Join us on Sunday, August 24th, 2025 for an intensive session! Gain in-depth insights on key topics in community corrections and earn extra Continuing Education Credits.
To sign up, add an intensive session to your registration or contact Kimberly Mills at kimberly.mills@csg.org. Please note – most intensive sessions are available for an additional $50.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN COMMUNITY SUPERVISION: OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES, AND ETHICAL APPLICATIONS
SUNDAY, AUGUST 24TH | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET
Community SupervisionLeadership and ManagementTechnology
Session Description: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept—it is actively reshaping how decisions are made, and services are delivered across all sectors, including criminal justice and community corrections. This workshop builds on an earlier introductory intensive session, Embracing the Future: Integrating AI into Practice that was held at the APPA Winter Training Institute 2025 in Las Vegas. This workshop will offer a deeper, more hands-on exploration of how AI can be responsibly and effectively leveraged in ways to enhance the functioning of our organizations administratively and operationally to achieve efficiencies, streamline activities, and improve offender outcomes. As organizations work to balance accountability with opportunity and support, professionals in community corrections must understand both the promise and the risks of AI. This intensive session will cover the fundamental principles of AI, demonstrate its potential everyday applications, and examine its growing role in areas, such as resource allocation and efficiency. A critical focus of the workshop is the evolving workforce. As younger generations—particularly Gen Z and digital-native millennials—enter the field, they bring expectations for modern, tech-enabled (or “leveraged”) environments. To attract, retain, and empower this talent, agencies must embrace AI and other emerging technologies not as a replacement for human judgment, but as a supportive tool that enhances professional capacity and advances public safety and rehabilitation outcomes. The session also will emphasize the ethical implications of integrating AI into a field rooted in human relationships, social interactions, and restorative justice. Participants will explore safeguards, governance strategies, cost considerations, and policy frameworks to ensure that AI use remains aligned with the mission and values of community supervision.
Session Description: This session delves into cutting-edge VR-based programmes designed to strengthen crime prevention and rehabilitation, supporting the criminal justice system in its goal to reduce recidivism. These programmes, developed for both prison and community settings, follow a dual and complementary approach. On the one hand, for individuals within the criminal justice system, the focus is on providing employability training and soft skills development, particularly in areas such as emotional regulation and impulse control, to support their rehabilitation and reintegration. On the other hand, for correctional staff, the VR training focuses on developing intervention skills, including radicalisation risk assessment and de-escalation techniques, ensuring professionals are equipped to handle challenging situations effectively. The session will highlight state-of-the-art research, present best practices and showcase four successful VR-based programmes. Alongside the programme’s co-developers, the session will provide insightful information about the direction of immersive criminal justice training.
Presenters
Inês de Castro is the Head of the Risk Prevention and Criminogenic Intervention Unit, under the Rehabilitation, Reintegration, and Community portfolio at IPS_Innovative Prison Systems. She is a clinical psychologist with a postgraduate degree in psycho-criminology, and a certified trainer in Portugal. Her expertise is rooted in practical experience and focuses on risk assessment, offender management, psychological evaluations in forensic contexts, and providing psychological support to inmates. Inês has participated in several international projects in the areas of rehabilitation, reintegration, and community-based interventions, acting as a project manager. She has also served as a trainer in the scope of the international project Strengthening Probation Services in Guyana, aimed at enhancing the organisational framework of probation services in the country through a structured staff training programme. Her training topics included case management, caseload supervision, and training of trainers.
Pedro Liberado is a Board Member, Chief Research Officer, and Radicalisation, Violent Extremism and Organised Crime Portfolio Coordinator at IPS_Innovative Prisons Systems. He is responsible for the design, coordination, implementation, and sustainability of various initiatives in prison, probation, and community settings, mostly in the field of radicalisation and violent extremism prevention. Through over 20 projects focused on preventing and countering violent extremism, Pedro has advised policymakers and practitioners on effective strategies to prevent radicalisation and combat terrorism. He has worked in offender management and risk screening/assessment, rehabilitation and exit work, cross-sectoral and multi-level staff training, interinstitutional cooperation, among other topics. He is an invited speaker in (inter)national events, incl. collaborations with the European Commission, Council of Europe, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and INTERPOL. Pedro is a certified trainer, Key Expert and Member of the EU Knowledge Hub on Prevention of Radicalisation, LEICA “Law Enforcement in Central Asia” Project Expert on behalf of CIVIPOL, Full Member of ICPA, APPA, European Society of Criminology (Radicalisation, Extremism, and Terrorism Working Group), and of the Society for Terrorism Research.
