Sal Corbin

As a returned citizen from over 25 years ago, I have lived well, and lost everything. I am the prodigal son. Living in vastly different circumstances has sensitized me to different perspectives. I have been both wealthy and broke, housed and homeless, free and imprisoned. In short, I am passionate about being in service to those that are my mirror. And just like others were there for me when I was lost, I am there for them. I will continue to show up and share my story and will remain in their corner. 

I look at my life as a sequence of purposeful events, all leading to this particular time in my life where restorative justice work is the ideal fit. Restorative practices have taken flight in recent years and while I have explored my passion, it is now time to embrace. I began this journey by attending support circles, then being extensively trained in restorative practices, to now facilitating restorative training in Washington DC through the DC Peace Team. I was also a Leadership Facilitator for the National Student Leadership Conference for 13 years. 

The mistake that I made occurred in graduate school where I was fortunate to finish the program with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. This allowed me to begin teaching as a Psychology instructor while I applied to PhD programs. That process was interrupted by a 12-month sentence (4 months served) after which I had to rebuild my self-esteem and career. Teaching and graduate school were the two things I was fortunate to invest my energy in. I was able to enter into a PhD program and complete my doctorate in Educational Psychology. 

After my 15 year tenure in academia as a Psychology Professor, I worked for a nonprofit where I was the Job Readiness Trainer for returning citizens. This was a 3-week boot camp that took returning citizens through the training process of professionalism, resume writing, interview skills, and job search/application techniques. I maintained that position successfully for three years before being promoted to Program Manager. Subsequently, I was hired by another nonprofit (current job) and within a year promoted to Training Coordinator for the organization. I also served as their Board Liaison for staff and the Racial Equity Officer. 

This is all to say that I have seen both sides, prior incarceration and the sting of stigma attached to reintegration. It is a difficult journey regardless of circumstances. I have the resolve and attitude to overcome barriers and I am passionate about helping others do the same. My entire posture is one of restoring, building, and maintaining healthy relationships through showing up and sharing my story. I recognize the person first, their humanity, and then helping them to identify and overcome any barriers internal or external. I believe this is achieved through small attainable steps through the next training, the next class, the next certificate, the next degree, ultimately leading to self-sustaining stability.