Center Director ~ Dr. Rita Poteyeva 

Dr. Rita Poteveya is an Associate Professor in the Department of Justice Studies teaching primarily in Track A (Crime & Criminology). She received her PhD in Criminology from the University of Delaware. She regularly teaches the following courses: JUST 212 (Theories of Crime and Criminal Justice); JUST 324 (Death Penalty); JUST 318 (Sex Offenders); and JUST 399 (Research Methods). Dr. Poteyeva’s research interests include contextual variations in sentencing, policing, violence in relationships, and use of criminal justice institutions for political ends.

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Center Liaison ~ JJ DeGrand Messier, MSW, LSW

JJ Messier began her career as an elementary school teacher in Chicago, Illinois, where her passion for advocacy and equity was ignited, leading her to take on various roles in community organizations. She has served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in DuPage County, where her commitment to supporting dually involved youth led to her role as an Independent DSY Consultant for the National Resource Center and as a liaison between the NRC and the ICYJ. In this role, she draws upon her extensive experience in education, child welfare, and youth justice to support the next generation of youth justice practitioners. JJ earned her Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Northern Colorado and her Masters of Social Work (Leadership and Social Change) from the University of Illinois. 

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Dr. Melissa Svigelj

Dr. Melissa Svigelj is an assistant professor of Justice Studies. She is an experienced Senior Professional Educator with a demonstrated history of working in education and juvenile justice facilities. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Coaching, Classroom Communities, Lesson Planning, and Educational Technology. Award-earning education professional with a B.A. & 2 Masters of Arts focused in Political Science, Social Studies, History, English Literature, Education, Minors in Communications & Education from Cleveland State University & the University of California at Santa Cruz & a Ph.D. In Education with a Designated Emphasis in Sociology from the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Dr. John Gyourko

Dr. John R. Gyourko, PhD, MSW is a social science researcher and Assistant Professor at the Department of Social Work, College of Health and Behavioral Studies at James Madison University. Dr. Gyourko’s scholarship addresses topics at the intersection of social work, consumer financial protection, juvenile justice, and economic inequality, with special emphasis on financial social work and child/youth services.