Understanding the Power of ACT-based Interventions in Aiding Clients to Successful Outcomes.

SESSION INFO

Wednesday, August 30, 2023
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
Session Type: Workshop

Participants will learn the crux of the Iowa Department of Corrections Achieving Change Through Values Based Behavior (ACTV) Program, an ACT based program focused on teaching clients new ways to respond to challenges, particularly thoughts or emotions they find distressing or that may be causing trouble for them. Clients practice new skills throughout the class, for example ways of dealing with difficult emotions and communication skills as well as discuss common barriers that get in the way, such as relationship issues, substance use, and parenting. Techniques utilized in ACTV group sessions will be discussed and experiential exercises will be practiced by participants that assist correctional clients in accepting unwanted thoughts and emotions while moving towards values based behavior. Implementation of ACT in correctional and forensic settings will also be discussed as well as lessons learned.

SESSION PRESENTERS

Ms. Julie M Brandt
Probation/Parole Supervisor, IA Dept of Corrections


Julie Brandt graduated from Grand View College in Des Moines, IA with a BA Degree in Sociology. Julie has worked for and alongside the Iowa Department of Corrections since 1997 when she was first hired as a Correctional Officer. Julie has served the state of Iowa in various capacities including Substance Abuse Counselor, OWI Counselor, Re-Entry Coordinator, Iowa Domestic Violence Program Coordinator, Core Correctional Practices Lead Trainer, and ACTV Trainer, to name a few. Currently Julie serves as a Probation/Parole Supervisor in Marshalltown, Iowa, a position she has held since 2016.


Dr. Roxann Scheffert
Training Director, IA Dept of Corrections


Dr. Scheffert currently serves as the Director of Training for the Iowa Department of Corrections. She has vast experience in the design, development, and implementation of staff training, as well as training and education for incarcerated individuals. With more than twenty years of experience in a variety of positions within the correctional field, she offers a diverse background in training, continuous quality improvement (CQI), treatment modalities, program development, and implementation science. Roxann has been instrumental in developing and overseeing CQI measures within the field and institutions including ensuring quality case management, utilizing risk tools with fidelity, and assisting correctional staff in providing quality treatment including the implementation of the Improving Outcomes With Action (IOWA) Tool, a group fidelity tool utilized on cognitive based programs throughout the state. Roxann has extensive experience in a wealth of correctional treatments and has served as an Achieving Change Through Values Based Behavior (ACTV) facilitator, trainer, and coach. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Master of Arts degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Northern Iowa. Roxann holds a Doctorate degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Iowa State University with a corrections focus with research emphases in correctional treatment, psychological flexibility, approaches to correctional supervision, and the role of risk and retention in programming.