Operational Readiness for Corrections

Operational Readiness for Corrections: Opioid Use Disorder Program

Equipping Correctional Officers & Facility Staff with Practical Skills to Respond to Opioid Use Disorder & Co-occurring Conditions

As a corrections professional, you face the ongoing challenges of managing individuals who may struggle with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and co-occurring mental health conditions while maintaining order, safety, and security. This four-hour, online, self-paced course is designed specifically for correctional officers, supervisors, and facility staff to strengthen your ability to respond safely, effectively, and professionally to OUD-related incidents within custody settings. Learn proven strategies for de-escalation, recognizing signs of OUD, reducing risk, and connecting individuals to appropriate care and recovery resources.

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Additional Information

Program Instructors & Content Experts

​The esteemed faculty serving as content advisors and instructors for the course are recognized experts in their fields. Whether their contributions come through teaching, creating innovative materials, mentoring students, or advising on course content, they bring a unique blend of vision, inspiration, and practical skills. Together, they challenge your thinking, enhance your performance, and help you excel in your role.​

Jane Sachs

Faculty Chair
Director of Training Services (Ret), Maryland Department of Public Safety & Correctional Services

Jane Sachs is a seasoned correctional leader with more than 46 years of distinguished public service in corrections, training, and reentry. Most recently, she served as the Director of Training Services for the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, overseeing training for more than 12,000 staff across 19 prisons, pre-trial facilities, and parole and probation divisions. Her leadership extended globally through a 10-year partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, delivering correctional training to over 20 countries, including extended in-country work in Uruguay, Mexico, and Armenia. These international efforts deepened Jane’s belief in the transformative power of staff training and ethical correctional practices.
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Prior to her state-level role, Jane served 31 years with the Montgomery County Department of Correction and Rehabilitation, rising from intern to Director of Administration and Training. She led numerous initiatives in reentry, counseling, personnel development, and offender programming, managing a 60-bed community-based correctional unit and launching a highly regarded student internship program.

Jack Kavanagh​

Director, Department of Corrections, Howard County

Jack Kavanagh brings more than 40 years of correctional leadership to his role as Director of the Howard County Department of Corrections, a position he has held since 2008 following five years as Deputy Director. Prior to his county leadership, Jack spent 24 years with the Maryland Division of Correction, where he held key roles including Warden, Assistant Commissioner, and Deputy Commissioner. His deep operational and strategic expertise in corrections is grounded in decades of experience leading institutions, shaping policy, and mentoring the next generation of correctional professionals.
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Jack holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Baltimore and has completed advanced leadership training through the U.S. Department of Justice's National Institute of Corrections Executive Excellence Program and Leadership Howard County. He earned national recognition as a Certified Corrections Executive by the American Correctional Association and was honored with the Maryland Bar Association’s Paul J. Davis Award in 2012 for his outstanding contributions to the field. Known for his focus on innovation, ethics, and systems improvement, Jack remains a highly respected voice in corrections reform and public safety leadership.

Morgan Pickering

Owner/CPS-MH/CPC-Public Safety

Morgan Pickering is a nationally recognized educator, peer counselor, and trauma-informed care specialist with extensive experience supporting law enforcement, fire, EMS, and veteran communities. As the founder of Pickering Support Services, LLC, she delivers specialized training on crisis intervention, suicide prevention, PTSD, and harm reduction. Morgan holds numerous certifications, including Certified Peer Specialist–Mental Health (CPS-MH), Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Coordinator, and Mental Health First Aid Instructor. Her work bridges public safety and behavioral health, empowering first responders with practical tools to reduce risk and respond with compassion.
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A sought-after speaker and trainer, Morgan contributes to national and regional conferences through NAMI Georgia, the EMS Association, and the National Association of EMS Educators. Her dedication has earned multiple accolades, including the NAMI Georgia Program Leader of the Year Award. Through initiatives like TIC4CIT (Trauma-Informed Care for Crisis Intervention Training), Morgan blends lived experience with evidence-based practice, helping agencies build more resilient, informed, and connected teams.

Dan Lasher

Correctional Administrator

Daniel Lasher is a lifelong Maryland resident with over 35 years of experience in the corrections field, including three decades in administrative leadership. Before entering corrections, he served as a firefighter and EMT for 15 years, bringing a strong foundation in emergency response and public safety to his work. Throughout his career, Daniel has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to advancing professional standards in correctional operations, leadership, and training.
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Daniel has completed extensive advanced training through institutions such as the University of Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, the U.S. Department of Justice National Institute of Corrections, and the Department of Homeland Security. His dedication has been recognized with numerous awards from organizations including the American Legion, VFW, Salvation Army, and the FBI, as well as a House Resolution from the Maryland House of Delegates. He has served as President of the Maryland Correctional Administrators Association and held key appointments to both the Maryland Correctional Training Commission and the Maryland Local Government Justice Reinvestment Commission.

Michael D. Branham

Maricopa County Constable (Arrowhead Precinct)/Presiding Constable, Maricopa County, Arizona

Michael Branham is a nationally respected public safety executive and educator with over 40 years of distinguished service across law enforcement, juvenile justice, and municipal leadership. A former Director of the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections and Executive Director of the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission, Michael has led major organizational reforms, including reducing juvenile recidivism and facility violence through cultural change initiatives. His broad experience includes roles as Police Chief, Assistant City Manager, and Presiding Constable of Maricopa County, as well as serving on the U.S. Department of Justice Medal of Valor Board, where he recommended candidates for the nation’s highest honor in public safety.

Michael is a sought-after consultant and trainer, lecturing at numerous colleges and academies on criminal justice, law enforcement leadership, and public sector innovation. His recognitions include the Arizona Police Corps Leadership Award, the French Medal of Merit for Juvenile Corrections Programming, and multiple honors from state and local agencies. With a master’s degree in Organizational Development and an FBI National Academy background, Michael brings both academic and operational expertise to his work in transforming justice systems and mentoring the next generation of public safety leaders.

View course descriptions and more information on the partner program page.