We conduct needs assessments for local and regional jails and juvenile detention centers, and provide advice to providers of pretrial services and community corrections.

I volunteer with the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC), usually driving an AFAC van to farmer’s markets to collect donated produce.

As Assistant Director for Probation and Pretrial Services, I was the top administrator for the federal pretrial services and probation system in the 94 United States District Courts.During my tenure in Washington, we conducted a multi-year study of the entire federal probation and pretrial services system, with contractual support from IBM Business Consulting and the Urban Institute. We used the study’s results as a foundation to transform ourselves into an evidence-based system that uses empirical research and outcome data to constantly improve. Also during my tenure, we obtained authorization and funding from Congress to establish a probation and pretrial services training academy as a component of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Charleston, SC. The academy enables the training of all new pretrial and probation officers in evidence-based practices to ensure their effectiveness, and self-defense tactics to ensure their safety in the community.

Two years into my tenure as chief, the Director promoted me to Assistant Director and elevated the Probation and Pretrial Services Division organizationally within the Administrative Office.

I was the chief’s alter ego managing one of the largest probation offices in the federal system.

I was a pretrial services specialist and chief of three different branches during this time period.

I was a line officer interviewing defendants, preparing reports for judicial officers, and supervising defendants pending trial.