Description: Managing healthcare within a correctional facility requires a critical balance between clinical necessity and institutional security. To address this, we are offering a course on integrating systems in a correctional setting. This course focuses on breaking down the silos between medical staff, mental health professionals, and correctional officers. The goal is to improve collaboration across these disciplines to ensure both patient safety and operational efficiency. Learning Objectives: - Collaborative Operations
- Clinical & Behavioral Competency
- thical and Safety Standards
- System & Process Improvement
Presenter Bios: Dr. Alexandra Audu, Director of Psychiatric Services, Correctional Health Services, Department of Health and Human Services: Alexandra Audu, MD completed a residency in psychiatry and fellowship in forensic psychiatry at the University of Michigan. She worked for a forensic state hospital in Michigan for several years before joining Correctional Health Services in August 2025. She enjoys working with individuals with serious and persistent mental illness who are also involved in the criminal legal system. Amanda Alkema, LCSW, of Health and Human Services: Amanda Alkema earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree with a minor in Criminal Justice from Weber State University in 2008, followed by a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Utah in 2009. She has eighteen years of experience in the behavioral health field, including fourteen years in clinical and administrative roles. Her expertise includes developing and implementing behavioral health services, crisis stabilization, and forensic programs. A significant portion of her career has been dedicated to serving individuals within the justice system who are experiencing serious mental illness. Dr. Joshua Stephens, Occupational Therapist, Correctional Health Services, Department of Health and Human Services: Dr. Stephens completed his undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at the University of Utah in 2019 and earned his Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2024. As part of his doctoral capstone, he developed the occupational therapy program at the Utah State Correctional Facility (USCF), specifically focusing on care for the SMI population. He has served as a clinical lead at USCF for two years, working with the most acute patient population. His work focuses on life skill development for inmates, including restrictive housing management, medication adherence, and productive coping. Ellie Madenberg, Recreational Therapist, Correctional Health Services, Department of Health and Human Services: Ellie Madenberg is a licensed recreation therapist and soon-to-be substance use counselor at the Utah State Correctional Facility. In her role, Ellie applies recreation and leisure interventions to support individuals and groups through various stages of change related to mental health and substance use. Recreation therapy is a vital component of our programs, as it reduces the risk of adverse outcomes while promoting prosocial engagement, recovery, and adaptive functioning. |
