Category: PA Prisons and Parole Podcast

William Bush is the Automotive Technology Mechanical and State Inspection Instructor at SCI Mercer, where he teaches his students everything they need to know to earn a state inspection license — and so much more. In this month’s episode of the PA Prisons and Parole Podcast, Bush discusses the various skills his students learn, what opportunities are available to them and why employers should give his graduates a chance. He also shares about how whether they’re experienced with cars or have never held a wrench, everyone can succeed in his class if they work at it.

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Cpt. Dennis Reichert was recently named supervisor of the DOC’s new Recruitment and Retention Division, which is focused on bringing in the best and brightest new corrections officers, parole agents and monitors. In this episode, Cpt. Reichert discusses his background, his new role, misconceptions about the work and the many benefits of a career in the DOC.

If you’d like to join our team in any capacity, visit: www.cor.pa.gov/careers

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While students head back to school this month, the learning never stopped in the DOC as educational programs continue year-round with students working towards their diplomas, certifications and degrees.

SCI Waymart Principal Michelle Lipko shares about the exciting opportunities available to the incarcerated students at her facility, including how her team views their role in the reentry process and what’s next for her school.

During the interview, Principal Lipko mentioned new names for the vocational programs at SCI Waymart. To learn more about them, visit our blog.

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For 50 years, Villanova University has educated incarcerated students at SCI Graterford/SCI Phoenix, where they take the same programs and courses from the same professors as their peers in Philadelphia. Villanova University at SCI Phoenix Director Katherine Meloney joined the podcast to reflect on the recent graduation — which saw administrators and professors from Villanova in attendance — and what it means to the graduates and their families. She also takes a look ahead at where she’d like to see the program go next.

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SCI Laurel Highlands Registered Nurse Nick Freedman began his nursing career in his 50’s and his weight-lifting career in his 60’s — yet he’s rocked them both and become a record-breaking power lifter in the process. In this episode, we shine the spotlight on one of the DOC’s most interesting and inspiring employees and learn about Nick’s journey so far, what’s next for him and what advice he has for others.

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