OPD's Criminal Defense Training Academy was designed to strengthen public defenders by providing fundamental skills development in an interactive, supportive learning environment. Each year's class is comprised of attorneys from various corners of the state, most of whom have two or fewer years of public defense experience. Using a variety of educational methods, participants learn, develop, and apply client-centered defense advocacy skills.
To graduate from the Academy, participants must attend five days of training. All class sessions include a combination of lecture and small group exercises.
2023 Graduates:
Shawn Plascencia
Rebecca Dellicker
Michael Paik
Charles Dow
Tyler Ashby
Natalie Feeney
Meredith D'Auteuil
Gloria Backus
Emily Stratmeyer
Elissa Furlong
Abby Hogan
Keith Kinzebach
Celia L. R. Lesh
Devin Higgins
Stephanie Vick
Sabina Ambartsumyan
Reed Manugian Clarridge
Krista Huff
James Keffeler
Taylor J. Wilder
Daniel Blue
Taylor James Reid
Caitlin Earnest
Nicholas Holce
Melissa London
Amro Abueloun
Abraham Banda
Anna Burica
Elizabeth Douglass
Spencer Christian Satin
Elizabeth Gagley
Abigael Pence
Kristen Bishopp
Charles Vasicek