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Principles of Intervention: Integrating RNR and the Coach Referee Model for Change
SESSION INFO
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
3:45 PM - 5:15 PM
Session Type: Workshop
In the ever-evolving landscape of community supervision, agencies must shift to a more human centered approach that fosters long-term behavioral change. This workshop explores how the principles of effective intervention—including risk-need-responsivity, organizational and overarching principles—and the Coach Referee Model for Change work together to advance community supervision. Specifically, participants will develop an understanding of the approach, connection, playbooks, and success components critical for impactful coaching and meaningful outcomes.
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SESSION PRESENTERS
Dr. Brian Lovins
President, Justice System Partners
Brian Lovins, Ph.D., is President of Justice System Partners. He earned his PhD in Criminology from the University of Cincinnati School of Criminal Justice, and he is a past-President for the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA). Prior to JSP, Dr. Lovins was Assistant Director for Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department (CSCD) where he was tasked with developing and implementing agency wide change plans to drive increased successful completion rates. In addition, he was the Associate Director for the University of Cincinnati’s Corrections Institute—the School of Criminal Justice’s training and research department.
Dr. Lovins has been instrumental in helping the criminal and juvenile justice system create programs that align with best practices for over 30 years. In 2018, Dr. Lovins and colleagues published the initial article “Probation Officer as a Coach: Building a New Professional Identity” in Federal Probation. Since then, he has delivered hundreds of conference presentations and invited talks regarding the Coach Referee Model for Change. Dr. Lovins routinely consults with agencies regarding their implementation of a coaching framework within the context of evidenced-based interventions, and works closely with communities to develop effective strategies to improve the outcomes for individuals impacted by the system.
Dr. Lovins has received the 2020 Edward J. Latessa Practitioner Research Award from the American Society of Criminology-Division on Corrections and Sentencing for his continued body of work in helping community corrections move forward. He has also been honored with the Dr. Simon Dinitz Public Service Award for his work and dedication in helping correctional agencies adopt evidence-based programs and the David Dillingham Award, as well as a being recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus from the University of Cincinnati. His publications include articles on risk assessment, justice involved youth, people who use violence and are adjudicated of sexual offenses, effective interventions, and cognitive-behavioral interventions.
Myrinda Schweitzer Smith, PhD
Executive Director, University of Cincinnati Corrections Institute
Myrinda Schweitzer Smith received her Ph.D. from the University of Cincinnati and is the Executive Director of the University of Cincinnati Corrections Institute. Dr. Schweitzer Smith has co-authored publications, presented nationally and internationally on effective interventions, and served as a project director for over 300 projects involving program evaluation, the development and implementation of cognitive-behavioral programs for delinquency, criminality, substance abuse, employment, and sexual offending, and effective practices for community supervision and support. She serves and participates on a multitude of advisory boards and professional organizations supporting the health and wellbeing of those working in and those impacted by the justice system. Most recently, she is actively engaged in several projects that aim to transform juvenile justice, reentry practices, and community supervision to positively shape lives and safer societies.
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