Colleagues in the Spotlight

Have information to share about any of our members? Know of recent births, marriages, promotions, awards, etc? If yes, please let us know. Send information to: memberhighlights@vjja.org

Christina Hawkins, formerly of KidLink, has joined the staff of Psychiatric Solutions, Inc (PSI). PSI offers an extensive continuum of behavioral health programs to critically ill children, adolescents and adults and is the largest operator of owned or leased freestanding psychiatric inpatient facilities with approximately 10,000 beds in 31 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Hawkins will work as the company's Director of Business Development for the state of Virginia.

Patrick Slifka, National Counseling Group, has been selected as faculty for the annual National Association of Social Workers - Virginia Chapter conference in March. The title of the training is "Next Generation Workforce: Ethical and Best Practice Issues for Supervisors". Read more about the event here: www.naswva.org

The Fairfax Juvenile Court welcomed the following new employees and volunteers: Elizabeth Petillo, Intern - Supervised Visitation & Supervised Exchange Program, Alice Shirley, Volunteer Program, Jen Postillico, Intern - Special Services, Roxana Nava, Interpreter, Cristina Lozano, Interpreter, Maria Wright, Interpreter, Madeline Steinman, Intern - Intake/Diversion, and Gerald Kirwin, Court Aide - Special Services. (January 2009)

Sheila Coffin
Sheila Coffin, Fairfax Juvenile Court, is a proud grandmother. Caley was born January 2, 2009. (January 2009)

Pam Holland, JS Counselor II / Outreach, Newport News Juvenile Services, was selected her employer's "Making a Difference" Employee of the Quarter for Fall 2008. Ms. Holland was also selected as the 2008 Making a Difference Employee of the Year.

Lisa Hutzel, Valley District Member, is now a Counselor Supervisor at the VADJJ's Natural Bridge Juvenile Correctional Center (NBJCC). She had most recently been employed as a Probation Officer in the 25th District Court Service Unit's Lexington office. Prior to that time she previously worked at NBJCC as a Counselor. (January 2009)

The National Counseling Group has relcated two offices (Winchester and Newport News) and opened 3 new sites in Warrenton, Fredericksburg and Culpeper. Obtain addresses and learn more at: www.nationalcounselinggroup.com

Nancy Fleming has returned to the Department of Juvenile Justice's Reception & Diagnostic Center. After a few years of commuting long distance to serve as the Assistant Superintendent at the Culpeper Juvenile Correctional Center, Nancy has been appointed as Assistant Superintendent at the Reception & Diagnostic Center. Nancy previously worked in RDC's Special Placement Unit.

Laura Maynard, Blue Ridge District, previously an Intake Officer with the Salem / Roanoke Court Service Unit, has begun employment as an Intake Officer / Probation Officer with the 27th District Court Service unit in Christiansburg. Prior to becoming a Probation Officer in 2005, Ms. Maynard had been a VJCCCA Community Service/Restitution Officer since 2000. (January 2009)

Becky Camache, Tidewater District, has retired from the Department of Juvenile Justice. A career public servant, Camache was employed as a Regional Operations Manager in the agency's tidewater region. Prior to that time she had served as Regional Administrator in the agency's western region.

Ron Johnson, JS Counselor II / Outreach, Newport News Juvenile Services, is the assistant coach of the Phoebus Phantoms varsity football team. Congratulations to him and his team for winning the the Group AAA Division Five Championship at Virginia Tech in December. He is also the head coach for the junior-varsity team, which had an undefeated season. (December 2008)

Probation Officer Rolando Welch (Alexandria CSU) received a Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from Bowie State University in Maryland. His thesis, “The Relationship Between Parent Involvement and Student Academic Performance” will be presented at the 12th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Behavioral and Social Sciences in Las Vegas.

Lynn Myers, Blue Ridge District, has retired from the Department of Juvenile Justice. Mr. Myers was employed as a Regional Operations Manager in the agency's western region. (December 2008)

Lillian Brooks – , 18th Court Service Unit, is featured in the following Washington Post article:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/25/AR2008032503721.html

Olymphia Perkins, Tidewater District, has completed a master's degree. Congratulations.

Dorothy Greer, previously with the Chesterfield Court Service Unit, is now employed by the Richmond Court Service Unit.

Jesus Santos, JS Supervisor, Newport News Juvenile Detention, and his wife Lee Marie celebrated 20 years of marriage. (December 2008)

Jim Nankervis, Capital District, has been promoted to the position of Court Service Unit Director with the Department of Juvenile Justice 's Chesterfield Court Service Unit. Prior to his promotion he served for many years as Probation Supervisor / Intake Supervisor (November 2008).

Gayle Turner, Capital District, has accepted the position of Director of Strategic Planning with the Department of Criminal Justice Services. Prior to accepting her new position Gayle was employed by the Department of Juvenile Justice as the Director of Court Services for the Chesterfield Court Service Unit.

Tom Ticconi, Facility Maintenance Supervisor, Newport News Juvenile Services, was selected for the Making a Difference Employee of the Quarter, Winter 2008.

Regina Hurt, formerly the Assistant Superintendent at the Department of Juvenile Justice's Reception & Diagnostic Center, has been promoted to the position of Program Administration Specialist II with the Division of Institutions.

Phyllis Carleton, JS Counselor II, Newport News Juvenile Detention, is the proud grandmother of a beautiful new baby granddaughter named Nevaeh Michelle Ruffin.

Congratulations to Capital District Officer Stephan Stark and his wife Rebecca who welcomed a son, Hayden, during the month of September. He joined big sister Mina at home. Stephan is employed by Intercept Youth Services.

Newport News Juvenile Services Community Programs Administrator Reginald Williams was installed as Pastor of Second Mount Olive Church on November 16, 2008. (November 2008)

James Austin, Chesterfield Court Service Unit. recently tied the knot. (October 2008)

Jessica Isaacs, Blue Ridge District Member, has accepted a position with as an Adult Probation and Pretrial Officer with LynchburgCommunity Corrections and Pretrial Services. She is a 2007 graduate of Radford University.

The Walmart Foundation has awarded $50,000 grant to Pathways Youth Build, a program that helps students earn their GED or high school diploma, develop job skills and build affordable housing for low-income families in Petersburg. The money is part of a larger grant of $5 million from the Wal-mart Foundation.

On October 7, Governor Timothy M. Kaine announced the appointment of the Honorable Judge Jerrauld C. Jones, to fill a vacancy in the Norfolk Circuit Court. Judge Jones has served the Norfolk Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court since 2005. Jones previously served as Director of the Department of Juvenile Justice. He also represented the 89th District in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1988-2002. A Tidewater VJJA Member, Jones serves on the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice.

On Friday 10/24/08, I will retire after 30 years of service. It has been a pleasure working with, beside, and learning from so many of you. Though I often worked to the beat of my own drummer, I have many fond memories of your work with our kids. I wish all of you the best. Fondly, Cassandra Dodson

Betty Migliaccio,
Capital District, has returned to employment with the Department of Juvenile Justice. Previously employed at Beaumont Juvenile Correctional Center, she is now a Probation Officer Senior with the Richmond Court Service Unit.

Beth Stinnett was among the speakers at the 16th Annual National Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative Inter-Site Conference. More than 500 juvenile justice professionals gathered in Indianapolis to discuss major accomplishments and review best practices and outcomes (September 2008).

Probation Officer Joseph Regotti (Alexandria CSU) and his wife Ana celebrated the birth of their first child, a son, Nicolas. (September 2008)

Long time member Diane (Floyd) Shelton has retired as a Probation Supervisor with the Virginia Beach Court Service Unit. She had worked for the CSU since 1976. Shelton began her work as a Probation Officer and later became a Group Coordinator. She developed and implemented the “Street Law” program for the CSU. In 1989, she was named the association’s Probation Officer of the Year. Shelton has been an active VJJA member for 33 years, serving in numerous leadership capacities. For several years she served as Editor of a regional newsletter the “Court Jester” and as State Conference Chair. For more than two decades she organized Tidewater “Spring Fling” (a training event that included an annual volleyball tournament). She served as Chair of the Tidewater District Spring Institute for 15 years.

J. Kevin Curling a Probation Officer Senior with the Chesapeake CSU was named the Department of Juvenile Justice's Probation Officer of the Year. (August 2008)

Shawn Deel, Juvenile Correctional Offier Senior with the Reception and Diagnostic Center, was named the Department of Juvenile Justice's Juvenile Correctional Officer of the Year. (August 2008)

Tonya Marshall, Program Support Technician with the Norfolk Court Service Unit, was named the Department of Juvenile Justice's Administrative Support Person of the Year. (August 2008)

Lisa White, Food Service Manager with the Norfolk Court Service Unit, was named the Department of Juvenile Justice's Support Person of the Year. (August 2008)

James Harper, Rehabilitation Counselor, with the Natural Bridge Juvenile Correctional Center, was named the Department of Juvenile Justice's Treatment Practitioner of the Year. (August 2008)

Renee Tillery, Licensed Practical Nurse with the Hanover Juvenile Correctional Center, was named the Department of Juvenile Justice's Support Person of the Year. (August 2008)

Bobbie Krohn, was presented with the Department of Juvenile Justice's Director's Award for Excellence. (August 2008)

Wanda Parris, Chesterfield Court Service Unit. is now Wanda Parris-Flanagan. She was married on August 7, 2008. (August 2008)

Charlotte Powell-Harper is to be congratulated on her new position as Executive Secretary Senior to the Department of Juvenile Justice’s Division of Institutions. She will support Ed Murray, John Coble, and George Wakefield. Charlotte previously worked for DJJ’s health services section. (August 2008)

The film, Recover Me, developed from a screenplay by Dahsheen Amin, a psychologist associate at Bon Air JCC, was shown at Richmond's Byrd Theatre on Saturday, August 30, 2008 at 1 p.m. Recover Me, is a drama about a single mother battling drug addiction, while trying to uplift both herself and her teenage son from a crime-ridden, impoverished neighborhood set in Richmond. Some of the film was shot at Barrett JCC and a few Department of Juvenile Justice employees (Art Mayer, Raelanda Johnson and Shenika Whitaker to name a few) appear as extras in the drama. See movie poster or learn more at: http://www.goodnewsproductions.net/Films1.html.

The National Counseling Group Newport News Office has moved. On August 15th, 2008, NCG Newport News moved into new quarters at 733 Thimble Shoals Blvd, Suite 100, Newport News. The phone numbers and fax numbers remained the same. (August 2008)

Erin Kotowski, was promoted to Probation Supervisor after working as a Probation Officer in the Charlottesville Court Service Unit for two years. Prior to her employment with the Department of Juvenile Justice, Erin worked as a Youth Day Treatment Clinician in the East End of Richmond. She has a Master's degree in Forensic Psychology and is engaged to be married.

Jenna Easton, Valley District, has been hired by the 16th District Court Service Unit - Charlottesville, as a Probation Supervisor. Most recently Easton had been employed as a School Social Worker with Greene County Schools. She previously served as a Probation Officer with the Culpeper Court Service Unit. Prior to that time she completed internships with the 16th and 25th Court Service Units. Jenna and her husband are the proud parents of a two year old son.

Alexandria Probation Officer Carlos Mendieta (18th CSU) and his new bride Patricia were married at the Carlyle House. Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Judge Constance Frogale presided over the ceremony (August 2008).

Tidewater District Member, Kimberly Jennings, was promoted to Parole Supervisor at the Portsmouth Court Service Unit. She previously held the position of Senior Probation Officer. Kimberly began her employment 12 years ago in Farmville and later transferred to Portsmouth. A Tidewater native, she graduated from Old Dominion University. Kimberly is active in her community volunteering with numerous other organizations. She has also actively campaigned for Barrack Obama and was delighted to shake his hand during a recent campaign stop in Chesapeake.

Southwest District Member, Karen Anders, accepted a position with New River Valley Community Services. Karen will work as a counselor for the group. She will also be pursuing licensure. Prior to accepting her new position, Karen was employed as a Probation Officer by the 27th District Court Service Unit’s Christiansburg office. (Her other claim to fame is that she and dance partner Dave Lively, 3rd CSU, came in 1st runner up in a twist contest at the 31st Fall Juvenile Justice Institute.)

