I'm Maria Hand and I have over 10 years of experience in child welfare as a child protection specialist, supervisor, and trainer. As a certified trainer and former child protection supervisor with the local sheriff’s office, I am well-versed in the child welfare sector, as well as within the criminal justice system. In my previous position, I was not only responsible for supervising employees regarding the cases they work with families but also for teaching the pre-service class the curriculum in the classroom setting. I was also responsible for training adult learners in critical thinking/critical reasoning and simulation training, as well as assist in the development of curriculum for child welfare. Additionally, I am a part-time adjunct instructor, where I have designed, created, and taught a Juvenile Justice Systems course online. I am currently in my doctoral program a Saint Leo University, where I am approaching my final year to complete my Doctorate in Criminal Justice with an Education specialty.