2023 Conference
Collaborative Courts - In Time of Transition: Opportunities & Challenges
Session Descriptions
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Arise This Morning Through Yoga
Presenter:
Anna Proctor
Room:
Los Angeles Room
Materials:
No materials available for this session
Overview:
Join Yoga instructor Anna Proctor and your fellow attendees for an easy, relaxing yet awakening series of gentle movement and breath exercises to start your day and help you access your parasympathetic nervous system.
Workshop Goals/Learning Objectives:
Coming Soon
Biography:
Anna Proctor
Anna Proctor is the Executive Director of Yoga Dana Foundation, an organization that supports yoga in under-served communities throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. She founded Yoga Bridge which offers trauma-informed yoga, including teacher training, for men incarcerated at California State Prison - Solano. She is a facilitator for Prison Yoga Project, a nonprofit with a healing-centered approach to addressing crime, addiction, and mental illness through yoga and embodied mindfulness.
Plenary 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Placing in Context: New Laws Involving Veterans and Their Families
Presenters and Panelists:
Hon. Eileen Moore, Hon. Mary Kreber Varipapa, Keith Boylan, Matthew Stimmel
Room:
Ballroom (San Carlos 3 and 4)
Materials:
Overview:
Everyday military veterans and active-duty service members appear in court. How they access services through the court from the VA, a county or elsewhere, is crucial to their success. Recent changes in the law (SB 1182 [Family Code §§ 211.5 and 3040]) will have great impact on veterans appearing in court by expanding access to services and strengthening their families.
This plenary session will place the new legislation in the context of overall concerns regarding veteran and military issues because it is essential that these issues not be placed in silos. Rather, they must be considered from a broad, expansive vantage point. Anyone having to do with veterans and active-duty court users in any part of California’s courts will benefit from viewing veteran and military issues from a global perspective.
Workshop Goals/Learning Objectives:
Identify key elements of the new law (SB 1182 [Family Code §§ 211.5 and 3040]) that shifts how the courts work with veterans;
Understand how California Veterans Administration (CalVet) will support law the law to improve access to services for veterans and their families;
Improve coordination between the court and CalVet.
Biographies:
Hon. Eileen Moore
Justice Eileen Moore served as a combat nurse in Vietnam in the Army Nurse Corps. She was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Cross of Gallantry with Palm. She is a member of Vietnam Veterans of America. Since 2008, she has chaired the Judicial Council' Veterans and Military Families Subcommittee. She is a member of the Council on Criminal Justice, the Veterans Justice Commission, an advisor to the American Bar Association's Standing Committee on Armed Forces Law, an advisor to the California Lawyers Association's Military and Veterans Committee and the Orange County Veterans & Military Committee as well as a founding member of USVets' Women's Advisory Committee. She is the author of two award-winning books, Race Results and Gender Results.
Hon. Mary Kreber Varipapa
Hon. Mary Kreber Varipapa is a judge on the Superior Court of Orange County in California. She was appointed by former governor Jerry Brown on November 17, 2015, filling a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Ronald P. Kreber. Kreber Varipapa received a B.A. from Cal State Long Beach and a J.D. from Western State University College of Law.
She began her legal career as an attorney for the Public Defender Juvenile Court Office in 1996. Kreber Varipapa has also worked as an adjunct professor in the Criminology Department of the University of Phoenix. Kreber Varipapa was born and raised in Orange County. She is the daughter of the retired judge Ronald P. Kreber. She is married to Mike Varipapa, former Mayor Pro Tem for Seal Beach, California.
Keith Boylan
Keith Boylan was reappointed November 30, 2020, by Governor Gavin Newsom as Deputy Secretary for the Veterans Services Division at the California Department of Veterans Affairs.
Keith served in the US Army from 1989-1992 as a Tactical Fire Specialist and was deployed to Iraq with the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment in support of Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Desert Calm.
Matthew Stimmel, Ph.D.
Matthew Stimmel, Ph.D. is the National Training Director for the Veteran Justice Programs (VJP). In his role, Dr. Stimmel is responsible for developing and sustaining the education and training of over 350 VJP field staff, contributing to national VA policy on justice-involved veterans, and cultivating operational partnerships both internal and external to VA that advance VJP’s mission of ensuring access and care to justice-involved Veterans and reducing risk of recidivism and homelessness in this population. He is also a clinical instructor at the Stanford University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry. Matthew has been employed by the VA since 2013, initially completing a postdoctoral fellowship in clinical psychology within the PTSD emphasis area at VA Palo Alto Health Care System, and then transitioning to a staff role as a clinical psychologist and Veterans Justice Outreach Specialist in 2014 where he helped to establish several Veterans Treatment Courts in Northern California. Matthew received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Fordham University with a specialization in forensic psychology.
Equity and Inclusion (MCLE Session)
Presenter:
Douglas Marlowe
Room:
Ballroom (San Carlos 3 and 4)
Materials:
Overview:
This presentation will review national research findings on racial disparities in collaborative court referral, admission, and graduation rates. Recommendations will be offered to help collaborative courts assess and rectify cultural disparities in their programs.
Workshop Goals/Learning Objectives:
Describe national findings on racial disparities in collaborative court referral, admission, and graduation rates
Describe evidence-based and promising practices to identify and rectify cultural disparities in collaborative courts
Biography:
Douglas Marlowe
Douglas B. Marlowe, J.D., Ph.D. is a Senior Scientist at the Treatment Research Institute, an Adjunct Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine, and the Chief of Science, Policy & Law for the National Association of Drug Court Professionals. He is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association (APA) with proficiency certification in the treatment of psychoactive substance use disorders from the APA College of Professional Psychology. Dr. Marlowe has published over 125 professional articles and chapters on the topics of crime and substance abuse. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the Drug Court Review and is on the editorial board of Criminal Justice & Behavior. Dr. Marlowe has received numerous state and federal research grants to study coercion in drug abuse treatment, the effects of drug courts and other diversion programs for drug abusers involved in the criminal justice system, and behavioral treatments for drug abusers and criminal offenders.
