Christine Blessinger
Deputy Commissioner Administration & Programs
Christine Blessinger brings over 24 years of dedicated experience to her role as Deputy Commissioner of Administration and Programs for the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC). With a deep understanding of both policy and people-centered solutions, her career has been marked by a strong commitment to advancing evidence-based practices and fostering positive outcomes within the correctional system.
Beginning her career in a juvenile detention center and then to Pendleton Juvenile Correctional Facility, Blessinger quickly rose through the ranks, serving in critical roles such as Caseworker, Unit Team Manager, Program Director and Executive Director of the Division of Youth Services. Her expertise in working with youth culminated in her role as Deputy Commissioner of Re-Entry and Youth Services, where she led programs that supported successful transitions for both youth and adults. Her innovative strategies in re-entry and rehabilitation have significantly enhanced IDOC’s mission to prioritize safety, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
Blessinger’s influence extends beyond the IDOC. She is an active member of the American Correctional Association (ACA), where she serves on the Commission for Accreditation, helping to uphold national standards in corrections. Additionally, she is a former Executive Board Member of the Council of Juvenile Justice Administrators, further demonstrating her dedication to improving outcomes for justice-involved youth.
Blessinger earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology from Indiana State University, equipping her with a strong academic foundation to complement her extensive professional experience. Her leadership continues to shape innovative approaches in corrections, with a focus on fostering positive change for individuals and communities alike.
Mission
We promote public safety by providing meaningful, effective opportunities for successful reentry.
Vision
As the model of best correctional practices, we strive to return productive citizens to our communities and inspire a culture of accountability, integrity and Professionalism.
John Mather
Executive Director of Programs & Reentry Readiness
Executive Director Mather serves as the Executive Director of Programs and Reentry Readiness. John began his career as a Correctional Officer at the Edinburgh Correctional Facility where he was promoted to Caseworker, Casework Manager, and Unit Team Manager. John came to the Central Office location in 2015 as a Reentry Medicaid Monitor and supervised the newly established Medicaid Processing Unit. He then transitioned into the role of a Reentry Monitor and conducted quality assurance audits and training for Case Management staff across the state. In 2017, John returned to the field as a Unit Team Manager and Correctional Police Officer, most recently at the Correctional Industrial Facility, before returning to Central Office as the Director of Case Management. John is a 2015 EEL graduate and has served on several focus groups and taskforces for the Department. He received his bachelor's degree in criminal justice, with a minor in Sociology, from Indiana University in Bloomington.
Reentry's Responsibilities
- HIRE
Hoosier Initiative for Re-entry (HIRE)
The Hoosier Initiative for Re-entry (HIRE) program, established in 2012, assists individuals with past legal involvement in reintegrating into society by providing career opportunities that foster sustainable success. Focused on preventing adult incarceration, HIRE connects clients who have completed certification training in facilities or are current Parole clients with employment that offers livable wages and long-term career growth, helping them build a path to a better future.
- Education
Education
The Education Department offers incarcerated individuals access to transformative learning opportunities, including academic programs, vocational training, and life skills development. By equipping participants with the tools for personal growth and successful reintegration, this division fosters a culture of self-improvement, reduces recidivism, and empowers individuals to build brighter futures.
- Case Management
Case Management
The Case Management process is designed to prepare offenders for successful reintegration into society by addressing criminal thinking and behaviors. By combining evidence-based principles and a multi-disciplinary approach, this process equips offenders with the necessary skills for both serving their sentence and returning to the community. Through individualized case plans, Case Management focuses on reducing recidivism by providing targeted programs, courses, and activities that support rehabilitation and successful reintegration.
To implement this approach, the Department utilizes the Unit Team concept, with each offender assigned a case management staff member who acts as a liaison between the offender and other departments. This process helps develop both short-term and long-term plans to address criminogenic needs and ensures community safety. By applying evidence-based practices (EBP), Case Management plays a crucial role in reducing recidivism and improving re-entry outcomes across the criminal justice system.