FROM THE STREET TO THE STOVE: SEVEN STRATEGIES THAT EVERY PO NEEDS TO KNOW
SUNDAY, AUGUST 24TH | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET
Community SupervisionReentry
Session Description: Join us for an immersive 4-hour intensive session featuring New York Times bestselling author Chef Jeff Henderson, a lived experience, credible messenger who will share powerful insights from his journey from incarceration to Las Vegas top chef. In this master class, Chef Jeff will reveal 7 crucial strategies that every probation officer should understand about the client experience, rehabilitation resources, workforce development, and building authentic connections with justice-involved individuals. Chef Jeff will be joined by a distinguished panel of other credible messengers - individuals with lived experience in the justice system who now serve as mentors and change agents in their communities. Together, they'll provide probation and parole officers with practical strategies to enhance supervision effectiveness, increase client success rates, and develop a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the reentry process. The session concludes with an interactive Q&A, allowing attendees to engage directly with Chef Jeff and the panel to address specific scenarios and challenges from their daily practice. This master class will deliver actionable insights to bridge the gap between supervision requirements and the human journey of transformation.
Presenter
Jeff Henderson started his culinary career in the unlikeliest of places, prison. While serving nearly ten years he discovered his passion for cooking which led to executive chef positions at some of the top hotels and resorts in the country. Jeff's inspiring story has been featured on Oprah's Life Class, Good Morning America, Today Show, ABC World News Tonight, CNN, The Steve Harvey Show, and in major publications such as The New York Times, Newsweek, USA Today, People Magazine, the Washington Post, and many others. When Jeff is not traveling the world teaching his life-changing lessons, he resides in Las Vegas with his wife Stacy and their five children.
PROBATIONSTAT: USING DATA TO DRIVE CASE MANAGEMENT
SUNDAY, AUGUST 24TH | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET
Community SupervisionResearch/Evidence-based PracticesTechnology
Session Description: In this intensive session, participants will explore the NYC Department of Probation’s Five Pillars—recidivism, employment, education, housing stability, and mental health—to create targeted assessments and personalized client plans. A live demonstration of the ProbationStat case-level dashboard, coupled with agency-wide discussion, will show how pillar-based insights translate into actionable strategies, streamline caseload management, and foster collaborative, data-driven decision-making.
Presenters
Ms. Tonya Cauley-Scott is currently the Deputy Commissioner, Adult Operations for the New York City (NYC), Department of Probation. She plays a pivotal part in formulating, implementing and modifying departmental policies and procedures that are consistent with the objectives of the Probation Department. Additionally, she coordinates and maintains responsibility for the complex operations among the various units within Adult Operations.
Tonya began her career with the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in 1984 where she served for 20 years. After patrol, she worked in specialized units: Organized Crime Control Bureau; Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force; Manhattan Special Victims Squad; Manhattan North Homicide Squad; and the Joint Terrorist Task Force.
In 2007, Tonya began a second career with the New York State (NYS), Office of the Attorney General as a Medicaid Fraud Investigator. Throughout the years, she was ultimately promoted to Assistant Chief of the Executive Protection Detail in 2021. In 2023, she moved on to create an Intelligence Division for the NYS, Office of the Attorney General.
Tonya earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Management from Manhattan College.
Antonio Pullano is currently the Associate Commissioner of Adult Operations at the NYC Department of Probation. He spent more than a decade working in medicine in the Private Sector with a primary focus on helping the public. Having been born and raised in New York City, he began looking for the means to more directly support the city that he loves. He transitioned to working in the Public Sector with the Department of Probation in 2024. As a part of the NYC Probation Family, he has been working to help the agency grow along with this great city. He continues to live in New York City with his family, doing what he can to make the city a better place now and for future generations.