11:15 AM - 12:30 PM Block D Sessions
Addicted to Love Part I: Power of Human Connection in Rewiring the Nervous System for Wellness (CE Session)
Presenter:
Laurie Ellington
Room:
San Carlos 3
Materials:
TBA
Overview:
The gateway drug that leads to addiction is trauma. Trauma gets wired into the mind-brain-body system. Humans are biologically programmed to produce a cocktail of stress neurochemicals designed to activate a state of 'protection' for survival during traumatic experiences. When this flight-fight-freeze threat response is triggered, brain regions necessary for problem solving and inhibitory control over drug seeking behavior are shut down. People are not available for treatment in this physiological state. Cooperation with treatment is supported via activation of the social engagement system, also known as the mammalian caregiving system. The social engagement system is supported by the longest nerve in the human body, the vagus nerve. When this mammalian caregiving nerve is activated, a cocktail of neurotransmitters associated with feelings of love that promote social bonding, nurturing, emotional closeness, and social affiliation are released. This is a state of internal safety. Studies indicate stimulating this nerve may be useful for treating addiction. Research indicates addiction is rooted in the evolutionary nervous system mechanisms that promote the physiological state of safety, which is required for engagement in treatment, healing, and transformation. Connectedness and love are biological imperatives of which addicts are desperately seeking through drug use. A prolonged lack of connectedness is traumatic and damaging to the human brain. Understanding how to activate the physiological state of connectedness and safety that all humans are addicted to is a game changer for collaborative court leaders and practitioners.
This science-backed presentation draws on cutting edge breakthrough from modern neuroscience, mind-body research, epigenetics, trauma, and addiction. The human nervous system and the chemical states associated with creating the conditions for healing and change will be explored, along with tools for self and co-regulation crucial for engagement in treatment. A biofeedback demonstration of the nervous system's response to stress and the social engagement system will be included.
Workshop Goals/Learning Objectives:
Examine addiction and trauma from a mind-body-brain perspective
Describe the role of the vagus nerve and psychological safety in the treatment of addiction
Identify neuroscience-informed strategies for engaging people who have histories of trauma and addiction
Apply a tool for regulating the nervous system
Biography:
Laurie Ellington
Laurie is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ancient Science, Inc., a leading-edge human flourishing organization based on an Integrative NeuroSomatic® approach to growth and change. Laurie's mission is to expand consciousness, turn trauma into healing, and transform the world with kindness and compassion. She is among the pioneers dedicated to cultivating positive social change by harnessing the power of the mind-body-brain-spirit connection. Combining ancient wisdom teachings with findings from modern neuroscience, mind-body research, functional medicine, epigenetics, and quantum physics she helps individuals, leaders, and organizations elevate the way they think, feel, and show up in the world.
Laurie has over 25 years of experience in coaching, teaching, consulting, leadership, facilitation, and mind-body medicine. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Brain-Based Coach, Master Certified Coach, Registered Yoga Teacher, and National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach. Laurie is appreciated for her ability to evoke untapped capacities and eliminate outdated habits that get in the way of transformation, healing, and growth. Her philosophy is that change happens from the inside out versus the outside in, and people have unleashed capacities to self-regulate, connect deeply as a human family, and heal. She is Associate Faculty within the Health and Wellness Coaching program at Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH) and Associate Faculty for the Professional and Continuing Education department at MUIH, with subject matter expertise on the neuroscience of human relationships and stress resilience. Laurie is also Associate Faculty with University of California- Davis, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention University. She is currently completing her Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine from Saybrook University.
Laurie is a living example of everything she teaches. She enjoys being in nature, helping people transform their lives, and spreading joy and kindness.
ALL Collaborative Courts are Family Treatment Courts: Serving the Needs of Participants and Family Members
(CE Session)
Presenters:
Will Blakeley and Mary Hale
Room:
San Carlos 1
Materials:
Overview:
All collaborative courts are family courts when serving individuals who are part of a family system. Substance use disorders (SUDs) have a profound effect on all relationships in the family unit and recovery support must be extended beyond the individual to a more family-centered approach. This general session will offer treatment court professionals working in all types of collaborative courts key strategies for implementing a family-focused approach. This presentation will make the case for why all collaborative courts should pay greater attention to children and families and why cross-system collaboration and communication are critical for individual and family safety and recovery.
This session will draw from the findings of the study by the Center for Children and Family Futures and the National Drug Court Institute- Transitioning to a Family Centered Approach: Best Practices and Lessons Learned from Three Adult Drug Courts. The presenters will share lessons from treatment courts that transitioned from a traditional model to one that expanded services to families and children.
Workshop Goals/Learning Objectives:
Gain a greater understanding of the effect of substance use on the family, and the importance of addressing family needs as a critical part of a participant's recovery
Learn how cross-systems collaboration, communication, and community partnerships are critical in serving the complex needs of children and families in your treatment court
Highlight key lessons, take-aways, and challenges from treatment courts as they transitioned to a family centered approach
Biographies:
Will Blakeley
Mr. Blakeley currently serves as a Program Associate for the Family Treatment Court Training and Technical Assistance Team for the Center for Children and Family Futures. He coordinates grant projects and program responsibilities and provides various training and technical assistance to Family Treatment Courts and teams around the United States.
Mr. Blakeley has nine years of experience in the child welfare system, including the role of court coordinator for Yellowstone Family Recovery Court, grant management in father engagement, child protection worker, and forensic interviewer. He has also taught at the high school and middle school levels.
Mr. Blakeley has experience training at the national, regional, statewide, and local levels. He is a certified trainer in How Being Trauma-Informed Improves Criminal Justice System Responses. He received a Master of Arts of Teaching from Christian Brothers University and a Bachelor of Arts in Human Rights Studies with minors in Political Science and Marianist Social Transformation from the University of Dayton.
Mary Hale
Ms. Hale provides technical assistance (TA), expertise, and support on collaborative practice, capacity building, continuous quality improvement, and assurance. She helps sites implement trauma-informed evidence and research-based practices for children and families with substance use disorders who are also involved with child welfare and family courts.
