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Speaker Bios
Christina Ash Circuit 2 Chief Probation Officer, Department of Juvenile Justice
Christina is a 20-year Juvenile Justice Professional who began her career as a Juvenile Probation Officer in 2005. Since that time, she has worked in the capacity of a Juvenile Probation Officer Supervisor, Learning Consultant, Assistant Chief Probation Officer, and currently Chief Probation Officer. She is an FDLE Certified Instructor and has had the privilege of training thousands of Juvenile Justice staff over the years.
Dr. Laura E. Bedard, CJM, Chief of Corrections, Seminole County Sheriff’s Office
Chief Laura E. Bedard, Ph.D., began her work in Corrections as a Jail Administrator in 1984. In 2005, she became the first female Deputy Secretary of the Florida Department of Corrections. She has managed state, federal, and private facilities, serving as Warden at six Florida, Texas, and Ohio prisons. Laura is currently serving as the Chief of Corrections for the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office in Sanford, Florida. She is a Certified Jail Manager through the American Jail Association and is a graduate of the Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute’s Chief Executive Seminar Class 41. Laura sits on the Conference Planning Committee and Pretrial Justice Committee for the American Jail Association, Criminal Justice Policy Council for FDLE, Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency, and the Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission. She graduated from Florida State University School of Social Work with her Doctorate in May 1998. Laura has published and lectured worldwide on Corrections. Her book, “What Do I Wear To The Execution” is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. She has been married to her husband Roy for 31 years and has two fabulous grown children.
Kathleen Bregel, Professional Development Program Coordinator, Seminole County Sheriff’s Office
Kathleen Bregel currently works in the Professional Development Division for the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. She provides career development assistance to agency members, and has also created and delivered a curriculum of courses focused on enhancing leadership abilities, interpersonal skills and professional growth. She has an extensive background in leadership training and development with the Walt Disney World Company, and is driven by her passion for training and her desire to assist people in improving their skill sets. She has many years of experience teaching the DiSC behavioral styles, and believes applying DiSC knowledge will dramatically enhance people’s relationships.
Allison Catalfamo, Supervisor, Probation Division, Seminole County Sheriff’s Office
Allison Catalfamo is a University of Central Florida Alumni with a Master and Bachelor of Science degrees, majoring in Criminal Justice. She has over 23 years of law enforcement experience to include working for the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office since 2002 as a Probation Officer, Senior Probation Officer and currently Supervisor of the Probation Division. Allison’s work includes specializing in high risk, high profile, and gang cases. She has also supervised accreditation, Veteran’s Court, Mental Health Court, Pretrial Diversion, Felon Registration, and EMPACT (Electronic Monitoring Protection and Crime Tracking Program), a program using GPS ankle bracelets to monitor offenders and protect domestic violence victims. Allison is certified as an Advanced Gangs Specialist through the Florida Gang Investigators Association and trains many police and probation agencies on gang recognition and officer safety involving gangs. Allison also teaches Gangs and Society, Deviant Behavior, and Juvenile Delinquency courses at the University of Central Florida to undergraduate students.
Michael DeLeon, Steered Straight, Inc.
Michael R. DeLeon, a successfully acclimated ex-offender who, after 20 years of drug addiction and 8 years of crime and gang involvement, spent 12 years in state prison and halfway houses for a gang-related homicide. Since Michael’s release from prison, he has earned three associate degrees, a bachelor's degree in business management, with a minor in Criminal Justice and a CADC Educational Certificate. Michael is now in the process of obtaining his master’s degree in Addictions Counseling at Liberty University as well as pursuing his LCADC. Michael is the founder of Steered Straight, Inc., a non-profit organization formed in 2007 designed with the intention of carrying a prevention message to youth and young adults regarding the extreme dangers of adolescent drug and alcohol use, bullying, and unhealthy life-choices. He is also a national speaker on the prevention of gang-involvement and criminal activity. Michael spends his time developing Steered Straight by stressing the importance of young men and women making sound, rational decisions in their day to day lives. Michael has spoken to over 15 million students and young adults as a motivational speaker, delivering evidence-based student programs in all fifty states in America as well as internationally. He is now expanding his message to reach out to correctional facilities across the country. Michael is a 48-year expert in addiction and mental health with 15 years’ involvement with the criminal justice and corrections system. He is a subject matter expert and national thought leader on drug trends, addiction, recovery, and criminal justice reform. He is also a national speaker on the prevention of fentanyl, gang involvement, and criminal activity. He is now the #1 School Educator Internationally on Vaping & Fentanyl.
