Building Bridges to Better Condition Setting: Probation and Pleas

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Cj Appleton is an Assistant Professor at Duke University's Stanford School of Policy. He specializes in probation services, desistance, and trauma issues. His work includes developing curriculum to transform probation condition setting.

Evelyn Doherty-Terfry serves as the Assistant Chief Probation Officer at the Lynn District Court within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Trial Court. She holds a Master of Science in Criminology and brings more than a decade of experience in public service and behavioral analysis. Prior to joining the Trial Court in 2016, Evelyn worked as a Behavioral Analyst for the Department of Homeland Security from 2008 to 2016. She began her career with the Trial Court as a Juvenile Probation Officer in December 2016 and was promoted to Assistant Chief Probation Officer in September 2021.Outside of her professional work, Evelyn is a proud wife and the mother of two fast-growing boys.

Gwyn Kaitis, MA, is a Program Analyst with the American Probation and Parole Association, providing training and technical assistance and leading APPA’s efforts on a variety of projects to advance the field of community corrections. She has a background in intimate partner violence having served as Coalition Policy Director, Shelter Executive Director, trainer with the Chicago Police Academy, and serving as Chair of the New Mexico Intimate Partner Violence Death Review Team.

Ben Mackey is a Senior Researcher at the Center for Advancing Correctional Excellence (ACE!) where he specializes in probation reforms and implementation strategies. He employs quanitative and qualitative analyses to address complex systems issues.

Mark Mamet is the Chief Probation Officer for Middlesex Superior Court with over 25 years of experience in probation supervision, leadership, and training. He holds a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Boston. Mark also serves as a Lead Trainer with the Massachusetts Probation Service Training Division, specializing in evidence-based practices, including the Ohio Risk Assessment System (ORAS) and Carey Guide Supervision Tools. He is actively engaged in statewide committees and pilot programs focused on safety, cultural proficiency, behavioral health, and justice-involved populations.

Michael Manteria is the Assistant Chief Probation Officer for Hampden Superior Court in Springfield, Massachusetts, with more than 25 years of experience in adult and juvenile probation. He provides direct supervision to probation staff and leads statewide training efforts in officer safety, serving as a certified instructor in defensive tactics, control tactics, OC spray, pressure point control, and Narcan administration. Mr. Manteria previously served for over two decades with the Hampden County Juvenile Court, where he led innovative school-based supervision, truancy prevention, and community justice initiatives. In addition to his court leadership, he has served as an Adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice at Western New England University since 2005, where he teaches courses on community-based supervision, alternative sentencing, and sexual offender management. He holds a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation and Counseling from Springfield College.

Kevin Meaney, 57, a native of Woburn Ma (hometown of John Augustus) , is a dedicated public servant with 33 years of experience in the Massachusetts Probation Service. A graduate of Plymouth State College, Kevin began his career as a probation officer in his hometown of Woburn where he worked for 23 years, rising to the rank of Assistant Chief. In 2016 Kevin was promoted to Chief Probation Officer for the Framingham/Natick Courts, where he played a pivotal role in establishing the Framingham Specialty Recovery Court. In 2023 he moved over to the Concord District as Chief and contributed to the creation of Concord’s Specialty Mental Health Court, assisting and expanding access to essential services for those in need. Throughout his career, Kevin’s focus has consistently been on reducing recidivism and improving outcomes for individuals under supervision, blending rigorous supervision with rehabilitative and supportive programs.

Faye S. Taxman is University Professor at the Schar School of Policy and Government. Taxman, a health services criminologist, expertise in implementation and intervention sciences were she has conducted various experiments to determine which processes will improve access to treatment and retention, and to formulate and assess new models of probation that is consistent with current evidence-based practices. She has a PhD from Rutgers University School of Criminal Justice.

Melissa Vieira is an Assistant Chief Probation Officer at Hampden County Superior Court in Massachusetts, bringing 9 years of dedicated experience to the field of Probation. Known for her ability to adapt quickly to evolving situations and clarify complex information into understandable formats, Melissa is a valuable leader in her department. She is passionate about the work of Probation and is pleased to share insights from her experience.

Tori Wilhelm is a Probation Officer for Northern Berkshire District Court in North Adams, MA with over a decade of experience in community supervision. Tori is deeply committed to justice, equality, and meaningful accountability. She serves as the Veteran’s Liaison in her Court – working to ensure that all justice-involved Veterans are connected with appropriate resources and support. Tori is deeply committed to justice, equality, and meaningful accountability. She is especially passionate about helping individuals impacted by substance use disorders, working to guide those going down a dark path toward stability, dignity, and hope. Her work reflects a belief that effective probation balances public safety with compassion and rehabilitation. Tori holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of New Haven.