Ms. Hale, who has 30 years of direct and administrative experience with behavioral health services and cross-system collaboration, previously served as Orange County (CA)Behavioral Health Director. During that time she developed, implemented, managed, and monitored more than 200 substance use and mental health prevention and treatment programs. Key components included collaboration with child welfare, courts and community service providers.
Ms. Hale holds both a BS Psychology and an MS Clinical/Community Psychology from California State University, Fullerton. She is also certified in Health Care Compliance.
Developing and Strengthening your Court Action Plan to Improve Racial Equity and Inclusion in Collaborative Courts (CE Session)
Presenters:
Hon. Rogelio R. Flores (ret.), Monica Christofferson, Karen Otis
Room:
San Carlos 4
Materials:
TBA
Overview:
This session follows Dr. Doug Marlowe's morning plenary and will be your opportunity to discuss practical next steps and engage in court action planning to improve collaborative court participation and graduation for African Americans and Latinos.
Workshop Goals/Learning Objectives:
Draft a court action plan to reduce racial disparities in and address the underrepresentation of African American and Latinos in collaborative courts;
Identify strategies to increase graduation and retention rates of African Americans in collaborative courts
Biographies:
Hon. Rogelio R. Flores (ret.)
Superior Court Judge Rogelio Flores (ret.) served as a judicial officer from 1987-2018, appointed judge in 1997. He received his law degree from the UCLA School of Law in 1979. He presided over Drug, Mental Health, Veterans, Domestic Violence, and DUI Court programs. He served on the faculty of The National Judicial College; as vice chair of the Judicial Council's Collaborative Justice Courts Advisory Committee; as past president of the Latino Judges of California; as ABA State Judicial Outreach Liaison for California; and as a member of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals and CA Association of Collaborative Courts.
Monica Christofferson
Monica Christofferson, J.D. is an Associate Director for the Technical Assistance Department at the Center for Court Innovation. In this role, she provides expert assistance to states around the country on implementation and enhancement of treatment courts. Prior to her work at the Center, Ms. Christofferson developed, implemented, and directed the specialized domestic violence docket in Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court. Ms. Christofferson has also worked as a crisis intervention specialist and independent living program manager. Ms. Christofferson received her B.A. in Political Science from John Carroll University and J.D. from Catholic University of American, Columbus School of Law. Ms. Christofferson has presented her expertise at local, state, and national conferences.
Karen Otis
Karen Otis, associate director with the Center’s department of treatment court programs, delivers expert assistance to state and local jurisdictions in the areas of adult drug courts, family drug courts, veterans treatment courts, mental health courts, and more. Karen also designs and delivers remote trainings via webinar and videoconference, and she develops content for the National Drug Court Online Learning System. Karen is a licensed mental health counselor with more than a decade of experience in family treatment court. She holds a master's degree in forensic psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a master’s degree in mental health counseling from the City College of New York.
Homeless Court Programs: Best Practices for the Implementation of a Provider-Centered Model and Tools for the Transition of an Existing Program to a Provider-Centered Model
Presenters and Panelists:
Hon. Scott B. Cooper, Sherin Larijani, Jennifer Nicolalde, Matthew Wechter, Brooke Weitzman
Room:
San Carlos 2
Materials:
Overview:
Homeless court programs are vital interventions that reduce barriers to housing stability. Designed as an action-first model - where participants engage in treatment, rehabilitation, or pursue other goals before appearing in court - Homeless Court programs address a full range of offenses though progressive plea bargain systems and alternative sentencing structures that allow participants to clear fines, fees, warrants, and outstanding cases by providing proof of program activities. Homeless court programs adopt a multidisciplinary approach by leveraging collaborations between the courts, local homeless outreach programs, community-based providers, and other criminal justice and local partners. This session will explore the benefits of a provider-centered Homeless Court program and best practices for the implementation of a provider-centered program. This session will explore tools Orange County is using to transition their existing Homeless Court program to a provider-centered model similar to that in San Diego County, and how a newly interested community can use the HCP Pop-up Resource Fair model as a pilot to get started. In addition, this session will explore available resources that homeless court and other collaborative courts programs can leverage to support the housing needs of program participants.
Workshop Goals/Learning Objectives:
Identify the fundamental components of effective provider-centered homeless court programs, including key program policies and structures, and stakeholders who are instrumental to program success.
Discover opportunities for partnership with county continuum of care members to ensure court participants are on a path toward housing.
Biographies:
Hon. Scott B. Cooper
Judge Cooper was appointed to the Orange County Superior Court bench in November 2017, and he was sworn in on December 29, 2017. He is currently the Supervising Judge of the Orange County Collaborative Courts and presides over the Veterans Treatment Court, Military Diversion Court, and Drug and DUI Courts in the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana. His first assignment was on the court’s family law panel, where he served for three-and-a-half years. That was followed by a year in a criminal open trial court in Westminster, during which he also oversaw a DUI Court and Drug Court. Just prior to his current assignment, he presided over the county’s five mental health treatment courts. He currently serves on the Collaborative Courts Committees for both the California Judges Association and the Orange County Superior Court.
Sherin Larijani
Sherin Larijani has served as a Deputy District Attorney in Orange County for over 10 years. She is part of the Mental Health Recidivism Reduction Unit (MH/RRU) and currently the Prosecutor for Homeless Outreach Court & Veterans Court. She has also been the prosecution team member for DUI Court, Adult Drug Court, and Military Diversion. She discovered her passion for Collaborative Court while working at the Juvenile Justice Center where she covered Juvenile Recovery Court for a colleague and subsequently refused to give the assignment back.
Prior to beginning her legal career Sherin worked in Public Health & Environmental Science. Her focus was on primary prevention, exploring the intersection between agriculture, chronic disease prevention and health equity. She received her B.S. in Conservation Resource Studies from U.C. Berkeley. Her J.D is from Whittier Law School where she pursued public interest law and was a senior member of the Journal of Child & Family Advocacy.
