Algoa Team Earns Governor's Award for Quality and Productivity
 The team who created the Honor Dorm at Algoa Correctional Center earned the Governor's Award for Quality & Productivity in the innovation category, to be presented at a ceremony June 12. Congratulations to Haven Nichols, Stanley Keely, Kyle Kempker, Jacob Johnson, Brian Schmutz, Jessica Overstreet, Catrina Blakemore, Ashley Chambers, April Vanover, Rebecca Pierson, Cheryl Haase, Adam Koestner, Denver Mistler, Aaron Ross, Andrew Fancher, Wayne Hofstetter, Angela Umstattd-Schmutz and Honor.
It’s a picturesque spring day at Algoa Correctional Center (ACC), where mowers hum just beyond the fence, burger smoke wafts from a staff-appreciation cookout and residents train several wagging Puppies for Parole dogs on the bright green Mid-Missouri lawn.
April Vanover, assistant warden at ACC, knows not every moment here is this perfect. As a 12-year employee of the Department of Corrections, she’s had an inside view of the system from multiple perspectives: corrections officer, sergeant, case worker, functional unit manager and now assistant warden.
But as Vanover leads a group of guests on a tour of Six House, aka the Honor Dorm — the innovative minimum-security housing unit where select residents enjoy additional privileges by committing to positive life choices — she understands part of her job is to embrace the sunshine.
“I’m known for being pretty stern, so that has certainly helped with how this place was received by the rest of the staff,” Vanover said. “These residents are being asked to follow the rules that the department has laid out, and they’ve done that. So, we thought, how can we reward this behavior? When we started doing that, we began to see gains on the other side.”
Vanover is the architect of the Honor Dorm program, which celebrated its two-year anniversary in April and has seen 250-plus residents to date make their way through. The success of the program is attracting the attention of fellow corrections professionals, state agencies and government entities in Missouri and beyond. The team who brought it to life has earned the prestigious 2023 Governor’s Award for Quality and Productivity in the innovation category, to be presented June 12, 2024, at the Capitol Rotunda.
Appointed to the task by ACC Warden Kelly Morriss, Vanover used her criminal justice administration education to design the program and the unit, which houses 92 residents and includes rec space, a private yard, study areas, a kitchenette and a friendly house dog appropriately named Honor. Residents are free to move throughout the house and stay up past the typical “lights out.” The freedoms provide positive motivation for residents and a visible, aspirational goal for those who currently fall short of the eligibility criteria. In fact, during the Honor Dorm’s first year, conduct violations decreased by 500-plus and major violations were cut in half.
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Marsha Galvan, an addiction counselor at Farmington Correctional Center (FCC), is employee of the month for May 2024.
Galvan is a reliable source of support for her teammates and the clients she serves.
Every day, with compassion and kindness, she undertakes the difficult task of developing therapeutic relationships within a security-focused environment. Her boundless patience and well-honed listening skills help her coach clients struggling with addiction and a criminal mindset.
Galvan shows up dependably, ready to come to the aid of her team. When colleagues experience difficulty, she helps out by taking on extra tasks, teaching coworkers' classes, and offering extra support.
Galvan embraces positive change and serves as a role model for the FCC community.
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Six Chillicothe Team Members Earn Rockhurst University Degrees
 The Missouri Department of Corrections partnership with Rockhurst University has brought higher education opportunities not only to residents of our facilities but also to our ambitious and hardworking corrections staff.
Six members of the Chillicothe Correctional Center (CCC) team who began their university journey by taking free courses with Rockhurst professors at CCC in 2018 soon will hold associate's degrees in liberal studies. The class attended the Rockhurst commencement last month and will be honored at a CCC ceremony in August.
Congratulations to Billie Richardson, Naomi Yuille, Kim Troxel, Penney Clevenger, Stephanie Eckert and Lisa Smith.
Corrections Teams Support Special Olympics Missouri
 Corrections teams from across the state laced up their running shoes and took off with the 2024 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Missouri last month. Staff from Crossroads Correctional Center (CRCC), Western Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center (WRDCC), Chillicothe Correctional Center (CCC), Farmington Correctional Center (FCC), Potosi Correctional Center (PCC) and other sites joined fellow law enforcement professionals in carrying the Special Olympics torch across Missouri in time for the May 31 State Summer Games in Columbia. Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Want to get involved? Learn how to volunteer, raise funds, donate or become a sponsor at somo.org.
Honor Guard Represents Department in Nation's Capitol
 Missouri Department of Corrections Honor Guard members joined hundreds of fellow officers from across the country at the 43rd annual National Peace Officer's Memorial Service in May on the U.S. Capitol lawn in Washington, D.C. Sponsored by the National Fraternal Order of Police and the Grand Lodge Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary, the event pays tribute to officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Among those honored at this year's event were Correctional Officer I Kelly Rolando of Northeast Correctional Center (NECC), who lost his life Oct. 22, 2023, and Functional Unit Manager Jason Pulliam, who lost his life Oct. 15, 2021.
President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation that designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day in 1962. The event now draws more than 25,000 attendees each year.
