Karen E. Balman, MSW

Founder

Karen is genuine in her relationships with a unique ability to quickly connect and establish trusting relationships with people. This pairs well with her educational pursuits and career path.

Karen earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with a minor in Anthropology from LeMoyne College and a Master of Social Work degree from Syracuse University. She completed a year-long internship with the U.S. Federal Probation and Pretrial Services System and an spent an additional year learning the mitigation profession under the supervision of veteran mitigation expert, Richard Luciani, MSW. Karen holds Mitigation Certification from the National Legal Aid and Defender Association.

Prior to forming Paraclete Forensic Mitigation, Karen occupied the role of sole in-house Criminal Mitigation Specialist at CDH Law PLLC, preparing reports for DWI offenders, criminal defendants, and reports in support of Sex Offender Risk Assessment (SORA) modification petitions.

Karen works with attorneys throughout New York State and in the Federal Court system.

As a daughter, widow and mother of United States Army veterans, Karen has a heart for veterans’ issues. Karen remains committed to preserving the dignity, worth and self-determination of all individuals.

Ellen Phillips, MSW

Before joining Paraclete Forensic Mitigation Services, Ellen was employed as a Supervisory U.S. Probation Officer. During her 27-year tenure, Ellen conducted comprehensive investigations for federal judges. She wrote presentence and bail reports and was relied upon to make sentencing and bail recommendations to federal judges. Ellen supervised individuals who were charged with and convicted of federal crimes. Ellen has a unique ability to build rapport which allows her to effectively assess a person’s risks and needs.

Ellen was the lead of the Critical Incident Stress Management Team for over 20 years. She served the Onondaga County community as a volunteer for the City County Trauma Response Network and is a national trainer for Stress First Aid. Ellen was a local coach for probation officers on how to utilize skills aimed at reducing recidivism, mitigating risk, and promoting positive behavioral changes. Ellen continues to give back to the field of social work by volunteering as a field instructor for Syracuse University’s School of Social Work. She was honored to receive the Northern District of New York Line Officer of the Year.

Ellen’s genuine interest in helping others combined with her extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system are the skills you want in a mitigation specialist. She can provide consultation in the areas of pretrial; sentencing (including federal sentencing guidelines); community supervision; and violations of community supervision.

Ellen graduated Summa Cum Laude from Syracuse University with a Master’s Degree in Social Work. She has extensive knowledge in the effects of trauma; case management; sexual offenses; and addictions. Ellen believes everyone has a unique story that deserves to be told.

Jeannine E. LaPorta

Jeannine is our mitigation specialist serving the Albany, New York area. She has an impressive career as a Supervisory United States Probation Officer for the Northern District of New York (NDNY). Her 25-year tenure equipped her with unparalleled expertise in case management and investigation. She is adept at the preparation of comprehensive investigative reports for the federal judiciary which include bail reports, presentence reports, and recommendations for sentencing, violations of supervision, and matters of bail for persons charged or convicted of federal offenses.

Jeannine has a remarkable ability to leverage various community resources to create specialized plans that address the unique needs of her clients, ensuring they receive the support necessary for successful rehabilitation and reintegration in the community. Jeannine is well versed in building a rapport with clients as well as their families, friends, and other collateral supports by approaching each interaction with a non-judgmental attitude, compassion, and respect.

Jeannine has been instrumental in coaching federal probation and pretrial officers nationwide. The training program focused on utilizing skills aimed at reducing recidivism, mitigating risk, addressing needs, and promoting positive behavioral changes in clients. Her expertise in evidence-based practices has had a significant impact on the effectiveness of probation and pretrial services supervision across the country and the success of her clients.

Jeannine’s involvement in outreach programs and sex offender maintenance groups as a regional representative for the Federal Probation and Pretrial Officers Association and membership in the Critical Incident Stress Management Team highlight her commitment to the well-being of her clients, colleagues, and community. Jeannine was the recipient of the highest honors in her field including National and NDNY Line Officer of the Year awards.

In addition to her extensive professional experience, Jeannine graduated Summa Cum Laude, with a Master of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice, from the State University at Albany.

Jeannine’s career is a testament to her unwavering dedication to public service. Her transition to mitigation specialist is driven by the same passion and commitment that characterized her work in community corrections and the federal judiciary. Jeannine’s deep understanding of the legal system will assist clients by providing pretrial, sentencing, and community supervision consultation; preparation of mitigation reports, early termination of supervision requests, and Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act modifications; or the utilization of federal supervision skills aimed at reducing recidivism through cognitive restructuring.