CPS 1998 Alumna Receives National Recognition

Sherri Skibinski (Psy.D. 1998) is currently the clinical director at the Miami Federal Correctional Institution where she spearheaded the effort to bring establish a practicum site for NSU clinical psychology doctoral students. Dr. Skibinski recently received National recognition for her work in Reentry programming during the 2009 Defender/Offender Workforce Development (DOWD) Conference, a premier crime reduction and employment event highlighting best-practices in Re-entry programming from around the country, which was held in Pittsburgh, PA.

Dr. Skibinski has received many awards since joining the Bureau of Prisons. She was an Honor Graduate of the Federal Bureau of Prisons Training Academy and an Honor Graduate of Hostage Negotiation Training. She also received a Certificate of Exceptional Performance for Firearms. In 2004 and 2005, she was nominated for the Federal Employee of the Year Award by the South Florida Federal Executive Board. Her most notable achievements, though, have been through her innovative techniques and programming which have achieved national recognition.

Dr. Skibinski developed, implemented, and single-handedly runs a values-based, residential reentry program entitled Inmate Change and Alternative Network (I CAN). Beginning in 2004 with 60 offenders, the I CAN Program was developed to evaluate and address offenders’ life skill deficiencies by assigning them to institution sponsored programs that addressed their specific limitations. Currently, the program houses 152 offenders who are required to develop and implement short and long-term goals targeting their psychological and physical health, spiritual growth, vocational and educational needs, as well as their civic responsibilities. By utilizing this multifaceted approach Dr. Skibinski has assured that offenders receive assistance in areas that will enhance their “life skills” as well as challenge their perceptions and encourage change.

In 2005, Dr. Skibinski was awarded the prestigious Myrl E. Alexander Award, by the Director of the Bureau of Prisons for her contributions to the development of new techniques in correctional programs and in the implementation of innovative procedures. In February, 2008 U.S. Attorney R. Alexander Acosta presented Dr. Skibinski with a Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Award for her work in developing the I CAN Program and for her continued efforts with Offender Reentry programming in South Florida. Dr. Skibinski is currently the Coordinator of both the I CAN Program and the Non-Residential Drug Abuse Program at the Miami Federal Correctional Institution.