Colleagues in the Spotlight
Last Updated 2/4/2012
Daryl Francis Named DJJ Deputy Director
The Capital District Chapter VJJA welcomes DARYL FRANCIS. Mr. Francis was named the DJJ's Deputy Director of Administration & Finance. Prior to joining DJJ, Mr. Francis served 32 years in the US Army where he attained the rank of Colonel. During his last four years of service, Mr. Francis served as the Director of the Joint Staff for the Department of Military Affairs where he was responsible for the day to day operation of the agency and had oversight for all joint military functions and programs related to the Virginia Army and Air National Guard. Mr. Francis is a native of South Boston and a graduate of Liberty University. (February 2012)
Paul Greggs To Lead Veteran's Shelter
Long time Tidewater District Chapter member PAUL GREGGS bid farewell to the Tidewater Youth Services Commission (TYSC) to accept a position with the Salvation Army. Paul will direct a sixty-bed Veterans’ Transitional Shelter. Paul had worked for the TYSC for 22 years. He last served as Director of Lynnhaven Boys Home. Paul will continue to work for the TYSC part-time facilitating Aggression Replacement Training (ART) groups. Paul is a former member of VJJA’s Board of Directors. He was also the association’s VJJA's 2005 Meritorious Award in the Area of Community Service. (February 2012)
Lawson Promoted to 2A CSU Director
ERICA LAWSON was promoted to Director of DJJ’s 2A Court Service Unit on the Eastern Shore; Erica was previously a Probation Supervisor at the 2A CSU. She has also worked as an In-Home Counselor with the Eastern Shore Community Services Board, a Social Worker with the Accomack County Department of Social Services and as a Program Supervisor for Offender Aid and Restoration of Arlington. Erica attended Virginia Wesleyan College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology/Criminal Justice. She and husband, Dane, a Senior Trooper with the VA State Police, and son Ryan make their home in Melfa. (February 2012)
Patterson Named Norfolk Superintendent
Tidewater area colleague CAREY PATTERSON has been named Superintendent of the Norfolk Juvenile Detention Home. Carey had been the Assistant Superintendent at the Virginia Beach Juvenile Detention Home. He has also worked as a Supervisor with the Merrimac Center / Middle Peninsula Juvenile Detention Commission, a counselor with Norfolk Detention and a Counselor with Newport News Juvenile Detention. Carey holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Roanoke College and Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from Old Dominion University. (January 2012)
Peed Appointed Beh & Health Serv Admin
Capital District Chapter colleague DR. STEVEN PEED has been appointed DJJ’s Behavioral and Health Services Administrator. He previously served as the Director of the Behavioral Services Unit. Dr. Peed began his employment with DJJ in 1992 as the Behavioral Services Unit (BSU Treatment Director. He was promoted to Director of the BSU in 2006. Dr. Peed received his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Furman University in South Carolina and his Master’s Degree and Ph.D. of Psychology from the University of Georgia. (January 2012)
Dowdy Promoted to AP Supervisor
Congratulations to DENISE DOWDY on her recent promotion to Accounts Payable Supervisor at the Department of Juvenile Justice. Denise has worked for the Commonwealth of Virginia for 26 years. She first joined the Department of Juvenile Justice in 2000 when she became the Executive Secretary to then Chief Deputy Director David Marsden. Denise has also served as Accounts Payable Technician and Accounts Payable Technician Senior. She is President of the Virginia Administrative Support Association (VASA). (January 2012)
Valentine Receives 35 Year Service Award
Congratulations to VJJA Capital District Member ANGELA VALENTINE, on the professional milestone of 35 Years of Service to the Commonwealth of Virginia. Angela is the DJJ's Community Programs Manager. A long time VJJA member, in 2006, Angela was presented VJJA's Meritorious Award in the Area of Administration. She and her husband Rick reside in Henrico County. They have two grown sons, NIcholas and Matthew. (January 2012)
Farmer Receives 25 Year Service Award
Congratulations to VJJA Board Member KATHERINE FARMER, on the professional milestone of 25 Years of Service to the Commonwealth of Virginia. Katherine was recently promoted and serves as one of the DJJ's Community Programs Specialists. A longtime member of the VJJA Board, she currently serves as the association's Director of Partnerships. Katherine is the proud mom of twins Martin and Jonathan, both of whom are serving in the armed forces.
