Behind The Walls: Elevating Culture and Wellness in Corrections

Meeting Ended 19 Feb 2026
Duration: 75 min
Places left: 100
Price: No Cost
Add to cart

Speaker

Abigail Tucker

Register Now!

The environment of corrections is one of the most high-stakes and high-stress arenas in public safety. The “walls” aren’t just physical; they can often manifest as a culture of isolation and a “code of silence” that hinders wellness and safety. Join us for “Behind the Walls,” a candid discussion from correctional professionals working in the field as advocates, training Sgt., peer support leaders, and union representatives to explore challenges and solutions. We will cover real-world examples, how leaders play a crucial role, and the power of peer interventions, not just in tactical situations, but in the mental health and wellness of our colleagues, which is the key to professional longevity and departmental integrity. County jails and leaders pay attention – this topic is a necessary listen on how to build a culture where “having their back” means stepping in before a crisis occurs.

 

Matthew Woodhouse

Sergeant Matthew Woodhouse
Anne Arundel County Detention Facility
A Sergeant at the Anne Arundel County Department of Detention Facilities (AACDDF), Sgt. Woodhouse is recognized for his commitment to professional excellence and leadership within the facility. He brings a frontline supervisory perspective on the importance of maintaining high standards and supporting staff in the intense environment of local detention. He is also a Heroes National Instructor.
Caterina Spinaris

Caterina Spinaris
Executive Director, Founder – Desert Waters Correctional Outreach
Caterina G. Spinaris, PhD, LPC, is the founding director of Desert Waters Correctional Outreach (DWCO) and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Colorado. Her work with correctional staff and their families includes training thousands of staff nationwide; establishing and overseeing a 24/7 support hotline for eight years; providing 14 years of counseling services; and conducting anonymous online surveys with correctional staff. Caterina develops research- and clinically informed curricula addressing correctional staff wellness. She originated the term Corrections Fatigue, developed the data-driven Corrections Fatigue Process Model, and designed the Corrections Fatigue Assessment™. She is the author of From Corrections Fatigue to Fulfillment™ (CF2F) and seven additional wellness courses, six of which include instructor certification. In 2016, CF2F received the Commercial Product Award of Excellence from the International Association of Corrections Training Personnel.Caterina has authored or co-authored four books and numerous articles on correctional staff wellness and is currently involved in the development of Desert Waters’ Safety Net Wholistic Correctional Staff Wellness Accreditation Program. She firmly believes that meaningful prison reform and staff wellness are inseparable—and must be pursued with equal commitment.
placeholder

Frederick Font III
Peer Support Team, Anne Arundel County Detention Facility
A Sergeant with the Anne Arundel County Department of Detention Facilities (AACDDF), Frederick is a key member of the AACDDF Peer Support Team and a former Vice President of the officers’ union. He is a champion for the mental health and well-being of correctional officers and specializes in building peer-to-peer networks that reduce the stigma around seeking help and foster a culture of mutual care.

RELATED TRAININGS