Karen Swanson

Biography

Karen Swanson is the Director of our Correctional Ministries Institute. She also oversees the Charles W. Colson Scholarship Program and pursues the goals of CMI through networks, collaboration, and strategic partnerships that provide leadership and training to those engaged in correctional ministries for the advancement of the gospel.

Karen has more than 25 years of higher education experience and faculty status. Karen is an author, conference workshop speaker, and has developed training curriculum.

She holds an Ed.D. in Curriculum Leadership from Northern Illinois University and certifications in Justice Ministries, Motivational Interviewing, Moral Reconation Therapy, Bridges Out of Poverty, Truthought, and Anger Management. Karen co-founded the Correctional Ministries and Chaplains Association.

Education

Ed.D. – Curriculum Leadership
Northern Illinois University

M.A. – Motor Development and Learning
Western Michigan University

B.A. Physical Education
Calvin University

B.S. – Physical Education
Cornerstone University

Publications

Strategic Leadership in Correctional Ministry – co-author

Jail Ministry: Preparing Christians to Effectively Volunteer 

Released: Preparing for your incarcerated loved one’s return home – co-author

All Rise: Ministry with Justice-Involved Women — co-authored

Affiliations

• Leadership Team of Naomi’s House

Areas of Expertise

• Curriculum Development
• Correctional Ministry

Courses Taught

• Dimensions of Correctional Ministry
• Dynamics of working with Justice-Involved People
• Christian Formation in Correctional Ministry

Links

• The Correctional Ministries Institute (CMI)
• Correctional Ministries and Chaplains Association
• Wheaton College Billy Graham Center