DALLAS, TX * OCTOBER 7-8, 2026
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DALLAS, TX * OCTOBER 7-8, 2026 *
BUILDING HEALTHIER, SAFER FUTURES TOGETHER
THE FOUNDATION OF OUR WORK
Crises in both mental health and criminal justice are rising and intersecting in toxic ways throughout our country. In the fight for better care, criminal justice practitioners, mental health professionals, and justice-impacted individuals are uniting to provide strategies for mental wellness and advocacy. The 2026 Criminal Justice Mental Health Conference is more than a meeting – it’s a movement where professionals come together to learn about emerging research at the intersection of mental health and the criminal-legal system.
This is where thought leaders advise.
This is where we foster community-driven solutions.
This is where rehabilitative justice and public safety efforts align for enduring impact.
two days of meaninGful networking
Connect with a multidisciplinary group of attendees interesting in learning and sharing criminal-legal mental health practices.
FAQ
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CJMHC is a national platform to present and get up to date with the most innovative practices to increase the likelihood of successful reentry for justice-impacted individuals. We attract the most influential, visionary changemakers and criminal justice experts across the nation, who have the knowledge, experience and capabilities to engage and stimulate intellectual dialogue amongst their peers in particular policy reform and public safety.
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CJMHC provides attendees with the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and insight into local and national challenges and work toward tangible solutions. Over 20 specific areas related to the main theme of the conference will be offered.
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Community leaders, government entities, charities, policy makers, correctional professionals, law enforcement, attorneys, faith-based organizations, academia, students, mental health professionals, social workers, talent managers, justice-impacted individuals, and investors.
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In-Person Conference
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2 Days
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October 7 - 8, 2026
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
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Each year, CJMHC opens a Call for Proposals inviting stakeholders across the field to share their work, insights, and innovations. Details, topics, and submission guidelines are released in advance of the conference. Submissions are reviewed by a planning committee to ensure they reflect leading practices, diverse perspectives, and relevance to the field.
The 2026 Call for Proposals has closed. Look for the next call in early 2027.
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While we understand that not everyone is able to travel/attend in-person, the CJMHC conference does not offer any virtual content. All presentations and conference programming is in-person only.
SPEAKERS
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DR. BELAY REDDICK
CONVENER
Criminal Justice Mental Health Conference
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Shinita K. Reddick
FOUNDER, PRESIDENT & CEO
Everyday Solace Foundation
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VINCE SIMS
ANCHOR
NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth
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STEVE LEIFMAN (Ret. Judge)
PRESIDENT
The Leifman Group
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BECKY HAAS
FOUNDER
Becky Haas Consulting
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MARCUS BULLOCK
FOUNDER & CEO
Flikshop
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Monty Burks, Ph.D., CPRS
DIRECTOR OF CENTER FOR FAITH
U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services
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Hon. Toni Rose
STATE REPRESENTATIVE
Texas House District 110
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David Gasper
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
The Bail Project
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Daniela Jimenez Chisolm
SENIOR STAFF ATTORNEY
Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health
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KAILA BERRIAN
DIRECTOR OF SYSTEMS TRANSFORMATION
Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute
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ATTY. KEITH WATTLEY
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Uncommon Law
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Jeff Horwitz
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
SAFE Project
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AMANDA MYERS
CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROGRAMS UNIT
Colorado State Court Administrator's Office
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KURTIS TAYLOR
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Bob Barker Foundation
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CHRISTINA "TINA" O'REAR
REGIONAL DIRECTOR
North Texas Law Enforcement Peer Network -
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DR. FELISA BRYANT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
IF Project
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DENNIS RITCHIE, J.D.
VP OF REENTRY & STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
Goodwill Kentucky
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Christina Melton Crain
FOUNDER, PRESIDENT & CEO
Unlocking Doors
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Spurgeon Kennedy
VICE PRESIDENT
Crime and Justice Institute
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Kristi Taylor
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health -
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DR. TALIA MOORE
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
St. Mary’s College of California
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Jeremy Cherson
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
The Bail Project
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Jennifer Anderson-Ochoa
SENIOR PROJECT DIRECTOR
Applied Survey Research
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LADA GASPARAC
VP OF ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE & LEARNING
Maryhurst
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Michael Lindsey, J.D., Ph.D.
PROFESSOR OF PSYCHOLOGY
SMU Dedman College of Humanities & Science
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DR. Franchesca Capellan
FOUNDER & PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT
Family Systems Collective
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ERIN GEORGE
NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF POLICY
The Bail Project
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JUSTIN OWENS
FOUNDER & CEO
Owens Counseling & Consulting, PLLC
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Syreta Toson
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
A Home for Her
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Julie Burr
PROJECT MANAGER
Applied Survey Research
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Lawyer Johnson
FOUNDER
Motivational Wingz LLC
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Breana Frazier
PH.D. CANDIDATE
Florida International University
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STACEE READ
DIRECTOR INNOVATION
National Association for Children of Addiction
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ARMAND KING
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Lawrich Consulting, LLC
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Chazidy Robinson
FOUNDER & CEO
Soar 4031 Foundation
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JIM BUFFINGTON
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Bridges to Life
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Shakieta Maloye
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Another Chance House of Refuge
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ROSS MACDONALD, M.D.
CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER
NYC Woodhull Medical Center
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Atty. Elizabeth Kelley
NATIONAL CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER
Elizabeth Kelley Law
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ROLANDO NOOKS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Compassionate Reprieve
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Robert Brown
NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
The Bail Project
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Brandon Duncan
CIVIL COMMITMENT ADMINISTRATOR
Washington State DOC
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SIA HENRY
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF POLICY
M.A.P.S.
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ANGELA MAYACK
SENIOR INVESTIGATIVE ANALYST
Special Narcotics Prosecutor’s Office
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Hon. Rhetta A. Bowers
STATE REPRESENTATIVE
Texas House District 113
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DREW DUTTON
PRESIDENT & CEO
Phoenix House Texas
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KERWIN PITTMAN
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
RREPS
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SHANDRA CARTER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Texas Juvenile Justice Department
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Hon. William E. Reynolds
CHIEF PROSECUTOR
Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office (NJ)
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Krish Gundu
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Texas Jail Project
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JONAS ROYSTER
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Hood Proverbz, LLC
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FRANKIE ROE
HEALING CIRCLE FACILITATOR
IF Project
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Marcus Miller
COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS SUPERVISOR
Washington State DOC
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SHARIF BROWN
DIRECTOR OF REENTRY
Alliance of Disability Advocates
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Reserve your room * Experience Dallas *
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a powerful movement
The 2026 Criminal Justice Mental Health Conference is focused on bridging gaps and bringing community and government systems together at the intersection of mental health and the justice system. We can only address the criminal justice and mental health needs within our community if all community stakeholders foster cooperation and innovation. Better mental health is related to coping with stress and overcoming challenges.
You mental health has just as big of an impact on your well-being as your physical health.
— Cleveland Clinic