
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    Program Director, State Initiatives
    Ellen Whelan-Wuest provides policy research, analysis, and technical assistance to states going through the Justice Reinvestment process. Previously, she worked for the county manager in Durham, North Carolina, where she served on the Criminal Justice Advisory Committee and researched issues
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    relating to medical care costs for the county jail system and the youth home detention facility. Ellen also worked as the Brooklyn director for a New York State Senator, and as a special assistant to the state director for a U.S. Senator in Chicago. Ellen holds a BA in Latin American history and sociology from Middlebury College, and an MA in public policy from Duke University.
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    Policy Analyst, State Initiatives
    Stephanie Yaldo-Sheena works on the Justice Reinvestment Initiative helping state leaders reduce corrections and criminal justice spending, reinvest funds in strategies that decrease crime and reduce recidivism, and improve public safety through data-driven solutions. Previously, Stephanie worked as Congressman Andy
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    Levin’s outreach director in Michigan. Stephanie was a Family Advisor Board member to the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC), where she advocated for humane treatment of incarcerated people and to increase family connectedness within MDOC. Stephanie holds an MSW concentrating in social policy and program evaluation from the University of Michigan and a BA in psychology from Wayne State University.
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