Dr. Hatch is a graduate of Eastern New Mexico University where she completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. She then attended Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi and obtained her master’s degree in psychology with an emphasis in clinical psychology. In 2023, she completed a doctorate degree at Texas Tech University in Addictive Disorders Research and Studies. Dr. Hatch has 10 years of experience working with individuals involved in the criminal justice system who struggle with mental health and addiction issues. Her main area of research includes the interaction between criminal justice, addiction, and mental health. Dr. Hatch hopes to continue research that will positively impact legislative policy and treatment related to addiction and incarceration. Dr. Hatch’s unique career history as a researcher and clinician has given her the opportunity to understand the complexity of the interaction between the criminal justice system, mental health, and addiction from a top tier university, but more importantly, from persons with lived experience. She has first-hand experience as an employee of grant funded programs that aim to reduce recidivism for persons with mental health and addiction issues in the criminal justice system, such as, the Jail Diversion Program. Further, she has worked for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in a psychiatric prison hospital.Her career history has offered honest insight into the inner workings, strengths, and weakness of programs and institutions that aim to reduce recidivism and improve the quality of life of the participants. Because of these experiences, it allows her to design and develop research that keeps the lives of those affected by programs and legislation created to address crime, addiction, and substance use at the forefront.