ASF.proof

Room for Improvement

“I work with people across Maryland,” Leonard said. “At ASF, we pride ourselves on giving people hope for better futures. To see people broken and then see them on the other side as productive citizens, that’s the most rewarding part because we can see that we are making a difference. Our clients have to stay determined and put in a lot of work to get better. As Dr. Campbell says, ‘A rose can grow out of concrete.” Still, on federal, state, and local levels, Leonard sees ample room for improvement related to treating drug-involved offenders. Furthermore, although wholeheartedly thankful for the instrumental partnerships that ASF has forged, she hopes to build more long-lasting relationships to support the organization’s vision and strengthen its cause. “I would personally like to see more partnerships and more supportive financial services because many people don’t realize that ASF is a nonprofit and it takes funding to make our program

work,” Leonard said. “I would also like for more people to recognize, especially in Baltimore City, that mental wellness is a real concern. Locking somebody up and not dealing with the problem is not the answer. We need to improve the criminal justice system and truly help people struggling with addiction.”

SupposedTo Do Despite already possessing a diverse skill set, Leonard is constantly seeking to improve herself. For example, since the onset of the pandemic in March, she earned her certification in COVID-19 contact tracing. “Because my background was completely different, I’ve done a lot to understand this industry,” Leonard, who also has a mental health first aid certification, said. “I never want to stop learning. Spiritually, that’s all I can bring to the table at this point, and hopefully, I’m doing what I’m supposed to do.” It’s safe to presume that many Marylanders believe that Katrina Leonard is doing what she’s “supposed to do.”