Jennifer L. Nicolalde
Jennifer L. Nicolalde is an Assistant Public Defender with the Orange County Public Defender’s office. Mrs. Nicolalde started her career in the Orange County Public Defender’s office in 2004. During her 18 years with the office, Mrs. Nicolalde has handled a variety of cases ranging from misdemeanors to death penalty cases. She has also worked within the collaborative courts as the assigned attorney for homeless court and drug court. Mrs. Nicolalde currently supervises the Orange County Public Defender’s Office Recidivism Reduction Unit, which includes overseeing the collaborative courts.
Matt Wechter
Matt Wechter is a Supervising Deputy Public Defender for Pretrial Advocacy and Community Connections with the San Diego Office of the Public Defender, and an Advisor to the American Bar Association’s Commission on Homelessness and Poverty, which provides policy guidance and technical assistance to replicate the ABA/San Diego HCP model in jurisdictions across the state and the country. As lead of the San Diego Public Defender Homeless Court, Matt acts as a liaison between the Court, District Attorney, City Attorney, regional Homeless Court Providers (HCPs), and San Diego's homeless population during monthly Homeless Court sessions, HCP Pop-up Resource Fairs and the annual Homeless Court @ Stand Down, San Diego's annual 3-day homeless veteran event. At heart, Matt loves technology and large scale projects - leveraging high-tech solutions where possible - to support efficiencies with tight resources, and to serve as many clients as possible.
Brooke Weitzman
Brooke is the Co-Founder and CEO of The Elder Law and Disability Rights Center (ELDR Center). As a civil rights attorney, she often represents unhoused communities and fights to achieve housing for all. The UC Irvine Law School graduate handles cases that involve access and barriers to housing. Weitzman's work has been recognized as critical to changing the landscape of services by agencies ranging from Collette's Children's Home to the Orange County Register, from the Orange County Women Lawyers Association to the Affordable Housing Awards. Brooke was recently featured in "Orange Coast" magazine's cover story, "Kickass Women" for her work. She has been recognized by the Orange County Asian American Bar Association, Orange County Woman Lawyers Association, Anti-Defamation League, and more for working to through both collaboration and litigation to bring best practices to the County. Outside of litigation, Brooke partnered with bar associations and community organizers to gather and distribute over 10,000 meals to those in need over the past two years. She also regularly takes time to speak to students and the community about ways to participate in evidence-based solutions to the housing crisis. Brooke also served on the American Bar Association Commission on Homelessness and Poverty.
Mental Health 101 for Non-Clinical Roles (CE Session)
Nuts and Bolts Track
Presenter:
Melanie Carrion
Room:
Los Angeles Room
Materials:
Overview:
Preparing program staff to respond to and interact with clients providing a safe trauma informed environment. Participants will receive an introduction to trauma informed care, learn 4 R’s of trauma informed environments, understand when to act and when to “hand off” care as well as strategies for insuring self-care. This coarse will prepare and reeducate individuals on working with clients who have experienced trauma to not retraumatize and how to care for themselves when working in difficult environments.
Workshop Goals/Learning Objectives:
Understand trauma informed environments
Learn the 4 R’s
Understand your unique role and responsibilities as a “non clinician”
Understand how helping my have an impact on myself
Learn ways of caring for oneself
Biography:
Melanie Carrion
Melanie Carrion, MS, LMFT, Executive Vice President, began serving as a TURN Behavioral Health Executive Vice President in 2022. Before her promotion, she served as Senior Vice President of Clinical Services as well as Vice President of Clinical Services since 2017 serving programs through California. During her tenure with MHS, she has served as a Program Manager for the Fresno IMPACT, North Star ACT, and Center Star ACT programs. Within these capacities, Ms. Carrion has overseen the quality of clinical and direct services, adhered to program budgets, and collaborated with County mental health services, substance use disorder services, and community-based organizations. Her outstanding service to MHS earned her a 2019 nomination for employee of the year.
Additionally, Ms. Carrion serves as a Nobel Works Employment Mentor with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and attends various meetings with organizations such as Alcohol and Drug Service Providers Association (ADSPA), including providers meetings organized by Behavioral Health Services. A strong proponent of continuing education, Ms. Carrion has served as an Adjunct Professor for the University of Phoenix, mentored students at California State University San Marcos, and is currently in pursuit of her Doctorate in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. She has a Masters of Counseling in Psychology from National University and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University Fresno.
1:45 PM - 3:00 PM Block E Sessions
Addicted to Love Part II: Brain-Based Group Coaching and Strategy (CE Session)
Presenter:
Laurie Ellington
Room:
San Carlos 3
Materials:
TBA
Overview:
This session will be designed to dive deeper and expand on the content shared in the Addicted to Love: The Power of Human Connection in Rewiring the Nervous System for Wellness presentation. It will consist of neuroscience-based group coaching that will focus on empowering creative solutions to challenges collaborative court leaders and practitioners face in engaging clients as well as stakeholders in achieving successful treatment outcomes. Not only will this be a space for deeper self-awareness and reflection, it will also be an opportunity to apply insights learned from the presentation to collaborative court settings. There will be additional neuroscience insights shared and thought-provoking questions, along with strategies for breaking down the barriers to change from a neurophysiological perspective. Participants will walk away with an individualized action step created to move the learning forward and embed new neural circuitry associated with practice improvement.
Workshop Goals/Learning Objectives:
Examine mind-body-brain based approaches for achieving successful treatment outcomes
Examine successes and barriers through the lens of neurophysiology
Design a neuroscience-informed action step to move the learning forward
Biography:
Laurie Ellington
Laurie is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ancient Science, Inc., a leading-edge human flourishing organization based on an Integrative NeuroSomatic® approach to growth and change. Laurie's mission is to expand consciousness, turn trauma into healing, and transform the world with kindness and compassion. She is among the pioneers dedicated to cultivating positive social change by harnessing the power of the mind-body-brain-spirit connection. Combining ancient wisdom teachings with findings from modern neuroscience, mind-body research, functional medicine, epigenetics, and quantum physics she helps individuals, leaders, and organizations elevate the way they think, feel, and show up in the world.