Tidewater District Member, James (Jim) Gordon, was promoted to CSU Director at the Suffolk Court Service Unit. He previously held the position of Probation Supervisor. Jim began his employment in the 5th District Court Service Unit’s Franklin office in 1974 and was promoted to Probation Supervisor in 1981. Jim graduated from John Yeates High School and the University of Richmond. A Suffolk native, he continues to reside there with his wife Elizabeth and their cat, Buddy. (August 2008)

Northern District Member, Thaddeus Aubry, Regional Operations Manager for the VADJJ’s Northern Regional Office, was honored with the establishment of the Thaddeus Aubry and Leon LeBuffe Scholarship for students of African descent at the Catholic University of America. The scholarship was established in honor of Thaddeus Aubry and Leon LeBuffe for their work in establishing a minority scholarship effort that began in 1969 to benefit promising young students from the Washington, D.C.

After a more than 25 year career in juvenile justice, O. Wayne Jones, retired from his position with the 13th District Court Service Unit - Richmond. (July 2008)

Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced appointments to the following boards and commissions: Board of Juvenile Justice - Kecia N. Brothers. Ms. Brothers works for the City of Chesapeake's Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, Youth and Family Services section as a Youth Services Coordinator. (July 2008)

After 34 years in the field of juvenile justice for both local and state government, Dennis Gilbert, has retired from the Department of Juvenile Justice's Williamsburg Court Service Unit, where he was employed as a Probation Supervisor. Dennis should be a familiar face to those even outside of Williamsburg as he has served as faculty during for VJJA and non-VJJA conferences and other training events throughout the state. Congratiulations and best wishes Dennis!

In other retirement news, congratulations also goes out to Bob Smith, Assistant Director of Fairfax County's Center County Probation Unit, who retired after more than 30 years. He started work in 1977 as a volunteer with the Fairfax Girls' Probation House. In August 1979, he started working in outreach and then joined the probation unit as a Probation Officer II in 1984. Best wishes Bob! Have fun firing up that new grill you received as a retirement gift.

Way to go Katherine Farmer! Katherine has been promoted to a Program Contract Monitor with the Department of Juvenile Justice's Division of Community Programs. She was previously a Probation Officer with the Henrico Court Service Unit. A long time member of the VJJA Board of Directors, Katherine has also been employed by the Richmond Court Service Unit, the Beaumont Juvenile Correctional Center, the Oak Ridge Juvenile Correctional Center, and the Department of Correctional Education (July 2008).

Northern District Member, Thomas Minnick, president and CEO of the National Counseling Group, is featured on the cover of the June / July 2008 issue of MyBUSINESS magazine. He is also quoted in an article, “The Power of Small Business”. MyBUSINESS is a publication of the National Federation of Independent Business. View the online version of the publication and read the article in its entirety here: www.mybusinessmag.com/fullstory.php3?sid=1806

Josephine Burch an Outreach Counselor II with Newport News Juvenile Services is to be congratulated on her upcoming career milestone of 34 years of service (August 2008). Josephine is a long time VJJA member and a past award winner. She was honored before her peers in 1997 when she was presented with VJJA's Meritorious Award in the Area of Community Service.

Tidewater Member, Willie A. Smith, a Senior Counselor with the Newport News Juvenile Services, was selected as the City of Newport News' Employee of the Month. He is the 4th Juvenile Services employee to receive the award. (June 2008)

VJJA Vice President Ron Telsch will have his name on the ballot as a candidate for the Board of Directors of the Virginia Correctional Association. Elections are scheduled for the end of July or early August. Dual members are encouraged to vote for Mr. Telsch. Good luck Ron!

The Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice welcomed a new class of Probation Officers. Recent graduated of Basic Skills for New Proation Officers include: Diana Graves, Danville, Francesca Walker, Loudoun, Tammy Archibald, Manassas, Brenton Hopkins, Manassas, Nicole Ayers, Manassas, Maximillion Press, Eastern Shore, Garry Brown, Loudoun, and Christopher Romans, Abingdon (July 2008).

Congratulations to Northern District members, Jim Rankin, Lynn Dotson, Ellen Patterson, the Manassas Court Service Unit, and co-creator of the Manassas CSU Food Basket Program Lester Leonard. The group’s annual basket program was the recipient of one of two community service awards presented by the National Counseling Group at their 2nd Annual Public / Private Partnership Conference. (May 2008)

Go Courtney Bryant Wynn! Courtney just completed a Master of Science degree in Public Administration through Strayer Universirty. Courtney is a Tidewater District Member employed as Counselor II with the Newport News Juvenile Services.

Congratulations to Capital District member Charisa Smith on being published in the New Jersey Family Law Journal. Read her piece, "Don't Wait Up", here. Charisa is an attorney with the Legal Aid Justice Center in Richmond.

Kudos to the following colleagues from the Newport News Juvenile Services on their recent career milestones: Peggy Howard, Assistant Director, 7 years, Mangenious Jackson, Counselor, 6 years, Laura Mickens, Counselor II, 10 years, Sheena Christian-Howard, Detention Superintendent, 23 years, Dean Collins, Supervisor, 7 years, Beryl Massie-Brown, Counselor, 8 years, James Mason, Counselor, 7 years, Melanie Roberts, Senior Cook, 23 years, Malik Brice, Program Manager, 6 years, Pam Holland, Outreach Counselor, 20 years, Venus Jones, Counselor, 12 years, Charles Little, Counselor II, 10 years, Larry Powell, Senior Counselor, 9 years, Arthur Reynolds, Stock Clerk, 9 years, Lorenzo Sellars, Progrjam Administrator, 5+ years, Brenda Smith, Laudress, 9 years, and Josephine Burch, Outreach Counselor, 34 years.

The following colleagues from National Counseling Group recently celebrated milestones with the company: Sam Gray, 15 years, George Young 13 years, Debbie Sikes, 13 years, Sean Blair,10 years, Patrick Slifka, 9 years, Gretchen Abell, 8 years, Stephanie Ney, 8 years, Leslie Martin, 7 years, Holly Duggan, 7 years, Christopher Baham, 7 years, Oliver Agee, 5 years, and Frank Valentine, 5 years.

The Fairfax County Juvenile Court welcomes the following new employees: Lisandra Garcia and Maria Scwab have both joined the staff as volunteers (July 2008).

The Capital District welcomes Joy Lugar. The former Blue Ridge district member has moved to Richmond to accept the position of Executive Secretary to the Deputy Director of Community Programs for the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice. (July 2008).

The staff of the Alexandria Court Service Unit participated in Alexandria Community Services Day by providing painting, repair work, gardening and clean up services to the Sheltercare Program of Northern Virginia. The event was coordinated by Probation Officer Tasha Palmer.

Capital District Member CeCe Smith has been named Executive Director of Kids in Focus. She is responsible for oversight of the KIF program which employees a staff of 95 and includes 5 assessment and diagnostic homes serving children age 5 - 18. CeCe has previously been employed as the CSA Director for the City of Richmond and Director of the Bedford Youth & Family Services.

Capital District Member Trisha Batley is to be congratulated on her new position with the Supreme Court of Virginia. After six years serving as the Data & Systems Specialist with the Department of Juvenile Justice’s Division of Community Programs, Trisha has assumed a position with the Supreme Court. She will be primarily responsible for developing a new case management system for the agency’s foster care / neglect division. (July 2008)

Valley District Member and 2007 VJJA Scholarship Winner, Anne Clifford, a Senior Probation / Parole Officer with the Culpeper Court Service Unit, has completed a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice through the University of Cincinnati. Anne has been employed in the probation field, working in Chesapeake and Culpeper, for more than 20 years. Her thesis was entitled, "Why are so many Americans Experiencing Prison?" (June 2008).

Capital District Member Tammy Johnson has been promoted to Expeditor / Senior Probation Officer at the Richmond Court Service Unit. She will have a lead role with the Richmond Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI). Tammy has been with the Richmond Court Service Unit as a Probation Officer since 2006 and received certification as her unit’s Gang Specialist. Prior to beginning her work in probation, Tammy was employed by Beaumont Juvenile Correctional Center as a Counselor and later a Counselor Supervisor. She also worked at the Chesterfield Juvenile Detention Center as a Counselor Supervisor. Tammy completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Charlene Ward, has earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree and launched directly into a course of study leading to a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at Virginia Commonwealth University. As part of her undergraduate studies, Charlene volunteered at United Methodist Family Services. She also completed internships ith Henrico Mental Health Prevention Unit and Richmond Midnight Basketball League. She will spend the duration of her graduate studies interning with the Center for Psychological Services and Development (CPSD). Charlene is currently employed as the Executive Secretary Senior to the Department of Juvenile Justice’s Division of Institutions (May 2008).

Tidewater Distrcit member, Marcella Williams, Training Coordinator with Newport News Juvenile Services, and her husband Daniel, just celebrated their 7 year wedding anniversary. (May 2008)

Members Andy Cohen, roboCUFF, and Todd Porter, BI Incorporated, announce a recent agreement through which BI will sell, service and support roboCUFF Voice Supervision Services under the BI brand names: BI VoiceID(R) powered by roboCUFF Voice Curfew Monitoring and BI Self Report(TM) powered by roboCUFF Voice Self Reporting. The agreement creates new opportunities for both BI and AnyTransactions to accelerate growth and provide innovative, cost-effective, high-value services to community supervision agencies. AnyTransactions and BI continue to operate as independent companies, each serving customers directly, and VA DJJ Court Service Units can continue to order roboCUFF services under existing contracts. View Press Release: BI Announces Agreement with AnyTransactions, Inc. for roboCUFF Voice Supervision Services, June 9, 2008, at:
ww w.robocuff.com/brochures (June 2008)

Debbie Ackerman, Family Therapist, and Elaine M. Butkiewicz, Probation Supervisor, of the Alexandria Court Service Unit presented at the Fifth Annual Parent Educators Symposium held in Richmond on May 8, 2008.

Kyle McMahon, Capital District, has moved from a residential to a community-based position with Intercept Youth Services. A former group home Program Manager, Kyle has accepted the position of In-Home Services Supervisor. The new position is part of Intercept’s new LifeBridge continuum of community based services, which is designed to cover the full spectrum of needs of youth and to coordinate the movement of youth through services until successful re-integration into the community is achieved. Prior to joining the Intercept team Kyle was employed by Family Focus, the Richmond Court Service Unit and the Roanoke Court Service Unit.

Eric Hopkins, an investigator in the Department of Juvenile Justice’s Inspector General’s Office, made state history late last year when he became the first person outside of the Virginia State Police Department’s 75 year history to attend and graduate from its prestigious State Police Training Academy. Eric’s attendance in the 18-week training allows him during the course of his duties with the DJJ to have law enforcement powers, including the power to arrest persons violating the law on DJJ property, as well as to conduct criminal investigations.

The 11th Court Service Unit and the City of Petersburg welcome Tracey Mason as their new Trial Release Officer (Expeditor). Prior to her position as the Trial Release Officer, Tracey worked as the Truancy Coordinator with the 11th CSU. She also completed an internship with the Richmond Drug Court and began work with the City of Petersburg as a part time surveillance officer with the Petersburg Juvenile Crime Control Program with the Evening Reporting Program in 2006. Tracey has an associate’s degree in human services and is currently seeking a degree in management and leadership.

Congratulations to Anthony J. Triplin of Norfolk, a student at Norfolk State University, on his appointment to the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice. (7-2008).

Congratulations to DJJ Detention Specialist, Marilyn Brown and her husband on the arrival of a beautiful baby girl. Read more about Marilyn in the VADJJ’s March 2008 newsletter under “Vocal Sensation”
http://www.djj.virginia.gov/Resources/DJJ%20Partnership%20Newsletter/volume4_issue1/Frontpage.pdf
(June 2008)

Tidewater District Member, Antonio Sutton, has been named to the Governor's Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice. Antonio is the Deputy Director of the Norfolk Juvenile Court Service Unit.

The Honorable Jerrauld Jones, Tidewater District, has been named Virginia's representative to the Federal Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice (FACJJ). Jones is presides in the Norfolk J & DR Court.

