Greetings, P&P Team! Hopefully the spring weather is here to stay. Missouri has a way of making you guess from day to day what season we’re actually in!

This is often an action-packed time of year, and this year lives up to that reputation. We’ve had several trainings going on (ORAS recertification, Carey Group BriefCASE, Violation Process, and Sex Offender assessment tools just to name a few). We are continuing to implement Regional Behavioral Health Specialists across the state in connection to a grant the DOC was awarded, to better serve our client population and assist our staff. As I write this, the statewide Institutional Parole conference is occurring, legislative session is entering its final two months, and we will be scheduling a certification training soon to expand our arrest program to designated areas. Lots of good things now, and good things yet to come. 

As I continue acclimating to my role, I am continually impressed by the dedication and passion of our team to serve the state and improve public safety. In a couple of weeks, I’m starting to hit the road – beginning in northwestern Missouri. It will take me quite a while to get to all areas of the state, but I am intent on getting out to see as many staff at as many worksites as I can manage this year. Getting to see and interact with our amazing teammates is the most rewarding and inspirational thing I get to do. Stay safe, and keep doing great things!

I began my career in May 2001 as a Corrections Service Trainee in the KC area. Promoted to Unit Supervisor in 2006 and District Administrator in 2016. Along my journey of working in the institution and field, I’ve been blessed to cross paths and build relationships with various individuals working in the Department and community. THIS HAS BEEN ONE HECK OF A JOURNEY…AND I WOULDN’T CHANGE ONE THING!

Every experience (good or bad) has challenged me to grow more and has inspired me to stand as a steward to help develop future leaders of the department.  

I enjoy simple pleasures: spending time with my adult children, outings with friends, interior decorating, traveling and real estate.

My motto: Enjoy every moment in life because it counts. Laughter is good for the soul… one will always hear my laughter!

District Administrators (DAs) and Unit Supervisors have begun the BriefCASE 18-month conversation with Probation and Parole Officers (POs) and Institutional Parole Officers (IPOs). This is an 18-month conversation to assist POs and IPOs in an effort to provide training, skill-building and guidance around effective practices that reduce recidivism. Unit Supervisors are provided with evidence-based practice (EBP) BriefCASE booster sessions that review the essential skills related to core correctional practices. 

BriefCASE conversations with staff serve as a booster to provide staff with advanced knowledge of the research evidence on offender risk reduction, understanding of the activities that will lead to positive behavior changes, skills to carry out EBP practices effectively, communicating clear and consistent expectations to staff about their responsibilities to engage in risk reduction activities, and establishing a culture of learning among those on supervision. 

A learning culture is an environment in which professional growth is both desired and expected. These BriefCASE sessions are to support the development of such a culture, with short reading assignments to plant ideas for the upcoming sessions, the materials provided to help encourage engagement. They are held in 18 sections to help stay on topic each month. Each unit has been encouraged to tailor these learning conversations to their teams as much as possible to help with different learning styles and engage with the BriefCASE sessions. 

BriefCASE sessions are designed to help POs and IPOs to do better in ORAS assessments and case planning with their clients. In the Department of Corrections, we all want to encourage our clients to make positive changes and become outstanding members of the communities they live in with their families and ours. BriefCASE sessions are designed to help DOC staff help their clients to get to the goal.

Good luck in all your sessions and please share with your region any sessions that have been informative. 

TCKC residents and staff are invited to assist with many multiple options/tasks to make certain daily responsibilities are taken care of, with the growing population of pets at KC Pet Project.

The North Central Regional Employee of the Month for February 2024 is Unit Supervisor Rachel McDowell from District 27. Unit Supervisor McDowell was nominated for the award by previous District 27 Unit Supervisor Denise Kingsley who says:

In the five months I've worked with D27 US McDowell, in addition to her regular duties, she has most of the time carried a full regular client caseload. She is passionate about the work of Probation and Parole and gives 110% to the clients, her staff and her coworkers. During a very trying time of continual staff shortage, she has completed extra duties with a positive attitude and still finds time to assist staff as needed as well. She truly cares about client success and conveys this in her interactions with clients. Rachel also shows great patience in assisting new staff and works really hard to make them feel comfortable in the office and takes the time necessary to help them learn all the various job duties. Rachel shows great initiative and teamwork. She is an exceptional asset to D27 and P&P as a whole. Thanks, Rachel!      

The North Central Regional Employee of the Month for January 2024 is Probation and Parole Officer Shari Lee from District 20. Officer Lee was nominated for this award by Unit Supervisor Stacy Trusty:

Shari Lee started her career with Probation and Parole on September 29, 2020. Since that time she has supervised a regular caseload, ICTS, and is now our Camden County Treatment Officer. Shari works hard to ensure the compliance of her clients, making sure they are receiving eligible resources and holding them accountable for their actions.