Patricia Williams has over 20 years’ experience in child welfare and juvenile justice. Patricia holds a BA from Hofstra University and a Master’s in Criminal Justice from John Jay College. Patricia has held various leadership roles throughout her 23 years career at ACS, including being the Assistant Commissioner of a citywide juvenile diversion program that served over 7000 youth and families a year. Patricia is proficient in creating and assessing programs, streamlining processes, Ms. Williams is currently the Deputy Commissioner of Juvenile Operations at NYC Department of Probation in which she oversees all juvenile operations.
Shamira Gambrell is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in probation practice and community corrections, having worked with both juvenile and adult populations. Currently serving as the Associate Commissioner of Juvenile Operations at the New York City Department of Probation, she leads critical efforts in programming, staffing strategies, and interagency collaboration to enhance probation services across the city. Shamira is skilled in analyzing data, implementing effective policies, and driving strategic initiatives to achieve meaningful and sustainable outcomes.
Shamira's dedication to equity and excellence in community justice has been strengthened through advanced training at Georgetown University in the Crossover Youth Practice Model and Reducing Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Juvenile Justice. Her leadership extends to coordinating with key stakeholders and leveraging cross-system partnerships to address complex challenges in probation operations.
Currently pursuing her Doctorate in Executive Leadership at St. John Fisher University, Shamira remains committed to continuous learning and transformative leadership. She is driven by a passion to ensure that probation services create meaningful opportunities and lasting impacts for individuals and communities alike.
Razwan Mirza is a visionary IT leader and strategic innovator currently serving as Chief Information Officer (CIO), where he spearheads technology-driven initiatives that have transformed public safety operations. Through the deployment of cutting-edge technologies, data-driven systems, and integrated communication platforms, Mr. Mirza has enhanced multiple operational efficiencies, strengthened cybersecurity frameworks, and improved overall public safety outcomes. His leadership has been pivotal in aligning IT strategy with public policy, ensuring that technology solutions deliver measurable impact on community well-being and criminal justice system. Prior to his current role as CIO, Mr. Mirza played a transformative role in serving NYC Department of Social services, Department of Homeless Services, and the NYC Department of Aging for over 23years combined. In his earlier role as an agency’s Chief Enterprise Architect and later as Infrastructure Director he led large-scale digital transformation initiatives that modernized IT infrastructure, improved service accessibility, and optimized operational efficiency across government agencies. By introducing scalable solutions, robust enterprise architectures, and innovative digital platforms, Mr. Mirza revolutionized how public services are delivered, enabling better support for the vulnerable population of NYC. With a proven track record of leveraging technology for public good, Mr. Mirza continues to drive innovation, operational excellence, and strategic growth in the public sector through visionary IT leadership.
STAYING STRONG ON THE FRONT LINES: BUILDING RESILIENCE AND WELLNESS IN PROBATION AND PAROLE
SUNDAY, AUGUST 24TH | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET
Health and WellnessMental Health and Substance Use Disorder
Session Description: Probation and Parole professionals often serve on the front lines of the justice system, engaging daily with individuals in crisis, trauma, and instability. This critical role can take a significant toll on personal well-being, contributing to stress, burnout, and secondary trauma. This workshop offers tools, strategies, and real-world applications to foster resilience, promote wellness, and mitigate the effects of secondary trauma. Participants will explore the unique stressors of their roles, learn how to recognize signs of compassion fatigue and burnout. Through guided exercises, peer discussion, and evidence-based practices, attendees will leave with concrete strategies for maintaining mental, emotional, and physical health while continuing to serve effectively in their challenging and vital work.
Presenter
Darren Ivey is the Event Coordinator for CIT International and a retired Major from the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department. He served as the Department’s Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Commander where he led a multi-disciplinary team that developed a training program called “Building Resilience: Surviving Secondary Trauma.” This training helps address the occupational risks of secondary trauma and acute stress. Over 10 years, he has presented this course to thousands of first responders and other attendees throughout out the world. Darren served six years as a Board Member for CIT International and was the Missouri State CIT Self-Care Chair from 2016-2018. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Park University and a Master’s Certificate in Criminal Justice Education from the University of Virginia. He has an International Critical Incident Stress (ICISF) certification for Assisting Individuals in Crisis and Group Crisis Intervention and was an inaugural member of the first Commander Peer Support Group in the country. Prior to becoming a Police Officer, Darren was a proud member of the United States Air Force (1983-1992) and is a graduate of the distinguished FBI National Academy (#274).