Kudos to Norfolk CSU Director Claudette Overton and Norfolk CSU Deputy Director Antonio Sutton who have each been tapped for the inaugural class of the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Applied Leadership Network (ALN). Their selection was as a result of their significant leadership in Norfolk's Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI), Claudette and Antonio were selected from among juvenile justice leaders from throughout the country. Leadership teams in only seven localities were chosen for the the honor.

Kudos to long time member Betty Dixon on her recent milestone birthday and on her new position. After more than 15 years with Family Preservation Services / Providence, Betty has joined the management team of the National Counseling Group. (April 2008)

Congratulations to long time Tidewater District Member, Bill Harrell, on the occasion of his retirement from the Department of Justice. After a more than 40 year career in social services and juvenile justice, Bill recently retired as the Director of the Suffolk Court Service Unit. Learn more about Bill here.

VJJA President, Beth Stinnett, was among the speakers at the 2008 National Coalition of Juvenile Justice Conference, "Investing in Our Children: Emerging Reforms in Juvenile Justice", led in April in Washington, DC. Together with judges from the states of New Hampshire and Minnesota she delivered a workshop entitled, "State Advisory Group Leadership in Detention Reform". The workshop discussed the role of state advisory groups in detention reform and the importance of building detention reform into the state 3-year plan. Outcomes from grant-funded day and evening reporting centers and expeditor programs in Virginia's JDAI Sites were shared.

Members Andy Cohen, roboCUFF, and Todd Porter, BI Incorporated, announce a recent agreement through which BI will sell, service and support roboCUFF Voice Supervision Services under the BI brand names: BI VoiceID(R) powered by roboCUFF Voice Curfew Monitoring and BI Self Report(TM) powered by roboCUFF Voice Self Reporting. The agreement creates new opportunities for both BI and AnyTransactions to accelerate growth and provide innovative,
cost-effective, high-value services to community supervision agencies. AnyTransactions and BI continue to operate as independent companies, each serving customers directly, and VA DJJ Court Service Units can continue to order roboCUFF services under existing contracts. View Press Release: BI Announces Agreement with AnyTransactions, Inc. for roboCUFF Voice
Supervision Services, June 9, 2008, at:www.robocuff.com/brochures (June 2008)

Kudos to long time member Betty Dixon on her recent milestone birthday and on her new position. After more than 15 years with Family Preservation Services / Providence, Betty has join the management team of the National Counseling Group. (April 2008)

Congratulations to our colleagues in the City of Petersburg -- to include VJJA Capital District Members Frances Brown, Petersburg Court Service unit Director, The Honorable Judge James Hume, Petersburg J&DR Court, and Eric Campell, former Petersburg Assistant City Manager (now Assistant City Manager in Charlotte, NC). Their leadership has led to the Supported Alternatives for Our Valued Youth (SAVY), an initiative of the City of Petersburg, has been recognized by the national group the Alliance for Innovation. Each year the group presents awards for outstanding acheivement in local government innovation. The 2008 awards will be officially presented in a ceremony at the 2008 Transforming Local Government Conference, scheduled for Greenville, SC, in June. Petersburg Court Service Unit Director Frances Brown serves as SAVY Chair and will travel to the event to accept the award on behalf of the SAVY team. SAVY, which is a second generation effort that grew out of the city's involvement with the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) was selected for the honor from a competative field of more than 80 entries. (April 2008)

Lillian Brooks – , 18th Court Service Unit, is featured in the following Washington Post article:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/25/AR2008032503721.html

Phyllis Carleton, JS Counselor II, Newport News Juvenile Detention, is the proud grandmother of a beautiful new baby granddaughter named Nevaeh Michelle Ruffin.

The Fairfax County Juvenile Court welcomes the following new employees: Lisandra Garcia and Maria Scwab have both joined the staff as volunteers (July 2008).

Tidewater Distrcit member, Marcella Williams, Training Coordinator with Newport News Juvenile Services, and her husband Daniel, just celebrated their 7 year wedding anniversary. (May 2008)

Congratulations to Anthony J. Triplin of Norfolk, a student at Norfolk State University, on his appointment to the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice. (7-2008).

The Fairfax County Juvenile Court welcomes the following new employees: Lisandra Garcia and Maria Scwab have both joined the staff as volunteers (July 2008).

Tidewater Distrcit member, Marcella Williams, Training Coordinator with Newport News Juvenile Services, and her husband Daniel, just celebrated their 7 year wedding anniversary. (May 2008)

Congratulations to Anthony J. Triplin of Norfolk, a student at Norfolk State University, on his appointment to the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice. (7-2008).

Congratulations to our colleagues in the City of Petersburg -- to include VJJA Capital District Members Frances Brown, Petersburg Court Service unit Director, The Honorable Judge James Hume, Petersburg J&DR Court, and Eric Campell, former Petersburg Assistant City Manager (now Assistant City Manager in Charlotte, NC). Their leadership has led to the Supported Alternatives for Our Valued Youth (SAVY), an initiative of the City of Petersburg, has been recognized by the national group the Alliance for Innovation. Each year the group presents awards for outstanding acheivement in local government innovation. The 2008 awards will be officially presented in a ceremony at the 2008 Transforming Local Government Conference, scheduled for Greenville, SC, in June. Petersburg Court Service Unit Director Frances Brown serves as SAVY Chair and will travel to the event to accept the award on behalf of the SAVY team. SAVY, which is a second generation effort that grew out of the city's involvement with the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) was selected for the honor from a competative field of more than 80 entries. (April 2008)

Congratulations to Lloyd Merchant and his wife on the birth of their second child, Josiah. Josiah joined proud big sister Janiah. Lloyd is a Senior Probation Office with the Roanoke Court Service Unit. (April 2008)

The Honorable Teena Grodner, The Honorable Jay Dugger, Retired Judge Kimberly O'Donnell, Lelia Hopper, John Tuell, Beth Stinnett, Robert Bermingham, Jr., and Kim Koeppen are among the esteemed faculty announced for the 71st Annual Conference of the National Council of Juvenile & Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ).

Congratulations to long time member Natalie Dalton on her new position with Psychiatric Solutions. Natalie joins the private sector after 12 years with the Department of Juvenile Justice.

Go Julie Truitt!! Julie, (Virginia Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Sevices ), has been selected to participate in the Class of 2008 Minority Political Leadership Institute (MPLI). Through her participation Julie will be connected with esteemed members of our elected local, state and federal governments, particularly the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus Foundation. She will also be exposed to the operatoional dynamics of campaigning, fundraising, lobbying, and the significance of the impact the media has in political life. (March 2008)

Congratulations to Patricia Davis on her promotion to Probation Supervisor in the 28th Court Service Unit (Abingdon, Bristol, Marion). Prior to her promotion Patricia was a Probation Officer in Bristol and a Senior Probation Officer in Washington County. (In fact -- hired in September 1973, she was Bristol's first female Probation Officer). A Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) Patricia holds a Master's Degree in Crminal Justice.

Congratulations to Beth Stinnett on the professional milestone of 15 years employment with the Commonwealth of Virginia. Beth has been employed by the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice for nearly 13 years. Prior to that time she was employed by the Department of Corrections.

Welcome to the following new Probation Officers with the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice: Cecelia Brown, Alexandria, Deanna Bunton, Accomac, Dorothy Greer, Chesterfield, Damaris Feleke, Arlington, Deshaun Foster, Hampton, Susan Funk, Virginia Beach, Mia Moore, Hampton, Katrina Oates, Fredericksburg, Jeremy Patterson, Norfolk, Detrina Pendarvis, Richmond, Hao Pera, Arlington, Jeffrey Renner, Chesterfield, Erik Wiggins, Fredericksburg.

Congratulations to Deshaun Foster, Hampton Probation Officer, on the completion of his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Troy University.

Kudos to Vickie Jennings who was promoted to Probation Supervisor in the Lynchburg Court Service Unit. Prior to that time Vickie was a Probation Officer.

Karen Rice, Roanoke Probation Officer, had an editorial, "Don't Let Medication Replace Parenting", published in the Roanoke Times. Read the article online: http://www.roanoke.com/editorials/commentary/wb/154233 (March 2008)

Kudos to Norfolk CSU Director Claudette Overton and Norfolk CSU Deputy Director Antonio Sutton who have each been tapped for the inaugural class of the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Applied Leadership Network (ALN). Their selection was as a result of their significant leadership in Norfolk's Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI), Claudette and Antonio were selected from among juvenile justice leaders from throughout the country. Leadership teams in only seven localities were chosen for the the honor. (March 2008)

Robert Hiatt is to be congratulated on his recent promotion to Probation Supervisor at the Martinsville Court Service Unit.

Congratulations to Kevin Curling, Tidewater Member, who has been named the VA Department of Juvenile Justice's Eastern Region Probation Officer of the Year. Kevin is employed as a Probation Officer in the agency's Chesapeake Court Service Unit. (March 2008)

Congratulations to the following new officers of the Virginia Detention Association of Post-Disposition Programs (VDAPP): Melinda Jarvis, President, Sara Jones, Vice President; Tammy Kruger, Secretary; and Pam Jeffries, Treasurer.

Rebecca (Moore) Stuart, Roanoke County Court Service Unit / VJCCCA, and her husband Jacob, welcomed their first child, a son, Andre'. (February 2008)

Elizabeth Williams McClure has accepted a position as an Adult Probation Officer with the Department of Corrections' Probation & Parole District #17 in Abingdon. (January 2008)

Kudos to Blue Ridge member Brian Harvey, Roanoke Valley Juvenile Detention Home, on his recent promotion to Treatment Program Manager. (January 2008)

Special thanks to Thomas Minnick, President and CEO of the National Counseling Group and his staff for their support and many contributions to the 31st Fall Juvenile Justice Instititute. NCG served as the event's Platinum Partner. Thanks as well to our Silver Level sponsor Stepping Stone Family Services and to Bronze Level sponsors Family Preservation Services, the Hughes Center for Exceptional Children, the Judge Rontenberg Center, Kidlink Referral Network (Keystone), and Liberty Point Health Care.

Go Gayle Turner! Correction ... Gayle L. Turner, MBA! In addition to serving as the Director of the Chesterfield Court Service Unit, Gayle found time this year to complete a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree through the University of Phoenix.

Congratulations to Darcy Janson on her recent promotion to Probation Officer Senior. Darcy is employed by the 28th District Court Service Unit - Washington County. (January 2008)

Joanne Smith is to be congratulated on the occasion of her retirement from the position of Executive Director at the Middle Peninsula Juvenile Detention Commission / Merrimac Center in Williamsburg. Joanne is also stepping down after many years of exceptional leadership as the President of the Virginia Council on Juvenile Detention (VCJD). Prior to her retirement, Joanne was honored before her peers at the 31st Fall Juvenile Justice Institute and presented VJJA's 2007 Meritorious Award in the Area of Residential Services. (January 2008).

Congratulations to Peterbsurg CSU Director, Frances Hayes Brown, on her most recent educational milestone. Frances completed a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice thorugh the University of Cincinnati.

Congratulations to Tom Gooding, Williamsburg CSU Director, and Frances Brown, Petersburg CSU Director, for strutting their stuff and winning the TWIST CONTEST at the 31st Fall Institute Dance Social. Congrats as well to twist contest runner ups, David Lively, Portsmouth, and Karen Anders, Christiansburg, FLAT FOOTIN' Champion Sheila Parker, Rockbridge CSA, and runners up Shirley Thompson, Samantha Higgins, and Amy Darby all from the 25th District CSU.

Past VJJA Scholarship Winner, Julie Truitt, Department of Mental Health,. Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Servises (DMHMRSAS), is to be congratulated on the completion of a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree through the University of Central Michigan.

Karen Rice, formerly of Blue Ridge Behavioral Healtcare and the Blue Ridge Juvenile Detention Home, has joined the staff of the Roanoke Court Servcie Unit. She completed Basic Skills for New Probation Officers in January.

After working in the private sector, Jason Bickmore, has returned to the Loudoun Court Service Unit as a Probation Officer. He completed Basic Skills for New Probation Officers in January.