Staff Celebrate First MVE Day
 Missouri Vocational Enterprise (MVE) staff from throughout the state came together in the Central Office warehouse recently to discuss MVE's mission and plans for the future — while building stronger connections with teammates. Attendees took part in team-building activities, toured the main MVE campus, won MVE-made door prizes such as cornhole boards and a barbecue grill, shared a barbecue lunch, and heard from guest speakers about how to support the MVE mission of providing training today for a successful tomorrow. Presenters included Deputy Directors Valarie Moseley and Travis Terry; Division of Offender Rehabilitative Services Director Annie Herman; Jerry Guzman, Millie Plunket and Shelly Shugart from MODOC's Research, Planning & Process Improvement team; Realtor Beth McGeorge; and MVE's Kathy Cowan-Smith and Andy Stoecklein. MVE Marketing Coordinator Trisha Mistler served as emcee. Plans are underway for the next MVE Day in October 2025.
Chaplains Commit to Service
 Missouri Department of Corrections prison chaplains include Chris McElroy (FRDC), Tommy Barnhart (WERDCC), Lonnie Collins (SCCC), Andrew Yocum (MTC), David Watkins (FCC-B), Ernest Jennings (JCCC), Marty Sykes (WRDCC), Tristram McCormack (BCC), Rob Gerst (PCC), Greg Murphy (CCC), Tom Brack (MCC), Murray Phillips (NECC), Dave Jagemann (TCC), Thom Reagan (ERDCC), Jeff Anderson (ACC), Matt Mason (CRCC), Tim Smith (FCC-A), Steve Johnson (SECC) and Bryan Brown (MECC).
Missouri Department of Corrections chaplains recently came together for their annual meeting and fellowship and a final get-together with Religious and Spiritual Programming Coordinator Doug Worsham, who retires after 25 years of service with the Missouri Department of Corrections. Aaron Davis will take over the role.
Prison chaplaincy in Missouri began in 1843, four years after the construction of the Missouri State Penitentiary, with the Missouri General Assembly’s passage of Article 21. Since then, the chaplaincy within the Missouri Department of Corrections has evolved to support individual spiritual expression, formally accommodating 10 recognized faith groups as well as individual practices.
Prison chaplains oversee official declaration of religious preference, worship services and study, marriage arrangements, memorial services, outreach to children of incarcerated parents, personal religious property and special programming.
More about MODOC spiritual support »
Washington University Graduates First Class of Incarcerated Women
 Last month, 12 scholars from Women's Eastern Reception, Diagnostic & Correctional Center (WERDCC) became the first class of incarcerated women to graduate from Washington University in St. Louis. The new associate's degree recipients celebrated with faculty, family and first-year students at a commencement ceremony in Vandalia.
“It was the opportunity of a lifetime,” said Marna Weber. “Who could pass that up?”
Weber is discussing the Washington University in St. Louis School of Continuing & Professional Studies Prison Education Project (PEP), which in 2022 began offering free classes at the Women’s Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center (WERDCC) in Vandalia.
“I wanted to turn my life around,” Weber said. “But I didn’t have much education. Everything was new. It was like learning to walk and talk again.”
On May 16, Weber was among 11 students to complete associate of arts degrees from WashU and be recognized during the Vandalia program’s inaugural commencement ceremony. A 12th student, Deborah Huber, was released this spring, earned her degree and took part in the universitywide commencement May 13.
“College in prison doesn’t just transform people,” PEP director Kevin Windhauser said in his remarks to the graduates. “It transforms institutions. When PEP students bring their boundless curiosity and indefatigable inquisitiveness to the classroom, they often transform the way faculty teach, in turn shaping their pedagogy back on the Danforth Campus. Today is a celebration of our PEP students, but it is also a thank you for all the ways you make Washington University a better place.”
Watch the video »
More at Washington University's The Source »
Algoa Hosts Global Leadership Academy Conference
 In May, Algoa Correctional Center (ACC) staff and residents involved in the Global Leadership Academy came together with teams from the Global Leadership Network (GLN), Fourth Purpose and other community partners to discuss the vital role leadership training plays in a prison environment. Participants shared stories of personal transformation, redemption and community building.
Launched with support from Deputy Warden Kyle Kemkper and other ACC staff, the Global Leadership Academy helps prepare residents for participation in the 2024 Global Leadership Summit, a worldwide seminar during which dynamic speakers inspire attendees to become catalysts for change in their communities.
In 2014, GLN and Prison Fellowship teamed up to bring the summit to prisons, starting with Angola State Prison in Louisiana and Folsom State Prison in California. Southeast Correctional Center (SECC) joined the movement in 2015, and ACC began participating in 2017.
Last year, people in 220 prisons around the world, including six Missouri prisons, tuned in to the online summit for inspiration and motivation. This year, Missouri prisons participating in the Aug. 8-9 event include Missouri Eastern Correctional Center (MECC), Southeast Correctional Center (SECC), South Central Correctional Center (SCCC), Algoa Correctional Center (ACC), Eastern Reception, Diagnostic & Correctional Center (ERDCC), Jefferson City Correctional Center (JCCC), Potosi Correctional Center (PCC), Ozark Correctional Center (OCC) and Farmington Correctional Center (FCC).
