Christi M. Smith, Ph.D.
Hatfield,Pa
Summary
Award winning, highly sought after researcher, educator, and passionate advocate for modernizing the criminal justice system to meet the needs of a dynamic society. Utilizes a strong background in criminal justice policy analysis and expertise in conducting in-depth research to produce actionable insights and deliver results. An accomplished public speaker and dedicated public servant who synthesizes more than two decades of field-specific and academic excellence to advance fiscally responsible public safety priorities. Skilled at tackling complex issues using a robust reservoir of expertise, a spirit of inquiry, and a professional, approachable demeanor.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Fellow, Criminal Justice & Civil Liberties
R Street Institute
08.2021 - 01.2025
- Contributed expertise in legislative analysis, met regularly with local, state, and national law-makers to advance evidence-based criminal justice policy and practice, and produced educational and advocacy materials to a diverse group of stakeholders.
- Conducted research and published 5 high-quality, professional policy papers, 8 op-ed/letters to the editor, 31 blogs, and submitted legislative testimony for 4 proposed bills.
- Enhanced the visibility and credibility of the organization by presenting research findings at 29 national and international professional conferences and appearing on 5 podcasts and 1 radio show.
- Assisted and led multidisciplinary coalition teams through complex-problem solving, resulting in the passage of several state and national legislative initiatives.
- Collaborated with colleagues to refine grant proposals, scopes of work, donor reports, and engaged in donor outreach to secure and maintain funding streams.
Assistant Professor
Delaware Valley University
08.2014 - 08.2021
- Built strong rapport with students through class discussions and academic advisement.
- Evaluated student performance through comprehensive assessments, identifying areas of improvement and providing targeted feedback for growth.
- Contributed to departmental goals by serving on various committees focused on curriculum development, assessment strategies, and accreditation requirements.
- Mentored students and communicated internship and employment opportunities.
- Applied innovative teaching methods to encourage student learning objectives.
- Inspired critical thinking skills among students by fostering a learning environment that encouraged open-mindedness, curiosity, and intellectual exploration.
- Created several new courses and revised existing courses to address contemporary challenges and opportunities in the field of criminal justice.
- Courses taught: Introduction to Criminal Justice (online and F2F); Probation, Parole, and Community Corrections; Women, Crime, and the Criminal Justice System; Criminalistics; Introduction to Forensic Science; Drugs, Crime, and Society; Introduction to Corrections; Elder Inmates; Court Process; Race and Justice.
Academic Director, Graduate Criminal Justice
Delaware Valley University
03.2018 - 05.2021
- Led the development of new academic programs to meet evolving industry demands and ensure graduates' future success.
- Staffed and mentored junior faculty members, providing guidance on effective teaching strategies and classroom management techniques.
- Contributed insight into marketing materials, to identify fiscally responsible, targeted outreach for student recruitment.
- Hosted events to engage community members in discussions on timely criminal justice topics.
- Collaborated with other departments on campus-wide initiatives to promote interdisciplinary learning experiences for students.
- Implemented comprehensive assessment measures to evaluate program effectiveness and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Adjunct Professor
West Chester University
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Built relationships with students, mentoring on personal, professional and academic goals while providing coaching on effective study habits.
- Boosted class participation rates by fostering a positive and collaborative learning environment.
- Enhanced student comprehension by employing diverse teaching methods and incorporating multimedia resources.
- Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
- Courses taught: Elders, Crime, and the Criminal Justice System; Addictions; Stress Management and the Criminal Justice Professional
Domestic Violence Investigator
County of Bucks
01.2011 - 01.2019
- Conducted thorough, comprehensive face-to-face interviews with post-plea/convicted repeat domestic violence perpetrators and their employers, families, neighbors, friends, victim(s), witnesses, and co-defendants.
- Documented findings and prepared detailed pre-sentence reports.
- Enhanced public safety by making sentencing recommendations, including appropriate institutional and community-based programming to support reentry/rehabilitation.
- Supported victims of intimate partner violence by identifying and referring them to necessary resources.
Director
Rosemont College
07.2013 - 07.2014
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
- Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills, resulting in clear subject matter discussion with students.
- Evaluated student progress using both formative and summative assessments to provide targeted feedback for continuous improvement.
- Ensured curriculum alignment with academic standards through regular course review and updates.
- Instructed and evaluated students in classroom in alignment with college mission by incorporating innovative teaching and learning strategies.
- Interviewed, hired, onboarded, mentored, and evaluated faculty members.
- Courses taught: Criminology; Probation, Parole, and Community Corrections; Women and Crime; and Drugs, Crime, and Society
Adult Probation and Parole Officer, Forensic Mental Health Specialist
County of Bucks
07.2005 - 04.2010
- Conducted field-based supervision of adults on probation and parole, coordinated searches and arrests, facilitated referrals to treatment, assisted clients with securing employment, housing, and other resources.
- Managed high-risk cases with exceptional care and vigilance, minimizing potential threats to public safety.
- Submitted legal petitions and testified in court proceedings as an expert witness on behalf of assigned caseloads, providing valuable information for judicial decisions.
- Enhanced public safety by effectively supervising and monitoring parolees'' activities and compliance with court-ordered conditions.
