Dr. Robin LaBarbera
Scholar and storyteller bridging rigorous research with narratives of transformation from overlooked places.
About Dr. LaBarbera
Researcher, author, and advocate.
Dr. Robin LaBarbera is Professor Emerita at Biola University and principal of LaBarbera Learning Solutions, a program evaluation consulting practice. Her research focuses on human flourishing in hard places—particularly in correctional settings, reentry programs, and communities experiencing homelessness.
Her recent book, It's Changed What I'm Living For: Exploring Narratives of Human Flourishing from Inside America's Prisons (Ethics Press, 2025), presents a multi-year study of 287 participants in prison-based theological education. Through rigorous mixed-methods research and compelling narrative portraits, Dr. LaBarbera challenges conventional rehabilitation metrics by centering the voices and experiences of individuals serving long or life sentences.
As a speaker and consultant, Dr. LaBarbera brings academic rigor and deep compassion to conversations about transformation, education, and second chances. She is available for speaking engagements, workshops, and program evaluation consultation.
Evidence-Based Insights on Justice and Transformation
What Changes Lives Inside Prison?
Dr. LaBarbera joins The Redemption Project podcast with host Brandon Burley to discuss what actually changes lives inside prison—and what only sounds good on paper. Drawing from years of firsthand research, she explains why transformation cannot be measured by recidivism alone, how faith-based education reshapes prison culture, and why well-being is a stronger indicator of successful reentry than conventional metrics.
Current work
World Impact History (in progress)
Currently, I'm writing a comprehensive history of World Impact's urban ministry work, documenting their decades-long commitment to community transformation in America's cities. This project reflects my ongoing interest in how faith-based organizations create conditions for human flourishing in under-resourced communities.
Address
1198 Pacific Coast Hwy.,
Suite #D230
Seal Beach, CA 90740
Contact
Telephone: +1 562.476.8166
E-mail: robin@robinlabarbera.com