JTI Hosts: Approaches to Working with People with Lived Experience

This webinar will explore how professionals and organizations can build mutually beneficial partnerships with people who bring lived experience of the criminal legal system and will examine the role of trust, power, communication, boundaries, and meaningful inclusion in developing effective working relationships. Participants will explore strategies for recognizing lived experience as a form of expertise, navigating differences in perspective, and creating environments where people feel valued, heard, and able to contribute meaningfully. Attendees will leave with approaches they can apply to strengthen collaboration and center lived experience throughout their services and programming.

Myrtho Gardiner, a Senior Policy Associate at ISLG, is a clinical social worker, educator, researcher, and nonprofit leader with nearly two decades of experience advancing trauma-informed care, behavioral health, and equitable services for individuals and communities impacted by systemic inequities. His work spans clinical practice, organizational leadership, program development, training, and technical assistance, with a particular emphasis on supporting individuals impacted by the criminal justice system.

Myrtho previously served as Director of the Center for Trauma Innovation at Exodus Transitional Community, where he oversaw initiatives designed to expand access to trauma-informed services, strengthen organizational capacity, and promote healing among justice-impacted individuals and communities. Throughout his career, she has worked across correctional, community-based, and clinical settings, bringing a commitment to recognizing the expertise, strengths, and perspectives of individuals with lived experience.