“I think my current role right now. I like to think that each job has provided a foundation for the next. I’ve been consulting long before NPJS had a formal consulting team. This has allowed me to realize there is a culmination of all the jobs I’ve had along the way which has helped me become a better consultant.”

“When it comes together and works. When you’re working really closely with the agency who’s contracted with us and moving the project forward, it’s exciting to see the process work and work well. The most exciting thing though is that I’ve been able to help develop teams of the ‘up-and-comers’ in juvenile justice. The Consultant Pool has been so much fun as it has allowed me the opportunity to watch them grow and develop.



When our Symposium was in Greensboro, we pulled all the past presidents of the National Juvenile Detention Association. We had a big dinner and celebration for all of them that served with NJDA during the 50 years of its existence. The next week I was in a meeting and having sat in with all these impactful people, I found myself telling people that they are the next group to ‘step up’. Today, four or five people from that meeting are really doing great and impactful work with NPJS.”

“Dave Roush and Earl Dunlap, no hesitation. When I was a teacher, I met Dave for the first time. That started a relationship in my quest to constantly learn new things and I quickly realized that this is a guy I can learn from.

Earl - who worked closely with Dave - and as past president of NPJS, allowed me to hook my wagon to them to the point where we had weekly and monthly conversations which was such a huge benefit for me. Others definitely helped along the way but those two are the reason I’m talking with you today.”

“Noooo (laughs). In 44 years, there are so many favorite and memorable moments that I can’t narrow it down to just one. There have been so many fun, interesting, and challenging moments along the way that stand out, that I can’t choose only one.”

"Every day is a new day. That was so true for kids in the detention facility as I told them each day they get to start over. But it also applies to staff. I tell them to go into the day with a plan and at the end of it, assess the plan, keep the plan, or adjust it for the next day.”

“Two things. I think we need to focus on leadership retention and development. While we have a number of tremendous people in those roles, we also have a lot of people running facilities who don’t have a good vision. I feel we need to be more selective in who we choose.

The other big one – and I’ve been saying this for years – we need to get rid of bad facilities. Whether it is due to a lack of leadership or the facility itself, if it’s not working you need to make changes.”

“I’m never away from work (laughs). It’s one of my bad qualities but it’s like when I was a teacher. When you go home at 3, the day is never over. You then have work to do to prepare for tomorrow, plus, it is constantly on your mind.

In my younger days, I played a lot of sports. It was a great connection with my dad. To this day, I love watching games, going to them, and can talk all sports with anybody. I also try to be involved in community. My Kalamazoo community is very important to me. We love going to local theatres, supporting other local events, and things done at the University.

Of course, my grandkids – I should have mentioned them first (laugh). They, and the rest of our family, are the reason we came back to Kalamazoo. We like doing as much as we can with them.”

“I just want to thank NPJS. Over all the years that I’ve been involved with them, they’ve stood strong when things weren’t going well. They were creative in their response. Then coming together with the other groups, the growth has been so obvious. I appreciate all the opportunities and having been along for the ride. They allow me to dream, think big, and be creative. The organization has been there for me every step along the way and I’m so appreciative for that and for them.”