The Challenge
Moving Beyond Punishment
The traditional justice system often struggles to address the root causes of recidivism. For individuals dealing with substance abuse, mental health challenges, or unstable housing, incarceration is rarely the most effective solution.
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Justice professionals need more than just intent; they need practical, battle-tested strategies that satisfy court expectations while giving people a real opportunity to succeed.
About Squared Away Consulting
Insights From the Inside
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I founded Squared Away Consulting, LLC to bring 25+ years of federal probation experience to the table. As a founding member of an alternative sentencing program, I don’t just understand the law—I understand federal supervision from the inside.
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I provide the expertise needed to navigate pretrial release, probation, and post-conviction supervision, ensuring that every case plan is grounded in reality and designed for success.
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Cordie
I am honored to write this letter regarding Michelle Ries and her role in the CASA program. Michelle was absolutely
great—her support and guidance helped me think about a new career path and encouraged me to go back to
school. Her insight and encouragement gave me the confidence to take important steps toward improving my
future.
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Michelle’s knowledge and experience make her an incredible asset to the CASA program. She has a genuine
kindness that shines through in all her interactions, making those she mentors feel supported and valued. I have no
doubt that Michelle will be an outstanding mentor to anyone involved in CASA, offering not only guidance but also
compassion and understanding.
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Her dedication to helping others succeed is truly inspiring, and I am grateful for the positive impact she had on my
life.
Cheyenne
I have had the pleasure of having Michelle Ries as my pretrial service officer, MRT leader and CASA program leader from the year 2021-2022. During my time in the CASA program Mrs. Ries dedicated numerous hours in the program as well as out of program hours to assist me in becoming successful in the program and in my daily life.
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She made extreme efforts to not only show that she cared but also was determined to help those in the program succeed. Mrs. Reis made efforts to attend child custody court with me as a support system, she made numerous recommendation letters, and made sure my successes were seen. She is a great candidate as a mentor for the CASA program. From her determination to kind heart, her work never goes unnoticed.
Timothy
I previously served as a United States Magistrate Judge in Los Angeles for 13 years. I participated in the CASA program for over a decade. During that time, I came to know Ms. Ries quite well. She was a dedicated, compassionate, and talented member of our Pretrial Services Agency. Additionally, during her tenure in federal service, she was one of the key people at the core of the CASA program.
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In a nutshell, Ms. Ries has been devoted to supporting people in our CASA program while simultaneously protecting our community. I’m thrilled that she’d like to resume her work with CASA following her retirement from public service. Her involvement will undoubtedly help our participants to turn their lives around. Funding her return will provide a great resource to our Court and help advance our goal of rehabilitating people charged with federal crimes.
​Kavanah
I am honored to write this letter in support of Michelle Ries and her consulting business, created with CASA participants in mind. As someone who has witnessed her journey firsthand, I can say with deep sincerity that she is not only well-suited for this work, but she is living proof of its importance.
Ms. Ries is the reason I am standing here today as a contributing and stable member of society. Despite my past mistakes, it was her unwavering support, guidance, and belief in me that helped me turn my life around. Without her help, I truly don’t know where I would be.
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Her vision for a consulting business that provides additional case management support for CASA participants and those alike is both timely and necessary. Many individuals in the program need more personalized attention, someone who can walk alongside them when they feel overwhelmed or unsure. Ms. Ries knows exactly what that takes, and more importantly, she knows how to deliver it with patience, empathy, and consistency.
Her ability to connect, advocate, and empower others makes her an ideal fit for this kind of work. I wholeheartedly support this endeavor and believe it will be a vital resource for many who need that extra hand to help them succeed, just like I did.
M. Wilner
This letter is in support of former United States Pretrial/Probation Officer Michelle Ries taking up a paid position associated with the Conviction and Sentence Alternatives (“CASA”) program in the Central District of California. One of the duties of Ms. Ries would be to take up a support and mentoring role with persons in the groups who are struggling to maintain sobriety and also have adjacent problems in maintaining safe and affordable housing while in the CASA program.
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The CASA groups in Los Angeles meets on a bi-weekly basis. One of the groups is led by the Honorable Dolly M. Gee, Chief United States District Judge, and the other is led by the Honorable Andre Birotte, United States District Judge. Each of the two groups has approximately 15 persons assigned to it.
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I have worked with Ms. Ries for approximately 10 years, though I only know her in a professional capacity. Ms. Ries has a remarkable ability to hold the participants accountable for the actions, including relapse, but at the same time reflects a tremendous humanity that recognizes the errors that all persons can make. This is particularly so for persons who grew up in fractured family environments and in neighborhood where old associations remain present and a threat of again influencing the participants.
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Ms. Ries has a remarkable work ethic. The members of the CASA team would frequently receive updates after hours and on weekends when a CASA participant encountered obstacles. Sometimes Ms. Ries would organize an after hours conference call with team members to discuss an issue needing immediately. In addition, to myself, I believe Ms. Ries has the constant support and respect of the bench officers, members of the United States Attorney’s Office, the Federal Public Defender’s Office and the other probation and pretrial officers in the Office.
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I recommend Ms. Ries for the position unreservedly and enthusiastically. She is the perfect combination of strict, down-to-earth, requirements with a recognition of the patience needed with participants.
Our Services
Federal Pretrial Services and Probation
Consultant
One on One Case Management
/Mentoring
​Alternative to Incarceration curriculum
Training and Educational Services
​Individualized Assessment and Case Planning
