Week in Review: July 10

July 10, 2026

In this July 10 Week in Review, we highlight DRP staff and a CMF Correctional Counselor III, the latest CALCTRA Prison to Purpose podcast and WSP-RC being community involved.

Staff Spotlight

Meet Myra Goodson, Correctional Counselor III, California Medical Facility

Correctional Counselor III Myra Goodson. — Myra Goodson speaks at a June 25 DRP graduation event.

Myra Goodson serves as the Division of Rehabilitative Programs (DRP) Correctional Counselor III at California Medical Facility (CMF).

She oversees the day-to-day operations of DRP programs and works closely with contracted partners, other institution staff and administration to make sure participants receive consistent rehabilitative services.

She also supervises completion requirements, processes milestone credits for successful participants, addresses operational issues, supervises staff and incarcerated mentors, and ensures the integrity of the programs.

“Ultimately, my role is to help create an environment where participants have the tools and support (necessary) to successfully transition back into society,” she said.

What are you most proud of?

“Seeing the transformation that occurs in the people we serve… One of the most rewarding aspects is seeing participants find a safe environment where they can openly discuss challenges, trauma, addiction, and the fears they have about reentering society.”

Myra Goodson, Correctional Counselor III, CMF

LEARN MORE ABOUT DRP PROGRAMS

What’s New

Statewide Dental Program prints first 3D dentures

The first 3D-printed dentures at California Institution for Men.

The California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) Statewide Dental Program achieved a milestone in innovation recently, when CCHCS staff produced their first 3D printed dentures. The reproduction of natural teeth was made possible after multi-day training with experts from Dentsply Sirona. The Statewide Dental Program is working to save time and money by manufacturing 3D printed dentures inside CDCR correctional facilities. The dentures will improve dental care (and smiles) for incarcerated people throughout the state.

In the Community

Wasco State Prison–Reception Center Donates $6,928 to Wasco Parks & Recreation

Wasco State Prison–Reception Center presented a check totaling $6,928 to the Wasco Parks and Recreation District on July 1.

Wasco State Prison–Reception Center (WSP‑RC) acting Warden A. Williams presented a check totaling $6,928 to the Wasco Parks and Recreation District. The July 1 donation reinforces the institution’s ongoing commitment to supporting local youth, families and community programs.

During a brief presentation at the facility, WSP‑RC staff highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships with local organizations. They especially want to support those who provide safe and healthy learning activities for Wasco youth. Representatives from the parks district thanked WSP-RC for the contribution. They noted the funds will support community recreation improvements and youth engagement initiatives.

The donation reflects the collaborative efforts of staff and the incarcerated population, demonstrating WSP‑RC’s dedication to giving back to the community.

Wasco supports little players, big dreams

Wasco State Prison Leadership team was presented with a team plaque with photo for sponsoring a local 10U Junior Condors hockey team.

The Wasco State Prison-Reception Center leadership team was presented with a team plaque for sponsoring a local youth hockey team. The Junior Condors embarked on a successful season under Head Coach Chase Hunter and Assistant Coaches Drew Hagenston and Josh Bennett. What began as a group of young athletes eager to learn the game quickly grew into dedication, teamwork and resilience. They also shared their love for hockey.

This season brought opportunities to compete in tournaments in South Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas and San Diego.

These opportunities were made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including the dedicated staff of Wasco State Prison. Their generosity helped allow these young athletes travel, compete and create lifelong memories.

Upward Mobility*

Jon Munger appointed Chief Executive Officer, Health Care (Safety) at North Kern State Prison

Joseph Herman appointed Chief Executive Officer, Health Care (Safety) at California Medical Facility

*Listed in alphabetical order by first name

California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority

Prison to Purpose Podcast: Episode 13

Life-changing opportunities come when they are least expected. For David Tucker, a five-year prison sentence became the beginning of a journey that would lead him from incarceration to entrepreneurship, leadership and a mission to save lives.

While incarcerated, Tucker participated in the California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority’s (CALCTRA’s) Commercial Dive program at the California Institution for Men. There, he trained as a commercial diver. He also participated in the Chapman University college program at the California Men’s Colony and completed nearly all coursework toward a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Tucker was featured on CALCTRA’s Prison to Purpose podcast. He shared his journey from incarceration to becoming the CEO and founder of Emergency Safety Solutions.

SEE HIS STORY HERE

In Our Institutions

Cognitive Behavioral Interventions graduation at CMF

CDCR, DRP and the Amity Foundation hosted a recent graduation event for 58 individuals who completed Cognitive Behavioral Interventions (CBI). The ceremony was held at California Medical Facility (CMF) in Vacaville.