Previously employed at the Culpeper JCC, Clinton White has joined the staff of the Charlottesville CSU. He completed Basic Skills for New Probation Officers in January.

The Department of Juvenile Justice welcomed the following new Probation Officers who completed Probation Officer Basic SKills during the month of January: Ebony Davis, Chesapeake CSU, Dana Barnett, Nikia Williams and Kayla Wolford, Virginia Beach CSU, John Konkel, Accomac CSU, Terrell Jackson, Petersburg CSU, Antoinette Sherman and Angela Williams, Richmond CSU, Clinton White, Charlottesville CSU, Leiilani Page and Caitlin Tracy, Arlington CSU, Jason Bickmore and Wendy Pineda, Loudoun CSU, Brady Buckles, Amanda Harmon and DeMarcus Wood, Manassas CSU, Karen Rice, Roanoke CSU, and Bradford Johnson, Grundy CSU. (January 2008)

Blue Ridge District member Rhianna Price, Salem Court Service Unit, and her husband Randy welcomed their first child, a son Dylan Scott (January 2, 2008).

Happy Retriement Jim! VJJA Board Member Jim Woolf, retired on January 1, 2008, from the Virginia Beach Court Service Unit. Jim also stepped down from his post as VJJA Vice President after more than a decade. We wish him well in his retirement. (January 2008)

Tidewater Member Shauna Franklin Epps has retired from the Department of Juvenile Justice. Shauna worked for the Hampton Court Service Unit for many years, but was most recently the VADJJ's statewide Disproportionate Minority Contact (DMC) Coordinator. Though retired from the VADJJ, Shauna will not be leaving the juvenile justice field, but rather beginning employment with the Center for Children's Law and Policy as their DMC Policy Specialist, located in their Washington, DC, office. Her work will be supported through a grant from the MacArthur Foundation's Models for Change initiative and she will be focusing on DMC issues in Louisiana and Pittsburg (January 2008).

Members Scott Reiner (VADJJ Division of Community Programs) and Jared Miller (VADJJ Research & Evaluation), together with colleague Tripti Gangal, authored an article entitled, "Public Safety Outcomes of Virginia's Detention Assessment Instrument". The article was published in the Juvenile & Family Court Judge Journal, Summer 2007 edition. (December 2007)

Congratulations to members Alan Hullette (Superintendent, Roanoke Valley Juvenile Detention), Colleen French (Superintendent, New River Valley Juvenile Detention), and Tim Smith (Superintendent, Shenandoah Valley Juvenile Detention), who have been elected to leadership posts with the Virginia Council on Juvenile Detention (VCJD). (December 2007)

Go Mike Sawyer! (Tidewater District) Mike was just named the Deputy Director of the 2nd Court Service Unit - Virginia Beach. Previously Mike was employed by the Tidewater Regional Group Home Commission. Mike is a former member of the VJJA Board of Directors (December 2007).

Kudos to Greg Sampson, (Tidewater District), on his recent promotion. Greg just accepted the position of Probation Supervisor with the 13th District CSU - Richmond. Previously he was a Probation Officer with the 9th CSU - Yorktown. (November 2007)

Congratulations to Olymphia Perkins! (Tidewater District) Olymphia has been selected Director of the 2nd Court Service Unit in Virginia Beach. Previously Olymphia was a Probation Supervisor in the VA Beach office. She has also worked for the 7th District CSU in Newport News and has more than 21 years experience in juvenile justice. (November 2007)

Tidewater District Officer, Patrick DeLauder, Portsmouth CSU, just celebrated the careeer milestone of 30 years with the Commonwealth of Virginia. (October 2007)

Kudos to Tina Kilby on her recent promotion. Previously with the Norfolk Court Service Unit, Tina is now an Intake Supervisor with the Virginia Beach Court Service Unit.

Congratulations to Capital District Member, Caroel Selby, of the Department of Juvenile Justice's Certification Unit (a former State Officer and VJJA Board of Directors Member) on his impending retirement. Caroel will retire on 1/1/2008 after more than 35 years of employment with the Commonwealth of Virginia. We wish him well (November 2007).

Kudos to Julie Truitt (Virginia Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Sevices ) and Anne Clifford (Culpeper CSU) who each won $500 professional development scholarships during the 31st Fall Juvenile Justice Institute. (November 2007)

Go Katharine Hunter! Katharine has accepted a position with the Virginia Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Sevices (DMHMRSAS) and will focus her efforts on Mental Health programming in Virginia's Secure Detention facilities. She will be leaving her position as an Expeditor with the Richmond Juvenile Court / Children's Justice Center. (November 2007)

Demian Futterman is to be congratulated on his new position as Grant Monitor with the Department of Criminal Justice Services. Demian until recently was employed in the North Carolina Juvenile Justice system. He also previously worked as the Census Manager at the Norfolk Detention Home. Congrats and welcome back to Virginia! (November 2007)

Capital District member Kyle McMahon has a new job. He will be working as a Program Manager for Intercept Youth Services. Kyle was until recently employed by Family Focus. Prior to that he was a Probation Officer in the cities of Roanoke and Richmond. (October 2007)

Past President Tom Currier's son Aaron was married to Mandy Kehl in September. The marriage took place in Hellertown, PA on the 18th green of the Silver Creek Country Club. The couple will make their home in Wilmington, NC. (September 2007)

Capital District member Bryan Carver has been promoted to Assistant Director Field Investigations (SWVA), with the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation's Compliance and Investigations Division.

Not to be outdone by Ms. Grimm, Blue Ridge District Secretary Susan Farmer reports that she recently found and rescued the love of her life on the 15th hole of Hanging Rock Golf Course. Meet Callaway. (September 2007)

One of the most influential defenders of children in the U.S. lives in Virginia. So why haven't you heard of him? Read The Quiet Advocate to learn more (September 2007)

Tidewater District Vice Chair Katherine Grimm, a Portsmouth CSU Supervisor, has a new guy in her life -- see photo (September 2007)

Congratulations to Tidewater District member Sarah Wray and her husband David who just welcomed their first child, Grace Elizabeth Wray. Sarah is a Parole Officer with the Portsmouth Court Service Unit. (September 2007)

The warmest of wishes to longtime Tidewater District member and VJJA Board of Directors member Jim Woolf, a CSU Deputy Director in VA Beach, on the occasion of his 65^th Birthday! (September 2007)

Congratulations to Northern district member, Kaye Wallace, on her recent promotion. Formerly the Family Abuse Officer at the Loudoun Court Service Unit, Kaye recently assumed the position of Criminal Justice Analyst for Loudoun County. Ms. Wallace also serves as the Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART) Coordinator for Loudoun Co. (August 2007)

VJJA President Beth Stinnett and Tidewater District members the Honorable Judge Jerrauld Jones and Dotty Kello (Norfolk CSU Deputy Director) were among the presenters at the mandatory Statewide Judicial Conference held in Virginia Beach (August 2007).

Tidewater District Vice Chair Katherine Grimm, a Portsmouth CSU Supervisor, has a new guy in her life -- see photo (September 2007)

Congratulations to Tidewater District member and state Board of Directors member Diane Floyd (now Diane Shelton), a Virginia Beach CSU Supervisor, on her recent nupituals. (August 2007)

Portsmouth Probation Supervisor Katherine Grimm, who serves as VJJA’s Tidewater District Vice Chair is going to jail to help fight muscular disease! Help keep her out of jail (or if you chose keep her IN jail). Learn more here.

VJJA Director of Membership Samantha Higgins is sporting a new hairdo after donating several inches of hair to the "Locks of Love" program while participating in a Relay for Life event in Rockbridge County. (August 2007)

Longtime member Rodney Hubbard and wife Debbie have a new grandchild. The father of 5 sons -- the Hubbard 5 – they welcomed their third granddaughter. (July 2007)

Way to go Kevin Sutton! (Capital District member) Kevin has been named one of two new Probation Supervisors at the 12th District Court Service Unit - Chesterfield. (July 2007)

Congratulations to Valley District member Anne Clifford on her recent promotion to Senior Probation Officer for the 16th Court Service Unit - Charlottesville. (July 2007)

Always the entrepreneur, Tidewater district member, Don Willis, has launched a new business - Village Events LTD. Check out his latest venture here: www.villageevents.org

Capital District member Jennifer Julian is to be congratulated on her recent promotion to Probation Supervisor in the 12th District Court Service Unit - Chesterfield. (July 2007)

VJJA President Beth Stinnett recently spoke at the National Association of Counties (NaCO) annual conference. She presented a workshop entitled, "Breaking the Cycle of Recidivism Before It Starts". She was joined in her presentation by the Honorable Judge Jay Dugger, Hampton J&DR Court. (July 2007)

Congratulations to Tidewater District member Sean Milner who has been named Director of the 2A Court Service Unit - Accomac. (July 2007)

Having trouble keeping up with the upwardly mobile, Amy Morgan (Blue Ridge District Member)? Amy is to be congratulated once more after being named Assistant Superintendent at the Roanoke Valley Juvenile Detention Center. Prior to her recent appointment, Amy was the Director of Sanctuary Crisis Intervention Center in Roanoke. (June 2006)

Go Blue Ridge Member Aileen Lewis! A past winner of the VJJA Scholarship, Aileen just completed a Master of Arts degree in Human Relations Counseling at Liberty University. (July 2007)

Tidewater District member John Curl has retired after more than 30 years in juvenile justice on the Eastern Shore. (June 2007)

Kudos to colleague Marilyn Miller (now Marilyn Brown) and her husband Stephen on their recent nuptials in Stowe, Vermont. (June 2007)

Godspeed Booster! VJJA members (particularly those from the Valley District) will recognize the name Johnny "Booster" Wheeler. Sadly, Mr. Wheeler passed away on June 27 after a long illness. He was 60. While employed at Natural Bridge JCC, Mr. Wheeler was long active in VJJA. This photograph of Booster was taken at VJJA's 2002 Fall Juvenile Justice Institute, the last he attended. The family requests that any memorial contributions be made to Rockbridge Area Hospice, P.O. Box 948, Lexington, VA 24450. Booster's name will be added to the VJJA Memorial Plague. (June 2007)

Congratulations to Tidewater District member Michelle Burroughs (now Michelle Burroughs-Vanhook) and her husband Dex who tied the knot on May 26. And best wishes to Dex who is on active duty in Hawaii. (May 2007)

Way to Go Bruce! Long time Tidewater district member Bruce Bright recently celebrated 40 years as an employee of the Commonwealth of Virginia. He is employed as the Director of the 2nd District Court Service Unit in Virginia Beach. (May 2007)

DJJ Employees Reach Career Milestones! Congrats to the following DJJ employees who were recognized for their career milestones at a recent luncheon 25 years - Grace A. Allison, Lou Anne Bennet, Gloria R. Bonner, Syliva G. Boston, Noel Brown, James L. Brown, Stephen Charlson, Diane T. Clemins, Diana J. Counts, Julius N. Day, Thomas J. Deane, Sharon P. Dearing, Charles E. Dockery, Carole J. Dunn, Linda B. Fain, Donnell Flanagan, Sharrell W. Fowler, Judith L. Fulgham, Diane Gittman, Robert Hash, Michelle D. Jenkins, Glenn A. Lavoie, Katherine K. McAloose, Samuel J. Moore, Bryan S. Mullins, Byrne L. Nelson, Richard G. Patrick, Deloras H. Puett, Douglas Robinson, Patricia Ruffin, Sylvia E. Smithers, Elizabeth F. St. John, Rosa Stevens, Thomas V. Taylor, Elliott J. Thompson, Teresa Trapani, Gregory Whittaker; 30 Years - Linda A. Anderson, Gloria P. Bartley, George H. Beane, Larry A. Bell, Denis Boudreau, Robert C. Carpenter, Martha D. Carroll, Angela Christopher, Lylas Cooper, Genie Crawford, Kathryn B. Dickerson, Robert C. Douglas, Shauna F. Epps, Diane Floyd, Willie M. Green, Alfredda K. Griffin, Barbara M. Gwin, Deobrah D. Hatfield, Malcolm W. Hite, Jr., Susan V. Inman, Frank O. Johnson, Bobbie L. Krohn, Ronald Lassiter, Ronald D. Marshall, Eunice W. May, Robert C. Nace, Claudette R. Overton, Stephen T. Pierce, W. Stephen Pullen; 35 Years – William J. Sharkey, Chyrl K. Sheffey, Gurney F. Smith, Jr., Glenda Taylor Snead, Angela M. Valentine, Samuel White, Joyce Wingate; 30 Years – James V. Caffrey, John E. Curl, Donald W. Driscoll, Sharon Holloway, Thomas Gooding, David Jones, Carolyn C. Leftwich, Sonja Manning, Nancy Jane B. McClure, Edward Murray, Mary M. Neal, Cathy C. Plunkett, William Schoof, Caroel L. Selby, Thomas A. Young.