Holly Dorman Unit Supervisor, Osceola County Corrections
Holly is a 22 year Corrections Professional who started her journey as a Florida Probation Officer in 1994. Since that time, she has worked in various aspects of the Corrections field – including Corrections Officer, Parole Supervisor, Parole Manager, (in Arizona) Community Corrections, Inmate Services, and Jail Operations. She is an FDLE Certified Instructor, MI Instructor, Real COLORS Facilitator and Certified Corrections Officer.
Christopher Goodman Deputy Chief of Staff Florida, Department of Juvenile Justice
With over 30 years of experience in state government and expertise in the areas of organizational development, leadership development, and complex management analysis, Christopher is a dynamic leader who has a strong emphasis on data driven management, along with a proven record of process improvement, large project management, and complicated, multi-subject project implementation on a statewide level. Christopher currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Staff for the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.
Charles Griggs, Director of Community Initiatives for the City of Jacksonville in the Office of Mayor Donna Deegan
In this position, Griggs is responsible for promoting community-based initiatives focused on a comprehensive approach to public safety centered in prevention and intervention. Previous to this role, he served as the president of the Eighth & Whitner Group LLC, a media and government relations agency focused on the engagement of policy and program issues related to improving community outcomes. Griggs is an experienced media and marketing professional who takes pride in creating strategies to improve the equity of all people. His communications industry knowledge spans more than 40 years and involves various winning campaigns, associations and clients throughout the South. In 2005 Griggs began his tenure with the Florida Department of Health in Duval County and served as the Director of Communications and Community Engagement, then later Director of External Affairs. In this capacity, he managed external efforts that include media relations, risk communications and legislative affairs designed to protect and promote the health of all residents and visitors of Duval County. In 2010, Griggs was honored as valedictorian of the University of South Florida Public Health Leadership Institute of Florida's 13th graduating class. In 2017, Griggs began serving as Minority Engagement Coordinator for the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute and Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of the Chairman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners in Atlanta, Georgia. Griggs also served as program manager for the Florida Health Equity Research Institute. In 2002, Griggs became a member of the 100 Black Men of Jacksonville, Inc., and soon served as the organization’s Chairman of Health and Wellness. In 2008, under his leadership, the organization developed an award-winning men’s cancer education and prevention initiative called Men Tackling the Big C. The program’s initial focus was to educate African American men on the risk factors of prostate cancer and to provide resources for screening and treatment. The program was later expanded to include colorectal cancer education and awareness. In 2016, Griggs was honored by the 100 Black Men of America with the James T. Black Health and Wellness Award. Currently, Griggs serves on the national board of directors of the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. as Southeast District Representative. Also, as a community resource, Griggs is a graduate of Leadership Jacksonville Class of ‘98 and a former board member of the Jacksonville Community Council, Inc. He was also appointed by three different City of Jacksonville Mayors to serve on the Jacksonville Human Rights and Arts in Public Places Commissions and the Jacksonville Journey Oversight Committee. He also served on the boards of directors of the Jacksonville Housing Authority and WJCT Media. In 2015, he received the Mayor’s Lifetime Journey Award (8 years of service on the Jacksonville Journey Oversight Committee). In 2004, Griggs was selected by the U.S. Small Business Administration as the North Florida Minority Small Business Advocate of the Year. In addition to his professional responsibilities, Griggs has made a personal commitment to giving back to the community by serving as a Take Stock in Children mentor since 2006. In 2012, Griggs was honored as Mentor of the Year with the Take Stock in Children Jim and Anne Kufeldt Award. Griggs is a member of the National Urban League Quarter Century Club through serving the Jacksonville Urban League over the years as a board member and as chairman of the Jacksonville Urban League Auxiliary. He is also a past president of the Jacksonville Association of Black Journalists, Inc. On the other side of the media table, Griggs has contributed as an editorial