Dr. Robert Paradise, Ph.D. — Chairman, 2012-02-21 – 2016-03-15, 2017-04-19 – present. We are pleased to announce that founding member Dr. Robert Paradise has once again agreed to serve as Chairman of Citizens for Criminal Justice Reform beginning on April 19, 2017.
Dr. Paradise began his volunteer service as our first vice-chairman from January 2011 to February 21, 2012 alongside of Chris Dornin as founding chairman. Paradise then served four years as chairman from February 2012 until March 2016 when he voluntarily stepped down as chair in order to take a much deserved break. He continued to serve as a board member.
The last twelve months has been anything but a respite or sabbatical. In September of 2016, Dr. Paradise suffered the loss of his only child Elizabeth in a tragic car accident, and later in January he required the implantation of a pacemaker. Elizabeth was 31 years old and the mother of his two precious grandchildren. Along with his wife of 43 years they now care full-time for their grandson and part-time for their granddaughter. In the midst of these life-changing events Dr. Paradise has graciously volunteered to step back into a leadership role for CCJR.
Dr. Paradise is an ordained minister and a retired Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor with a Bachelor Degree in Theology, a Masters in Counseling, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Counseling. He is also a Licensed Temperament Therapist, and holds Board Certification in Abuse and Crisis Therapy, and as a Temperament Instructor. He is a Charter Member of the American Association of Christian Counselors, a Professional Clinical Member of the National Christian Counselors Association, and is a Diplomat with the National Board of Christian Clinical Therapists, of Sarasota, Florida.
The concepts of redemption and forgiveness are beliefs that most American’s tout, however societal practices as well as those who have been touched by the criminal justice system often speak a different tune. As a recipient of grace Dr. Paradise has a compassionate heart for those who have experienced failure and the men, women and families who have been affected by the criminal justice system. Good people do bad things but Dr. Bob believes that every person is worthy of forgiveness and with a transformation of heart and mind anyone can change. The past does not have to dictate the future!
Rehabilitation and support are key to this process. The simple truth is that the best practices in education, training, rehabilitative programs, therapy and parole all help protect the community. Paradise believes that New Hampshire needs to make that kind of investment as a wise use of resources. At CCJR we support rational, cost effective programs and policies that reduce crime and slow the revolving door back into prison. Rehabilitative programs along with needed therapy provide offenders a better chance to succeed, which in turn make our society safer. (Dr. Bob was a Founding Member of CCJR in October, 2010.)
Michael Sauve — Michael has volunteered and advocated for prison reform through various church ministries. He is co-chair of the Episcopal Diocese of NH Prison Concerns Committee. He also volunteers and advocates on several committees with Rights and Democracy NH-VT. Michael is a strong advocate for housing and healthcare justice as a human right not a privilege. He also believes that everyone deserves a second chance in life and should not be judged soley by past actions. Michael has also been an advocate helping to pass legislation around the criminal justice issues he so deeply cares about. He works full-time at the Concord Monitor and has held that position for over 13 years. Michael loves to attend and participate in webinars and classes that surround the criminal justice system.
Board Member Emeritus Status
Definition: There shall be an honorary category of former Board members known as a Board Member Emeritus who is nominated and elected by the Board of Directors. Board members emeritus shall be selected from those board members who have served on the Board of Directors with distinction and excellence and have resigned in good standing.
Eligibility: In order to be considered for designation as a board member emeritus, a person must be a former member of the Citizens for Criminal Justice Reform Board of Directors who:
Board Member Emeritus