Laurie has over 25 years of experience in coaching, teaching, consulting, leadership, facilitation, and mind-body medicine. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Brain-Based Coach, Master Certified Coach, Registered Yoga Teacher, and National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach. Laurie is appreciated for her ability to evoke untapped capacities and eliminate outdated habits that get in the way of transformation, healing, and growth. Her philosophy is that change happens from the inside out versus the outside in, and people have unleashed capacities to self-regulate, connect deeply as a human family, and heal. She is Associate Faculty within the Health and Wellness Coaching program at Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH) and Associate Faculty for the Professional and Continuing Education department at MUIH, with subject matter expertise on the neuroscience of human relationships and stress resilience. Laurie is also Associate Faculty with University of California- Davis, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention University. She is currently completing her Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine from Saybrook University.
Laurie is a living example of everything she teaches. She enjoys being in nature, helping people transform their lives, and spreading joy and kindness.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Veterans
Veterans Treatment Court Track
Presenters:
RanDee McLain and Shola Olaoshebikan
Room:
San Carlos 1
Materials:
Overview:
This workshop will discuss best practices regarding diversity, inclusion, and equity within Veterans Treatment Courts. Participants will be educated on the various barriers that effect engagement, retention, and recidivism. The attendee will learn the importance of having an “intentional roadmap” to provide a welcoming and safe environment for all.
Workshop Goals/Learning Objectives:
Identify best practices for improving diversity and inclusion in VTC’s and court services to veterans
Effective strategies for improving engagement and retention of underrepresented groups in VTC’s
Biographies:
RanDee McLain
RanDee McLain is a US Navy veteran and served as a Master-at-Arms. During her career she was deployed to Iraq, and stationed in Kuwait and Spain. After being medically separated in 2009, RanDee went on to earn a Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice from SDSU in 2012 and her Master’s degree in Social Work with a concentration in Military and Veteran’s programs from USC.
Upon leaving the military, RanDee decided to make a career of serving her fellow veterans and their families. Her passions include serving post 9-11 veterans, specifically those that are justice-involved and/or those who have difficulty transitioning. She now serves as the Complex Care Coordination Manager-West for Wounded Warrior Project.
RanDee currently assists with the San Diego Federal Veterans Treatment Court as the mentor coordinator. In her spare time RanDee is on faculty with Justice for Vets where she teaches new mentors and staff in the Veteran’s Treatment Courts across the country. In 2014 RanDee was named the San Diego County Veteran of the Year.
Shola Olaoshebikan
Shola Olaoshebikan enjoys working with a multi-disciplinary team, providing supervision, and the technical assistance aspect of my position. She has worked diligently at improving access to clinical services to underserved communities in San Diego County. She have 10+ years in strategic planning, program development and implementation, as well as creating new initiatives based on long-term goals and objectives. As the VP Shola has been responsible for overseeing multiple contracts/locations where she have been responsible for over 100+ full-time /part-time employees.
From a BJA Peer Reviewer's POV: How to think like a Grant Reader
Presenter:
Dianne Marshall and Martha Wright
Room:
San Carlos 2
Materials:
Overview:
This interactive session presents Do’s and Don’ts for effective proposal writing. Participants will experience the perspective of a professional grant reviewer. How to tackle the Request for Proposal, who to involve in the grant writing process, mining data to make a point and critiquing their grant application as it is read by the funder are addressed. Participants are welcome to bring samples of their own grant applications to this session.
Workshop Goals/Learning Objectives:
Identify factors that expedite conveying crucial information in a grant application
The pitfalls and potholes that annoy reviewers
What can contribute to an application’s being the best possible expression of what you want to accomplish.
Follow the format of the request for proposals
Recognize assumptions and local references that may not be understood
Utilize the expertise of those around them.
Communicate competency without arrogance
Maintain consistency throughout the entire grant application from abstract to narrative to budget and letters of support.
Participants will be invited to:
Critique sample sections from previously written grant applications
Build on a “Do’s and Don’ts” checklist for successful grant writing.
Biography:
Dianne Marshall
Between 1996 and 2007, Ms. Marshall facilitated the planning, implementation and administration of the adult and juvenile drug courts, and a mental health court in Mendocino County, California. During her time with those treatment courts, the lives of 628 juveniles and adults experiencing substance abuse, mental illness, unemployment, risk of suicide, post-traumatic stress, and family poverty were impacted.
Ms. Marshall was a co-founder of the California Collaborative Court Coordinators Work Group that began meetings in 2000. For a number of years, California was the only state in the United States to have such a Work Group meeting regularly, tackling the challenges of integrating innovative solutions into criminal justice practices.
Joining the California Association of Drug Court Professionals in 1996 and the Board of Directors in 2004, Ms. Marshall served on this Board until 2016 as Board secretary, newsletter editor, conference planner, and the Communications Committee Chair and webmaster. In those capacities, she notified California's collaborative court professionals of pending legislation, upcoming training opportunities, participant and professional accomplishments, and latest research findings. In 2018 she served as the lead organizer for this association’s annual conference held in Sacramento.
Ms. Marshall recognized collaborative court participants were struggling to meet their program requirements due to insufficient personal funds. Getting a GED, school clothing, securing tutors, safe housing, and employment were potential obstacles to success. Knowing the boundaries of judicial ethics, and with $1,000 of her own money, she started the Friends of Drug Court Fund in 2005 under the Mendocino County Community Foundation to address these needs. This fund continues to provide local support to collaborative court participants.
Leaving full time employment in 2007 put no damper on Ms. Marshall’s commitment to helping those in the criminal justice system for addiction-driven crimes and to supporting the professionals who serve them. As a “behind the scenes” person, effectiveness is what she values the most.
Martha Wright
Martha Wright is Manager of Criminal Justice Services Programs and came to the Judicial Council in 2001 after spending several years working as a proposal development consultant to community-based non-profits and government agencies. Ms. Wright oversees a portfolio of criminal justice projects including fines and fees reform, collaborative courts and pretrial programs. Before coming to CJS she was responsible for creating the California JusticeCorps program, a unique AmeriCorps funded project that recruits and trains university students to work as assistants in court-based legal access self-help centers. Ms. Wright has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of California at Davis and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Sonoma State University.
