The prototype for resources on this site developed over the past two years designing Circle of the Word experiences for men in a state prison and women in a county jail.

My doctoral research was conducted with both groups in the Spring of 2014.

The current version of resources located on this site were created for 90-minute sessions at the county jail with a group women (12 max), plus two leaders from the outside (“Circlekeepers’). 

Results of research data from the 2014 project demonstrate a very positive response. For example, at the end of Session Six for the men and Session Eight for the women, participants were invited to evaluate their experience of that day’s Circle. They were asked about their overall enjoyment of the Circle and the degree to which it strengthened their spirit and increased their hopefulness. The following charts display these results:

My dissertation is entitled: “Breath of Fresh Air: Spiritual Empowerment through Biblical Storytelling with Incarcerated Men and Women.” It will be available free online through ProQuest once their processing is complete. Until then, if you would like to see it email me.