- Utilized motivational interviewing techniques when engaging with clients, eliciting genuine commitment towards personal growth and change.
- Conducted thorough pre-release investigations, ensuring seamless transition from incarceration to community reintegration.
- Developed comprehensive case plans for parolees, resulting in improved rehabilitation outcomes.
- Supervised individuals with persistent mental health or dual diagnosis disorders as a forensic mental health specialist.
Adult Probation and Parole Officer, Drug Court Specialist, Coordinator
County of Chester
01.2001 - 07.2005
- Conducted office-based supervision of adults on probation and parole, facilitated referrals to treatment, assisted clients with securing employment, housing, and other resources.
- Filed petitions to the court, presented case summaries and sentencing recommendations to the court for violation hearings, administered alcohol and other drug testing, and aided in reentry case planning.
- Coordinated arrests of individuals with open warrants.
- Enhanced public safety by effectively supervising and monitoring activities and compliance with court-ordered conditions.
- Maintained accurate records of client interactions and progress updates, supporting data-driven decision-making processes.
Mental Health Professional,
Northwestern Human Services
10.2001 - 09.2004
- Provided targeted therapeutic interventions for clients experiencing a variety of mental health challenges, including anxiety disorders, depression, trauma-related issues, and substance abuse concerns.
- Documented client progress in confidential files.
- Improved patient outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive mental health treatment plans.
- Administered medication and assisted with activities of daily living for residents with acute mental health needs.
Education
Ph.D. - Public Safety, specialization: Criminal Justice
Capella University
Minneapolis, MNM.S. - Criminal Justice
West Chester University
West Chester, PennsylvaniaBachelor of Science - Criminal Justice Administration
Delaware Valley College
Doylestown, Pennsylvania05-2000
Skills
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
- Innovative, persuasive written and oral communicator
- Creative problem-solver
- Accomplished researcher
- Ethical leader
- Teaching and public speaking excellence
- Diverse professional and academic experience across the American legal system
- Recognized subject matter expert
- Deep expertise in trauma-informed care
Accomplishments
- Law Enforcement Action Partnership Speaker
- Executive member of the Bucks County Reentry Coalition
- Executive member of the H.E.A.L. P.A. Criminal Justice Reform Action Team
- Supported the passage of various state and federal laws to make the criminal and civil justice systems more effective, efficient, and equitable.
- “Testimony on Delaware SB 4 “An Act to Amend Title 11, Title 13 and Title 29 of the Delaware Code Relating to the Criminal Justice System, Including Probation.” June 28, 2023. https://www.rstreet.org/outreach/testimony-on-delaware-sb-4
- “The Pathway to Prosperity: How Clean Slate Legislation Enhances Public Safety and Stimulates the Economy,” March 24, 2023. https://www.rstreet.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/r-street-policy-study-no-279-R4-1.pdf
- “Everyday Injustice Podcast Episode 210: Christi Smith and Clean Slate Legislation,” Everyday Injustice. July 31, 2023. https://www.owltail.com/people/zPrI4-christie-smith/appearances
Affiliations
- Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences
- American Probation and Parole Association
- American Society of Criminology
- Middle Atlantic States Correctional Association
- National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives
- National Sheriffs Association
- Northeastern Association of Criminal Justice Sciences
Awards
- Champion of Diversity Award, 2021, Delaware Valley University School of Business and Humanities
- Faculty Award of Recognition, 2020, Delaware Valley University Athletic Department
- Faculty Recognition Award, 10/12/19, Alumni Council
- Invited by the Secret Service to be part of the Electronic Crimes Task Force (ECTF), 04/01/19
- Most Valuable Professor, 2018, Delaware Valley University, football team
- Outstanding Graduate, 2003, West Chester University, School of Business and Public Affairs
Professional References
- Lisel Petis, Resident Senior Fellow, Criminal Justice and Civil Liberties, R Street Institute, lpetis@rstreet.org
- Sarah Anderson, Associate Director, Criminal Justice and Civil Liberties, R Street Institute, smayranderson@rstreet.org
- Jillian Snider, Policy Director, Criminal Justice and Civil Liberties, R Street Institute, jsnider@rstreet.org
Timeline
Senior Fellow, Criminal Justice & Civil Liberties
R Street Institute
08.2021 - 01.2025
Academic Director, Graduate Criminal Justice
Delaware Valley University
03.2018 - 05.2021
Adjunct Professor
West Chester University
01.2018 - 01.2019
Assistant Professor
Delaware Valley University
08.2014 - 08.2021
Director
Rosemont College
07.2013 - 07.2014
Domestic Violence Investigator
County of Bucks
01.2011 - 01.2019
Adult Probation and Parole Officer, Forensic Mental Health Specialist
County of Bucks
07.2005 - 04.2010
Mental Health Professional,
Northwestern Human Services
10.2001 - 09.2004
Adult Probation and Parole Officer, Drug Court Specialist, Coordinator
County of Chester
01.2001 - 07.2005
Ph.D. - Public Safety, specialization: Criminal Justice
Capella University
M.S. - Criminal Justice
West Chester University
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice Administration
Delaware Valley College
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