VJJA Executive Team Kicks Off Year
Members of the VJJA Executive Committee convened in Richmond on January 20 to kick off the New Year. (L-R) Amanda Moseley, Secretary, Toni Craig, Vice President, Susan Farmer, President and Tom Keating, Treasurer. Not Pictured: Beth Mohler Stinnett, Immediate Past President.
Jones Receives 10 Year Service Award
Please join the Capital District Chapter of VJJA in congratulating member LETTA PORTER JONES on the professional milestone of 10 Years of Service to the Commonwealth of Virginia. Letta serves as the DJJ's Interstate Compact Specialist. She previously served as the Post-Dispositional Detention Program Coordinator at the James River Juvenile Detention Home in Goochland County. Letta has also served as a Probation Officer for both the 12th Court Service Unit - Chesterfield and the 13th Court Service Unit - Richmond. (January 2012)
Charlson Transfers to Richmond CSU
STEVE CHARLSON joined the staff of the DJJ’s 13th District Court Service Unit—Richmond as Probation/Parole Supervisor. He had been a Probation Supervisor in the agency’s 5th District Court Service Unit - Suffolk. (January 2012)
New Parole Officers Welcomed at 13th CSU
Join VJJA’s Capital District Chapter in welcoming three new Parole Officers to the DJJ’s 13th District Court Service Unit—Richmond … DANTE EVANS, JOANIE ROCKETTE-WEBB andJEFFREY BUCKLES. (December 2011)
Jerry Johnson Named Senior Trainer
Capital District Chapter colleague, JERRY JOHNSON, has joined the DJJ’s Training Unit, as a Senior Training and Development Coordinator. Jerry began his career with the Commonwealth more than 22 years ago after serving in the U.S. Air Force. His first position with DJJ was as a Learning Center Supervisor at the Beaumont JCC. He was later promoted to Cottage Manager and in 1993 became Beaumont’s Institutional Training Officer. Jerry has also been employed as a Captain at the DOC Academy for Staff Development as a Captain. He serves as the Program Manager of JCO Basic Skills training. (December 2011)
Deron Phipps Featured on Radio Program
Capital District Chapter Colleague, DERON PHIPPS, was among the featured speakers on the "HearSay with Cathy Lewis" radio program addressing “Juvenile Jail: A System in Need of Change.” Deron, who was promoted in the recent past, is the DJJ’s Policy & Planning Director. Other guests were the Honorable Jerauld C. Jones, Norfolk Circuit Court, Attorney Kate Duvall, JustChildren and Bart Lubow, Director, Juvenile Justice Strategy Group, Annie E. Casey Foundation. Readers who missed the live broadcast, can listen to the audio archive here: http://hearsay.org/post/Juvenile-Jail-A-system-in-need-of-change.aspx
Stephan Stark Joins NCG
Please join the Capital District Chapter of the VJJA in congratulating STEPHAN STARK on his new job at National Counseling Group. Stephan has accepted the position of Vice President of Planning and Development at NCG. Stephan had been a senior director at Intercept Youth Services for 14 years. Stephan is also a former District Officer of the VJJA Capital District Chapter and an exhibitor and participant at the VJJA Fall Institute. Stephan shared with us that he is excited about his new role and fully intends to continue the pursuit of service excellence and innovation. Stephan's new contact information is: 5002 Monument Ave, Richmond, VA 23230, 804‐314‐3604, Stephan.Stark@nationalcounselinggroup.com
Peterson-Wilson Joins DJJ Policy Unit
VJJA's Capital District Chapter congratulates colleague BARBARA PETERSON-WILSON on her new role. Barbara has joined the DJJ's Legislative and Research Section as the new Regulatory and Policy Coordinator. Previously she worked in local government, serving four years as the Program Director for the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative at the Richmond J&DR Court and four years as the Criminal Justice Planner for the City of Richmond. Barbara obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Government Administration from Christopher Newport University in Newport News and a Juris Doctorate from the T.C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond. (December 2011)
