Jo Isenberg received her B.S. in Criminal Justice and Master’s in Criminal Justice Administration from Middle Tennessee State University, where she also served as a Graduate Assistant. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a concentration in Adult Learning.

Jo’s research focuses on correctional education, rehabilitation, reentry, and restorative justice, with an emphasis on how adult learning principles can improve outcomes for justice-involved populations. She is especially interested in the design and evaluation of education and reentry programs that promote personal development, social responsibility, digital literacy, and community reintegration.

In addition to her studies, Jo has a professional background within education, criminal justice, and mental health, where she has worked within multi-agency levels to assist with contracts, policy, and programming. She is a member of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, Southern Criminal Justice Association, and the International Corrections and Prisons Association.

Residing in Middle Tennessee, Jo is a proud mother who enjoys spending her free time exploring bookstores, discovering new coffee shops, watching movies, and enjoying the outdoors with family and friends.