CBI is a proven rehabilitative programming model designed to help participants develop important skills for life after prison. Participants identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors, strengthen problem-solving abilities and develop positive coping and life skills.

The program addresses negative patterns of thought, including substance use disorder, anger management, family relationships and criminal thinking. This in-prison education is provided statewide, and operates through assessments, individual and group classes, motivational interviewing, role-playing, and other methods.

CMF’s special ceremony included insight from formerly incarcerated Alcohol and Other Drug counselors, 2026 graduates, Warden Sircoya M. Williams and many others. Family members were in attendance, and the event was followed by a celebratory reception.

NKSP awards school scholarships

NKSP Non-Profit (DELA) recently hosted its inaugural DELA School Scholarship ceremony.

The NKSP non-profit group recently hosted its inaugural school scholarship ceremony. This initiative offered NKSP staff the opportunity to nominate their graduating high school seniors for a $400 scholarship to support their educational journey. To be eligible, applicants needed to be high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0, planning to enroll in a four-year university, two-year community college or trade school for the 2026 academic year.

Each applicant was required to submit two essays. One needed to be 200 words, detailing significant challenges they faced during high school. The second 200-word essay explained how the scholarship would help them achieve their future goals. According to organizers, the applications were impressive, showcasing the resilience and aspirations of each candidate. The workload of balancing school activities while earning their associate of arts degrees impressed the committee.

After careful consideration, the nonprofit committee selected three winners: Adam Ramirez, Mariah Lopez and Valeria Medina. Each of them earned their associate of arts degrees while still in high school. Each winner enjoyed a breakfast with the committee and received a $400 check to assist with the school year.

Fire Response

Sierra Conservation Center firefighters earn Associate of Science degrees

Eight incarcerated firefighters at Sierra Conservation Center recently earned congressional recognition for their associate of science degrees in forestry through the Lake Tahoe Community College Rising Scholars Program.

This monumental step in SCC’s education program marks a milestone in correctional education. Staff from the school joined the graduates, SCC Wardem Joshia Prudhel and his staff in a photo after the ceremony.

Rehabilitation

Avenal State Prison Celebrates Peer Support Specialist Graduates

Graduates of the Peer Support Specialist program at ASP.

Avenal State Prison celebrated the Peer Support Specialist Program, recognizing 30 graduates, including 28 who earned certification through the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA).

The ceremony brought together healthcare and custody executive leadership, staff and graduates to honor a milestone of personal growth, resilience and a commitment to supporting others.

Many of the graduates have been part of the program since its inception, helping build a strong foundation and setting the standard for future cohorts. Their dedication has made them role models within the institution.

“It felt like I wasn’t in prison for a second,” said one of the graduates.

The Peer Support Specialist Program continues to strengthen Avenal State Prison by fostering leadership, compassion, rehabilitation, and a culture of hope. The program also empowers participants to positively support both peers and the institution.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST PROGRAM

Recruitment

CMF, RCS reach broad audience at X Games

The person in charge of the bicycle refurbishment project at California Medical Facility in Vacaville with newspaper clippings about the program.

The CDCR Recruitment and Career Services (RCS) Unit brought community engagement to new heights at the X Games Sacramento, transforming the Cal Expo grounds into a hub of action, service and opportunity.

Danny Royster, with the CDCR Recruitment and Career Services Unit, speaks with people attending the X-Games in Sacramento.

Collaborating with California Medical Facility (CMF), the RCS team and CMF’s Virgil Alvis hosted an interactive booth featuring the CMF Bike Project. Through a drawing, they gave away 12 refurbished bicycles to attendees throughout the event.

With professional BMX riders showcasing elite bike handling just yards away, the partnership provided a perfect demographic match. By placing restored bikes directly into the hands of fans at the world’s premier action sports event, the team highlighted the intersection of technical skill and community service.

While the bikes drew the crowd, the primary mission for recruiters Peg Ortiz, David Tonel, Danny Royster and Virgil Alvis was to dispel a common misconception: the department only hires custody staff.

READ THE STORY ON INSIDE CDCR

In the Media

‘Getting out, staying out’: Prison graduation preps Vacaville incarcerated for life outside

YOU WOULD THINK that the California Medical Facility in Vacaville, which is the current home of serial killer Ed Kemper and the former residence of Charles Manson, would be bereft of hope.

On Thursday, 58 people incarcerated at the state prison proved otherwise when they received their diplomas during a celebratory graduation ceremony in the prison gymnasium. These graduates had just completed a rigorous Cognitive Behavioral Interventions program to help prepare them for life within and outside the prison.