Claudette Overton Retires from NorfolkCSU
Tidewater District colleague CLAUDETTE OVERTON, retired as Director of the DJJ's 4th District Court Service Unit - Norfolk after more than 36 years of service to the Commonwealth of Virginia. Over her 36+ years of service Claudette served as Probation Officer, Mediator, Probation Supervisor, Deputy Director and Director. Through the years she received many accolades, including VJJA's 2009 Meritorious Award in the Area of Administration. Under her leadership, the Norfolk CSU and community successfully participated in a number of practice improvement initiatives, most notably the AECF's Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI). In 2008, Claudette was selected for participation in the Annie E. Casey Foundation's Inaugural Applied Leadership Network. (Jan 2012)
Michael Thelk Returns to DJJ's Abraxas
Please join the Valley District Chapter of the Virginia Juvenile Justice Association (VJJA) in welcoming colleague MICHAEL THELK back to juvenile justice. Mike has been named the Director of the Abraxas House Community Youth Home, in Staunton. Mike previously worked for the Department of Juvenile Justice as a Rehabilitation Counselor Supervisor at Abraxas from April 1999 until August 2002). More recently, Mike worked for the Department of Rehabilitative Services at the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center. Mike has a Master’s Degree from West Virginia University in Rehabilitation Counseling. He and his family make their home in Staunton, Virginia. Please join VJJA in welcoming Mike back to juvenile justice and wishing him well in his new role. (January 2012)
Boykin Named Norfolk CSU Director
After a 13 year hiatus, VJJA welcomes VALERIE BOYKIN back to the Virginia juvenile justice scene as the Director of the Norfolk Court Service Unit. Valerie began her career as a Probation Officer in Franklin County, later transferring to the Norfolk CSU where she became a Supervisor. In 1992, Valerie became the DJJ Parole Services Manager. She left Virginia in 1998 to become the Deputy Administrator for the Youth Services Administration in the District of Columbia. Since 2003, Valerie has been a consultant to organizations including the University of Maryland, the Boys & Girls Club of America, and the US Dept of Health and Human Services. In 1996, Valerie was presented VJJA's Meritorious Award in the Area of Administration. (January 2012)
Hank Ratledge Promoted
Join the Tidewater District Chapter of VJJA in congratulating THOMAS (HANK) RATLEDGE on his promotion to Intake Supervisor at the DJJ's Newport News Court Service Unit. Hank has been employed in juvenile justice and mental health for more than 25 years. He has also worked in secure detention. Hank has served on a number of task forces and been involved with a number of practice improvement initiatives, including the Newport News Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI). He is a long time VJJA member and has been active at the local level participating in the Tidewater District Chapter's Holiday Basket Program. He and his wife Laurie have been married for twenty years and have a daughter Katie, age 16, and a son Tommy, age 11. (January 2012)
John Weigel Retires from 6th CSU
After 40 Years of service to the Commonwealth of Virginia, Capital District colleague JOHN WEIGEL, retired as Director of the DJJ's 6th District Court Service Unit - Hopewell.
Gina Windsor Retires
Join VJJA in congratulating long time colleague, GINA RAPISARDA WINDSOR, on her retirement. A member of VJJA's Capital District Chapter, Gina, a Probation Officer, retired from the Department of Juvenile Justice's Henrico Court Service Unit after 33 years. Congratulations!!
