Meet Our Distinguished Keynote Speakers

We are thrilled to announce the exceptional keynote speakers who will grace our upcoming conference with their expertise, insights, and inspiring stories. These renowned thought leaders come from diverse backgrounds, each bringing a unique perspective to our event.

Alexandra Walker-Resilient Optimism: Failing Forward in Frontline Work

Working on the front lines of criminal justice-whether as a case manager, officer, or first-line supervisor-requires grit, compassion, and an unwavering sense of purpose. But even the most dedicated professionals can find themselves worn down by constant demands, system barriers, and the emotional toll of the work. In a field where real change is slow and setbacks are frequent, how do you keep going without losing yourself along the way? This keynote is a call to reconnect with what brought you to this work in the first place. Join Dr. Alexandra Walker for an honest and uplifting conversation about resilient optimism-the ability to stay grounded in hope and purpose, even when things don't go as planned. Learn what it means to fail forward in the field, and how to turn everyday challenges into moments of growth, connection, and learning. You'll leave with practical strategies to reset when things get tough, reframe your impact, and lead from wherever you sit-whether you're supporting clients, guiding your team, or simply trying to make it through the day with heart and humor intact.

 

Jason Anderson-What's Missing Here? Essential Factors for Transformation

I'll be honest with you - I have played a role in many failed implementations. Heck, I've fallen short as a line staff, a trainer, a project manager and an administrator. My vitae includes some marginally (at best) implementations at at county, state and even federal level. Oh sure, there have been a few wins along the way. Yet it was probavly the things that didn't go well that taught me the most. EBP: We've been trained. We have polocies, coaching, and quality assurance practices. What could possibily be missing - and what difference does it really make anyway? And why do some agencies (or even units within the same agency) appear to be further along with a given EBP's implementation even though they have had the same training, similar policies, etc? What's missing? Utilizing the Cycle of Transformation, this keynote will explore the practical implications of following Spirit/Science/Action/Return for correctional evidence-based practices. And it might give you a refreshing perspective on how we implement these EBP's. Delivered with ample measures of humor and stories, Jason will sell you the whole seat for this keynote but you will only need the edge.

 

Almost Ready! 

Like a good policy review, we’re putting on the finishing touches on the list of sessions with their descriptions... Come back soon!