Matt Collinson

American University School of Public Affairs – RED Initiative                                     

In 2017, AU’s SPA created and Piloted the RED Assessment tool, and leads the field in analyzing, reporting on, and providing targeted responses to, disparities in treatment courts. 
Project Director                                                                                                              January 2023 – Present

• Developed automatic scoring system to RED assessment to support efficient report writing and reliable data analysis for courts and states.
• Provided high-impact training and technical assistance to fifteen individual treatment courts, using strengths-based, implementation focused, adult learning strategies.
• Presented at statewide and national conferences on research and implementation success of community driven racial equity initiatives.
• Co-authored one published peer reviewed article on disparities in treatment courts.
• Authored two technical reports documenting and analyzing statewide aggregations of disparities in treatment courts and policy solutions.
• Created racial equity assessment for juvenile and family treatment courts
• Collaborated with team members and external partners to develop two fully funded federal grant proposals

The Festival Center
The Festival Center is a faith-based community organization serving as a resource, support, incubator and community for social justice leaders. 

Consultant Researcher & Educator                                                                                            2019 – Present

• Wrote White Paper and research summary for Executive Director to craft Restorative Justice policy and advocacy platform.
• Created fact sheets for testimony support for community leaders in support of successful restoration of funding for DC Legal Aid Budget
• Researched and created guide of restorative justice leaders and non-profits in DC
• Conducted community interviews and listening sessions to understand community needs and strengths around restorative justice for young people. 
• Planned and developed restorative justice training program for faith and community leaders
• Created and taught a community learning cohort class on issues and community advocacy opportunities in criminal justice
• Created taught the Center’s highest attended community teach-in on racism in American policing in response to George Floyd’s murder in 2020

JustLeadership USA
JustLeadership builds local power in communities, by providing training, support, and resource, to directly impacted individuals across the nation to dismantle racist and oppressive systems.

Director of Programs & Impact                                                                      January 2022 – November 2022

• Lead a diverse and multi-faceted six-person team of formerly incarcerated leaders to imagine, create, implement evaluate and enhance all JLUSA Leadership Training Programs.
• Evaluated and produced reports on outcome metrics and impact of programs on leaders’, and their communities. 
• In partnership with Executive leadership, shaped the strategic direction of the organization, and key focus areas for programs.
• Co-created and implemented training for justice impacted young people on leadership and communications. 

Adjunct Professor – Criminal Justice                                                                      January 2020 - Present 

American University - Department of Justice Law and Criminology 

The department of JLC provides internationally renowned criminology teaching and scholarship to inform policy and practice across systems of justice. 

• Created three unique courses in JLC, centering the voices of those impacted by the system, and highlighting systemic racial disparities in the legal system
• Created the department’s first course exploring Pre-trial justice, bail reform and plea bargains.
• Used Innovative experiential learning opportunities (including a visit to DC jail) to challenge students to engage with the day-to-day realities of the legal system. 
• Consistently receive outstanding student evaluations and won a departmental award for exceptional teaching in 2021. 

EDUCATION 
Master of Health Sciences (MHS)                                                                                                       May 2017 

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 

Concentration: Mental Health 

Honors: Member of Delta Omega Public Health Honors Society