Guiding Change: Motivational Interviewing Conversations for Community Corrections

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Angela Macon is a Parole Program Specialist, Quality Assurance Analyst for the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections who currently oversees Assessor Parole Officers and supports the Cleveland Region Adult Parole Authority in evidence-based staff training and development. Previously, she worked as a Parole Officer for 8 years with the Cleveland APA and was assigned for 2 years as a full-time Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Task Force Officer in Cuyahoga County. She is a certified instructor/trainer/co-facilitator for Motivational Interviewing (currently participates in an MI Community of Practice for Parole), Core Correctional Practices, ORAS, Case Planning, Carey Guides, Anger Control, Decision Points, Thinking for a Change, Victim Awareness, Personal Responsibility of Violence Elimination, Batterer's Intervention, and OC (Oleoresin Capsicum) Aerosol Projector training. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Sociology from Cleveland State University.

Andrew Pietras is a Parole Officer in Columbus, Oho. He is an evidence-based practice trainer for Ohio Parole. He is a certified Motivational Interviewing Instructor/Trainer. He is a certified facilitator for Cognitive Behavior Programs including Thinking for a Change and Decision Points. He co-coordinates program referrals for Columbus Parole. He was previously a case manager and program manager for a Community Based Correctional Facility where he helped program participants work through cognitive behavior programming and interventions. He has a bachelor’s in criminal justice from Baldwin Wallace University.

Joseph Suciu is a Parole Program Specialist for the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. He was instrumental in the development of updated Evidence Practice training and applications. He has trained and coached extensively in evidence-based practice and Motivational Interviewing. He has developed motivational interviewing training curriculums for Criminal Justice professionals. He was recognized as the Division of Parole and Community Services Employee of the Year for 2020 and Cleveland Region’s Parole Officer of the Year for 2010. With over 29 years of Community Corrections experience, his previous positions include Parole Officer, Jail Coordinator, Program Administrator, Case worker and Cognitive Skills Specialist. Currently, he coordinates parole projects involving the incorporation of innovative solutions and evidence practice into community corrections practices. He obtained a Master of Science from the University of Cincinnati in Criminal Justice.