The Robeson Confinement in Response to Violation Center (CRV Center) honored Lead Substance Abuse Counselor Anthony Ellison Employee of the Month in June. Mr. Ellison began working with GEO Reentry Services in 2015, and he has demonstrated exceptional professionalism, knowledge and commitment to service to the program participants.
The North Carolina Department of Public Safety created the CRV Centers for technical parole violators rather than returning these offenders to prison for their full sentences. At these centers, operated by GEO Reentry, participants receive treatment and training, including cognitive behavioral treatment, substance abuse, Life Skills and other evidence-based practices in a very structured environment, to reduce the risk of recidivating. GEO Reentry currently operates three CRV centers for the Department of Public Safety.
Mr. Ellison earned his master’s degree in human behavior and is certified as both a substance abuse counselor and criminal justice addictions professional. He was promoted from SA counselor to lead SA counselor in 2017. Mr. Ellison was named Employee of the Quarter in 2016 and Employee of the Year in 2017.
“We are very grateful to Mr. Ellison for his devotion to delivering quality care through the GEO Reentry program,” said Ashley Oxendine, Program Director at the Robeson CRV Center. “His positive attitude to approaching additional workload is admirable, and he maintains a positive rapport with staff and participants.”
Mr. Ellison leads groups of male technical parole violators in behavior modification, living in balance and interactive journaling. These services focus on substance abuse programming and Moral Reconation Therapy, a curriculum that delivers cognitive behavioral treatment designed to modify criminal thinking.
Mr. Ellison was honored with a certificate and luncheon, where he was presented with his award. His name was also added to a plaque.
“Congratulations to Anthony Ellison, and thank you for your commitment and dedication,” said Melissa Weglarz, Northeastern Area Manager of GEO Reentry In-Prison Treatment Services. “We are proud of our in-prison programming professionals that work hard every day to deliver GEO Reentry programming, which aims to help restore lives and reduce recidivism.”