K Farmer, Community Programs Specialist
Congratulations to VJJA Board Member KATHERINE FARMER, formerly a Senior Probation Officer with the Henrico Court Service Unit, on her new position -- VADJJ Central Administration, Community Programs Specialist (Transitional Services Funding - 294 & VJCCCA Monitoring). Katherine has been a state employee for more than two decades, working for both the Department of Correctional Education and the Department of Juvenile Justice. Katherine is the proud mom of twins Martin and Jonathan. Martin is serving in the Marines in Afghanistan and Jonathan is attending community college. (January 2012)
"Doc" Named Beaumont Superintendent
Congratulations to the Vice-Chair of VJJA's Capital District Chapter, CHARLES (DOC) DOCKERY, on his recent promotion. Doc was promoted to Superintendent of the Beamont Juvenile Correctional Center. Doc has been employed by the Department of Juvenile Justice (and its predecessor agencies) for three decades, beginning his career as cottage staff, working his way up through the ranks to include Housing Unit Manager, Counselor, Counselor Supervisor, and Assistant Superintendent. Congratulations and best of luck in your new role! (December 2011)
Regina Hurt Promoted to Regional Mgr
Join the Capital District Chapter in wishing congratulations to Capital District Member REGINA HURT on her promoted to Regional Program Manager. Regina started her career with DJJ as a Juvenile Correctional Officer. She has also worked as a Correctional Counselor and Assistant Superintendent of Programs at the Reception & Diagnostic Center. Most recently she served as the DJJ's Re-entry Program Manager. Regina graduated from Longwood University with a degree in Psychology.
Kim Doyle Promoted
Congratulations to Blue Ridge area colleague KIM DOYLE on her recent promotion. Kim was promoted to Probation Supervisor at the Department of Juvenile Justice's Roanoke Court Service Unit, where she has been a Probation Officer for 7 years. Prior to working at the Court Service Unit, Kim was employed by the Roanoke County Virginia Juvenile Community Crime Control Act (VJCCCA) Office and by Goodwill Industries. Kim and her three children reside in Roanoke County. We wish her well in her new role! (December 2011)
Milner Named Henrico CSU Director
CONGRATULATIONS to SEAN MILNER on his selection as Director of the DJJ's 14th Court Service Unit - Henrico. Sean had been the Director of the 2A Court Service Unit on the Eastern Shore for the past five years. He previously served as Probation Officer for four years. Sean also has a background as a substance abuse counselor and is a veteran of service in the United States Navy. Sean began his new position on October 10, 2011.
Stinnett, DJJs Statewide Program Manager
Congrats to VJJA President BETH STINNETT on her promotion to Statewide Program Manager. She had been a Probation Supervisor and the Director of the Richmond CSU's Serious or Habitual Offender Comprehensive Action Program (SHOCAP). Prior to that time she was a Program Development Specialist, Program & Contract Monitor, Management Analyst Senior, Senior Probation Officer, Probation Officer, Volunteer Coordinator and Correctional Counselor.
Matt Bond Promoted to Senior PO
Join the Capital District Chapter of VJJA in congratulating MATTHEW BOND on his promotion to Senior Probation Officer at the Henrico Court Service Unit. Matt had been a Probation Officer since 2000. His current assignment is that of Court Expeditor. (November 2011)
Terri Stott Selected DJJ Regional Manager
VJJA's Northern District Chapter welcomes TERRI STOTT and congratulates her on her selection as Regional Program Manager for the Department of Juvenile Justice's Division of Operations. Terri had been the Residential Services Director in Prince William County.
Scott Reiner Promoted to Regional Mgr
Capital District Member SCOTT REINER has been promoted to Regional Program Manager. Scott started his career with DJJ in 1987 as a psychologist at Beaumont Juvenile Correctional Center. Over the next 12 years, he worked to build and improve the Department’s substance abuse programs in both the JCCs and CSUs, including design and management of DJJ’s SABRE program. For the past 12 years, Scott has worked with the CSUs to develop practice improvements including risk assessment tools, JDAI, development of the Division Procedures Manual and Workload Analysis, and most recently the Youth Assessment & Screening Instrument (YASI). For the past six years he has also been the manager for the VJCCCA program. Scott also works extensively with DJJ’s colleagues in other agencies including CSA and the Dept of Behavioral Health & Disability Services.
