Employee Spotlight: Kristal Miller Earns Doctorate, Celebrates 15 Years at Kintock
Kintock is thrilled to celebrate Kristal Miller's 15-year anniversary and her recent achievement of earning a doctorate degree. Kristal has been an invaluable asset to our organization, making significant contributions to our sex offender treatment programs and reentry services.
Kristal began her Kintock journey in 2009 working part-time with the sex offender population at the company's Paterson Community Release Center (CRC) and was quickly promoted to Clinical Supervisor of the Newark and Paterson CRCs.
Her leadership was instrumental in establishing Kintock's sex offender treatment programs in Paterson and Newark as premier models in New Jersey. Together, these programs served approximately 200 clients per month. As Clinical Supervisor, Kristal oversaw multiple treatment groups. Subsequently, she was promoted to Clinical Director of Kintock’s federal Substance Use Disorders and Sex Offender Outpatient Programs in Newark and Paterson, New Jersey.
Her dedication and expertise led to her promotion to Corporate Director of Program Services in 2014. In this role, she oversees program services at all of Kintock's reentry programs in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including curriculum selection. With over 20 years of experience in counseling, supervision, and case management, Kristal holds numerous licenses and certifications.
Reflecting on her career, Kristal shared, "Many of the positions I've held at Kintock were created for me. There were opportunities to explore new contracts and fields, and my leadership strengths helped me carve out those opportunities." She is especially thankful for the supportive staff she’s enjoyed working with during her time at Kintock.
When asked what inspired her to pursue a career in this field and work at Kintock, Kristal replied, "It chose me. When I graduated from school, I had the opportunity to work in a prison setting, which wasn't my first choice. But it stuck with me. Years later, talking to a college professor and mentor, I realized I had made a profession out of community corrections."
Kristal's passion for helping others is evident in her work. She shared a powerful experience from her early days in corrections: "My first day working in a correctional setting, it was a therapeutic community. Seeing the impact of this program firsthand on a group of 300 men (classified offenders and deemed antisocial) who actively participated in treatment groups was amazing. I saw how the work transformed people's lives. It was a transformation."
When asked what words of wisdom she has to offer to those interested in a career in corrections, she says, "Don't leave 5 minutes before the miracle. It's a tough environment to work in. Stay, see how far you can go," she says.
Kristal's dedication to her field and her commitment to helping others have not gone unnoticed. She earned multiple awards while pursuing her PhD at Kean University, including, J. Barry Mascari Heart of a Counselor Award, Spring 2023; the American Counseling Association, Association for Multicultural Counseling & Development, Merging Graduate Student Leader Award, Spring 2023; and the Kean University, Chi Sigma Iota, Kappa Upsilon Nu Chapter, Outstanding Service Award, among others.
These accolades are a testament to Kristal's exceptional academic achievements and her dedication to the field of counseling.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kristal is a passionate advocate for individuals reentering society. She believes in the power of second chances and is committed to supporting those who are working to rebuild their lives. “Kristal’s leadership and expertise have been instrumental in creating programs that provide the necessary tools and support for individuals to succeed, “ said Gretchen Wiseman, Chief Administrative Officer.
As Kristal embarks on the next chapter of her career, Kintock is honored to celebrate her 15-year anniversary and her remarkable achievements. Her contributions to the organization have been invaluable, and her dedication to helping others is an inspiration to all. We look forward to continuing to work alongside her as she makes a positive impact on the lives of countless individuals.
Congratulations, Kristal, on your 15-year anniversary and your doctoral degree!