Welcome to our Trainer Highlights series, where we celebrate the experts who bring Moral Reconation Therapy–MRT® and other evidence-based programs to life. This series was created to help you get to know the dedicated professionals behind CCI’s training. Each highlight includes a recorded interview, along with written responses to a set of questions we ask every trainer—from our longest-serving trainers to those who have most recently joined our team. Through these conversations, you will learn about their journeys, what inspires them, and their passion for delivering Moral Reconation Therapy–MRT® and other evidence-based programs.
We would like to thank Laura Gilreath, who has been with Correctional Counseling Inc. as an MRT Trainer for over 25 years, and who has brought Moral Reconation Therapy–MRT® to life. Here is her full-length video, along with her written answers.
What do you like most about doing MRT training?
As a therapist, the best part is when trainees experience their own ‘ah-ha’ moments. It takes them by surprise and, for many, tends to be life-changing, just as it is for our clients. MRT impacted my life that way back in 1990.
What brought you into the treatment/correctional field?
From the time I was very young, people shared their personal problems with me. I remember thinking, “Do I have counselor written on my forehead?” In MRT terms, I now call it part of my Inner Self. It made sense to get into the treatment field. As far as specifically the correctional field, I think it was the challenge. Not in the sense you might think, though. I remember hearing repeatedly, especially from professors, that “criminals cannot be helped”, “the best thing to do is to just lock them away”, and “there is absolutely no treatment for an APD”! This went against everything I believed to be the truth about people. I seemed to have the ability to see good in every person, so I came to believe that no matter what someone had done, there was good in them, and they could make better choices for themselves. I think I set out to figure that out, and my correctional career began in 1983 when I started working at a medium security prison for the Oklahoma DOC. I soon learned that there was not much help for the offender population and realized that there needed to be more done than giving someone $50, a bus ticket back to the county they fell from, and a handshake upon discharge. The Employment and Housing Unit was established by DOC as part of the House Arrest program. I was able to move into the position of a Reintegration Officer. I thought, now I can really make a difference. For the next six years, I worked hard, sending people to vocational school, placing people in jobs, and helping with housing. It helped some, but I kept thinking, “There has to be something we are missing”. In 1990, I had the opportunity to go to MRT training. I remember sitting and listening to Dr. Little talk about the treatment of APD, the Inner Self, CBT, and how people can make better choices for themselves. Everything fell into place for me! The rest is history.
In doing MRT training, does any specific training stand out in any way? If so, why does it stand out from other trainings?
That is a tough question. Traveling for over 20 years, doing at least two trainings per month, has taken me to many places. In general, I enjoyed having the opportunity to get a feel for various cultures and to see the beauty of various states as well as several other countries. I came to appreciate the diversity in each community, but at the same time realized we are all more the same than different.
If I were to pick one training as my “stand out”, it would be my first trip to Australia. I remember getting stressed when I was told that there would be two thirty-minute “tea times”. Now we were already on a shortened day due to their laid-back schedule! I remember telling my husband about it, and he said,” Practice acceptance and enjoy the culture”. To which I replied, “But I have material I need to get through”! Well, I did finally relax and enjoyed the relaxed back atmosphere, dotted with sipping tea and eating biscuits (which I discovered were amazing cookies), and not discussing any business, just visiting about our lives. And I did get through ALL the material! Over the six years of traveling to do trainings in Australia, I came to appreciate their philosophy of family first and work second. Sometimes people say that, but it seems that the Australians really know how to put it into practice.
When I first trained the MRT DV program in Australia, I quickly found out that some of our English words do not mean the same thing. The MRT DV workbook uses the term BATTERERS a whole lot. So, there I was training the Australians, and every time I said the word BATTERERS, they would laugh. I finally asked them about it, and they told me that every time I said BATERERS, they thought of fish and chips! Who knew? The solution was to create an Australian version of the MRT DV and to train myself not to use that term during the training.
Who has been an inspiration in your professional career?
When I was growing up, my mother, even though she was severely mentally ill, imparted these words of wisdom. She said, “Laura, there are two things no one can ever take away from you, your faith and your education”. She constantly pushed me in both areas. I rode my bike to catechism class on Saturdays and to church on Sundays. She made sure I went to an excellent High School and never let me forget that I would go to college, being the first one to go in our family. I was able to get an academic scholarship to attend the University of Arizona. I constantly continued taking college classes despite many things and people that tried to derail me. I continued to be steadfast in attending Mass on Sunday as well.
