Reyshell Bates

Reyshell Bates serves as a probation officer in the criminal justice field, where she has worked for about 2 years. She supervises over 151 individuals, referring defendants to treatment for substance abuse, alcohol, or anger issues, coordinating classes, conducting evaluations and testing, assisting with GEDs, performing check-ins, and using the Texas Risk Assessment to develop case plans. Bates earned her associate's and bachelor's degrees from American Intercontinental University after deciding to study criminal justice, motivated by the loss of her mother to domestic violence. She is currently pursuing a Master's of Legal Studies at Texas A&M University, with an expected graduation in May 2027 and a concentration in Human Resources and Employment Law. Prior to her current role, she worked as a claims adjuster and as a private investigator for about a year, including on homicide cases in Houston. Bates attributes her drive to her children and her desire to help others through rehabilitation, while navigating professional challenges such as intimidation from colleagues with more tenure. She values inclusivity, diversity, and peace of mind in her professional life, and family, support, love, happiness, and putting God first in her personal life.