Award-Winning Research: 

Religious Higher Education in prison: The Importance of Well-Being

This research examines the critical role of well-being in prison-based religious higher education programs. Drawing on a comprehensive study of 287 incarcerated participants in theological education, the paper reveals how educational rigor, community support, and purpose-driven learning contribute to human flourishing even in correctional settings. The findings challenge conventional rehabilitation metrics and offer new frameworks for understanding transformation among individuals serving long or life sentences. (Paper presentation received "Best Paper" Award at a global education conference.)

Books

It's Changed What I'm Living For: Exploring Narratives of Human Flourishing from Inside America's Prisons, Ethics Press, 2025

My latest book presents groundbreaking research on human flourishing in correctional settings through the stories of 287 participants in prison-based theological education. Through rigorous mixed-methods analysis and compelling narrative portraits, this work identifies five key transformation mechanisms and challenges us to rethink what rehabilitation means for people who may never be released.

Educating Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Partnering with Families for Positive Outcomes, Sage Publications, 2018

An evidence-based resource for educators working with students on the autism spectrum, emphasizing family partnerships and collaborative approaches to support student success.

Inclusion Strategies for Community Flourishing, Co-edited with J. Hetzel, Lebanese Society for Educational and Social Development, 2018

A comprehensive guide for creating inclusive communities through practical strategies for educational and social development. Published in English and translated to Arabic.

English as a Foreign Language Textbook, Primary Level 1, Co-authored with L. Vidaurre, Purposeful Design Publications, 2012 

A structured EFL curriculum designed for primary-level learners, providing comprehensive language instruction and engaging learning activities.

 Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

Prison Education & Human Flourishing Research:

This body of work represents a multi-year mixed-methods evaluation of prison-based theological education, examining transformation, well-being, and human flourishing among 287 incarcerated participants.

LaBarbera, R. (2026). Religious higher education in prison: The importance of well-being. Journal of Global Education and Research (in press).

LaBarbera, R. (2025). A mixed-methods evaluation of well-being among incarcerated religious education participants in the United States. Health & Justice, 13, 32.

LaBarbera, R. (2024). Religious higher education in prison: The importance of well-being. In W.B. James, C. Cobanouglu, & M. Cavusoglu (Eds.), Conference Proceedings, Global Conference on Education and Research, p. 37. 

LaBarbera, R. (2023). An evaluation of prison-based theological education: Current and former students' perspectives. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 62(6), 371-390. 

LaBarbera, R. (2023). The transformative effect of prison-based theological education as perceived by current and former students: A pilot evaluation. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 62(4), 215-232. 

Special Education & Inclusion

LaBarbera, R. (2017). A comparison of parent and teacher perspectives on collaboration in the education of students with autism spectrum disorders. Teacher Education Quarterly, 44(3), 35-56.

Distance Education & Spirituality:

LaBarbera, R. (2016). The role of intercessory prayer in fostering students' sense of connectedness in distance education courses. International Journal on E-Learning, 15(3), 361-378.

LaBarbera, R., & Hetzel, J. (2015). Christian educators' use of prayer to cope with stress. Journal of Religion and Health, 55(4), 1433-1448.

LaBarbera, R. (2014). The relationship between students' perceived sense of connectedness to the instructor and satisfaction in online courses. Quarterly Review of Distance Education, 14(4).

Learning Disabilities & Self-Efficacy:

LaBarbera, R. (2008). Perceived social support and self-esteem in adolescents with learning disabilities at a private school. Learning Disabilities: A Contemporary Journal, 8(1), 33-44.

Book Chapters

LaBarbera, R. (2019). Work-related stress among educators: Prayer as a coping mechanism. In S. Snigdha, M. P. Ajithkumar, B. Joseph, S. Thomas, & A. George, (Eds.), Holistic healthcare – Possibilities and challenges volume II. Waretown, NJ: Apple Academic Press.

LaBarbera, R. (2018). Inclusion strategies for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. In J. Hetzel & R. LaBarbera (Eds.), Inclusion strategies for community flourishing. Beirut, Lebanon: Lebanese Society for Educational and Social Development.

Bishop, C., Eastman, D., & LaBarbera, R. (2018). Inclusion strategies for individuals with ADHD. In J. Hetzel & R. LaBarbera (Eds.), Inclusion strategies for community flourishing. Beirut, Lebanon: Lebanese Society for Educational and Social Development.

Selected Conference Presentations

International Presentations:

LaBarbera, R. (2018, April). Multiple workshops on autism inclusion and behavior management. Presented at Beirut Baptist School, Haigazian University, Ministry of Education, and SKILD, Beirut, Lebanon.

LaBarbera, R. (2017, October). Teachers and families collaborating in special education: What research tells us about best practices for serving our students. California Council on Teacher Education Conference, San Diego, CA.

LaBarbera, R. (2016, September). Educator's use of prayer to cope with stress. Paper presented at Sixth Euro-India International Conference on Holistic Medicine, Kottayam, Kerala, India.

LaBarbera, R. (2013, April). Multiple workshops on positive reinforcement and self-efficacy. Presented at Khaled Bel al-Walid College and Hussam Eddine Hariri High School, Lebanon.

LaBarbera, R. (2012, October). Autism: Understanding and assessment of social skills. Workshop presented at Vietnam National Pediatric Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam.

LaBarbera, R. (2011, September). Multiple workshops on inclusion and ADHD. Presented at Middle East University, Beirut Baptist School, and Rabieh Evangelical School, Beirut, Lebanon.

LaBarbera, R. (2009, March). Toward a model of promoting literacy for students with autism spectrum disorder in the general education classroom. Paper presented at the Oxford Roundtable, Oxford, UK.

National & Regional Presentations:

LaBarbera, R. (2017, November & October). Teacher and family perspectives about collaboration in special education: What research tells us about best practices. Presentations at Biola University and California Council on Teacher Education.

LaBarbera, R. (2007 & 2006, November). Multiple presentations on learning disabilities and dyslexia. Association of Christian Schools International conferences and International Dyslexia Association conference.

Professional Recognition

• Best Paper Award, Global Conference on Education and Research (GLOCER), 2024
• Editorial Board Member, Justice and Spirituality in Education Journal, 2012-2019
• Program Assessor, California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, 2013-2019
• Peer Reviewer, New Horizons in Education, Journal of Global Education and Research
• Book Reviewer, Pearson Education and Sage Publications

Current Work in Progress

World Impact History Book - A comprehensive history of World Impact's urban ministry work, documenting decades of community transformation and missional engagement in America's cities.