Prior to joining ETSU, she worked as a senior policy analyst assisting criminal justice systems with implementing data-driven policies and programs. She was also the Assistant Commissioner of Research and Program Development for the Kansas Juvenile Justice Authority where she was responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing evidence-based practices, programs, and training agendas. Dr. Pealer has served as a consultant to many correctional programs throughout the United States by providing training and technical assistance in offender risk/need instruments and effective practices in risk reduction. She earned her B.A. and M.A. in criminal justice from East Tennessee State University and her Ph.D. in criminal justice from the University of Cincinnati.