The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) unveiled the newest members of the Director's Advisory Committee, a roster of eight with varying expertise selected from hopefuls across Arizona, as reported on Monday. The ADCRR was showered with thanks to all applicants, maintaining its commitment to reshaping the corrections system and recognizing the solid backing for its current trajectory.
These committee inductees, intended to guide and provide strategic counsel to Director Ryan Thornell, pool together diverse skills and perspectives necessary for ADCRR’s future directions. Thrown into the mix are individuals who are rooted in women's services, healthcare, mental health, tribal relations, education, workforce development, reentry, and peer mentorship. Their first conference to offer insights to improve operations is set to commence in April, aligning with the observance of Second Chance Month.
The ADCRR acknowledges each individual's appointment, highlighting their anticipated contributions in the areas listed below: Jessica Bruner of the Arouet Foundation will focus on Women’s Services; Dr. Sara Salek from Roya Health, a Substance Use Disorder expert; Derrick Beetso, who's in charge of Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance Programs at ASU's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, will represent Tribal Relations; Dr. Jo Jorgenson from Rio Salado Community College, brings a focus on Education; Reetika Dhawan, CEO of Entrepreneurial College and a workforce development VP, on Vocation/Workforce Development; Tonya Martell from Molina Healthcare, advocates for Reentry; Patricia Plum, running Imagine Therapy, PLLC, will champion Peer Mentorship; and Jim Stringham, CEO at Banner Health Plans, to steer Mental Health Services.
ADCRR along with Director Thornell invite the public's eyes towards the Advisory Committee's inaugural gathering in downtown Phoenix's Central Office. It is an attempt both to honor the strides being made in giving individuals a second chance and progressing a more rehabilitative approach to corrections that the ADCCR has earnestly adopted.