Gender Affirming Care in SUD and Mental Health Treatment (CE Session)
Presenter:
Mariko Matsuda
Room:
Los Angeles Room
Materials:
Overview:
Gender affirming care is medically necessary, evidence-based care that uses a multidisciplinary approach (social, psychological, behavioral, and medical interventions) to support a person and affirm an individual’s gender identity – specifically when it conflicts with the gender they were assigned at birth. Substance use and mental health disorders are at higher rates than the general population for the transgender community. Studies have linked gender affirming care at various levels to decrease depression and other harmful behaviors. As treatment providers, having the knowledge and skills is necessary for providing client-centered care.
Workshop Goals/Learning Objectives:
To understand the challenges and obstacles that an individual may experience who is transgender.
To increase the knowledge and skills necessary for providing gender affirming care
Biography:
Mariko Matsuda
Mariko Matsuda is a Certified Counselor with six years of direct service experience. Mariko has experience working with diverse cultures, the homeless population, substance use disorders, co-occurring disorders, and justice involved treatment programs. Mariko is currently pursuing her master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and is a professor in the Alcohol and Other Drugs Studies program at San Diego City College. As a Drug Court program manager, Mariko enjoys being a part of a collaborative team and witnessing first-hand that change is possible through the support and care of the Drug Court process. Mariko believes in client centered, culturally competent, and trauma informed care as key components to providing supportive interventions to the clients she serves.
High Risk and High Needs: Use of Risk/Needs Assessments in Optimizing Participation in Treatment Courts vs. Diversion Programs: Who Fits Where?
Nuts and Bolts Track
Presenter:
Douglas Marlowe
Room:
San Carlos 4
Materials:
Overview:
To be safe, effective, and cost-efficient, programs require substantial modifications based on the risk and needs profiles of participants. This presentation will review a typology of risk and needs profiles in criminal justice populations and describe the clinical and supervisory services that are required to achieve effective outcomes for persons with different levels and types of risk and need.
Workshop Goals/Learning Objectives:
Describe the risk and need profiles of persons that predict better outcomes in collaborative courts as opposed to alternative rehabilitation programs
Describe the practice and policy implications of conducting risk-and-needs assessments and targeting persons to indicated programs and services
Biography:
Douglas Marlowe
Douglas B. Marlowe, J.D., Ph.D. is a Senior Scientist at the Treatment Research Institute, an Adjunct Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine, and the Chief of Science, Policy & Law for the National Association of Drug Court Professionals. He is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association (APA) with proficiency certification in the treatment of psychoactive substance use disorders from the APA College of Professional Psychology. Dr. Marlowe has published over 125 professional articles and chapters on the topics of crime and substance abuse. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the Drug Court Review and is on the editorial board of Criminal Justice & Behavior. Dr. Marlowe has received numerous state and federal research grants to study coercion in drug abuse treatment, the effects of drug courts and other diversion programs for drug abusers involved in the criminal justice system, and behavioral treatments for drug abusers and criminal offenders.
3:15 PM - 4:30 PM Block F Sessions
Adolescence From the Inside Out: Understanding Trauma and Behavior Through the Lens of Neurobiology (CE Session)
Presenter:
Laurie Ellington
Room:
San Carlos 3
Materials:
TBA
Overview:
dolescence is a sensitive and critical period of development for reorganization of regulatory systems. During this period of development, the emotional centers of the brain and signals from the body profoundly impact executive functioning. Because of this, there is great vulnerability as well as opportunity. This is particularly important in the context of trauma, which becomes embedded in the brain, mind, and body. An inner injury, trauma imprints itself into our neurobiology, leaving a footprint in the nervous system of the developing brain. Specific regions of the brain are activated along with changes in hormones and neurotransmitters. Prolonged activation of brain regions involved in the stress response and an ongoing release of neurochemicals associated with trauma reorganize the brain-mind-body system, resulting in a compromised ability to prepare for and adapt in the face of stress, adversity, and daily challenges.
This science-back presentation provides a description of the adolescent brain from an Integrative NeuroSomatic® perspective, which emphasizes the nature of trauma as being an internal wound that impacts multiple biological systems involved in human development. Findings from an array of scientific fields, including contemporary neuroscience, mind-body research, traumatology, polyvagal theory, and epigenetics will be shared. Tools for helping young people who have histories of developmental and complex trauma use safety and neuroplasticity to rewire their nervous systems for higher levels of self-regulation will be explored.
Workshop Goals/Learning Objectives:
Define adolescence from a neurophysiological perspective
Examine the impacts of trauma on the developing nervous system
Examine integrative approaches for helping young people begin the process of healing inner wounds
Biography:
Laurie Ellington
Laurie is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ancient Science, Inc., a leading-edge human flourishing organization based on an Integrative NeuroSomatic® approach to growth and change. Laurie's mission is to expand consciousness, turn trauma into healing, and transform the world with kindness and compassion. She is among the pioneers dedicated to cultivating positive social change by harnessing the power of the mind-body-brain-spirit connection. Combining ancient wisdom teachings with findings from modern neuroscience, mind-body research, functional medicine, epigenetics, and quantum physics she helps individuals, leaders, and organizations elevate the way they think, feel, and show up in the world.
Laurie has over 25 years of experience in coaching, teaching, consulting, leadership, facilitation, and mind-body medicine. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Brain-Based Coach, Master Certified Coach, Registered Yoga Teacher, and National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach. Laurie is appreciated for her ability to evoke untapped capacities and eliminate outdated habits that get in the way of transformation, healing, and growth. Her philosophy is that change happens from the inside out versus the outside in, and people have unleashed capacities to self-regulate, connect deeply as a human family, and heal. She is Associate Faculty within the Health and Wellness Coaching program at Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH) and Associate Faculty for the Professional and Continuing Education department at MUIH, with subject matter expertise on the neuroscience of human relationships and stress resilience. Laurie is also Associate Faculty with University of California- Davis, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention University. She is currently completing her Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine from Saybrook University.
