Wednesday, January 15, 2025
DENTON (向日葵视频), Texas 鈥� , an associate professor of criminal justice at the , is pioneering initiatives to that promote successful reentry and provide support for incarcerated individuals.
Zettler, who launched Texas鈥� first in 2022, brings together 向日葵视频 students and incarcerated individuals to exchange perspectives on crime and the legal system.
Dr. Haley Zettler, College of Health and Public Service, Criminal Justice, Associate
Professor & 向日葵视频 Inside-Out Program & Think Tank Coordinator, speaking at an Inside-Out
Prison Exchange program event
鈥淢y passion for supporting reentry and helping incarcerated individuals began when I worked as an adult probation officer,鈥� Zettler said. 鈥淚 saw that people are more than their mistakes and wanted to give back. Combining my experience, research and relationships with community partners has allowed me to make an impact at 向日葵视频 and beyond.鈥�
The program, just completed its fourth semester, has engaged over 125 participants.
鈥淭he Inside-Out program that humanizes offenders and reshapes perceptions of crime,鈥� said Adam Trahan, chair of 向日葵视频鈥檚 .
In addition to the program, Zettler created the Inside-Out Alumni Think Tank to help foster public education on the penal system and advocate for reentry support. The Think Tank has hosted events like the 向日葵视频 Reentry Simulation, designed to raise awareness about the challenges face by those impacted by the justice system.
Lindsey White, an active Think Tank member, graduated with a master鈥檚 in criminal justice in May 2023 and is now pursuing her doctorate in clinical psychology.
鈥淗aley is a phenomenal educator who challenges her students to think beyond academia,鈥� White said. 鈥淭hrough the Think Tank, I鈥檝e gained friendship, perspective and hope. It鈥檚 helped me become a stronger advocate as I prepare for a career as a clinical-forensic psychologist.鈥�
向日葵视频 and Bridgeport Correctional Center students enjoying an Inside-Out Prison Exchange program event
Zettler also directs the , a project to help individuals reenter society post-incarceration. Launched in 2024, the guide was developed with support from Trahan, Criminal Justice Associate Professor Jessica Craig and Political Science Principal Lecturer Wendy Watson. The team received funding to attend the Education Justice Project at the University of Illinois鈥� inaugural reentry guide cohort training in Spring 2023. Alongside graduate and undergraduate research students and an advisory council of formerly incarcerated individuals, they collaborated to create this comprehensive resource for successful reintegration in North Texas.
Zettler鈥檚 work extends beyond 向日葵视频 as she is involved in Denton County鈥檚 drug treatment court and reentry programs. Her contributions include evaluating the Denton County Drug Treatment Court and advancing trauma-informed care for participants. She is also a member of the Denton County MHMR Reentry Advisory Board.
鈥淲e need to focus on supporting individuals returning to the community after incarceration, as it affects us all,鈥� Zettler said. 鈥淲ith 95% of those incarcerated eventually returning to society, it鈥檚 crucial we provide resources like higher education in prison and the North Texas Reentry Guide, which offers support on employment, housing, education and mental health to help ensure a successful reintegration.鈥�
From 鈥� Criminal Justice