Redefine: The Practitioners Guide to Redefine Absconding, and the Seven Strategies for Reengagement in Community Supervision

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Jowan Burton leads efforts to develop technology that helps state leaders diagnose system challenges, assists agencies in defining changes that can help address those challenges, and supports the implementation of changes to improve correctional outcomes. Previously, Jowan worked in community corrections and reentry programs with the Virginia Departments of Corrections and Juvenile Justice. In Virginia’s adult courts, he conducted background investigations and wrote reports to promote equitable sentencing practices. Jowan was also previously a juvenile parole officer, collaborating with families and courts to identify alternatives to detention and state commitments. Jowan has a BS in criminal justice with a concentration in justice administration from Virginia Commonwealth University and a paralegal studies certificate from Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies.

Marcus Hodges the immediate past-President of the National Association of Probation Executives, began a trajectory of impressive public service when he joined the Virginia Department of Corrections in 1992. Throughout his career he has worked to promote programs and processes that support the reintegration of released offenders to the community. Experienced in prisons, community corrections, and probation and parole, Hodges joined the National Institute of Corrections as a Correctional Program Specialist with the Community Corrections/Prisons Division. With a primary focus on community corrections, his tenure included work in the areas of transition from prison to community, evidence-based practices in corrections, and pretrial services. Other focus areas included programming on promoting a positive corrections culture and managing a multi-generational workforce. As a Chief Probation and Parole Officer and as a Regional Administrator for the Virginia Department of Corrections, Hodges promoted strategic and innovative risk management, offender programming, and comprehensive and robust processes for reintegration success. In 2015, Hodges was named to Governor Terry McAuliffe's Committee for Parole Review and worked on associated sub-committees to develop an in-depth review of the efficacy of the parole system. In 2017, he was named the Associate Director for the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency in Washington, D.C. In recognition of his work, in 2018 he received the Middle Atlantic States President's award for Innovation in Corrections.

Meghna Padmanabhan provides policy insights and support for state governments improving their community supervision policies and practices in reducing recidivism. Previously, she worked at the Missouri Coalition Against Trafficking and Exploitation (MOCATE), where she tracked key legislative changes and developed relationships with legislators to advance CATE’s policy goals to decriminalize trafficked victims. She has engaged in direct service and volunteer work in many St. Louis communities, providing administrative support at a women’s safe house and mentoring youth from the Clinton-Peabody neighborhood. Meghna received her BA in sociology from Washington University in St. Louis and her MSW from the Brown School of Social Work and Public Health, with a concentration in social impact leadership and a specialization in policy. 

Todd J. Schwent began his career as a Probation and Parole Officer for the Missouri Division of Probation and Parole in 1996. He spent nine years as an officer in St. Louis, MO working primarily with dangerous felony and sex offenders. In 2005, Todd promoted to Unit Supervisor and later provided oversight of the St. Louis County Treatment Court Program for Probation and Parole and assisted in the development and implementation of the DWI Court Program in St. Louis County. In 2013, he was promoted to a District Administrator position in St. Louis City overseeing the St. Louis City Treatment Court, Veterans Court, and supervising the Sentencing Assessment Report Unit. Todd assumed the District Administrator role in St. Louis County for the St. Louis County Court office in 2017 prior promoting in 2018 to the Regional Administrator position for the Northeast Region of Missouri. In 2019, he assumed the Assistant Division Director role for Probation and Parole. Besides serving as a trainer in multiple areas, he assists in policy development and implementation, serves as the Division’s legal and legislative liaison, and works closely with a variety of stakeholders. Todd also provides supervision for Probation & Parole’s Quality Control Unit and Training Coordinator Unit, which assists staff in adherence to evidence based practices, as well as improving and maintaining quality case management practices.

Chantelle Smith has worked for the Missouri Department of Corrections for over 23 years all within the Division of Probation and Parole. She has held the position of Probation and Parole Officer, Unit Supervisor, Quality Control Coordinator and currently serves as a Quality Control Manager. During her tenure, Chantelle has supervised a variety of caseloads and been involved in several initiatives, to include the development and implementation of the Missouri Offender Management Matrix (MOMM) and the Ohio Risk Assessment System (ORAS) Automation for the Department. She has years of experience supervising officers involved with Treatment Courts and is also a trainer within the Department on various topics to include Effective Case Management and Planning. She provides ongoing support to line staff and management staff throughout Missouri to enhance the quality of our client supervision and increase successful outcomes.