Criminal Defense Training Academy

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.

Group photo of Criminal Defense training academy graduates on the steps at Central Washington Univeristy

2024 Graduates:

Alicia Wasisco

Alvin Guzman

Amanda Lee

Amy Rader

Andy Patrick

Brandt Kreitzberg

Branka Vukshich

Brock Stone

Bryan Ponti

Catherine Houser

Corddaryl Woodford

Desiree Hosannah

Donald Reuther

Elliott Yug

Erin Harbaugh

Jason Murray

Jeffrey Meyers

Jonathan Buckles

Katherine Azarkh

Katherine Moore

Kingsly McConnell

Madeline Pfeiffer

Sedi Caine

Matthew Morrison

Michael Hart

Mitch LeClair

Natalie McNeill

Nicole Backman

Paul McBride

Rose Applen

Stephanie Vick

Stephen Geiger

Teddy Krolczyk

Vernon Hosannah

Victoria Camire

Previous Graduates