Ashaki McNeil To Lead DJJ Re-entry Effort
Join VJJA's Capital District Chapter in congratulating ASHAKI MCNEIL on her new role as the DJJ's Re-entry Program Manager. Ashaki will manage the development and implementation of a statewide re-entry service delivery system that supports the effective transition of juvenile offenders from commitment to parole. Ashaki was formerly with the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), where she served as a Program Analyst and Disproportionate Minority Contact Coordinator. Prior to her work with DCJS, she spent more than 10 years working with the Departments of Juvenile Justice and Correctional Education and the Governor’s Office for Substance Abuse Prevention (GOSAP). Ashaki holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and is currently pursuing a Master of Science degree in the same discipline. (November 2011)
Robert Foster Promoted to Regional Mgr
Blue Ridge District Member ROBERT FOSTER has been promoted to the position of DJJ Regional Program Manager. Prior to his promotion he served as the Director of the 21st Court Service Unit, which includes Martinsville, Patrick County and Henry County. Robert began working for DJJ in 1990 as a Psychologist Senior at Bon Air JCC. Robert will be assigned the Western Region Court Service Units (21st, 22nd, 23rd, 23A, 25th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th) and Abraxas House Community Youth Home. (September 2011)
Denis Boudreau Retires
VJJA Tidewater District Chapter sends congratulations to DENIS BOUDREAU who retired from the Newport News Court Service Unit. A career public servant, Denis held the positions of Probation Officer, Family Counselor and Probation Supervisor, before retiring as Supervisor of the CSU’s Diagnostic Unit after 35 ½ years of service. Already busy... in his retirement, Denis has been volunteering at the Living Museum, visiting Nags Head as often as possible, performing yard work and singing in his church choir.
Andrea McMahon Now Detention Specialist
ANDREA HUTCHERSON MCMAHON has accepted the position of DJJ Detention Specialist. She had been the agency's Transition Specialist for the past 6 years. Prior to that time she was a Probation Officer at the Roanoke Court Service Unit. She had also worked as a Probation Officer for the Chesterfield Court Service Unit. Andrea is a former VJJA award winner, having won the association's 1997 Professional Development Scholarship. Andrea obtained a Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science degree, in Criminal Justice, from Radford University. She and her husband, Kyle, and their two sons, Ben and Ethan, make their home in Mechanicsville. (September 2011)
Marshall Joins Legislative & Research Unit
VJJA Capital District Chapter welcomes KRISTEN MARSHALL who has joined the DJJ's Legislative and Research Unit as a Research Analyst. Kristen previously worked with the Alliance for Excellent Education in the District of Columbia. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology at the College of William and Mary and her Master of Science degree in Social Policy at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn). At UPenn, she focused her research on the child welfare system, writing policy memoranda and analyses on current legislation relating to the issue and participating in in-depth examinations of the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoption Act of 2008.
Susan Farmer Received RAYSAC Award
KUDOS to SUSAN FARMER, Chair of VJJA's Blue Ridge District Chapter, on being presented with the Roanoke Area Youth Substance Abuse Coalition's (RAYSAC's) 2011 Professional Service Award. Susan is a Probation Officer with the DJJ's 23rd CSU in Salem (September 2011).
Brown New Chesterfield Superintendent
The Capital District Chapter of VJJA congratulates colleague MARILYN BROWN on her appointment as the Director of the Chesterfield Juvenile Detention Home. Prior to her appointment as Director of Chesterfield Detention, Marilyn served as the DJJ's Detention Specialist.