IMPAIRED DRIVING ASSESSMENT CERTIFICATION TRAINING (FREE)
SUNDAY, AUGUST 24TH | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET
Community SupervisionMental Health and Substance Use DisorderResearch/Evidence-based Practices
Session Description: This event will provide participants with the knowledge and skills to properly administer and use the Impaired Driving Assessment (IDA) with supervisees convicted of an impaired-driving offense. Upon completion, participants will gain full access to all IDA materials to use with supervisees within their respective jurisdictions. The IDA acts as a tool to provide an estimate risk level among supervisees, identify their potential service needs, assess their responsivity to intervention efforts, and considers the degree to which their behaviors have compromised traffic and public safety. It was developed by APPA in collaboration with experts in the assessment field with support from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Presenters
As American Probation and Parole Association’s Probation Fellow, Mark Stodola brings over 30 years of experience working in the field of court management and adult probation in Arizona. Mark worked at the Maricopa County Adult Probation Department for 18 years serving in a number of capacities including division director overseeing drug and alcohol treatment programs, problem solving courts and services for the mentally ill. Mark later became the Court Administrator of the Tempe Municipal Court where he served for eight years managing the day to day activities of the court. Most recently Mark served as Program Services Manager in the Adult Probation Services Division of the Arizona Supreme Court where he had oversight of treatment programs for Arizona’s Adult Probation Departments. Mark has presented training on topics surrounding high risk drunk drivers at national, regional and state conferences throughout the country. Mark also is an adjunct instructor at Arizona State University. Mark received his undergraduate degree in History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and his Master’s Degree in Education from Northern Arizona University. Mark became a Graduate Fellow through the National Council of State Courts Institute of Court Management.
Paul Hofmann is the Probation and Parole Outreach Liaison for the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) in NHTSA Region 8. Previously, Paul worked for Colorado's Judicial Department in the Division of Probation Services as a probation analyst. In this role, he oversaw the state's Alcohol and Drug Driving Safety Program, supported local probation departments in staff training, conducted offender assessments, and supervised DWI offenders. Paul also collaborated with Colorado's Highway Safety Office to secure training and funding for the establishment of the state's first six DWI courts. He brings over 30 years of experience in training probation and parole officers, community corrections case managers, and substance abuse counselors.
Andrea Henderson earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in 1994 and retired as a Supervisor from the Harris County CSCD in Houston in 2022. She possesses extensive experience working with clients in Felony Substance Abuse facilities, as well as those on probation for DWI and sex-related offenses. With nearly a decade of experience working directly with Harris County Criminal Courts and clients under Pretrial Bond supervision, Andrea has been a certified DWI Education Instructor for the State of Texas since 2006. She is dedicated to educating DWI offenders about the significance of applying classroom lessons to prevent further offenses and save lives. Andrea can be reached here.
Region 5, Les Schultz recently retired as a Probation Director in Southern Minnesota. He has been very active in the DWI/DUI world, developing several intensive supervision programs and a multi county treatment court. Les has been very active in various correctional associations including APPA where he was a Regional Representative at Large and Treasurer. He also has taught correctional courses at a local State college. Looking ahead, Les is excited to start in this new role and assist various states with education and information.
IMPROVING COMMUNITY SUPERVISION RESPONSE: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENDERS (FREE)
SUNDAY, AUGUST 24TH | 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM ET
Community SupervisionPretrialVictim Issues
Session Description: Are you a Probation, Parole, or Pretrial officer who monitors domestic violence offenders? Have you wished for specialized training for monitoring these defendants and how to support case victims? This course is for you! This will be a day long train-the-trainer curriculum focusing on these topics, and more! You are not required to be a formal instructor to participate in this course, it is open to Officers of all skills levels. You will be asked to take what you learn back to your agencies and train your peers. We will provide the curriculum to you for your future use, and a certificate of completion.
NOTE: Students are required to complete a one-hour Domestic Violence 101 course BEFORE attending the in-person training event. The course is located here.