Congratulations to colleague Andy Block on receiving the 2007 Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year in Virginia. Mr. Block also recently testified at a crime summit on Capitol Hill that policies promoting the transfer of youth to the adult criminal justice system are harmful and counterproductive. The crime summit was hosted by Virginia Congressman Robert (Bobby) Scott who chairs the House Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security. Block was a speaker at VJJA’s 30^th Fall Juvenile Justice Institute and in his role as Co-Chair of the Virginia Coalition for Juvenile Justice partnered with VJJA to successfully champion HB 3007 (changes to the transfer bill). Andy is the founder and Legal Director of JustChildren and a graduate of Yale and the Northwestern University School of Law. Before law school, he spent a year teaching in a rural Kenyan village and two years leading wilderness trips for young people in New Mexico’s juvenile justice and mental health systems.

James Rankin, Northern District Member, has been named President of the Court Service Unit Director's Association. (May 2007)

Congrats to the Bon Air Administration for being recognized by winning the Department of Juvenile Justice Director Barry Green's Directors Award for Excellence. (May 2007)

Go Madeline! Congrats are extended to Madaline Wells for being recognized by Department of Juvenile Justice as the Administrative Support Person of the Year. Wells is employed as the Senior Secretary for the 21st Court Service Unit - Martinsville, primarily supporting CSU Director Robert Foster. Wells has also been actively involved in VJJA's Blue Ridge District. (May 2007)

Hats off to Valley District member Carolyn Maclam for being named the Department of Juvenile Justice's Correctional Nurse of the Year. (May 2007)

Congrats to Capital District member Laverne Jackson for being named the Department of Juvenile Justice's Juvenile Correctional Officer of the Year. (May 2007)

Hats off to Valley District member Janie Grinnan for being nominated for the Department of Juvenile Justice' Probation Officer of the Year award. Grinnan is employed by the Department of Juvenile Justice's 26th Court Service Unit and is stationed at the Luray office.

Congrats as well to Gregory Sampson for being nominated for the Department of Juvenile Justice's Probation Officer of the Year award. Greg is employed by the Department's 9th Court Service Unit, working out of the Yorktown office. (April 2007)

Congrats to Woody Harris for being nominated for Department of Juvenile Justice Director Barry Green's Directors Award for Excellence. (April 2007)

Go Doris! Valley District member Doris Hedrick was nominated for Department of Juvenile Justice's Nurse of the Year award. Hedrick is employed at the Natural Bridge Juvenile Correctional Center. (April 2007)

Kudos to Northern District member Paige Quattlebaum for being named the Department of Juvenile Justice's Probation Officer of the Year. (May 2007)

Kudos to long time friend and colleague Professor Bob Shepherd and his new bride on their April 28 nuptials. Bob arrived back from Italy just in time to provide remarks during the Juvenile Law & Education Conference at the University of Richmond. (April 2007)

Congrats to the Bon Air Administration for being recognized by winning the Department of Juvenile Justice Director Barry Green's Directors Award for Excellence. (May 2007)

Congratulations to Tidewater district members James Fox and Larry Robinson, both of Newport News Juvenile Services. During a recent private / public partnership conference hosted by the National Counseling Group (NCG), they were recognized for their service to the Newport News community. (April 2007)

Best wishes to Frank Dooms, a Waynesboro Intake/Probation Officer (and personal friend to "Uncle Buck"), who has announced his retirement from juvenile justice after 12 years. Frank is retiring for the second time, having previously retired from the military after 26 years. Read about Frank in Views From the Ledge in the Spring 2007 Advocate.

CONGRATULATIONS to Kim Koeppen, a Parole Officer in Staunton & Waynesboro, for being named the Virginia Gang Investigators Association's 2006 Regional Director of the Year. The award was presented during VGIA's March 12 Board of Directors meeting. (March 2007)

KUDOS to Marcus Muskelly, who was named the Newport News Juvenile Services Making a Difference Employee of the Year. Muskelly is Senior Counselor with NNJS where he has been employed for 9 years. (February 2007)

Tidewater district member Larry Robinson was recently promoted to a full Colonel (0-6) in the United States Army Reserve. (February 2007)

Congratulations to employees of the Newport News Juvenile Services staff on their recent promotions: Mary Artis, promoted to Senior Counselor, Eric Finley, promoted to Supervisor, Fate Guinn, promoted to Supervisor, LaShawn Kelly, promoted to Senior Counselor, David Moore, promoted to Senior Counselor. (February 2007)

Kudos to long time Tidewater District member Pat Cooper who retired from Newport News Juvenile Services after more than 30 years. (March 2007)

A former Probation Officer of the Year, as well as a featured speaker during the 30th Fall Juvenile Justice Institute, Mike Mackey, continues to provide leadership in Alexandria. Most recently he was featured in the Connection Newspaper calling on community members to become mentors. See article HERE

Newport News Juvenile Services welcomes the following new hires (and hence new VJJA members!) Michael Banks, Counselor of Day & Evening Programs, Cheryl Carney, Outreach Counselor; Elaine Cosme, Administrative Coordinator, Alyssa Dale, Secure Detention Counselor, Michael Foreman, Secure Detention Counselor, Jason Fox, Secure Detention Counselor, Darryl Kelly, Secure Detention Counselor, Sarah Lyons, Secure Detention Counselor, Christopher Martin, Outreach Counselor, Steven McKay, Secure Detention Counselor, George Wayson, Secure Detention Counselor. (February 2007)

Congratulations to the members of Newport News Juvenile Services who recently celebrated career service milestones: Richard Branch, Counselor II - 5 years; Jimmie Howard, Counselor II - 8 years; JeNohn Carter, Counselor I - 10 years; Larry Robinson, Agency Director, - 12 years; Creighton Incorminias, Supervisor – 16 years; Arlene Godwin, Counselor II - 17 years; Bernard West, Supervisor II - 19 years; Amicia Forbes, Senior Counselor - 25 years. (February 2007)

Not that we needed any more evidence why Paul Greggs was presented VJJA’s 2005 Meritorious Award in the Area of Community Service, but here’s proof we got the right man! Paul is not only a significant contributor himself, but he’s passing along the valuable lesson of giving to the young men in his charge at the Westhaven Crisis Center. Throughout 2006 the youth in his program volunteered in excess of 1800 hours of service assisting the homeless, elderly and less fortunate of Portsmouth. Their commitment to service earned them national distinction, a letter of commendation from the President of the United States and the 2006 President’s Volunteer Service Award. The Tidewater Regional Group Home Commission and Portsmouth community is lucky to have Paul’s leadership, as is VJJA!

Special thanks to Bill Harrell (Suffolk), Gregg Smith (Norfolk), Chrystal Miller (Norfolk) and President Beth Stinnett (Richmond) who used annual leave on 1/24 to attend hearings at the Virginia General Assembly. Bill, Gregg and Chrystal provided compelling testimony in support of including juvenile probation officers in the Virginia Law Officers' Retirement System - VaLORS. Thanks to each of themn for their leadership and attendance. (January 2007)

Best wishes to Frank Fonte who is retiring from the Fairfax CSU on February 16, 2007, after more than 25 years. Frank has had a unique role with his CSU, managing an interjurisdictional caseload, perhaps the only such caseload in the state (expect maybe the DJJ Interstate Compact office). When police apprehend a suspect who is not a Fairfax resident, the case goes to Frank in Intake. He does some pretrial work to determine if there are prior offenses, etc and has developed an expert working relationship with the neighboring jurisdictions of DC and Maryland. Congratulations Frank! (January 2007)

Kudos to Mark Wood and Gregg Smith, both of the Norfolk Court Service Unit, who were recently promoted to fill supervisory vacancies with their agency. (January 2007)

Congratulations to Tim Dotson on his recent promotion to the position of Superintendent of the Highlands Juvenile Detention in Bristol. Tim replaces Richard Hagy who retired on December 31, 2006. (January 2007)

Alick Moody, Edward Pickens, Carl Linden, Scott Reiner, and the Honorable Judge Jerrauld Jones, were among the speakers and panel members at the national Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative Inter-Site Conference held in New Orleans. (December 2006).

Congratulations to members of the Newport News Juvenile Services who recently celebrated career service milestones: David Hall, Counselor II, - 10 years; Lashawn Kelly, Counselor II – 7 years; Taunya Shields, Counselor II – 8 years; David Strickland, Supervisor - 24 years; Deborah Wilkes, Supervisor - 26 years. (November 2006)

Scott Reiner, Beth Stinnett, the Honorable Judge Nelson Durden, the Honorable Judge Jerrauld Jones, the Honorable Judge Angela Roberts, the Honorable Judge Elizabeth Kellas, the Honorable Judge Teena Grodner, James McCarron, Edward Pickens, Carl Linden, Mark Wood, Antonio Sutton, Kathleen Jones, Alick Moody, Cathy Lwellen, and Susan Morgan, each represented their work places at the Annie E. Casey Foundation's Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative Inter-Site Conference held in New Orleans. (November 2006).

Congratulations to members of the Newport News Juvenile Services who recently celebrated career service milestones: Nakeisha Cummings, Cook – 8 years; Rex Ellsworth, Counselor II - 7 years; Derrel Johnson, Counselor II, - 10 years; Alex Julien, Counselor II – 5 years; Greda Pair, Administrative Assistant II - 5 years; Caesar Pascual, Counselor II - 6 years; Chantia Tynes, Counselor II - 9 years; Oliver Walmon Jr., Counselor II - 10 years. (October 2006)

In 1970, a group of Syracuse University football team members, known today as the “Syracuse 8”, showed extraordinary courage and commitment by calling for the equal treatment of student-athletes and a diverse coaching staff. As talented scholarship athletes, these men were aware of the potential consequences of their actions. Despite this risk, they took a strong, principled stand. When their calls for action were not honored, they made the difficult decision to leave the team and give up a game they loved and the potential success it could bring. VJJA’s own Clarence “Bucky” McGill was among the courageous young men and 36 years later was award a medal from the school’s chancellor (read more) October 2006

Mary Gaskill (Southwest District) was a guest lecturer for a human services class at Virginia Tech. (October 2006)

Congratulations to members of the Newport News Juvenile Services who recently celebrated career service milestones: Tomeika Bush, Counselor I – 6 years; Marcus Muskelly, Senior Counselor – 8 years; Richard Ramsawh, Counselor - 6 years. (September 2006)

Congratulations to Jered Grimes of Newport News Juvenlie Services who was promoted to Senior Counselor. (September 2006)

Oliver Walmon Jr., is congratulated on his selection as the Newport News Juvenlie Service's Make a Difference Employee of the Quarter. Nathaniel is a Counselor II in their Less Secure Detention facility. He has been with the organization for 1more than 10 years. (September 2006)

Congratulations to Charles Little, Counselor II, with the Newport News Juvenile Services who recently celebrated the career service milestone of 8 years of service. (August 2006)

Retired member John Newell (Capital District) and wife Susan, just returned from a trip to Ohio where they were attending a music festival. (July 2006)

Long time Tidewater District member Steve Pullen, who is the Deputy Director of Administration & Finance with the Department of Juvenile Justice, recently presented at the 2006 National Institute of Justice conference in Washington, D.C. Steve co-presented with Ms. Melissa Sickmund of the National Center for Juvenile Justice in a workshop entitled, “National Report on Juvenile Offenders and Victims: Highlights and Tools”. (July 2006)

Long overdue kudos to Tracy King (Capital District) on her selection earlier this year as a Probation Officer for the 11^th District Court Service Unit in Petersburg. Prior to joining the staff at the 11^th CSU, Tracy was the Special Placements Counselor at the Department of Juvenile Justice’s Reception & Diagnostic Center (RDC).