writer for the Jacksonville Free Press. He previously hosted and produced The Next Page and First Coast Focus, radio talk shows that focused on community and social issues. Griggs also was a regular contributor on WJCT’s First Coast Connect Media Roundtable news broadcast, which airs weekly on 89.9 FM (an NPR affiliate). Griggs holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Arts from Florida International University and an Associate of Science Degree in Advertising and Design from the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale. Charles Griggs serves as the Director of Community Initiatives for the City of Jacksonville in the Office of Mayor Donna Deegan. In this position, Griggs is responsible for promoting community-based initiatives focused on a comprehensive approach to public safety centered in prevention and intervention. Previous to this role, he served as the president of the Eighth & Whitner Group LLC, a media and government relations agency focused on the engagement of policy and program issues related to improving community outcomes. Griggs is an experienced media and marketing professional who takes pride in creating strategies to improve the equity of all people. His communications industry knowledge spans more than 40 years and involves various winning campaigns, associations and clients throughout the South. In 2005 Griggs began his tenure with the Florida Department of Health in Duval County and served as the Director of Communications and Community Engagement, then later Director of External Affairs. In this capacity, he managed external efforts that include media relations, risk communications and legislative affairs designed to protect and promote the health of all residents and visitors of Duval County. In 2010, Griggs was honored as valedictorian of the University of South Florida Public Health Leadership Institute of Florida's 13th graduating class. In 2017, Griggs began serving as Minority Engagement Coordinator for the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute and Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of the Chairman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners in Atlanta, Georgia. Griggs also served as program manager for the Florida Health Equity Research Institute. In 2002, Griggs became a member of the 100 Black Men of Jacksonville, Inc., and soon served as the organization’s Chairman of Health and Wellness. In 2008, under his leadership, the organization developed an award-winning men’s cancer education and prevention initiative called Men Tackling the Big C. The program’s initial focus was to educate African American men on the risk factors of prostate cancer and to provide resources for screening and treatment. The program was later expanded to include colorectal cancer education and awareness. In 2016, Griggs was honored by the 100 Black Men of America with the James T. Black Health and Wellness Award. Currently, Griggs serves on the national board of directors of the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. as Southeast District Representative. Also, as a community resource, Griggs is a graduate of Leadership Jacksonville Class of ‘98 and a former board member of the Jacksonville Community Council, Inc. He was also appointed by three different City of Jacksonville Mayors to serve on the Jacksonville Human Rights and Arts in Public Places Commissions and the Jacksonville Journey Oversight Committee. He also served on the boards of directors of the Jacksonville Housing Authority and WJCT Media. In 2015, he received the Mayor’s Lifetime Journey Award (8 years of service on the Jacksonville Journey Oversight Committee). In 2004, Griggs was selected by the U.S. Small Business Administration as the North Florida Minority Small Business Advocate of the Year. In addition to his professional responsibilities, Griggs has made a personal commitment to giving back to the community by serving as a Take Stock in Children mentor since 2006. In 2012, Griggs was honored as Mentor of the Year with the Take Stock in Children Jim and Anne Kufeldt Award. Griggs is a member of the National Urban League Quarter Century Club through serving the Jacksonville Urban League over the years as a board member and as chairman of the Jacksonville Urban League Auxiliary. He is also a past president of the Jacksonville Association of Black Journalists, Inc. On the other side of the media table, Griggs has contributed as an editorial writer for the Jacksonville Free Press. He previously hosted and produced The Next Page and First Coast Focus, radio talk shows that focused on community and social issues. Griggs also was a regular contributor on WJCT’s First Coast Connect Media Roundtable news broadcast, which airs weekly on 89.9 FM (an NPR affiliate). Griggs holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Arts from Florida International University and an Associate of Science Degree in Advertising and Design from the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale.
