Welcome!
Marcy is a seasoned programming consultant with a passion for bringing education to correctional facilities. With extensive experience in developing and implementing educational programs, Marcy has worked with various jails to implement curriculum and training initiatives that empowers inmates and staff through learning. Her expertise includes designing programs of study covering a wide range of domains, such as life skills, academics, vocational studies, substance abuse recovery, and reentry planning. Dedicated to transforming lives, Marcy leverages innovative teaching methods and technology to provide inmates with valuable educational opportunities that foster personal growth and successful reintegration into society. Marcy's background includes extensive experience in teaching and public service, with over a dozen years in collegiate education and roles as a Community Advisor and Department of Justice Liaison for the Palmdale Station of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. As a founding faculty member of the Rising Scholars Program within the California detention centers, Marcy has shown a strong commitment to education and equity, helping others pursue a just and equitable society.
Marcy Calnan, JD, MEd
Consultant, Attorney & College Professor
Marcy Calnan, JD, MEd is a consultant and keynote speaker who specializes in cultivating strong community connections and confidence in policing practices and carceral programs. She works with academic institutions, community organizations, corrections, and law enforcement agencies to guide them with pragmatic enthusiasm and elevate their leadership vision to new heights.
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RELATED EXPERIENCE
2022-Present
LAW OFFICE OF MARCY A. CALNAN
Attorney at Law
Facilitates carceral education programming, specializing in the intersection of inmate management and education within correctional facilities. With a deep understanding of the legal frameworks governing correctional education, designs and implements educational programs in compliance with state and federal regulations. Works closely with correctional institutions to ensure educational offerings are accessible, engaging, cost effective and aligned with rehabilitative goals.
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2011-Present
Adjunct Faculty
COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS
Tenured Faculty in the Paralegal Studies and Non-Credit Departments. Program Development Team Member in the Law School Pathway, the Dual Enrollment Program and the Non-Credit Rising Scholars Program for the California Department of Corrections. Courses Taught: Introduction to Law, Contract Law, Tort Law, Legal Ethics, Understanding a Criminal Record.
2004-2007
Counsel
GIBSON, ARNOLD & ASSOCIATES
Practiced corporate law, ensuring commercial agreements complied with Texas state laws. Advised the business department on policy compliance with Federal and State laws.
EDUCATION
1996-1999
Juris Doctor
SOUTHWESTERN LAW SCHOOL
Coursework of Interest: Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, White Collar Crime, Federal Courts
Volunteerism: Law Clerk at Edmund D. Edelman Children's Court
2002-2005
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
Coursework of Interest: Diverse Classrooms, Children’s Multicultural Literature, Educational Diversity and Change
Master's of Education
1992-1995
Bachelor's of Science in Criminal Justice
Cum Laude
TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY
Coursework of Interest: Criminology, Crime in America, Police Systems and Practices, Advance Criminal Justice Management, Special Problems in Criminal Justice
AFFILIATIONS
SERVICES
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
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Conferences
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Organizational Events
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Community Engagements
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
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Strategic Consulting for Leadership
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Team Guidance and Coaching
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Courses of Study Development
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Community Engagement
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Grant Research and Drafting
AUDITING AND ASSESSMENTS
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Quality Assurance Reviews
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Personnel Interviews
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Best Practices Recommendations
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WORKSHOPS
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Customizable Outcomes
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Flexible Timing
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Virtual, Webinar, In-Person
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Staff Training
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Train-the-Trainer Model
EXPERTISE
I'M A COMMUNITY ADVISOR
I'M A SUPPORTER OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CORRECTIONS
I'M AN EDUCATION ADVOCATE
As a Community Advisor, I worked to enhance understanding and trust between the community and the Sheriff's Department. I regularly advised station leadership on community reactions, reviewed and reported on the station's community engagement efforts, and provided feedback to the DOJ monitors of the Antelope Valley Settlement Agreement. Additionally, I have spoken at conferences on the benefits of Civilian Advisory Boards, including the National Sheriff's Association Annual Conference in 2022.
My empathy extends to both the community and the men and women in law enforcement. In my DOJ Liaison position, I participated in personnel trainings, briefings, and ride-alongs to deepen my understanding of law enforcement perspectives. I graduated from the Collin County Sheriff's Office Citizens Academy and served as a Citizen Assisting the Collin County Sheriff's Office (CACCSO), earning an award as 2023 Volunteer of the Year. Additionally, I am the editor for the Texas Jail Association and have spoken at the Correctional Management Institute of Texas Women in Criminal Justice Conference.
As a professor and educational advocate, I am dedicated to ensuring that every individual, especially those within the corrections system, has access to education and resources that foster success. My work focuses on promoting jail programming, including vocational training, wellness programs, reentry initiatives, and educational courses to help individuals in correctional facilities prepare for a brighter future. I was a featured speaker on the benefits of collegiate carceral programs at the Texas Jail Association Annual Conference.