Excited to support and empower others, Shelby Mikkelson is the Free to Learn Specialist, where she provides guidance and resources to students affected by the justice system. Her role allows her to advocate for those seeking education and personal growth, helping them break through barriers and realize their full potential. She is a dedicated scholar and advocate for justice-involved individuals.

Inspired by her husband's own experiences with the criminal justice system, Shelby is passionate about creating a supportive space for justice-impacted individuals to recognize their worth and succeed in their endeavors. Her husband's journey from facing incarceration and probation to creating a successful and fulfilling life is a powerful motivator for her work.

She holds an Associate of Arts in Automotive Technology and was a certified diesel mechanic before stepping away from the workforce to focus on raising her family. Later, as a first-generation, non-traditional student, Shelby pursued higher education at the University of Wyoming, determined to become an advocate for justice-impacted individuals.

Driven by a deep desire to make a difference in the justice system, Shelby continued her academic journey, earning a Master's degree in Criminology, Law, and Society from the University of Florida. She is now completing her Doctorate at the University of Florida, furthering her expertise and commitment to addressing the challenges faced by justice-involved individuals.

Shelby believes that we all make mistakes, but those mistakes do not define us. She is committed to advocating for individuals who have been impacted by the justice system, emphasizing that everyone has the potential for growth and success, regardless of their past. With her unique combination of personal experience and academic expertise, she is a passionate voice for change and a strong advocate for second chances.