Sarah C. McCowin

I am currently a Probation Officer III for the Lawrence County Adult Probation Office, in New Castle, PA. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Criminal & Legal Processes in 2011 from Youngstown State University. I returned to school in 2013 and subsequently graduated in 2016 with my Master of Science in Legal Studies, with a concentration in Homeland Security, from California University of Pennsylvania (now PennWest California). I have worked in probation & parole since 2010, completing an internship and short period as a Probation Officer Aide. Since becoming a probation officer in 2012, I have supervised a variety of different caseloads and assisted in developing a pretrial division. I have been the supervising probation officer for the Lawrence County Treatment Court program since 2018. I am passionate about helping those who are justice involved find their footing and get back on track to live productive lives while maintaining sobriety, while helping to reduce recidivism rates. 

I received my Motivational Interviewing Training in October/November 2018. In May 2019, I became a certified trainer through the Center for Strength Based Strategies, being trained by a MINT status trainer. I have also conducted departmental trainings for the Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision and Criminogenic Needs. In 2022, I completed training to become a Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) facilitator and conduct groups with participants of the Treatment Court program.

I was born and raised in New Castle, PA, where I still reside with my husband and our 12-year old son. 

I joined Westminster faculty in 2024 and am looking forward to imparting the knowledge I have gained in my career to the next generation of criminal justice students.