Brandi Glenn, Knepple Scholarship Winner
Every year POPAI provides a scholarship in memory of probation officer Donald “Charley” Knepple. Charley lost his life on April 28, 1997, while performing his probation officer duties in Allen County, Indiana. In an effort to honor an outstanding professional and to promote further professionalism, POPAI selected a scholarship that would encourage continued education and advanced degrees for probation officers in our state.
This year’s recipient is Brandi Glenn, Chief Probation Officer of the Perry County Circuit Court Probation Department. Brandi has been a probation officer and a member of POPAI for approximately nine years. Brandi is pursuing a Master of Social Work Degree from Indiana Wesleyan University and is currently maintaining a 3.8 GPA.
Judge Lucy Goffinet of the Perry County Circuit Court stated “Ms. Glenn has strived to bring a new awareness of mental health and the impact it plays in the criminal justice/probation setting. She diligently works to ensure that her clients are receiving the resources they need to address any substance or mental health concern they may have. Ms. Glenn has created an office of compassion and concern yet holds her clients accountable for their actions and wellbeing. While all of this may seem expected, finding adequate resources for mental health and substance abuse in a small rural county is no easy task. To address this need, Ms. Glenn has taken it upon herself to further educate herself and expand her knowledge on this topic.”
Magistrate Karen Werner of the Perry County Circuit Court stated “Brandi is very dedicated to her job and is an extremely hard worker. I often see her go the extra mile to help her probationers succeed. Brandi has always been able to establish rapport with her clients such that they open up and listen to her direction. She is an extremely valuable asset to our office and community.”
Brandi stated “A master’s degree in social work will allow me to expand my knowledge and skills in the rehabilitation of clients. Because of the critical life events that have taken place in my life, this degree has helped me take those events and make me into an authentic leader. Some of those life events include trauma as a child, substance abuse in my family, and loss. All things that our clients face. It allows me to serve the community based on my own experiences to help guide them to a more successful life. It gives me a better perspective on assisting them to change the struggles in their life into positive attributes. Showing clients empathy and compassion and looking at them from a social worker’s standpoint instead of just a criminal perspective can be the key to connecting with that client and getting them to see their worth.”
Congratulations Brandi!