Case Plan
The case plan outlines the criminogenic risk level for each offender, based on their IRAS assessment, and guides the development of interventions designed to promote positive behavioral changes and skill building. As offenders progress through their time in IDOC, tailored interventions are implemented to address their specific needs. The case plan serves as a collaborative tool between unit team staff and the offender, providing a clear roadmap from incarceration to successful re-entry.
- Religious Services
Religious Services
Religious Services provides incarcerated individuals with the opportunity to practice their faith in a safe and respectful environment. By offering access to spiritual resources and facilitating religious programs across various faith traditions, the division supports personal growth, resilience, and community connection, addressing the spiritual needs of those in custody.
- Veteran Affairs
Veteran Affairs
Veteran Affairs is committed to assisting incarcerated military veterans by addressing their specific needs and challenges. This division provides access to specialized resources, programs, and services that honor their service, promote rehabilitation, and support successful reintegration into society. By offering targeted support, the division helps veterans build a path toward personal growth, stability, and a successful transition back to the community.
Nancy Riley
Executive Director Workforce Engagement
Executive Director Riley earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana State University and began her career in corrections in 1995 as a Youth Care Worker at Madison County Juvenile Center. In 1999, she joined the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) as a Correctional Training Officer. While working full-time, she returned to ISU to earn her master’s degree. Discovering her passion for training, she was promoted to Executive Director of Staff Development and Training in January 2013.
As Executive Director, Ms. Riley oversees the training of all IDOC staff and is responsible for managing the Department’s two-year Strategic Plan, which includes setting goals, objectives, and action plans. She also manages the Department’s Focus Groups, which bring field staff together to identify problems and develop solutions. Ms. Riley has been instrumental in developing several key programs, including the three-tier DOC Supervisory programs, “Women in Leadership,” “Leaving A Legacy,” the Experienced and Emerging Leaders (EEL) program, the Leadership Academy, the Joint Understanding and Cooperation Program (JUCP), and Promoting a Positive Culture in Corrections (PPCC). She works closely with training staff across the state to develop and implement impactful training opportunities.
Workforce Engagement's Responsibilities
- New Employee Training
New Employee Training Program
The New Employee Training Program (NETP) is designed to equip incoming IDOC staff with the essential knowledge, skills, and tools needed for success in their roles. The program provides a thorough introduction to IDOC policies, procedures, and values, with a focus on safety, professionalism, and teamwork. By building a strong foundation, NETP prepares new employees to confidently contribute to the department’s mission and ensure effective service delivery.
- DWE Course Catalog
DWE Course Catalog
The Division of Workforce Engagement (DWE) Course Catalog is a comprehensive resource detailing the educational and professional development opportunities available to IDOC staff. The catalog offers a diverse range of courses tailored to enhance knowledge, build skills, and support career advancement. By providing structured learning paths and specialized training, the DWE Course Catalog ensures that employees are equipped to meet the evolving demands of their roles while fostering personal and professional growth.
- Correction Training Institute
Correctional Training Institute
Correctional Training Institute (CTI) serves as the premier training and professional development hub for IDOC staff. CTI provides comprehensive programs designed to equip employees with the knowledge, skills, and leadership capabilities necessary for success in their roles. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and excellence, CTI supports the department’s mission to ensure safety, security, and effective rehabilitation.
- Mission/Vision
Mission
To develop, educate, and sustain correctional professionals by providing relevant services through workforce engagement.
Vision
To influence and inspire Correctional Professionals through guidance and support.
Dr. Adrienne Bedford
Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Adrienne Bedford earned her bachelor’s degree from Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, AL, and her medical degree from The University of Louisville School of Medicine in Louisville, KY. She completed her family medicine residency at Community Health Network. Dr. Bedford began her career in correctional medicine as the Medical Director at the Indiana Women’s Prison.
Before joining the field of corrections, Dr. Bedford held several leadership roles, including Chief Medical Officer at Shalom Health Care Center and Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Indiana Health Centers. She has also worked as a staff physician with Eskenazi Medical Group, the Marion County Health Department, and Meridian Health Services. Throughout her career, Dr. Bedford has been dedicated to providing quality healthcare to underserved and vulnerable populations, with a focus on managing chronic conditions and preventative care. She has worked closely with both internal and external stakeholders to secure funding for community health centers across Indiana.
