Let's Talk About Wellness!
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SESSION INFO

Monday, February 13, 2023
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Session Type: Workshop
"The American Probation and Parole Associate is committed to providing quality and effective professional development and support in officer wellness. To deliver on that commitment, we have created an opportunity to have an open and honest conversation in a safe space to explore levels of concern and develop strategies to counter the long-term consequences of unwellness. Individual wellness refers to an individual's emotional, physical, spiritual, intellectual, social, environmental, and interpersonal well-being. Workplace wellness relates to all aspects of working life, from the quality and safety of the physical environment to how workers feel about their work, the environment, and the organization's climate. In our field, we tend to focus on others, like the communities we serve, the individuals we supervise or under our care and protection, public perception, job demands, getting through the day, etc. Unfortunately, not much emphasis is placed on self-preservation, mental stability, emotional regulation, and the secondary trauma we are exposed to daily. This is an invitation to participate in a conversation about wellness. During this conversation, we will discuss ways to put ourselves first without feeling selfish or entitled, talk about the impact unwellness can have on us in our personal and professional lives, and the importance of being in a good mental state to deal with the complexities of our jobs."

SESSION PRESENTERS
Dr. Carmen Z. Gomez
Deputy Commissioner for Pretrial Services, MA Probation Service/MA Trial Court/Office of Commissioner of Probation


Carmen Gomez, PhD is a Criminal Justice professional with over 26 years of experience in the Judicial system. She currently serves as a Regional Supervisor for the Massachusetts Probation Service. She holds a B.A. and M.S. in Criminal Justice, a PhD in Philosophy with a concentration in Law, Policy, and Society, and several master’s level certificates in Mediation and Hostage Negotiation, Domestic Violence, CJ Management, and Behavioral Analysis. She has served as an adjunct professor at several colleges and universities, and as a consultant to local, state, and federal entities providing expertise in the areas of sex crimes, and serial killings. She serves as an APPA Leadership Institute Coordinator. She also serves in the Board of Directors of the National Association of Probation Executive, Enroot, Cambridge Community Services, and Governor’s Criminal Record Review Board. She is a current member of the American Probation and Parole Association and the Co-Founder and Member of the Foundation for Non-Violent Action. She organized the Massachusetts Trial Court’s first annual Women’s History Month Celebration 2021 Valiant Women of the Vote: Refusing to Be Silenced. A continuation of her dedication to advancing women’s rights and securing recognition for their contribution. She is the recipient of the 2020 Amplify Latinx Latina Leader for the category of Government, and Public Policy, 2019 Martin Luther King Spirit Award, 2018 Mutual of America Community Partnership – Rosie’s Place, 2017 Mutual of America – United States Mint Liberty Coin, 2017 Excellence Award Massachusetts Trial Court, 2017 Women of Distinction, 2015 One of the 100 Most Influential Hispanics in Massachusetts, 2012 Excellence Award Massachusetts Trial Court, and Distinguished Alumna in Liberal Arts, Humanity, and Education. She has devoted most of her life to public service, civil rights, and community engagement. She is committed to creating and supporting systems that embrace diversity, equality, inclusion, accessibility, and a fair and just legal system.