Kevin Goff, Director of Corrections, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office
Kevin Goff is currently the Director of Corrections for the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. He is a second-generation officer following in his father’s footsteps. He began his career in 1994 as a patrolman. He was promoted to patrol sergeant in 2003 and Lieutenant in 2005. As a Lieutenant he has commanded units in patrol, Narcotics (mid-level, major case and pharmaceutical and designer drug squad), Vice, Technical Support, Forfeiture Warehouse, Computer Forensics and Integrity units. He also served as the Training Center Director for the Northeast Florida Criminal Justice Center as a Lieutenant. In 2017, he was promoted to the rank of Assistant Chief and assigned to oversee operations in Zone 4. He later served as the Assistant Chief of the Training Academy. In 2020, he was promoted to the rank of Chief and assigned to the Human Resources Division. He has also served as the Chief of Patrol. In 2023, he was promoted to the rank of Director and assigned to the Department of Corrections. In his time, as Director he has sought to move the department forward with improvements in all areas of the department. In his time as Director, the department has seen a decrease in correction officer attrition, a decrease in overdoses and deaths inside the department of corrections. He has also helped create a Corrections Strategic Response Team (SRT) and a detention canine unit in order to improve the safety and security of the facilities. Director Goff looks forward to implementing more changes before he retires in March 2027.
Jean Hall Compact Administrator, Department of Juvenile Justice
Jean Hall has over 13 years of experience serving as an administrator with the Department of Juvenile Justice. She has a strong background in managing operations and improving processes. She is skilled at building positive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, while ensuring daily operations run smoothly. She is dedicated to creating an efficient and collaborative work environment. Ms. Hall holds a degree in Criminal Justice and continues to focus on enhancing her team's success in her current role.
Dr. Stephen Straubing, Addictionologist, Consultant, Opioid Response Network
Stephen Straubing, MD, is an addictionologist practicing at Meridian Behavioral Healthcare in Gainesville, Fl. He is board-certified both in Addiction Medicine and Obstetrics/Gynecology. Dr. Straubing completed a Fellowship in Addiction Medicine at the University of Florida and a residency in OB/GYN at the University of Cincinnati. He also completed a fellowship in Medical Bioethics given by the Medical College of Wisconsin in conjunction with the American Medical Association. He is on the faculty of the University of Florida and the University of Central Florida where he instructs both third-year medical students and psychiatry residents who rotate through Meridian. He is very invested in teaching various topics in addiction medicine to both lay and professional audiences. Dr. Steve Straubing is also a consultant for the Opioid Response Network and has given training sessions on multiple topics pertaining to Opioid Use Disorder to a variety of professionals. He is also a mentor for the Providers Clinical Support System {PCSS}.
Tim Strickland, Assistant Bureau Chief, Florida department of Corrections
A 1994 graduate from Valdosta State University with a Master of Public Administration, Tim began his career with the Florida Department of Corrections in 1995 and served inside the fence as a Corrections Officer and Classification Officer prior to transferring out to Community Corrections. There, he served as a Correctional Probation Officer, Senior Officer, Supervisor, Senior Supervisor and Deputy Circuit Administrator before his current assignment in central office. Tim is a Florida Department of Law Enforcement Certified Instructor in General Instruction, First Aid/CPR, Defensive Tactics and Firearms and is a Florida Department of Corrections Range Master. Tim has worked in 2 Prisons and 4 Circuits throughout his career. He has served in different areas of the state, both rural and urban, prior to his appointment to his current position in the Central Office in February 2015. Since becoming the Deputy Compact Administrator for Florida Tim has served on multiple committees and work groups for the Commission.
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