Michael Torch, MA
A Criminologist and addiction treatment provider with over 40 years of experience. Has extensive experience treating chemically dependent adolescents and trauma victims. Currently providing Behavioral Health consultation and training, with a focus on the Criminal Justice/Treatment interface. His professional experience includes practice in public schools, correctional environments,treating law enforcement personnel, inpatient chemical dependency programs and outpatient practice. Certified Trainer with The International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc.
Heather Gagnon, MSW, LICSW, LADC
Has experience in developing and leading several trainings. Conducted clinical and administrative supervision throughout her time in corrections. Trainer for several evidence-based programs that focus on reducing the risk of recidivism for offenders. Has experience working with both the male and female incarcerated population as well as experience working with offenders on probation.
Jaime Richardson, MSW, LADC, LCSW, LICSW
Worked for the Connecticut Department of Correction for 20 years in various supervisory capacities and with multiple diverse populations at several facilities. Holds a Masters in Social Work, is a licensed alcohol and drug counselor and a licensed clinical social worker in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Has experience providing training related to working with justice involved individuals and alcohol and drug disorders in multiple states and settings. Has provided clinical supervision for over 12 years in various criminal justice related treatment environments.
Marie-Clare (Mollie) Brown, MSW, LCSW
Mollie Brown has worked in the field of criminal justice since 2014. As an associate of Re-Entry Resources Counseling, she worked in the Vermont State Treatment Program for Sexual Abusers providing evidence-based risk reduction services to incarcerated individuals. She has facilitated trainings since 2017 on topics such as group skills, boundaries, and curriculum-specific facilitation. She is passionate about applying a justice-informed, trauma-responsive lens to her work with rehabilitative programs serving prison and community supervision populations. Mollie has a master’s degree in social work and holds active independent clinical licenses in Vermont and California.
Patricia (Tricia) Parrow, MA
Tricia is currently an Interventionist with the Vermont Department of Corrections, Sex Offender Treatment Program and has more than 6 years of experience delivering manualized Evidence-Based Criminogenic Risk Reduction Interventions in both community and institutional settings for the State of Vermont to both male and female offender populations. She has a BA in Criminology and the Criminal Justice System and a MA in Conflict Resolution and Mediation.
Sandra Violette, MSW, LADC
Sandra Violette holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from UCONN with a minor in Criminal Justice. She received her MSW from the UCONN School of Social Work with a focus on Mental Health and Substance Abuse. In addition, she is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Sandra began her career in community corrections at a Women’s halfway house. She transferred to an Alternative to Incarcerations Center as a Case manager and a Court liaison. Sandra moved into a focus on Mental Health when she began working with individuals who had plead not guilty by reason of insanity. She began her career in the Connecticut Department of Correction in 2005 as a Substance Abuse Counselor. She became a Counselor Supervisor in 2012 and has worked at several facilities. She then became the Director of Addiction Services in 2017. As the Director of Addition Services, Sandra is responsible for the Addiction Treatment of all incarcerated offenders. She has been instrumental in implementing Medicated Assisted Treatment within the Department and has successfully opened 10 fully licensed Opioid Treatment Programs using all three FDA approved medications. In addition, Sandra has partnered with community providers to address overdoses and community recovery to include NARCAN distribution to the offender population, parolee’s and their families, Recovery Coaching, Medicated Assisted Treatment, and general continuity of care.