In this episode of our series exploring the roles and responsibilities of treatment court team members, we sit down with retired Chief Judge Elizabeth Heath (N.C. District 8) of Eastern North Carolina. Judge Heath shares insights from her journey to the bench, the unique responsibilities of treatment court judges, and the challenges and triumphs of serving in a rural community. From balancing legal training with the human-centered approach of treatment courts to supporting participants beyond graduation, Judge Heath offers a thoughtful reflection on her career and life after retirement.

In Part Two of our special two-part series, we shift gears from designing alumni groups to bringing them to life. Join us as we dive into the key steps for successfully launching and sustaining alumni groups—from choosing the right meeting locations to learning from the National Treatment Court Alumni Association’s nationwide support efforts.

Returning guests Carlos Gonzales and Michael Mooradian are back to share their powerful journeys—from starting local alumni groups to becoming national voices in the treatment court alumni movement. Their stories highlight how alumni groups can transform lives long after graduation.

Tune in for inspiration, practical tips, and a deeper look at how alumni communities can be a lasting force for recovery.

In the first part of our two-part series, we delve into the design of alumni groups within treatment court programs. Join us as we explore the essential steps in creating effective alumni groups, identify common roadblocks, and discuss the critical role of alumni feedback in enhancing program outcomes. Our returning guests, Carlos Gonzales and Michael Mooradian, share their insights and experiences, shedding light on the various functions and benefits of alumni groups. Don't miss this informative and engaging episode!

We continue our mini-series 'Roles & Responsibilities' by exploring the positions of alumni and peer recovery support specialists (PRSS). Our co-hosts, Drs. Kristen DeVall and Christina Lanier, welcome treatment court alumni and peer support specialists Carlos Gonzales and Michael Mooradian. In this episode, we explore the impact the role of alumni and peer recovery support specialists have in the treatment court process, the differences between volunteer and paid, engagement, challenges, and more.

We begin our new mini-series 'Roles & Responsibilities' by exploring the position of program coordinator. Our co-hosts, Drs. Kristen DeVall and Christina Lanier, welcome Amy Galyon from Blount County Recovery Court in Tennessee. Listen as they discuss Amy's background, responsibilities of the program director/coordinator, additional selling the program, challenges the position faces, and more.

The State of the Field mini-series finally comes to an end with part two of our discussion focused on Tribal Healing To Wellness Courts (THWCs). Hosts Kristen DeVall, Ph.D. & Christina Lanier, Ph.D. continue their discussion with Kris Pacheco, Tribal Wellness Specialist for Tribal Law and Policy Institute, and Chief Judge John Haupt of the Makah tribe in Neah Bay, Washington. Listen as they discuss the current challenges in THWCs, legalization of marijuana, research among THWCs, and more.

We close out the State of the Field series with part one of an in-depth discussion on Tribal Healing To Wellness Courts (THWCs) in this month's episode. Hosts Kristen DeVall, Ph.D. & Christina Lanier, Ph.D. welcome Kris Pacheco, Tribal Wellness Specialist for Tribal Law and Policy Institute, and Chief Judge John Haupt of the Makah tribe in Neah Bay, Washington. Listen as they discuss the history of THWCs, the structure, who they serve, and more.

Hosts Kristen DeVall, Ph.D. & Christina Lanier, Ph.D. welcome Jane Pfeifer, MPA, Program Director at Center for Children and Family Futures, and Chad Rodi, Ph.D., Director at NPC Research, for discussion regarding the state of family treatment courts (FTCs). Listen as they define FTCs and how they have changed over time. They also discuss a family-centered approach, the Adoption and Safe Families Act, and more.

Hosts Kristen DeVall, Ph.D. & Christina Lanier, Ph.D. welcome Melissa Radcliff, Program Director at Our Children's Place of Coastal Horizons Center, for discussion regarding children of incarcerated parents (COIP). Listen as they discuss the data, related legislation, impacts on children, the involvement of law enforcement and other roles in COIP, and much more.

Hosts Kristen DeVall, Ph.D. & Christina Lanier, Ph.D. welcome Dr. Julie Baldwin, Research Professor in the Department of Justice, Law, & Criminology at American University, for discussion regarding the state of veterans treatment courts (VTCs). Listen as they discuss the history of VTCs, the differences between adult drug court and veterans treatment court, target population, risk assessment tools, challenges among programs, research, and much more.