Episode 44: Navigating Mental Health and Leadership in Federal Corrections with Andrea Ballesteros

The LEO First Podcast

Join us on Episode 44 of the LEO First Podcast as we sit down with Andrea Ballesteros, a seasoned psychologist who has risen to the role of Deputy Chief in the federal correctional setting system. Andrea, a dedicated mom and wife, opens up about her journey in law enforcement and her profound commitment to mental health.

From her aspirations in 6th grade to her current leadership position, Andrea shares the challenges of staffing issues in recruiting psychologists and the delicate balance of work and personal life. Learn how she navigates the difficult conversations that happen behind the walls and how mentorship plays a crucial role in professional development.

Andrea reflects on her hardest days, including instances of inmate suicide and homicide, and emphasizes the importance of connections and support within the team. Discover the stigma surrounding mental health and why creating genuine connections is vital, especially when dealing with high-stress situations.

Explore Andrea's insights on work-life balance and the need for promoting a holistic approach to well-being. Drawing parallels with military practices like Reacclimation, Andrea discusses the science behind managing stress and adrenaline, emphasizing the significance of sleep and creating habits to maintain peak performance.

In the episode, Andrea shares her frustrations when individuals fail to pursue their potential and offers advice on focusing on personal growth to make a positive impact within any agency.

Connect with Andrea on LinkedIn and don't miss her final words of wisdom – focus on yourself and find ways to make a positive impact within the agency you serve.

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