In October 2023, Chantelle Smith from the Quality Control Team reached out regarding Shari's overall caseload compliance. Shari was found to have one of the highest compliance rates in the state.  More specifically, she is one of the top 25 officers in our division to have multiple months of 75% or greater compliance in 2023. Shari also has one of the highest caseloads in terms of cases assigned to her in District 20. Shari has done a great job with building rapport with her clients, community stake holders, local law enforcement officers and the courts. Thank you, Shari, for a job well done!

The North Central Regional Employee of the Month for December 2023, is Unit Supervisor Shari Lockett-Hamilton, from District 6. US Lockett-Hamilton was nominated for this award by Probation Officer Christina Palmer and reads as follows:

 Shari has been this Officer’s direct supervisor for the past 17 months. During that time Shari has always been positive, upbeat, and welcoming to all staff in the building who ask for help. Despite being extremely busy, Shari is always willing to stop and assist employees and clients, and goes above and beyond to do so.

When Shari isn’t being a real life super hero to her clients and the community, she is supporting her coworkers who are facing challenges, or celebrating life changes. She goes out of her way to contribute both funds and her time to support coworkers. She is never one to miss a milestone, or check in on someone to ensure they are doing okay, or ask how she can help. She is always quiet and discreet about helping with any issues that may arise, and her kindness and sincerity create a welcoming place for everyone around her.

The D29 Sedalia staff volunteered to serve at the Community Café in Sedalia as part of the Pettis County Open Door Service Center. Open Door provides a full pantry and provides hot meals for those in need within the community.

Open Door Services include the Open Door Thrift Shop, Open Door Kitchen, Open Door Service Center and Open Door Food Pantry. 

Open Door Kitchen provides a safe, warm, kind environment for patrons to relax, visit and eat together. 

Open Door Service Center provides client supportive services:

• Utility assistance for shut-off notices and/or deposits
• Clothing and shoes for new jobs
• Adult and children's diapers
• Baby items
• Winter coats
• Feminine and personal hygiene products
• Medical assistance - prescriptions (excluding opioids and narcotics)
• Open Door Thrift Stop vouchers
• Emergency overnight lodging (house fires, domestic violence — residents of Pettis County only)
• Transportation to safe shelter in domestic violence situations
• Food from the pantry
• Eyeglasses referrals
• Other miscellaneous needs

Open Door Food Pantry provides a variety of different food packages to fit each family's needs. Each of the packages has its own guidelines:

• Senior Box, for people 60 years old and over, income-based
• VIP Veteran Pack, for those who served
• The Feeding America box, available to all
• The (TEFAP) Emergency Food Assistance Program, income-based

Great job, D29! Thank you for volunteering and working well with community partners. 

District 5 Officer Rebecca Lentz with the Henry County Recovery Court team (27th Circuit) organized the Healing Childhood Workshop facilitated by therapist and author, Megan McGlover March 1-2 in Clinton, Missouri.

The Healing Childhood Trauma workshop sparked a profound ripple effect of healing and empowerment throughout the community. Over 40 participants from all walks of life came together in a safe and supportive environment, sharing their stories and experiences of childhood trauma. Through guided exercises, insightful discussions and compassionate support, attendees unearthed deep-seated wounds and found the courage to confront them. With Megan McGlover at the helm, this workshop provided invaluable tools and resources for healing, empowering participants to break free from the shackles of their past and embrace a future filled with hope and resilience. With Megan's evidenced compassion, as individuals healed, the entire community experienced a transformation, fostering greater empathy, understanding, and support for one another. The impact of this workshop reverberates far beyond its duration, leaving a lasting legacy of healing and hope in the hearts of all who participated.

The evaluations from the participants were glowing, with more than one stating that they wished the workshop would have been longer.

Jamie Heinrich has been promoted to the position of Parole Board Revocation Hearing Analyst.

Heinrich began working for the Department of Corrections Division of Probation and Parole in July 1996 as a Clerk Typist. In May 2000, she was promoted to a Field Probation and Parole Officer at the District 27 office in Jefferson City.  In December 2010, she transferred to the Algoa Correctional Center as an Institutional Parole Officer. In May 2014, she was promoted to Unit Supervisor at District 27. In January 2022, she was promoted to District Administrator at District 27. Congratulations on your recent promotion!

The October 2023 Northeast Region Employee of the Month is Sha-Shona Hill, District 3 PO. Officer Hill was nominated by Jenny Wilson, District 3 US. Hill conducted a home visit last fall in in an attempt to locate a client that was avoiding.

As she approached the last known residence of the client, she noted a strange odor coming from the home and immediately contacted the Hannibal Police Department. HPD arrived on scene and spoke to the homeowner on the phone. A carcass of a dog was located, along with several other sick animals.

Officer Hill’s action to contact the Police Department provided for a safer community by allowing the police to address the animal issues with the homeowner. Those issues might have gone undetected had she not contacted the police with her suspicions. 

