Dr. Dena M. Owens has over 19 years of experience in Correctional Mental Health. She began her career in Corrections at the Cook County Jail in Chicago, IL. Before joining NIC in 2021, she served in various leadership positions, including Director of Behavioral Health, Religious Services, and Enrichment Programs at Cook County Jail. She also served as Director of Behavioral Health Services at the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux, LA. Her expertise includes issues related to occupational stress and burnout, trauma-informed care, stress management, resiliency, and emotional intelligence. Dr. Owens has an undergraduate degree in Psychology, a Master of Arts Degree in Forensic Psychology, and a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology.
At NIC, Dr. Owens oversees crisis intervention teams training (CIT), staff trauma, and the Mental Health Network for the Prisons Division. Her portfolio of work also includes competency restoration, management and oversight of persons with mental illness in corrections, and support and instruction of mental health first aid.