Shaping Tomorrow, Today.
Every great correctional health care professional started with an opportunity. Three times each year, the NCCHC Foundation helps create those opportunities by providing conference scholarships to students and early-career professionals committed to serving justice-involved populations.
We are proud to introduce the recipients of the 2026 NCCHC Correctional Mental Health Conference Scholarships. These emerging professionals represent nursing, psychology, counseling, social work, medicine, behavioral health, and research. Together, they bring fresh perspectives, innovative thinking, and a shared commitment to improving mental health care in correctional settings.
Through the Foundation’s Workforce Development initiative, every scholar is paired with an experienced mentor who offers guidance, encouragement, and real-world insight throughout the conference—helping transform classroom knowledge into professional confidence and lifelong connections.
Our 2026 theme, Shaping Tomorrow, Today, reminds us that the future begins by investing in people. We invite you to meet this exceptional group of scholars.
María Aguilar-Amaya, DM, MAOM
Director, Office of Evaluation & Partner Contracts, Arizona State University SIRC | MS Candidate, Addiction Psychology
Researcher and educator with more than 25 years of experience advancing behavioral health, reentry, and justice system initiatives through evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches.
Karen Allery, LPN
Staff Nurse, Dawson County Correctional Facility
Correctional nurse with 26 years of diverse clinical experience who is passionate about trauma-informed care, crisis response, and treating every patient with dignity and compassion.
Jessica T. Almeida, MS, LPC
Mental Health Therapist, Laramie County Sheriff’s Department
Mental health therapist whose work in correctional settings—and prior research in a Brazilian women’s prison—has fueled her commitment to trauma-informed and rehabilitation-focused care.
Jeffrey B. Appiagyei, MSc, PMP
PhD Student, Health Informatics, University of Missouri
Health informatics researcher focused on using artificial intelligence and equity-centered data tools to improve behavioral health outcomes for justice-involved populations.
Alexandra Audu, MD
Director of Psychiatric Services, Utah Department of Health and Human Services
Board-certified forensic psychiatrist dedicated to improving psychiatric care for incarcerated individuals with serious mental illness.
Elise (Rivka) Greenberg, BSW
Psychiatric Behavioral Health Technician, Maricopa County Correctional Health Services
Behavioral health professional and social work student whose professional expertise and lived experience drive her passion for recovery, rehabilitation, and equitable mental health care.
Kimberlee Morrison, LCSW-S
Behavioral Health Division Manager, Bexar County Public Health
Clinical social worker committed to integrating trauma-informed, person-centered behavioral health approaches into justice system services.
Lynn Murphy, PsyD
Psychology Resident, Columbia Correctional Institution | Founder, Oasis Health and Healing LLC
Psychologist and educator whose work explores trauma-informed care, psychological safety, and healthier correctional environments for staff and incarcerated individuals alike.
Rachael Parmelee, LGSW (Provisional)
Mental Health Practitioner, Ramsey County Social Services
Mental health practitioner whose background in education and social work has shaped her innovative, practical approach to engaging youth and adults in correctional mental health services.
Mel Peebles, MSW, ASW
Psychiatric Social Worker I, Twin Towers Correctional Facility
Clinical social worker serving individuals with complex mental health needs while advocating for rehabilitation, evidence-based care, and opportunities for lasting change.
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Help Shape Tomorrow’s Workforce
Every scholarship changes the trajectory of a future correctional health care professional. Your gift helps provide conference registration, mentorship, networking opportunities, and the inspiration that often launches a lifelong career dedicated to improving care for justice-involved individuals.
Make a gift today and help send the next scholar to an NCCHC conference.
