As a counselor, Ms. Taylor-Austin utilizes Aggression Replacement Training, anger management training and Rational Emotive Therapy when working with gang youth. Ms. Taylor-Austin has been part of the faculty at Loyola Marymount University, the University of Southern California and Monroe Community College. She is currently a member of the Great Lakes Gang Investigators Coalition and the National Association of Forensic Social Workers. Her expertise is in African-American criminal street gangs. Street Gang Awareness Available in the Illinois area and nationally.
Participants have the opportunity to see and examine gang jewelry, photos, and other gang objects.
Steven Sachs has been an officer of the 19th Judicial Circuit of Lake County for over 23 years. During his tenure, he has worked as a Juvenile Detention Counselor, Juvenile Probation Officer, Home Detention Officer, Public Service Officer, Residential Treatment Officer, and am currently a Pretrial Bond Supervision Officer. After graduating from Ferris State University, Big Rapids Michigan, he began as a volunteer Probation Officer in 1976, and in 1978 began working full time as a Juvenile Counselor for Secure Detention. During the last 20 years, he has worked with delinquent children, adult offenders, gang and ex-gang members and their families. Mr. Sachs has also received over 750 hours of training on varied topics related to corrections, probation and criminal justice.