Department Adopts New Employee Wellness Management System
Get ready for a new, streamlined system for managing your workplace health and wellness needs!
The Missouri Department of Corrections soon will launch MyCority, a secure, web-based occupational health application accessible 24/7. You can use it to conveniently view key aspects of your employee health file, submit Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requests, complete forms, respond to self-help questionnaires, and schedule appointments with select Employee Health, Wellness and Safety team members.
Stay tuned for launch updates!
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Catch Up with OpEx Experts
 Thanks to everyone who joined the Missouri Department of Corrections Research, Planning & Process Improvement team for the Missouri Department of Corrections Spring Operational Excellence Summit!
Staff gathered in person and online to learn more about productivity, operational excellence in reentry, information management, metrics and more through presentations designed to give us the tools and skills we need to make informed decisions, set goals, manage projects and implement improvements that make the department better.
If you took part in the summit, please complete this survey to help the OpEx team craft even better events in the future.
Missed it? No worries. Get caught up now at doc-gps.
Using S.M.A.R.T. to Create Good Performance Measures
 Setting plans and achieving better outcomes are integral to an organization’s day-to-day operations. But the quality of outcomes matters the most when it comes to achieving success. Progress toward attaining outcomes should be measured and evaluated. By creating S.M.A.R.T. measures you can ensure that your achievements lead to the right impact at every level of the organization. S.M.A.R.T. stands for:
Simple – Does your measure have a clear definition? Is it straightforward and easy to understand?
Measurable – Is it easy to measure? Can it be benchmarked against other organizations or outside data?
Achievable – Do we understand the drivers that are behind the measure? Can we take action to deliver impact?
Relevant – Is the measure aligned with the department’s strategy and objectives?
Timely – Is the time to impact defined and is it practical? When will we monitor it? Can the measure move between periods?
For more information on lean management go to: The Missouri Way Training Series: Show Me Excellence White Belt Training
 The Just Peachy challenge continues!
Working in corrections can have a major impact on our emotional wellness. The Just Peachy challenge encourages MODOC staff to talk about the ways we stay well while doing the work we love.
Throughout June, tell the wellness team what you do to care for and regulate your emotions. E-mails sent to wellness@doc.mo.gov that describe your wellness practices and participation in wellness webinars will be accepted as challenge entries.
To spread the word about healthy ways to practice and maintain emotional wellness, entries will be shared on the intranet through the Just Peachy banner. Your participation not only gets you into the drawing pool for a Just Peachy hooded sweatshirt or T-shirt but also serves as encouragement to others. See some entries »
Use this platform to consider healthy ways to manage stress and stay well. All healthy efforts count. At the conclusion of this challenge, 30 winners will be selected at random to win prizes.
Corrections Way ambassadors serve a vital role in supporting The Corrections Way (TCW), a foundation of conduct and communication built around a core of common values guiding our work. Ambassadors steer fellow staff to resources and answer questions about Corrections Way training, practice and initiatives. They keep TCW at the forefront at sites across the state. They facilitate TCW workshops, conduct leadership walks, create TCW bulletin boards, assist with planning for quality conversations, de-escalate staff tensions, send motivational emails, create TCW newsletters, and assist with planning fun activities that build morale. They are a dedicated group of people who want to create a working environment where everyone belongs — an environment built on trust, respect and rapport!
Cynthia Sullenger, Missouri Eastern Correctional Center (MECC)
Cynthia Sullenger began her career with the Missouri Department of Corrections in September 2021 as a Correctional Officer I at Missouri Eastern Correctional Center (MECC). She was promoted to clerical for the deputy warden in April 2022, personnel clerk in January 2023, and her current position, Correctional Case Manager II, in October 2023.
Sullenger became a Corrections Way Ambassador in June 2023 with the goal of helping to create an enjoyable work environment that everyone wants to be a part of. She aims to give employees the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers in the DOC.
Sullenger recently co-facilitated a TCW workshop about communication styles with TCW staff development trainer Robby Throop. She eagerly stepped up to the plate to help make the workshop the best it could be by putting in time and effort during and outside work hours, perfecting the curriculum.
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Every day, Sullenger embodies what it means to lead by example. She encourages others to join TCW, introduces innovative ideas for improved TCW programming, helps facilitate all TCW events, and takes part in other activities at MECC, such as the monthly book club. Sullenger is a model in every aspect of the six pillars on which TCW is founded, and MECC is lucky to have her as an ambassador.
 The state’s business cycle runs on a fiscal year timeframe, this year from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024 (FY 2024). Each year we articulate our priorities to support better government in Missouri through our strategic plan. In fiscal year 2024, our mission and our goals remain constant, but our strategic initiatives continue to evolve. We are building on past years' success and adding new priorities.
Take a look at our current strategic initiatives »
Mission
Improving Lives for Safer Communities
Vision
Excellence in Corrections for a Safer Missouri
Values
We value safe work environments, a capable workforce and reduced risk and recidivism.
We value integrity and respect.
We value supportive leadership.
We value employee participation and teamwork.
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