Martha Kurgans, LCSW, (Capital District) of the DMHMRSAS Office of Child and Family Services, served among the faculty and directors for the 2006 Virginia Summer Institute for Addiction Studies (VSIAS). The Virginia Summer Institute for Addiction Studies (VSIAS) is in its fifth year of operations! It has grown from a 3-day mini-pilot-institute in 2002 to an all-week event, featuring nationally known presenters, current topics, and attracting 839 participants, presenters, and exhibitors in 2005. (July 2006)

Capital District member Scott Reiner, MAC, CCS, from the VADJJ's Central Office, was among the presenters at the the Virginia Summer Institute for Addiction Studies (VSIAS). He presented workshops on identifying potential substance use problems in adolescents and improving outcomes for the community re-entry of juvenile offenders. (July 2006)

Congratulations to Blue Ridge Member Tamara Rosser on her recent promotion to Director of Juvenile Services for the City of Lynchburg. Tamara had been Interim Director since November 2005. Prior to that time, she worked for the city as the Planning and Evaluation Manager for Youth & Prevention. In her capacity as Director, Tamara will oversee the management o the Comprehensive Services Act, the city’s 3 group homes and the regional juvenile detention home. She will also serve on the City Manager’s Leadership Team. Tamara has a bachelor of science degree in psychology from Radford University and a master of science degree in public administration (MPA) from VA Tech. (June 2006)

Valley District member Tim Turner, the Captain at Natural Bridge Juvenile Correctional Center, was not on the ballot, but received 73 write-in votes for town council during a recent election in his hometown of Glasgow (June 2006).

Nathaniel Massey, Sr. is congratulated on his selection as the Newport News Juvenlie Service's Make a Difference Employee of the Quarter. Nathaniel is a Counselor II in their Outreach program. He has been with the organization for 12 years. (June 2006)

Congratulations to members of the Newport News Juvenile Services who recently celebrated career service milestones: Peggy Howard, Deputy Director – 5 years; Laura Mickens, Counselor II, Less Secure – 5 years; Sheena Christian-Howard, Superintendent – 21 years; Dean Collins, Senior Counselor, Secure – 5 years; Pat Cooper, Less Secure Program Administrator – 30 years; Kellee Gorham, Counselor II (Less Secure) – 5 years; Linda Hughes, Supervisor – 14 years; James Mason, Counselor II, Secure – 5 years; Beryl Massie-Brown, Counselor I – 6 years; Kenneth Moyler, Counselor, Less Secure – 8 years; Vernon Williams, Counselor II, Outreach – 12 years; Josephine Burch, Counselor II, Outreach – 32 years; Michael Hagans, Counselor II, Secure – 7 years; Pam Holland, Counselor II, Outreach – 18 years; Silvanis Jones, Counselor II, Secure – 7 years; Venus Jones, Counselor I - 10 years; Larry Powell, Counselor II, Secure – 7 years; and Delores Robinson, Counselor II, Less Secure – 9 years. (June - August 2006)

Not that we had any doubt about why he was named VJJA’s 2005 Administrator of the Year, but …. Northern District member, Jim Rankin, who is the Director of the 31^st District Court Service Unit, is commended for his leadership in bringing “Learning for Life”, a character development course, to the Prince William community. Jim partnered with Patrick Gulden of the National Capital Area Exploring Division and a colleague from an adjacent locality, Kenny Smith of the Facquier County Court Service Unit, on the endeavor. The program, which focuses on conflict resolution, team building, problem solving and decision making skills, is being facilitated by Northern District member, Paige Quattlebaum, a Senior Probation Officer in the Prince William Court Service Unit. The first program was held June 24^th at Camp Snyder in Haymarket, Virginia. (June 2006)

Kudos to Bridget Dudley on her recent promotion to Assistant Director of Newport News Juvenile Services (June 2006).

Congratulations to Capital District member, Stephanie Crockett Green, on her recent promotion. Previously Administrative Supervisor of Petersburg's Juvenile Community Crime Control office, Stephanie has joined the staff of the Richmond Court Service Unit as Supervisor of the Investigative & Diagnostic Units. (June 2006).

A speedy recovery is wished to Northern District Chair Lynn Dotson who is out on medical leave after foot surgery. Lynn is a Probation Supervisor in the 31^st District Court Service Unit. (June 2006)

Capital District member, Chuck Kehoe, is the Immediate Past President of the American Correctional Association. He is also Vice President for Marketing and Communication for G4S Youth Services, LLC, based in Richmond. Chuck travels around the country providing training, technical assistance, and expert witness services for G4S. Most recently, he did a half-day workshop on Emergency Management and Evacuation Training for juvenile detention and correctional managers attending the Juvenile Services Training Institute in Indianapolis, Indiana."

Kudos to the Northern District officers (Lynn Dotson, Elaine Butkiewicz, Tammy Deihr and Ellen Patterson) for putting on a district level training event during the month of June. The combination training event and membership drive, included a segment on “Who Moved My Cheese”. (June 2006)

Now that school is out for the summer, Blue Ridge District member, Butch Jefferson, a Truancy Prevention Specialist with Bedford County Youth & Family Services, will be assisting the Bedford YMCA with their Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) efforts. Butch, who is a former UVA football player, will serve as a facilitator for their summer program. (June 2006)

Kudos to Paige Quattlebaum, Northern District member, on her recent promotion to Senior Probation Officer. Paige is a long time member and employee of the 31st Court Service Unit in Manassas.(June 2006).

Northern District member, Lillian Brooks, Director of the Alexandria Court Service Unit will be providing international technical assistance. Arranged by the US State Department, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Lillian is scheduled to meet with Dr. Chengwen Chen, Dean of the Department of Sociology, at the Hunan Normal University in China. Dr. Chen is charged with learning more about juvenile delinquency programming in the United States to bring back ideas to China. Dr. Chen will learn about Alexandria’s programs and services and will get a first hand look at day reporting and secure detention. (June 2006)

Blue Ridge District members Amy Morgan, Youth Counselor Supervisor at Sanctuary Crisis Intervention Center, and Jim O’Hare, Roanoke Department of Juvenile Services, are sitting as members of their community’s Disproportionate Minority Contact task force. They will each have a hand in developing a plan of action for the Roanoke area. Also, together with MANY (Mid-Atlantic Network on Youth), on June 26^th, Sanctuary is co-sponsoring a training, “Competency Based Services - Using Strengths to Guide Service Delivery”. The trainer for the event will be Ms. Sue Barton, from Phillips, Barton, and Associates, Tulsa, OK. (June 2006)

Congratulations to William Wheeley, (Tidewater District member), on his retirement from the Department of Juvenile Justice. William, a Senior Intake Officer with the 4^th District Court Service Unit in Norfolk, is retiring after 30 years of service with the CSU and 3 years with the school system. Though William is retiring from state service, he will continue to work with children and families. After going back to school to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC), William has worked part-time for Adolescent and Family Institute, Inc. in Norfolk. As of July 5^th, he’ll make that his full-time gig. We wish William well. (June 2006)

Randy Blevins, 28^th CSU Director and Mike Mastropaolo, 15^th District CSU Director, are serving on the CSA State & Local Advisory Team (SLAT). The General Assembly has required JLARC to study CSA, particularly the increasing cost of services. The Court Director’s Association has submitted a comprehensive survey of CSA with specific recommendations which will be forwarded to JLARC.

Long overdue congrats to Capital District member, Jim Stevenson, on his promotion to Superintendent of the Northwestern Regional Juvenile Detention Center (NRJDC) in Winchester. Prior to being named Superintendent in 2005, Jim served as Assistant Superintendent for 9 years. (June 2006)

Capital District member, Ashaki McNeil, formerly with the Governor’s Office on Substance Abuse Prevention – GOSAP), has joined the Juvenile Justice Division of the Department of Criminal Justice Services as their Grant Monitor. She is currently presenting workshops for new and continuing Conducting workshop for new and continuation Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention and Intervention subgrantees. (June 2006)

VJJA member, Angela Hiatt, recently became a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) and is already putting her new credential to work, by establishing a substance abuse group for juveniles from the 21^st CSU. This intensive treatment group provides services for those juveniles who have tried more traditional substance abuse classes and have not been successful. (June 2006)

Barbara Marques, Henrico CSU Probation Supervisor, has announced her retirement from the Department of Juvenile Justice effective August 1, 2006.

Former Henrico CSU Intake Supervisor, Lynn Clark, has come out of retirement to assist the Henrico CSU in providing Probation Supervision while they are short staffed. (June 2006)

Blue Ridge District member, Linda Fain, just celebrated 25 years of service with the Commonwealth of VA. Mrs. Fain is a Probation Supervisor in the 21^st District CSU and her colleagues note that she is an outstanding example of professionalism and service to those who come in contact with her. (June 2006)

Southwest District member, Elizabeth Williams, a Probation Officer in the 28th District CSU, will serve as an adjunct professor at Virginia Intermont College in Bristol, Virginia. This fall she will begin teaching a course on domestic violence. She also just returned from a California vacation where she attended a taping of the Tonight Show.

Congratulations to Robbi Hansen, Southwest District member and Business Manager for the Virginia Wilderness Institute, in Grundy, who is celebrating 20 years of service with the Associated Marine Institutes (AMI). (June 2006)

Deron Phipps, Capital District Member and Legislative Coordinator for the VADJJ, is busy traveling the state providing training on legislation enacted by the 2006 General Assembly. Among other sessions, the month of June finds him presenting to the Virginia Council on Juvenile Detention (VCJD). Deron and his wife Bridget are also celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary with a trip to Chicago to see the Cubs. (June 2006)

Beaumont JCC Substance Abuse Treatment Provider, Elaine Champion (Capital District), is attending Virginia Commonwealth University working towards a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling and the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential. (June 2006)

Kudos to Southwest District members, James Culverhouse, Johnny Stiltner and Robbi Hansen, all member of the Administration at the Virginia Wilderness Institute (VWI), in Grundy. VWI, a residential program with an average daily population of 33, has had many recent accomplishments. Among those accomplishments, is receiving a score of 100% on a recent internal audit conducted by their parent company, the Associated Marine Institutes (AMI). The audit focused on VWI’s implementation of the “Unified Approach”, a balance between behavior modification, education and treatment. In addition to their 100% audit, VWI’s school is on track to break records, with 26 students completing a high school diploma or GED during the current fiscal year. These successes were possible because of the commitment and leadership of James, Johnny and Robbi! (June 2006)

Trudy Wilson, Southwest District member and Washington County Probation Officer, recently facilitated a Moral Kombat class for youth and their parents. Developed in east Tennessee, MK is a character education curriculum that incorporates character building, accountability, and community service components. (June 2006)

Don Willis, (Tidewater District), was recently reappointed to the Board of Directors of the Colonial Services Board. He has served on the board for the past 4 years and has held various offices. Don retired as the Executive Director of York County Juvenile Services in 2005. He is currently working part-time for the Newport News community as their JDAI Coordinator. (June 2006)

Husband and wife team, Dr. Roy Persons, Psychologist Supervisor at Beaumont JCC and Mrs. Natasha Persons, M.A., Psychology Associate at Bon Air JCC, (both Capital District members) have been invited to present at the 21st International Conference on Mental Health and Law in Rome, Italy. (June 2006)

Officers Sandra Dawson and Debbie St. John, recently spoke to Henry County and Martinsville merchants on Gang Activity. Area merchants had indicated a perceived increase in criminal activity which appeared as though it was potentially linked to gang activity. (June 2006)

Jim Cornett, Southwest District Vice Chair and Senior Probation Officer in the 28^th Court Service Unit is working on his 34^th year with the Department of Juvenile Justice. A member since 1973, Jim is a legend, if only in his own mind. In February of this year, he and six members from his Church, Highlands Fellowship, spent seven days in Wave Land, Mississippi, performing community service for victims of the Hurricane Katrina disaster. He is especially proud of the work performed and looks forward to returning. (June 2006)

Tom Deane, Blue Ridge District Member and Salem Probation Officer, has had a busy year. He and wife Cindy celebrated their 1st wedding anniversary this month. He's also recently learned to play the Appalachian Dulcimer and is developing a hobby of making rustic furniture. (June 2006)

Dr. Hilary Eckert, (Capital District), a Psychologist Senior with Beaumont JCC’s Behavioral Service Unit, is expecting her second child in October. (June 2006)

Recognizing the need for specialized services for girls, Tidewater District members Stephanie Lawrence and Paulette Evans, both Intake/Probation Officers with the Hampton CSU, developed the program, “It’s a Girl Thing”.

