More Than Just Walls: Designing Correctional Environments that Heal, Not Harm

ICPA 2025 Presentation by Deanna Dwenger and Tony Vie (PID072)

Authors

Dr Deanna Dwenger

Chief Behavioral Health Advisor, Psychologist , Elevatus Architecture, United States

Dr. Deanna Dwenger is a clinical psychologist specializing in correctional and forensic psychology. She earned her doctorate from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology after completing a dual bachelor's in Psychology and Criminal Justice. Her career began with an internship at the Federal Bureau of Prisons, followed by over a decade with the Indiana Department of Correction. There, she served in roles ranging from correctional psychologist at Indiana’s most acute mental health unit to later the statewide Director of Behavioral Health, overseeing over 120 behavioral health staff. In her most recent public sector role as Executive Director of Behavioral Health, Dr. Dwenger led all mental health, addiction, sex offender treatment, and staff wellness initiatives across Indiana’s prison system. She shaped statewide policies, secured critical grants, and ensured access to appropriate treatment for thousands of incarcerated individuals.

In 2025, she joined Elevatus Architecture as Chief Behavioral Health Advisor, where she bridges psychology and design to create environments that promote healing, safety, and human dignity. Her work now focuses on infusing behavioral health principles into the built environment across justice, healthcare, and educational settings. Passionate about reform, Dr. Dwenger is dedicated to transforming systems to support recovery, resilience, and hope.

Tony Vie

Partner, Justice Market Leader, Elevatus Architecture, United States

Tony Vie, AIA, is Partner and Justice Market Leader at Elevatus Architecture. He manages and oversees all justice and correctional projects, serving as the technical-focused designer for most justice planning initiatives. Tony works exclusively on justice projects, collaborating with county, state, and private clients to develop tailored solutions. He leads public presentations and ensures project requirements are met. Tony holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Ball State University, is a registered architect in the United States, and is active in several professional associations.

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