The Power of Networking at Conferences: Turning Conversations Into Career Currency

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Dr. Tania Appling serves as the Director of the Office of Professional Development for the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), where she leads statewide professional development initiatives and oversees the agency’s comprehensive training programs. A dedicated DJJ professional since 1997, she has been instrumental in developing and launching leadership, core, and specialized training curricula, as well as implementing DJJ’s modern learning management system and eLearning platform. Dr. Appling is an active member of the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA), where she serves on the Executive Board of Directors as Board Treasurer. Her APPA service includes roles as Board Member at Large, Leadership Institute Mentor, and Program Chair/Co‑Chair for two Winter Training Institutes. She also serves as the Council Training Chair for the Central Georgia Council of the Boy Scouts of America and as a Board Member for the Georgia School of Addiction Studies. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Walden University and dual master's degrees in educational psychology (M.Ed.) and Public Administration (MPA) from the State University of West Georgia. Dr. Appling is a Master POST Instructor and a John Maxwell–Certified Coach, Teacher, and Speaker. She is also an active member of the American Counseling Association, American Correctional Association, and The Association of Women Executives in Corrections. A passionate educator and presenter, Dr. Appling often speaks at national and state conferences on leadership, wellness, and juvenile justice topics. She enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her beloved Pebbles.

Kimberly W. Blount began her career with the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice in 2014 as an Academy Registrar, establishing a strong foundation in training operations and administrative leadership. In 2016, she advanced to Public Safety Training Instructor I, where she facilitated core training for entry-level corrections and probation officers. By 2019, Kimberly was promoted to Public Safety Training Instructor III, serving as a certified Firearms Instructor and coordinator of the Peace Officer Standards and Training Instructor Training Program. In this role, she delivered specialized instruction in leadership, firearms, weapons retention, and instructor development, while providing strategic guidance to staff supporting youth rehabilitation efforts. In 2022, Kimberly advanced to Public Safety Training Supervisor, where she oversees curriculum development, leadership administration, and training execution. She remains committed to advancing leadership excellence, enhancing public safety, and supporting the agency’s mission to transform the lives of young people.

Pamerson O. Ifill is the 10th Commissioner of the Massachusetts Probation Service (MPS) and the first Black Commissioner in its 148 year history. Commissioner Ifill serves as President Elect of the American Probation and Parole Association. With more than 33 years of service, he previously served as Deputy Commissioner of Pretrial Services, leading major innovations such as the statewide text message court notification system, the Seeing Red equity initiative, and Cultural Appreciation Week. His leadership background includes roles as Regional Supervisor, Chief Probation Officer for Suffolk Superior Court, and Regional Program Manager for the Office of Community Corrections. He was an adjunct professor at Suffolk University for 24 years, currently at Stonehill College over five years, and holds degrees from Brandeis University and Stonehill College. Commissioner Ifill oversees nearly 1,800 staff across 123 locations, advancing evidence based practices that strengthen public safety, improve court appearance rates, reduce recidivism, expand treatment options, and promote equitable access to justice. A central focus of his administration is reducing racial and ethnic disparities through research informed operational reform. He is currently leading the development of system wide Emerging Adult Supervision policies for individuals ages 18–25, supported by specialized training and partnerships with Community Justice Support Centers.

Kimberly Stevens Public Safety Training Supervisor, Office of Professional Development, GA Department of Juvenile Justice Kimberly Stevens is a Public Safety Training Supervisor with the Department of Juvenile Justice. She started her career with the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice in 2010 and has served as a Juvenile Probation/Parole Specialist II, Juvenile Program Manager, and Volunteer Resource Coordinator. Ms. Stevens has served as an FTO, she is a Post Certified Instructor, Master Resiliency Trainer and a Peer Support Counselor. Ms. Stevens earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Columbus State University and her master’s degree in Public Administration from South University. She has certificate degrees from Capella University in Diversity Studies and Contemporary Theory of Mental Health Services.