A Conversation with Tahnee Casanova, Director of Operations for the State of Florida

West Caldwell, NJ March 10 -

What is your favorite part about working in corrections?

Often times, family members and especially the children of offenders are the forgotten victims of crime. Many of whom will grow up and repeat the cycle of crime, unless it is broken. This impacts everyone and encompasses community safety, taxes, and poverty. Working in corrections allows me to play a role in ending this cycle in hopes of a brighter tomorrow. I find the work that we do very rewarding.

How do you think the services we provide help people?

I genuinely believe that people want true freedom. It is possible to live in the community but not be free. We can only have true freedom when we live a balanced life. Unless we follow certain guidelines in our health, families and finances, freedom will be difficult to obtain and maintain. This may lead to a collapse in our interpersonal relationships, or even worse, one may end up living by the old adage, “Desperate times calls for desperate measures.” We provide the tools people need to learn how to obtain true freedom.

What was your proudest moment working in reentry?

Early on in my career, I helped organize a family day event. I did not yet realize the effects of criminogenic needs left unaddressed. I met with families and learned more about the residents than I could have ever imagined. I also got the opportunity to hear about the changes that family members saw in the residents after they received treatment. They were proud and I was proud of being able to share that moment with them. For some, this was the first time they did something the family considered “good.” That day, I realized the importance of habilitation/rehabilitation.

What would you tell other women thinking about pursuing a career in this field?

Working in corrections has made me a stronger and better person. It taught me empathy, how to roll with resistance and that people can change. These lessons translated over to my personal life. Working in corrections also enables me to do my part in living in a safer community. Change starts with one person. If you are not satisfied with the way things are, “be the change you want to see.”