In her free time, Dr. Bedford enjoys volunteering in the community and spending time with her family.
Health Services' Responsibilities
Looking for educational or medical records for a current or past incarcerated individual? Learn more about requesting records on our Contact page.
- Addiction Recovery Services
Addiction Recovery Services
The Addiction Recovery Services division offers evidence-based treatments designed to help incarcerated individuals address substance use disorders. Focused on recovery, resilience, and relapse prevention, the division combines treatment, education, and support to promote personal growth and prepare individuals for successful reintegration into society.
- Mental Health Services
Mental Health Services
The Mental Health Services division provides comprehensive care for incarcerated individuals experiencing mental health challenges. By delivering compassionate, evidence-based interventions, the division promotes emotional well-being, stability, and resilience, contributing to both rehabilitation and safer, supportive environments within IDOC facilities.
- Physical Health Services
Physical Health Services
The Physical Health Services division ensures all incarcerated individuals have access to high-quality medical care. From preventative care to chronic disease management, the division promotes healthy living while addressing physical health needs to support rehabilitation and maintain a safer, more humane correctional environment.
- Transitional Healthcare Services
Transitional Healthcare Services
Established in 2019, Transitional Healthcare Services bridges the gap between incarceration and reentry by addressing the health-related social needs of individuals. The team creates individualized release plans that tackle social determinants of health, ensuring individuals are set up for success upon reentry and have access to necessary healthcare resources.
Transitional Health Facilitators
Transitional Health Facilitators support individuals transitioning from incarceration to the community by connecting them with healthcare services and resources. The program ensures continuity of care for managing physical and mental health needs, aiding successful reentry and long-term well-being.
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Transitional Health Liaisons
Transitional Health Liaisons facilitate the smooth transition from incarceration to community healthcare systems. They bridge healthcare gaps, coordinate resources, and offer guidance for individuals with ongoing physical or mental health needs, ensuring continuity of care and supporting successful re-entry.
Medicaid Applications
The Medicaid Applications program helps incarcerated individuals apply for Medicaid to ensure healthcare coverage upon release. By facilitating enrollment and connecting individuals to healthcare services, the program improves access to care and supports a smoother transition back into the community.
- Breann Leath Maternal Child Health Unit (MCHU)
Breann Leath Maternal Child Health Unit (MCHU)
The Breann Leath Mother-Child Housing Unit provides a nurturing environment for incarcerated mothers and their infants. Focused on strengthening the mother-child bond, promoting healthy development, and supporting rehabilitation, the program offers parenting education and resources to help mothers build a better future for themselves and their children. The program also works in partnership with various state agencies and community organizations such as the Indiana Diaper Bank and the Indiana Women's Fund to enhance services and ensure families have access to essential support both during and after incarceration.
- Staff Health & Wellness
Staff Health & Wellness
The Staff Health and Wellness division focuses on supporting the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of IDOC employees. Through resources, programs, and support services, the division promotes a healthy work environment, fostering resilience, reducing stress, and enhancing overall wellness to ensure staff can perform their roles effectively and sustainably.
Victoria Taylor-Wilcher
Quality Assurance Director
Victoria is the Quality Assurance Director for the Indiana Department of Correction, working within the Division of Administration and Programs. With over 20 years of experience, she began her career as a correctional staff member, focusing on safety and security procedures at the facility level. She later transitioned to the Re-Entry department, where she was promoted to Casework Manager, concentrating on community reintegration, program development, and performance monitoring. Victoria’s career evolved into staff-centered roles that focused on leadership development and enhancing career satisfaction. In her current role, she ensures that programs and projects align with the agency’s commitment to staff development and excellence. Victoria holds a B.A. in Sociology from Indiana University Northwest and is a graduate of the 2022 Leadership Academy and the 2023 IDOC Commissioner’s Experienced and Emerging Leadership Program.