Pictured above are (Left to Right): Todd Fleharty, Regional Administrator; Sha-Shona Hill, D03 PO and October EOM; Jenny Wilson, D03 US; and Mandy Adams, D03 DA.

Probation and Parole District 3's very own Probation Officer Jennifer Brooks took the time and effort to setup a photo session for clients at the Hannibal Community Supervision Center.  Her goals were to provide a newer picture to use with each client's portfolio (a collection of work samples that can be brought to an interview, sent to a prospective employer, or even posted online); help build self-confidence; and update the pictures in Missouri’s state system. PO Brooks made time for some fun pictures, too, using props, which brought a smile to everyone’s face.

After serving the Missouri Department of Corrections for 19 years at Women's Eastern Reception, Diagnostic & Correctional Center (WERDCC) and 2 ½ years with District 6 Probation & Parole in Columbia, on April 1, 2024  Sheila Johnston took that stroll down Retirement Lane and is starting a whole new chapter in her life. Johnston’s retirement is a well-earned and well-deserved honor, and we wish her the best.

Congratulations Sheila!! 

Supervisory Specialist Jason Royle provided the afternoon pick-me-up with a presentation on communications styles. Jason engaged the attendees with his energetic style of presenting! it was a great way to conclude the summit and left attendees requesting Royle to provide the training for their staff. Jason Royle was a STAR! 

On the second Thursday of the month, employers come to the Probation and Parole Office located at 220 South Jefferson to interview and assist clients applying for various jobs opportunities.  In February, there were six clients hired from this event. In March, the St. Louis City Health Department also joined in to share information on health-related resources for residents/clients. UPS and the St. Louis City Human Resources were also present to assist with job opportunities. More than 50 clients attended the fair in March, and it was the largest turnout since District ERV began hosting these events. Employment Liaisons Jackie Hales and Mildred Winston serve as the liaisons for these hiring events which are offered to all districts in the Eastern Region

The Parole Office at MECC hosted a hot chocolate bar for their wellness event in January 2024. They spent time catching up, drinking hot chocolate and having cookies!

Samantha Stieren and Patty Reidt

On August 19, 2023, 7B P.O. Sydney Trapp responded to the lobby area to retrieve a client scheduled for an appointment. Upon meeting the client, P.O. Trapp noticed the client was eating some food and while doing so appeared very lethargic. The client ultimately appeared to become unconscious. Attempts to awaken the client were unsuccessful, and due to the client's history of drug use and food remnants within his mouth, P.O. Trapp summoned emergency assistance. She obtained and administered one dose of Narcan. When she noticed the first dose not take effect, P.O. Trapp administered a second dose of Narcan, which was able brought the client back to consciousness. Congratulations, Sydney!

On April 3, District 25 hosted the first Southeast Region TCW Field Training Exercises (FTX). The event provided attendees with in-seat facilitation skills practice for workshop beats, energizers, group practice and feedback. The group enjoyed an afternoon of skill building, shared ideas and tips, and improved confidence for each other to better model The Corrections Way.

Kathy Zimmer has worked for the Department of Corrections for five years. During that time, she has held many titles. Those titles include Correctional Officer, Correctional Sargent, Office Support Assistant, Correctional Case Manager, Institutional Activities Coordinator and Probation and Parole Officer.

Officer Zimmer always puts the mission first: Improving Lives for Safer Communities. Recently she had a client actively going through a crisis, and instead of letting him figure it out on his own or helping him only through phone calls, she directed him to report to the office. When the client arrived, Zimmer had already had a game plan to get the client the help he needed. This client had several issues going on, such as housing insecurity, turning to substances to "ease the pain" and recent thoughts of self-harm. Zimmer reached out to fellow staff members and developed several options for the client. At the end of the meeting, the client was going to a facility to get the help he needed and focus on doing the right things to successfully complete his supervision. The conversation between Officer Zimmer and the client focused on figuring out how we can help. Zimmer does this with all of her caseload, as she is passionate about her job.

In February, SOSA Lang noticed that PPO Jamie Sadler`s client was behind the district's dumpster for about 20 minutes prior to his visit. After Jamie performed a safety screening of the client she proceeded with the office visit. Sadler noticed the client smelled of gasoline and through motivational interviewing discovered the client believed things were crawling on him and had felt that way for quite some time. He was cleaning himself with gasoline because he thought this would get rid of whatever it was that was making him feel this way. The client was also making concerning statements and talking to people who were not present. Officer Sadler arranged for the client to be entered into the Behavioral Health Crisis Center (BHCC) that the Gibson Center for Behavioral Change operates. She continuously followed up with the BHCC until she confirmed the client was there. She also was able to get the client's family supporter, his sister, involved in the supervision process. After the client was confirmed to be present at the BHCC, she arranged for the client to be screened for the ICTS Program. Officer Sadler's actions ensured the client was able to be connected to the community resources he desperately needed. These actions undoubtedly increased community safety and embody the department's mission: Improving Lives for Safer Communities.