Later in my life, my husband Barry has been and continues to be my greatest inspiration in my professional career. We met because of MRT. I had just finished my MRT training, resigned from my Oklahoma DOC job, and started working for a nonprofit Agency. This would be the first Agency in the US to implement MRT outside of the founding group. Barry worked at the Freedom House as a House Supervisor. We were married in 1991. My oldest daughter recently said this to me, “Mom, you raised us in religion, but Barry brought Jesus to us”. Not only did Barry begin to pray for us daily, but he also really kept us all covered in prayer. He prayed for the success of MRT, for the clients we worked with, and constantly encouraged me to continue on my professional journey. In 1999, when we moved to North Texas and opened our private practice, I was allowed to travel and train people in MRT. Barry encouraged me to do so, even though it meant that he would take on all the responsibilities of running the Ranch, and caretaking of our aging parents, all the while working at a local Group Home. During the twenty years on the road, Barry constantly prayed for safe travel and for participants in the training. Even now, 34 years later, when I zoom train, he offers words of encouragement. Barry values the work of MRT, and he is truly part of my inspiration.
What is your motto?
My motto is: FIND COMMON GROUND AND SPEAK LIFE.
I believe that we all have more in common than we think. When we can find common ground, we will then listen to each other. Once that connection is made, I believe in speaking life to people. What that means to me is noticing the positive in a person (their Inner Self) and speaking to that.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I consider our Habitat Harmony Ranch my greatest achievement. Almost 26 years ago, my husband and I decided to take a big step in fulfilling our Inner Selves. We bought a small Ranch in North Texas and set out to create “a peaceable habitation, sure dwellings and quiet resting places” (Isaiah 32:18). At Habitat Harmony, we can freely put our Christian faith in action, free of alcohol and drugs (we are both in recovery), and utilize all of our gifts and talents. We have been able to learn and practice new things such as natural horsemanship, equine-assisted psychotherapy, organic gardening, bird watching, bee keeping, having free-range chickens, even training baby emus, and much more. Barry is freely able to use his tremendous musical talents to minister to people. Over the years, we have put on numerous events such as an annual themed campout, the Fourth of July Worship under the Stars, as well as birthday parties, campfire get-togethers, and even a wedding. We have been able to open the Ranch to care for our aging parents as well as other family members in need of care, while they were recovering. We later incorporated as Habitat Harmony Wellness Ranch PLLC, where we see clients who want to become familiar with natural remedies (our oldest daughter is a Board-Certified Doctor of Naturopathy). To be able to pass on the numerous principles of the stewardship of the land, our bodies, nature, and animals have been our greatest reward. Now we see our children as well as our grandchildren living these principles. This could be an entire interview in and of itself, so I will stop here.
Which talent would you like to have most?
That is an easy one. I would like to be able to sing or even have rhythm, for that matter. I always say that is why I married a musician!
Any more comments?
An interview about my journey with MRT would not be complete without talking about Dr. Ken Robinson, Dr. Greg Little, Kathy Burnett, and all the CCI support staff over the years. Their wisdom, insight, genuine encouragement, and constant availability have and continue to make MRT available throughout all of the US as well as other countries. I feel blessed to continue to be part of this journey.
We are incredibly grateful to Paige for sharing her story, her heart, and more than two decades of dedication to Moral Reconation Therapy- MRT®. First trained as a facilitator in 1999 and becoming a certified MRT trainer in 2006, Paige’s journey in the justice and treatment field is both deeply personal and profoundly impactful. From beginning her career as a probation officer who once doubted that people could change, to witnessing firsthand the transformation that structured, evidence-based programming can bring, her perspective has evolved into a powerful commitment to accountability, compassion, and prevention. Shaped by personal tragedy, strengthened by professional mentorship, and grounded in her belief that “accountability saves lives,” Paige continues to train and mentor professionals across the country, helping them understand not just how MRT works, but why it works. We are honored to highlight her leadership, resilience, and unwavering dedication to making meaningful change.
Here is her full-length video, along with her written answers below:
1. How long have you been doing MRT training?
I was first trained in MRT as a facilitator in 1999 and I became an MRT trainer in 2006
2. Why did you become an MRT Trainer?
When I first started working in criminal justice, I was a probation officer and I saw the same individuals cycling in and out, and it felt like a revolving door. I was very cynical at that time and I didn’t believe that people could really change. I was of the mind set that the best thing we could do as a society was to lock people up. At least then, they wouldn’t commit crimes while they were behind bars.
I was introduced to MRT when a supervisor volunteered me (or more like ‘voluntold’ me)—to go to Memphis for training so I could come back and facilitate groups. I didn’t expect it, but that training completely changed my perspective not only with work but in my personal life. Keep in mind I knew nothing at all about programs or facilitating but I literally saw people transform before my eyes. And I knew it wasn’t me. It was the curriculum. It was fascinating to me and I wanted to become better and learn more. Thankfully I was able to become a certified trainer and that pushed me to also learn more about Cognitive Behavioral Treatment programs and Substance Use Disorders.
3. What was your first MRT training as a Trainer like?
I honestly don’t remember the very first MRT training I ever led, but I absolutely remember my first training as a representative of CCI. I was flying across the country to Albuquerque, New Mexico, and I was excited but also nervous. I had only flown a few times in my life and I was terrified of the Atlanta airport. I flew to New Mexico wearing sweatpants and tennis shoes. I remember this because when I landed, the airline had lost my luggage and I had no work clothes. It was late in the evening, most of the stores were closed, and I had a moment of panic about how I was going to look professional the next morning.