Laurie is a living example of everything she teaches. She enjoys being in nature, helping people transform their lives, and spreading joy and kindness.
California Collaborative Court Data Improvement Project
Presenters:
Jeremy Merrick and Martha Wright
Room:
Los Angeles Room
Materials:
Overview:
Data driven decision making is integral to enhancing and effectively expanding the impact of collaborative courts. Learn more in this session about the steps taken to enhance California Collaborative Courts' data collection and reporting capabilities with the Judicial Council's California Collaborative Court Data Improvement Project. Topics to be covered include statewide standards for key data definitions, low cost management information system options, and a statewide communication hub to improve information sharing among practitioners.
Workshop Goals/Learning Objectives:
Learn how the California Collaborative Court Data Improvement Project aims to improve data collection and our ability to report key impacts statewide.
Provide insights into a list of standardized data definitions reviewed by a workgroup earlier in 2022.
Learn about the Communication Hub and its benefits to collaborative courts and staff
Biographies:
Jeremy Merrick
Jeremy Merrick is an Analyst in Criminal Justice Services Programs and leads the California Collaborative Court Data Improvement Project. Prior to joining the Judicial Council in 2018, Jeremy worked for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitations assisting parolees reintegrate back into society. Services included managing the Specialized Treatment for Optimized Programming contract which aids parolees with drug and alcohol issues, pioneering the Transitional Lifer Program assisting lifers reentering society and supporting parolees with job opportunities through Parolee Service Centers. Mr. Merrick has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno.
Martha Wright
Martha Wright is Manager of Criminal Justice Services Programs and came to the Judicial Council in 2001 after spending several years working as a proposal development consultant to community-based non-profits and government agencies. Ms. Wright oversees a portfolio of criminal justice projects including fines and fees reform, collaborative courts and pretrial programs. Before coming to CJS she was responsible for creating the California JusticeCorps program, a unique AmeriCorps funded project that recruits and trains university students to work as assistants in court-based legal access self-help centers. Ms. Wright has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of California at Davis and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Sonoma State University.
Models, Funding, Strategies for DUI Courts: Adapting to Covid, Assistance from NHTSA (CE Session / MCLE Session)
Presenter:
Hon. Rogelio R. Flores (ret.)
Room:
San Carlos 1
Materials:
Overview:
Despite our best efforts, impaired driving continues to present a significant challenge to the judicial system. DUI courts have been proven to reduce recidivism, protect public safety and encourage participants to live a drug/alcohol-free life. There are several issues that need to be overcome to improve the efficacy of these programs, among them; marijuana, other drugs, drug recognition experts, technological improvements (SCRAM, ignition interlock devices, driving monitoring and assistance systems (DMAS), Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety, and others) as well as medical and psychological treatment for alcohol and other drug dependence. This presentation will explore how DUI courts work, the 10 key components of impaired driving courts and explore future of these courts in California and throughout the United States.
Workshop Goals/Learning Objectives:
Understand the important role judges can play in effectively handling impaired driving offenders on a larger scale.
Recognize all high-risk cases involving impaired driving, and apply evidence based strategies to effectively supervise those individuals and minimize the negative impact they have on our communities.
Develop strategies for imposing effective sentences and supervision on a larger scale to more significantly reduce recidivism in impaired driving cases.
Biography:
Hon. Rogelio R. Flores (ret.)
Superior Court Judge Rogelio Flores (ret.) served as a judicial officer from 1987-2018, appointed judge in 1997. He received his law degree from the UCLA School of Law in 1979. He presided over Drug, Mental Health, Veterans, Domestic Violence, and DUI Court programs. He served on the faculty of The National Judicial College; as vice chair of the Judicial Council's Collaborative Justice Courts Advisory Committee; as past president of the Latino Judges of California; as ABA State Judicial Outreach Liaison for California; and as a member of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals and CA Association of Collaborative Courts.
The Power of the Law Enforcement Uniform: To Protect and Serve Inside the Collaborative Courtroom
Moderator and Panelists:
Hon. Thomas A. Delaney, Hon. Matthew S. Anderson, Cesar Cisneros, and Danielle Sena
Room:
San Carlos 2
Materials:
Overview:
During this session, attendees will learn more about the uniquely positive role a courtroom bailiff can play in support of a collaborative court program. More specifically, attendees will hear about how OC Sheriff Deputy Cesar Cisneros goes above and beyond his role as bailiff to support the Collaborative Court Programs in Judge Matthew Anderson’s Drug and DUI Courts in Orange County. Deputy Cisneros speaks to incoming and or current program participants as only a bailiff in uniform can, whether it is helping them decide whether to participate in the program at all and or encouraging as they work through sanctions or other program and recovery challenges. They also will hear from a Drug Court graduate how Deputy Cisneros used the power of the uniform to help change her life and propel her through to Drug Court graduation and into a life of successful recover management.
Workshop Goals/Learning Objectives:
To understand how bailiffs can take a more proactive role in supporting collaborative court programs.
How to incorporate courtroom bailiffs more into the collaborative court team
Biography:
Hon. Thomas A. Delaney
Tom Delaney is an Associate Justice of the California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division Three. Prior to his confirmation in October 2022, Justice Delaney served as a Superior Court Judge in Orange County where he sat on the Limited Criminal Panel in Newport Beach and the Unlimited Civil Panel in Santa Ana. He then served as Supervising Judge of the Collaborate Courts where he presided over the Veterans Courts, a Mental Health Court, Homeless Outreach Court, and Drug and DUI Court. During his tenure, the OC Veterans Treatment Court was awarded NADCP Mentor Court status, one of five exemplary VTCs in the country selected to serve as a model program to assist new or growing courts.
Justice Delaney is the 13th President of the California Latino Judges Association. Between 2020 and 2021, he served as the 89th President of the California Judges Association and as an Advisory Member of the Judicial Council of California. He currently serves on the Governor’s Judicial Selection Advisory Committee in Orange County.