Long time member and former Meritorious Award winner, Charles Dockery, formerly a Counselor Supervisor at Hanover JCC, has been promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Programs at Beaumont JCC.

Blue Ridge District member, Juanita Irby, VJCCCA Coordinator for Campbell County, recently organized a Gang Awareness Workshop for workers in and around Campbell County who work with juveniles. Nearly 70 professionals representing social work, education, faith-based organizations, neighborhood watch, probation, detention, group homes, mental health and VJCCCA participated.

Christie Ek, Tidewater District, previously a Probation Officer at the Suffolk CSU was recently promoted to Senior Probation Officer. She will work out of the Isle of Wight and Franklin offices. (June 2006)

Kudos to Northern District member, Earl Conklin, (CSU Director Falls Church) and the entire Conklin family in their efforts to raise money and awareness for the American Diabetes Association. The Conklin family, who sponsored a team and participated in a 12 mile bike ride, raised over $6,000.00 in their efforts to help find a cure. Hats off to the Conklins, including little Gracie Conklin, whose bike was attached to Mr. Conklin's (June 2006).

Long time Blue Ridge member and friend, Rodney Hubbard, the CSU Director in Roanoke, is back at work on a part-time basis, following a heart transplant operation (June 2006).

Sandra Dawson and Angela Hiatt recently spoke to youth and families in the Martinsville area at the New Bethel Baptist Church. Officer Dawson spoke on peer pressure and gang involvement while Officer Hiatt focused on the juvenile court system and the consequences of a delinquent involvement. (June 2006)

The staff of the Advocate welcomes Southwest District member Neil Bramlette (Appalachian Juvenile Commission), who has accepted the position of Sales Manager. (June 2006)

The Capital District announces the following appointments to their Local Advisory Board: Matt Bond, (Henrico CSU), has been appointed Legislative Coordinator. Katherine Farmer, (Henrico CSU), has been appointed Training Coordinator. (June 2006)

On July 18, 2006, long time Tidewater District member Steve Pullen, who is the Deputy Director of Administration & Finance with the Department of Juvenile Justice, will present at the 2006 National Institute of Justice conference in Washington, D.C. Steve will co-present with Ms. Melissa Sickmund of the National Center for Juvenile Justice in a workshop entitled, “National Report on Juvenile Offenders and Victims: Highlights and Tools”. (June 2006)

Capital District member, Scott Reiner, (DJJ Central Office), just returned from Minneapolis where he provided training on Virginia's Detention Assessment Instrument (DAI) to detention reform colleagues from other states. (June 2006)

Hats off to VJJA’s Capital District members who participated in the DJJ Lunch Buddy Program in partnership with Richmond City Schools. Trisha Batley, Natalie Dalton, Susan Heck, Donielle Langhorne, Andrea McMahon, Kyle McMahon, Sheila Palmer, Ty Parr, Connie Richardson, Beth Stinnett, Charlene Ward and Otissa Williams, each volunteered their time to mentor 1^st and 2^nd grade students at Blackwell Elementary School. The year culminated with a year end picnic. See Photos (June 2006)

VJJA Congratulates the following members on their recent career milestones with the Department of Juvenile Justice! Ed Murray (DJJ Central Office) - 35 years, Kathryn Dickerson (Oak Ridge JCC) - 30 years, William Wheeley (Norfolk CSU) - 30 years, Denis Boudreau (Newport News CSU) - 30 years, Lylas Cooper (Hampton CSU) - 30 years, Ron Lassiter (Lexington CSU) - 30 years, Jim Rankin (Manassas CSU) - 35 years. (April-June 2006)

Capital District member George Wakefield (DJJ Central Office) and Valley District member Nancy Fleming (Culpeper JCC) were among the DJJ employees appointed to serve on Division of Institution's TASOC (Treatment of Adolescent Sex Offenders Committee). (June 2006)

On June 14, 2006, Dennis Gilbert (9th CSU - Williamsburg), Doug Poe (27th CSU – Pulaski) and Cathy Sterling (9th CSU – Williamsburg), will present at the 7th Annual Innovative Technologies for Community Corrections Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Hosted by the National Law Enforcement & Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC), the conference is a program of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). Dennis, Doug and Cathy will present, “Virginia is for Lovers: A Marriage of Technologies Enhancing Statewide After-hours Intake Services”. Congratulations to them on their selection as conference speakers and safe travels as they head to Atlanta. We know you will do Virginia, DJJ and VJJA proud! (June 2006)

In a collaborative effort with the James River Juvenile Detention Center and the Henrico Department of Social Services, the Henrico Court Service Unit presented Stepping Stones, a program modeled after Prince William County’s Beat the Odds. Six young people were honored at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church as they made “stepping stones out of stumbling blocks” and were acknowledged for the significant achievements they made while on probation or parole or in foster care. Nearly 100 attendees turned out for the program. (May 2006)

Former Beaumont JCC Assistant Superintendent, Julie Truitt, (Capital District member) has accepted the position of Substance Abuse Planning Coordinator with the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse Services (DMHMRSAS). (May 2006)

Capital district members Ty Parr (Regional VJCCCA Coordinator) and Mindy Angle (Henrico Probation Officer) and Tidewater district member, Carolyn Stewart (Regional VJCCCA Coordinator) were among a handful of Virginians who attended the conference, "Graduated Sanctions in Juvenile Justice: A National Training", in Las Vegas, Nevada. The slogan is, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas", but we're happy to report Ty, Mindy and Carolyn brought back lots of great information on strategies for building a continuum of services, and they are happy to share. (May 2006)

Congratulations to State Treasurer and Tidewater District member Donna Baker and her husband Tim on the birth of their second child, Patrick. Patrick was welcomed home by big brother Vincent (May 2006).

Tidewater District member John Matish (Hampton JDAI Coordinator) was the luncheon speaker during the Department of Juvenile Justice's Leadership/Management Conference held May 9 and 10 in Midlothian. He spoke about the importance of cross agency collaboration. (May 2006)

Capital District members Rachelle Sullivan (Chesterfield Probation Officer), Lewis Wright (Henrico Intake Supervisor), Romilda Smith (Henrico Probation Officer) and Beth Stinnett (VJJA's President/VADJJ Central Office) recently served on panels during Basic Skills for New Probation Officers. They fielded questions on their experiences working in the juvenile justice field. (May 2006)

Under the leadership of Capital District member and VADJJ Agency Director, Barry Green, the Department of Juvenile Justice recently held a Leadership/Management Conference. Long time member, Shauna Epps, had primarily responsible for organizing the event. She was joined on the planning committee by members Tom Gooding (9th CSU - Williamsburg), George Wakefield (DJJ Central Office), Beth Stinnett (DJJ Central Office), and Crystal Wynn (Culpeper JCC). About 90 of the 150 key decision makers in attendance were VJJA members. Participants included both DJJ staff and also youth serving partners. (May 2006)

2005 Scholarship Winner and Tidewater Member, Dayna Hansen, has completed a Master of Arts degree at Norfolk State University. Graduating with honors (and a 4.0 GPA!), Dayna majored in Urban Education and Counseling. After working in telecommunications for several years, in 2004 Dayna joined the Department of Juvenile Justice’s 3rd District Court Service Unit in Portsmouth as a Probation Officer. Later that year she transferred to the 1st District Court Service Unit in Chesapeake where she and her husband JJ, and their two four legged children Kya and Kolby, reside. Congratulations to Dayna!! '05 Awards Press Release & Pictures (May 2006)

VJJA President, Beth Stinnett, recently presented at the 11th Annual Juvenile Law & Education Conference and Juvenile Defender Summit sponsored by the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission and the University of Richmond School of Law. She served on a panel discussing sex offender treatment Needs, and specifically addressed the unique transitional needs of sex offenders returning to the community following a period of incarceration in a juvenile correctional center. (May 2006)

Northern District member, Carolyn Barger Nesmith, just celebrated her first wedding anniversary. (May 2006)

On May 12, 2006, Blue Ridge District members, Sandra Dawson, Linda Fain, Angela Hiatt and Debbie St. John, organized a training session “Working with Juveniles and the Court Service Unit”. The day long session was designed to foster relationships between local agencies involved with the 21^st District Court Service Unit. The meeting was said to be a great success. (May 2006)

Capital District member, Yvonne Earvin, has been selected as the Post-Dispositional Coordinator for the James River Detention Home. She previously worked as a Probation Officer for the Department of Juvenile Justice's 16th District Court Service Unit in Charlottesville and as a Counselor at the Department's Beaumont Juvenile Correctional Center. (April 2006)

Capital District member, Trisha Batley, a Data & System Specialist for the Department of juvenile Justice’s Division of Community Programs recently attended Oracle University where she completed the course, Oracle Database 10g: Introduction to SQL Ed 1. (April 2006)

Congratulations to Wendy Baber on her new job as Probation Officer in the 26th CSU - Harrisonburg. A former VJJA Scholarship winner, Wendy used the scholarship money towards the degree she is pursuing at James Madison University. Wnedy was previously employed as an Office Services Assistant (OSA) for the 25th District CSU in Waynesboro.

Under the leadership of State JDAI Coordinator Scott Reiner, (Capital District Member) the Department of Juvenile Justice held its third Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) Conference in Glen Allen, VA. Approximately 150 state and local stakeholders policymakers convened for, “VA JDAI 2006: Building on Success”. Teams from eight cities and counties from across the Commonwealth represented the judiciary, education, social services, juvenile probation, secure detention, detention alternatives, law enforcement, prosecution, defense, mental health, and local government administration. The conference was opened by First Lady of Virginia, Anne Holton. Other opening speakers included Bart Lubow, from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Barry Green, DJJ Agency Director (Capital District Member) and Scott Reiner. Many of the workshop speakers and participants were VJJA members. Mike Morton, Hampton CSU Director (Tidewater District Member), presented a workshop entitled, “Changing CSU Practice to Match JDAI Philosophy”. The Honorable Jerrauld Jones, Norfolk J&DR Court (Tidewater District Member) opened day two with remarks entitled, “A View from the Bench”. He also led a panel of his peers in a question and answer session. Tidewater District member Van Mitchell, a Probation Officer at the Norfolk CSU, also assumed a leadership role during the conference, facilitating a working session with probation officers and intake officers from other jurisdictions. VJJA President, Beth Stinnett, who serves as the Assistant State JDAI Coordinator, organized the event. (April 2006)

Piedmont Community Services (www.piedmontcsb.org) and CHILL, resources to the Martinsville and Henry County area, presented “Positive Choices for Youth”. Blue Ridge Members, Sandra Dawson and Angela Hiatt, represented the Department of Juvenile Justice by explaining consequences of involvement with the juvenile justice system. (March 2006)

Kudos to Northern District member Erick King. A former employee of the Fairfax Boys' Probation House, Erick was recently hired as a Probation Officer for the 17th District Court Service Unit in Arlington. (February 2006)

Ron Telsch, VJJA State Secretary, has a new role with the Department of Juvenile Justice. Formerly an Assistant Superintendent at the Natural Bridge Juvenile Correctional Center (NBJCC), he recently became a Probation Supervisor for the 25th District Court Service Unit. He will manage offices in Botetourt, Lexington and Covington. (February 2006)

Go Marie Bristow! Marie is the Chair of the VJJA's Capital District. She works for Family Focus where she was just promoted to Team Leader. (February 2006)

Congratuations to Capital District Member, Trisha Batley, on furthering her education. Trisha recently received a master's degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is employed by the Department of Juvenile Justice's Division of Community Programs as a Data & Systems Specialist. (January 2006).