I ended up at a Walmart searching for anything remotely appropriate and made it work, but I stayed up all night hoping my luggage would show up. Long story short, it was delivered at 6 am-just in time for me to shower. I was exhausted that first day from not sleeping but the training went well and it was a lot of fun exploring a new city. It taught me early on to be adaptable, flexible and not to be so uptight when the unexpected happens.
4. What do you like most about doing MRT training?
I love helping facilitators really understand the ‘why’ behind MRT. It’s incredible to see that lightbulb moment when they connect the steps to real-life client behavior. I also enjoy traveling, meeting new people, and learning how other agencies in the field are doing things with the justice involved population.
5. What brought you into the treatment/correctional field?
What brought me into this field was a tragedy that shaped my entire life. I am a member of the Alday family and the year before I was born, six members of my family were murdered. It is one of the most infamous murders in Ga history. I grew up watching my family navigate the criminal justice system as victims, hoping for justice in a system that we felt did not protect us. I was angry and believed that if I went to law school, I could become a prosecutor and put away the “bad guys”. Over time, especially as I learned more about people, trauma, and substance use, I realized something important — that preventing harm can be even more powerful than responding to it. The Alday tragedy isn’t just a chapter of my family’s past—it’s the lens through which I view my work every day. My career isn’t just professional—it’s personal. And over the years, I’ve come to recognize that what I do now is what I call the Alday effect: using the pain of the past to prevent future tragedies.
One of the most powerful moments in my career came during a MRT training I was leading for a group of new probation officers. After I spoke about trauma, resilience, and why structure and compassion are not opposites, one officer stayed behind. He said, “I’ve never thought about how much pain people are carrying before they even get to us. I’m going to do this differently.” That one shift—that’s the Alday effect. And that is why I stay in this field.
6. How have you used MRT concepts in your life.
The MRT concept that’s helped me the most in my own life is Step 3 — Acceptance. Learning to let go of what I can’t control and focus on what I can has honestly been life-changing for me. I’m someone who tends to take on a lot, so reminding myself of that step keeps me grounded. Sometimes I literally have to repeat it like a mantra.
Another part of MRT that’s really influenced my personal life is the
goal-setting process. Writing down goals, breaking them into smaller steps, and holding myself accountable has pushed me forward in both my career and my education.
One of my favorite quotes from the MRT workbook is, ‘A major difference between people who are happy and successful in life and those who are unhappy and unsuccessful is that the happy, successful people chart their course in life.’ I really believe that. It reminds me that if I want to grow, I have to be intentional—write things down, look at them, and plan—because that’s how real progress happens.
7. Does any specific training stand out? Why?
I have already mentioned my first training but another was in Idaho. I fell in love with that part of the country and the people who lived there. Now I want to go out west to do training every chance I get. CCI knows I have a really hard time turning down those offers
8. Who has been inspirational in your professional career?
This one was tough, but if I had to pick just one person, it would be my very first clinical supervisor. She was basically Mary Poppins — professional, polite, incredibly smart, ethical and somehow endlessly patient with me. She didn’t just model patience; she taught me how to have patience when working with clients. If I’d ended up with a different supervisor while I was working toward my addiction certification, I honestly don’t know if I’d be where I am today. She set me on the right path and I’m forever grateful for that.
9. What is your motto?
I think that I have had a lot of different mottos throughout different stages of my life but if I had to pick one, it would be that “Accountability saves lives”. Not just with the justice involved population but society as a whole. No one changes if they believe they are a victim.
10. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement has been being able to make a real difference in people’s lives — not only the clients I work with, but also the facilitators and professionals I’ve trained. I’m especially proud of the work I’ve done with veterans.
I am passionate about what I do because at the end of the day, I don’t want to just reduce recidivism. I want to save lives. And I am extremely proud to represent my family. In 2003, I testified in front of the House and Senate in Ga to lobby for the Alday family bill, which requires the state of Georgia to send regular case updates to surviving family members of death row inmates. I’m proud that I’ve been able to take difficult personal and family experiences and turn them into meaningful work that supports others — and that I was open-minded enough to realize the best way to make a difference isn’t always through punishment, but through helping people change before another family is affected.
11. Which talent would you like to have most?
The talent or ability that I’d most like to have (and still struggle with) is the ability to slow down and truly enjoy the small moments in life. I naturally run at a very high speed, and I often stay in that mode until I’m completely out of energy. I love what I do, which makes it hard to shut off that part of my brain and just be present. It’s something I’ve been intentionally working on, taking more vacations, setting boundaries, and taking better care of my health—so I can create more balance and appreciate life as it’s happening.
12. Any more comments?
I’m really grateful for the supervisor (shout out to Johnny Prescott) who sent me to MRT training back when I didn’t yet have the vision to see how powerful it could be. Becoming an MRT facilitator completely changed the trajectory of my life. I can’t imagine not being involved in MRT training and fidelity work now. It genuinely works, and I’ve seen over and over how it transforms lives.
