Shannon Olean Email & Phone Number

Working numerous years with high risk probation and parole clients, I found that unfortunately few made substantial long term positive changes in their lives. We would discuss goals together and time after time they would come back to me with little to no goals accomplished. Or worse, I would get a call from them telling me they were in custody. What I truly only discovered after a change in my employment, is that I wasn't focusing my time on what actually worked in helping people change their behavior and in turn, their lives. What actually works in helping people change their behavior is helping them change their thinking and beliefs that are tripping them up. It is focusing on their strengths and successes, not their failures. It is providing rewards, not just sanctions. Lastly, it is forming a professional relationship with them and treating them with respect because they matter, regardless of what they may have done in their lives.I am currently an Evidence Based Practices Coordinator for Dakota County Corrections. My focus is cognitive behavioral interventions and I support my department by facilitating, training and coaching everything cognitive. In addition to being a cognitive curriculum trainer, I am also a motivational interviewing, Carey Guide, and COVE coaching trainer. I have been working in the corrections field since 1999. I have worked both in juvenile corrections institutions and in a juvenile residential treatment center. I have worked for the Sheriff's Department. A majority of my career has been as a high risk adult probation and parole agent. I have served as the Minnesota Cognitive Behavioral Network (CogNet) co-chair. I am part of the MACCAC Race and Equity committee. I am a board and committee member of the Minnesota Corrections Association. When I haven't been volunteering for these corrections focused committees I have been volunteering by transporting rescue dogs. When I am not working, I like to roam around Target and buy stuff I don't need. I also love to cook, I enjoy really good coffee, watching football, and every kind of dog. I also love to eat, and would do that for a job if one was available.

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  University Of St. Thomas

  Double Major In Psychology And Criminal Justice