Before his appointment to the Superior Court in 2014, Justice Delaney was a trial lawyer with a practice focused on the defense of mass tort and individual product liability and specialty tort actions involving catastrophic physical injuries and psychological disorders. He earned his Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles and his Bachelor of Arts from Loyola Marymount University. He also studied at St. John’s College, Oxford University, in Oxford, England, where he was a member of the St. John’s College Boat Club.
Hon. Matthew S. Anderson
Judge Anderson was appointed to the Orange County Municipal Court in 1998 and later elevated to Superior Court. He served as Supervising Judge for 10 years and, throughout his career, presided over Drug Courts, DUI Courts, and other Collaborative Treatment Courts. Under his leadership, the Harbor Justice DUI Court program has been recognized three times as a National DWI Academy Training Court by the National Center for DWI Courts (NCDC). He is currently the senior Drug Court judge in Orange County.
Judge Anderson twice received the Community Education Award from the South Orange County Community College District for his work in Drug Courts and in 2004 was named Judge of the Year by the Orange County Narcotics Officers Association. In 2016, the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) awarded Judge Anderson the national DWI Court Leadership award.
Judge Anderson is a regular featured speaker and panelist. His recent presentations include, How to Keep Your Ticket: Drugs, Alcohol and the State Bar (2012, 2014), Substance Abuse is in the Case (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018), Team Development and Judicial Leadership at the 19th Annual NADCP Conference in Washington DC (2014), Substance Abuse Issues for Attorneys – Last Dash Seminar (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023). Judge Anderson was also the featured speaker at the “Prescription for Life,” “Weed through the Myths,” and “Opioid Abuse” series presented by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Department of Education, and the National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence. (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017).
Before his judicial appointment, Judge Anderson served 10 years as a prosecutor with the Orange County District Attorneys’ Office. He began his legal career as a sole-practitioner and Public Defender in Los Angeles after attending UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law.
Caesar Cisneros
Caesar F. Cisneros has served his community in law enforcement for 34 years. Born and raised in San Diego, his athletic ability in high school and college, led him to challenge himself by attending the San Diego County Sheriff’s Academy. After graduation, he worked as a Deputy Marshal for the County of San Diego. He worked as a court and field deputy for 11 years serving felony warrants, evictions, civil process and acting as a Field Training Officer. For three years, he worked exclusively as the Military Deputy for Camp Pendleton Marine Base where he received a Certificate of Commendation for superior performance in the execution of his duties. He moved to Orange County and in 1998 and joined the Orange County Sheriff’s Department where he currently works as a Deputy Sheriff. He worked in the jails and various court departments, including detention, family law, criminal law, and juvenile court. Since 2007 he has worked with Judge Matthew Anderson in Collaborative Treatment Courts, including Drug Court and DWI Court – where he was a member of four national DWI Academy Courts. He has been on the faculty of National Center for DWI Courts (NCDC) since 2015. At the Harbor Justice Center, he provides security, assistance, and mentoring in the process re-directing repeat impaired drivers and drug offenders through comprehensive court-directed programs of testing, supervision, and treatment. He also works in the jails and is a Court Training Officer and member of the Critical Incidence Response Team (CIRT). In his leisure time he enjoys spending time with his family, soccer, hiking and fishing.
Danielle Sena
Danielle graduated South Drug Court in 2015. Since her graduation Danielle has reunited with her daughter who currently resides with her. Danielle has worked in the treatment field for the last 10 years in various Director level positions. Danielle is currently the Chief Operations Officer and partner at SoCal Detox, an inpatient substance abuse facility located in Orange County. She is the Founder and President of Blueprint Consulting, a company focusing on licensing, compliance, and ethical care coordination for treatment providers. She has been a keynote speaker at multiple colleges, non- profit organizations, and presented at conferences alongside the NADTP, Fresno County Sheriffs Dept, Anaheim Police department, and Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Danielle is actively working in collaboration with the Orange County Public Defender’s office, Orange County Probation Dept, and Orange County Healthcare agency as a collaborative court liaison assisting agencies with clinical resources, and medical stabilization treatment. She prioritizes triaging potential Treatment Court participants for program evaluation. Danielle’s facility SoCal Detox donated $75,000 of treatment scholarships to collaborative court participants in 2022. Her passion for assisting those tied to the criminal justice system in finding healing and rehabilitation drives her career, and fulfills her God given purpose.
Therapeutic Responses in Treatment Court to Positive and Problem Behavior (MCLE Session)
Nuts and Bolts Track
Presenter:
Terrence Walton
Room:
San Carlos 4
Materials:
Overview:
This session identifies therapeutically based responses to positive and problem behavior, including incentives and sanctions, therapeutic adjustment and adjustment of supervision. The session describes use of an assessment-based team approach in making decisions and responding to behavior. The assessment-based approach includes use of risk/need assessments; biomedical considerations; environmental, behavioral and cognitive conditions and complications; and readiness to change. Additional factors to be discussed include other factors that might impact behaviors or responses to behavior. These factors include relapse or potential for other problems, recovery and living environment, and community interventions/activities. The session will provide a deeper understanding of strategies to support positive behavioral change in treatment court.
Workshop Goals/Learning Objectives:
Participants will identify strategies to support positive behavioral change in treatment court
Participants will be able to describe the benefits of assessment based responses to positive and problem behavior
Participants will be able to identify strategies to implement assessment based team approaches to respond to treatment court participant behavior
Biography:
Terrence Walton
Terrence D. Walton, B.A. in psychology, MSW, is among the nation’s leading experts in providing training and technical assistance to drug courts and other treatment courts. Prior to being named COO, he was NADCP’s chief of standards. Before coming to NADCP, Mr. Walton was director of treatment for the Pretrial Services Agency for the District of Columbia and director of the D.C. adolescent outpatient substance use treatment center. Mr. Walton is an internationally certified alcohol and other drug abuse counselor with over 25 years of experience and is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT).
