Robin LaBarbera
PhD, DSW
AUTHOR | SPEAKER | RESEARCHER
Speaking
Dr. Robin LaBarbera brings rigorous research and compelling storytelling to conversations about human flourishing, transformation, and second chances in correctional settings, reentry programs, and communities experiencing homelessness.
Dr. Robin LaBarbera is an award-winning speaker and researcher whose presentation on "Religious Higher Education in Prison: The Importance of Well-Being" received the "Best Paper Award" at the Global Conference on Education and Research.
About my speaking
I'm available to speak at conferences, workshops, organizational trainings, and community events on topics related to prison education, transformative justice, reentry support, and program evaluation that centers human dignity.
My speaking draws on decades of research and direct experience working alongside incarcerated individuals, reentry programs, and homeless services. I challenge audiences to rethink assumptions about rehabilitation, transformation, and who gets to define success.
Speaking Topics
I offer presentations on any of my published research, tailored to your audience's needs and interests.
Topics include:
Well-Being in Correctional Settings
Drawing on research with 287 incarcerated participants in theological education, exploring how well-being and human flourishing are fostered in prison environments.
Five Pathways
to Change
in Prison
Education
Rigorous education, authentic community, relational accountability, future-oriented purpose, and restorative mentorship--key pathways to lasting change identified through multi-year research.
Beyond Recividism: What Success Really Means
Challenging conventional rehabilitation metrics by centering well-being and human flourishing, especially for individuals serving long or life sentences.
Human Flourishing in Re-entry
Based on multi-year program evaluation research with reentry populations, this presentation examines how cognitive flexibility, coping strategies, social support, and employment aspirations contribute to successful community integration. Findings reveal what works, and what gaps remain, in supporting human flourishing for individuals navigating the challenges of life after incarceration.
Recognition
Awards
Best Paper Award, Global Conference on Education and Research
Publications
Author of four books and 15+ peer-reviewed articles
Presentations
Presented and trained leaders in Lebanon, Vietnam, India, UK
Academic
Earned Professor Emerita status from Biola University
Featured on:
The Redemption Project Podcast
I'm thrilled to share that I recently had the pleasure of appearing on The Redemption Project podcast with host Brandon Burley. What an energizing conversation!
We explored themes at the heart of my research and new book: transformation, identity, purpose, and the power of community within correctional settings. Brandon had done his homework—he'd read through my academic work on prison-based theological education and came prepared with thoughtful, probing questions that pushed the conversation into meaningful territory.
If you're interested in rehabilitation, prison education, criminal justice reform, or simply the question of how people change, I think you'll find this conversation worthwhile. I'll share the episode link once it's live.
Inquire about speaking opportunities
Let's Start the Conversation
Interested in having me speak at your event? I welcome the opportunity to share research, stories, and insights on human flourishing with your audience.
Reach out below to discuss your event's goals, timeline, and how we can work together to create a meaningful experience for your attendees.
Address
1198 Pacific Coast Hwy., Suite D230, Seal Beach, CA 90740
Contact
Telephone: +1 562 476 8166
E-mail: robin@robinlabarbera.com