As a result of this course, you will be better able to:
● Identify domestic violence in probation and parole cases Improve skills for working with domestic violence offenders
● Implement specialized skills to communicate with domestic violence victims effectively
● Develop partnerships with community and court-based victim advocates
Presenter
Jennifer Waindle joins BWJP with extensive experience in domestic violence prevention and law enforcement. She has spent more than 18 years in various leadership roles in DeKalb County in metro Atlanta. In her current role as a national technical assistance and training provider for probation, parole, and pretrial officers and their respective agencies. Prior to joining BWJP, she was a Senior Investigator in the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office where she co-led a newly formed Firearm Violence Prevention Unit focused on firearm assaults and homicides by serial offenders with an extensive domestic violence or felony background. The unit engaged in public outreach and education programs in firearm safety as well as collaborating extensively with federal law enforcement agencies. Earlier in her career with the District Attorney’s Office, she was part of the Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault unit that investigated and prosecuted felony cases involving intimate partner homicide and adult sexual assault. Prior to Jennifer’s work with the District Attorney’s Office, she was a Supervisor for DeKalb County State Court Probation. There she developed and implemented the policies and procedures for Intensive Supervision of Domestic Violence Probationers. Additionally, she mentored other probation and parole agencies in Georgia to develop specialized domestic violence units aimed at offender accountability while also assisting survivors and their families.
PUTTING STANDARDS INTO PRACTICE: ACTION PLANS FOR COMMUNITY SUPERVISION AGENCIES IMPLEMENT THE STANDARDS (FREE)
SUNDAY, AUGUST 24TH | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET
Community SupervisionPreventionReentry
Session Description: The National Standards for Community Supervision were developed to provide a comprehensive resource for community supervision agencies, drawing upon the latest research in the field and the perspectives of both practitioners and researchers committed to evidence-based practices. Released in June 2024, APPA’s Standards serve as a foundation for improving public safety, enhancing rehabilitation, and optimizing resource allocation within community supervision agencies. As APPA continues to collect feedback on the Standards and how agencies can best use the information, there has been interest in creating new tools that make the information in the Standards more actionable and practical.
To help break down the content within the Standards and do a deeper dive into subject areas that agencies rank as top priority, CJI will introduce summaries of the Standards that highlight the essential elements of each Standard. These ‘one-pager’ tools will outline: resources that may be needed to implement the Standard, suggestions around assigning people responsible to lead implementation efforts for a given initiative, questions agencies should discuss to anticipate challenges to implementation, and practical considerations around timeline and outcomes the agency might expect to observe from changes that are implemented.
During this interactive workshop, participants will review all one-pagers and then take a hands-on approach to understanding each standard’s purpose and intent by exploring practical application. Through group activities with individuals interested in the same Standard, agency representatives will explore ways to align their day-to-day practices with national benchmarks to achieve better outcomes for both supervisees and the broader community.
Over the course of the workshop, participants will take notes and document three action steps they can take from their own position or three suggested action steps they’ll bring to decision-makers in their agency to better implement the Standards.
Presenters
Valerie Meade is a Deputy Director with the Crime and Justice Institute (CJI). Valerie brings nearly three decades of experience in the adult and youth justice field, with a robust background in both community and institutional settings. Her expertise encompasses cognitive-behavioral interventions, motivational interviewing, case management, model fidelity, staff development and continuous quality improvement. In her role as Deputy Director at CJI, Valerie oversees initiatives aimed at assisting jurisdictions with the sustainable implementation of evidence-based practices. She supports staff and stakeholders through culture change to foster improved outcomes. Valerie is dedicated to enhancing the quality of justice system programs and practices through collaborative efforts that lead to improved public safety. Valerie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri.
Caitlin Flood has provided training and technical assistance to different jurisdictions working towards criminal justice reform through treatment courts and community supervision initiatives. Caitlin leads CJI’s community supervision and reentry work, assisting states with data-driven, evidence-based strategies to improve supervision outcomes. Caitlin is committed to improving the justice system through the use of data-driven approaches that reduce the reliance on incarceration, strengthen community supervision practices, and include diverse voices in planning and implementation work. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Government & Law and Philosophy from Lafayette College and her Juris Doctorate from New York University Law School.