Spurlock Promoted to Senior PO
Southwest District Chapter colleague KEN SPURLOCK was promoted to Senior Probation Officer with the DJJ’s 30th District Court Service Unit. He had been a Probation Officer with the Unit since July 1983. He previously worked for the State of Kentucky as a social worker for 9 years. (September 2011)
Miller Joins Legislative & Research Unit
Capital District Chapter Colleague JARED MILLER has joined the DJJ's Legislative & Research Unit as a Senior Research Analyst. Jared had most recently worked for the DJJ's 13th District Court Service Unit - Richmond as a Probation/Parole Officer. Previously he worked as a VJCCCA Coordinator and Analyst. (Sep 2011)
Natasha Cheek Joins Chesterfield CSU
Join VJJA’s Capital District Chapter in welcoming NATASHA CHEEK to the 12th District Court Service Unit in Chesterfield as a Probation Officer.
Mengsa Bey Transfers to Richmond CSU
Join VJJA’s Capital District Chapter in congratulating MENGSA BEY on her new position. Previously a Senior Probation Officer at the 12th District CSU in Chesterfield, Mengsa has accepted the position of Senior Probation Officer with the 13th District CSU in Richmond. In addition to working as a Probation Officer, Mengsa has also served as a JCC Counselor. In her new role, Mengsa will be planning and facilitating evidence-based groups. (July 2011)
Thompson Named Outstanding Woman
GEORGINA THOMPSON, a Probation Officer for the Fairfax County Court Service Unit, was named one of the most Outstanding Women in the Washington Metropolitan Area by WABC TV and Toyota. She was honroed at an elite luncheon and received a monetary award and multiple items in a "SWAG" bag
Abernathy Promoted to PO Supervisor
Join VJJA’s Blue Ridge District Chapter in congratulating BERNADINE ABERNATHY on her promotion to Probation Supervisor with the 10th District Court Service Unit (Farmville). Prior to her promotion, Bernadine had served as a Probation Officer with the 10th District. Bernadine attended Radford University.
Tyrone Jackson Promoted to Supervisor
Join VJJA’s Tidewater District Chapter in congratulating TYRONE JACKSON on his promotion to Probation Supervisor with the DJJ’s 9th District Court Service Unit -Williamsburg. In his role, Tyrone runs the state’s video intake unit. Prior to his promotion, Tyrone had been a Senior Probation Officer for the video intake unit since 2006 and a Probation Officer with the 9th CSU since 1998. He previously worked as an Intake Officer in Rockville, Maryland. Tyrone attended Xavier of New Orleans where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
Steve Pullen Retires After 41 Years
Long time Tidewater District VJJA Member STEVE PULLEN retired from the Department of Juvenile Justice after 41 years. He served as the agency's Deputy Director of Administration and Finance. Steve is a former winner of VJJA's Meritorious Award in the Area of Administration. In speaking of his impending retirement, Steve said, "I will obviously miss DJJ, Central Office and all the wonderful DJJ staff, but it is time to play more golf, a lot more golf. You will all be in my thoughts in the future and I wish each and every one of you and, of course, Director Holland’s and Chief Deputy Gooch’s Administration much success as they continue to lead DJJ to new heights". (August 2011)
Mark Thompson Promoted to CSU Director
Join VJJA's Southwest District Chapter in congratulating MARK THOMPSON on his promotion to Court Service Unit Director in the DJJ's 30th CSU - Gate City. Mark has been employed with DJJ since 1992, having first been hired as a Probation Officer and later promoted to Probation Supervisor. He is a long time member of VJJA and former Chair of the Southwest District Chapter. Mark is a graduate of East Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. He and his wife, Tammy, have two children; Jakob age 12, and Sarah age eight. (March 2011)
Troy Funkhouser Promoted to Supervisor
Congratulations to VJJA Southwest District Chapter Member, TROY FUNKHOUSER, on his recent promotion. A long time VJJA member and past member of the Board of Directors, Troy, was promoted to Probation Supervisor. Way to go!
Kast Named to ACJJ
Congratulations to MR. STEVEN S. KAST of Newport News, President & Chief Executive Officer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula, on his appointment as a member of the Governor's Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice.- ACJJ. (January 2011)