News

News  Women’s Recovery Court Session Inspires and Empowers Attendees in Journey to Sobriety

The Massachusetts Trial Court, District Court, and the Massachusetts Probation Service and community partners are hosting the 2025 Women’s Recovery Court Session now
5/08/2025
  • Massachusetts Probation Service

Media Contact

Coria Holland, Communications Director

A panel of individuals seated on a stage with a speaker at a podium, under a purple balloon arch.
Panel discussion

More than 200 women have filled the hall at Anthony’s in Malden this morning to celebrate, support, and share stories of challenges and triumph at the Women’s Recovery Court Session. This year’s theme is “Inspire and Empower.”

Person speaking at a podium with purple balloons in the background.
Malden District Court First Justice Emily A. Karstetter

This annual celebration, presented by Malden District Court Probation and the Massachusetts Trial Court, was first introduced 12 years ago by then Chelsea District Court Judge Benjamin Barnes, who is now Edgartown District Court First Justice, then Chelsea Probation Probation Officer Judy Lawler (now retired Malden District ACPO) and Katie O’Leary of North Suffolk Community Services.

A person speaking at a podium with purple balloons in the background.
Amanda Rowan, Middlesex Superior Assistant Clerk, sharing her experience and sobriety journey to the Women's Recovery Court Session now at Anthony's in Malden

Malden District Court First Justice Emily Karstetter, Lynn District Court First Justice Ina Howard-Hogan, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Malden Chief Probation Officer Marisa Cogliandro-Vaughan provided remarks of encouragement and empowerment.

Person holding an award near a podium under a purple balloon arch in an event space.
Fall River District Court Probation Officer II Erinn Lanczycki

The Benjamin C. Barnes-Women’s Recovery Court Session Awards were presented to Fall River District Court Probation Officer II Erinn Lanczycki; Crystal Roca, Chelsea Sober House Manager; and Caitlin Diblasi, RN, Nurse Case Manager at North Suffolk Community Services.

This celebration is being streamed to incarcerated women of the Women’s Program Services Division of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office.

Media Contact

  • Massachusetts Probation Service 

    MPS's main goal is to keep communities safe and to provide people on probation with the rehabilitative tools they need to live a productive and law-abiding life.
  • Help Us Improve Mass.gov  with your feedback

    Please do not include personal or contact information.
    Feedback