Congratulations to Northern District Member Lisa Sheads of the Alexandria Court Service Unit on her promotion to Senior Probation Officer. (February 2006)

State Secretary, Ron Telsch, just returned from presenting at the American Correctional Association's conference in Nashville, TN. He presented a workshop entitled, "The Productive-Life Method: A Program for Drug Court Staff and Clients". (January 2006)

Brett Schlegel has a new job. He recently accepted the position of Coordinator of School Safety for Spotsylvania County Schools. (January 2006)

Virginia was well-represented at the Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention's national conference, "Building on Success: Providing Today's Youth With Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow," held January 9-13, 2006, in Washington, D.C. Among the presenters were newly-elected President, Beth Stinnett, former DJJ Director, Judge Jerrauld Jones, DJJ Board Member and Executive Director of the National Juvenile Defender Center, Patricia Puritz, and Indigent Defense Consultant and Assistant Federal Public Defender Richard Goemann. President Stinnett joined panelists from the National Council on Crime & Delinquency in a presentation on Structured Decision Making. Judge Jones, Patricia Puritz and Richard Goemann, participated in a panel on the 10 Core Principles for Providing High-Quality Delinquency Representation Through Indigent Defense Delivery Systems. Other Virginians in attendance included Board Member, Scott Warner, Arlington Court Service Unit Director, Pat Romano, FPS Vice President, Betty Dixon, and former VADJJ central office staffer, Valerie Boykin. (January 2006)

Kudos to the individuals who traveled to Richmond, Wise County, Lynchburg, Fairfax and/or Virginia Beach for VJJA Rallies and Public Hearing that took place on 1-5-1006 and 1-18-2006. Be sure to personally thank each of the following individuals: Bill Harrell, Donna Baker, Michele Banalett, Gloria Bartley, Barry Beadles, Ron Belay, Bruce Bright, Gina Burton, Elaine Butkiewicz, Barbara Butler, Robert Carpenter, James Carriker, Jim Cornett, John Curl, Greg Cyphers, Natalie Dalton, Marie Davidson, Malcolm Davis, Tom Decker, Pat DeLauder, Gary Downey, Linda Fain, Sue Ann Fitz, Diane Floyd, Barbara Flythe, Robert Foster, Eddie Fowler, Kay Frye, Stephanie Garrison, Dawn Gilbert, Thomas Gooding, Jennifer Goodman, Willie Mae Green, Dianne Haley, Receater Harris, Sheila Hightower, Dotty Kello, Linda Knowles, Jim Kulp, Lanny Large, Sue Laughrun, Ron Lemley, Carl Linden, Mike Mastropaolo, Eunice May, Kimberly McCollum, Andrea McMahon, Judy McReynolds, Avon Miles, Sean Milner, LaTisha Moore, Curtis More, Ann Young Morse, Jim Nankervis, Audrey Newell, Ann Young O'Neill, Scott Rhodes, Mary Ann Robertson, Michael Scheitle, Esther Vieva Shook, Diane Smith, Ken Spurlock, Beth Stinnett, Lonnie Sturtevant, Rachelle Sullivan, Susan Theiser, Mark Thompson, Valerie Thompson, Gayle Turner, John Weigel, Percy White, Nadine Whitley, Phil Wignall, Ada Wilson, and Jim Woolf

Deron Phipps and Scott Reiner are forming the minds of potential future juvenile justice employees by the teaching in the CRJU Department at Virginia Commonwealth University. (January 2006)

Congratulations to outgoing Board Member Dave Carver on his recent promotion. Formerly the GRIT - Gang Response Intervention Team Coordinator for Loudoun County, Dave was recently promoted to a management position in the county's Division of Parks, Recreation & Community Service. (December 2005)

Congratulations to Chuck Watts on his recent promotion. A Probation Supervisor in the Lexington office, Chuck was recently selected to succeed fellow member, Bob Bradner, as the Director of the 10th Court Service Unit. Congrats to Chuck on his promotion and Bob on his retirement. (November 2005)

VJJA had a few members deliver presentations at the 11th Joint Conference on Juvenile Services, a national conference sponsored by the National Partnership for Juvenile Services. Board member, Beth Stinnett and fellow member, Scott Reiner, co-facilitated a session on the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI). Also, Susan LaFrance participated in a panel on Post-Dispositional Alternatives in Juvenile Detention Facilities. (October 2005).

Congratulations to Vista Gillespie, Northern District member on her recent promotion. Previously employed by the 31st District Court Service Unit in Prince William, Vista has joined the staff of the 15^th District Court Service Unit as a Senior Probation Officer/Intake Officer in their Stafford office. (October 2005)

Kudos to the Capital District on the tremendous success of Operation School Supplies (an initiave co-sponsored by participants in DJJ's Central Office Lunch Buddy program). Because of their efforts, hundreds of students whose families may not have had the resources to purchase the supplies they needed, will start the school year off well equipped. Special thanks to Julian Bey, Sheila Palmer, Kyle McMahon, Sheila Matthews and Vanessa Grooms from the Richmond CSU, Katherine Farmer, Henrico CSU and Beth Stinnett and Trisha Batley, DJJ Central Office. (September 2005)

Go Bill Harrell! (Tidewater District) POs across the state know to associate Bill's name with the VaLORS Campaign. Bill has worked tirelessly on the VaLORS campaign and served as the priciple author of the recent published report, Juvenile Probation Officers' Line of Duty Qualifications for the Virignia Law officers Retirement System: A Report to the 2006 House Appropriations & Senate Finance Committees. Special thanks also goes to Ron Belay, CSUDA President, Gary Conway, Vice President, Randy Blevins, Secretary/Treasurer and the entire CSU Director's Association. (The report was jointly funded by VJJA and the CSUDA). (September 2005)

Congratulations to Tidewater District member, Susan Inman, on her promotion to Intake Supervisor. Susan has been with the Norfolk Court Service Unit for more than 25 years. (September 2005)

Trisha Batley (Capital District), selected from among her colleagues to serve as the 2005 DJJ Lunch Buddy Program Coordinator. Read more about Trisha and the Lunch Buddy Program HERE. (August 2005)

Congrats to former Probation Officer Christine Franchok on her new job with Loudoun County Schools, where she will focus her attention on truancy. A former VJJA scholarship winner, she is nearing the completion of her master's degree.

Former Conference Planning Chair, Tracey Chiles (Northern District), was recently promoted to Assistant Director of Central Intake at the 19th District Court Serice Unit.

Robert Foster was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Blue Ridge District Chair. He's off to a dynamic start, having already planned a training and organizational meeting in the Roanoke area. Now that's LEADERSHIP!!! (Robert is the Director of the 21st CSU - Martinsville).

Valley District Chair, Kim Koeppen, was recently appointed Co-Regional Director of the Blue Region of the Virginia Gang Investigators' Association (VGIA). In her new role, she has been called upon to serve as an expert witness in court cases in the Augusta County area.

VJJA members Gary Conway, Beth Stinnett, Ed Holmes, Mike Mastropaolo, Pat Scott-Cobb and Angela Valentine are among the DJJ employees serving on the VADJJ's Training Curriculum Advisory Committee. The Committee is in the process of re-vamping the agency's Basic Skills for New POs curriculum.

Tim Showalter, Valley District Vice Chair, was promoted to Probation Supervisor. Tim, who works for the 26th CSU - Harrisonburg, replaced long time VJJA member Barbara Spencer who retired.

VJJA State Treasurer, Donna Baker, and Northern District member Christy Brown are both new Moms.

Long time member John Newell is enjoying his retirement. He just returned from his annual trip out west, sending postcards to the "Corn Palace" and other fascinating destinations along the way.

Go Aileen Lewis! Aileen recently returned to school to begin work on a masters degree in counseling. She is attending Liberty University. Aileen is a Probation Officer at the 10th CSU.

Ditto for Jenna Willis! Jenna is attending graduate school at George Mason University. She is employed as Green County's Truancy Officer.

Congrats to Capital District member, Kyle McMahon, on his recent promotion to Parole Officer Senior. Kyle is employed by the 13th District Court Service Unit, which serves the City of Richmond.

Christine Franchok has a new job as well. Formerly a Probation Officer for the 20L CSU, Christine is now the Attendance Officer for Loudoun County Schools.

Kudos to VJJA's Doug Poe! Doug is a longtime VJJA member and employee of the VADJJ. Currently a CSU Supervisor in the 27th CSU - Pulaski, Doug recently received special recognition for his efforts in helping to develop DJJ's first automated timesheet. POs across the state who have to complete and total those blankety-blank-blank FLSA timesheets each month are in his debt. Thanks to Doug for his innovative thinking and leadership! Read more about Doug HERE.

Jerrauld Jones, (Capital District), Agency Director for the VA Department of Juvenile Justice, announced he will resign from the VADJJ effective at the end of May, to accept an appointment to the Norfolk Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court. A child advocate for many years, we know he will make a great judge!

Remember Bridges Radick Spiva (Blue Ridge District)? No longer employed by DJJ, but still a VJJA member, Bridges took a break from full-time employment to give birth to baby number two and switch careers. After having recently completed some additional schooling and a student teaching gig, Bridges will teach 3rd grade at Big Island Elementary this fall.

Capital District members Patricia Batley and Charlene Ward have spent time during their lunch hours reading to Blackwell Elementary School students as part of the school's Lunch Buddy program. Charlene has also taken on a leadership role in VASA - the Virginia Administrative Support Association, serving as the group's Central Region Representative.

Members Marilyn DiPaolo, VADJJ Gang Coordinator and Benjamin Anthony, VADJJ Training Coorinator, recently appeared on the television program Perspectives to discuss the presence and growth of gangs in Virginia. It was a great segment and Marilyn and Ben did VJJA and the entire juvenile justice community proud!

Meet one of our newest members, Vernon Harry. After a 30 year career for the FBI, Vernon recently joined the VADJJ as their Inspector General and promptly joined VJJA! Read more about Vernon HERE

VJJA members Jerrauld Jones, Scott Reiner, Claudette Overton, Mike Morton, Beth Stinnett and Shauna Epps were among the 10 delegates selected by the VADJJ to attend the Annie E. Casey Foundation's Spring Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative Inter-site Meeting in Baltimore, Maryland (May 2005).

Tim Smith of the Valley District has been instrumental in getting the Community Placement Program (CPP) up and running at the Shenandoah Valley Juvenile Detention Home. To learn more about CPP click HERE.

Everyone knows longtime member Rodney Hubbard has 5 bright and dashing sons -- the Hubbard 5. The youngest, Ryan, just graduated from Lynchburg College (May 2005).

Capital District member Sheila Palmer, now a CSU Supervisor, was recently named the Department of Juvenile Justice's Probation Officer of the Year! As an award winner, she received three days paid recognition leave and a check for $100.

Way to go Mike Morton! Mike not only recently received VJJA’s esteemed 2004 Meritorious Award in the Area of Administration … but he was also just named Director of the 8^th District Court Service Unit in Hampton.

Go Claudette! Claudette Overton was just named the new Director of the 4th District CSU in Norfolk. Prior to her recent appointment Claudette provided leadership as a Deputy Director for that court.

Congratulations to VJJA President Bob Bermingham on his new job! Bob was recently appointed by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors as their first Gang Prevention Coordinator. GO BOB!!

Congratulations to Yvonne Ervin who is a new PO in the 16^thCSU. She made “parole” from the Beaumont JCC where she worked as a JCC Counselor.

Former Camp Kenbridge Boot Camp employee Aileen Lewis has returned to the juvenile justice field in a new capacity. She's now a Probation Officer for the 10th District CSU.

Congratulations to Nancy Fleming on her promotion to Security Manager II/Assistant Superintendent of Programs at Culpeper Juvenile Correctional Center. Nancy had been the Acting Assistant Superintendent since March 2003. Prior to that time she worked in the Alternative Placement Unit at the VADJJ’s Reception & Diagnostic Center (RDC).

Charlie Chitwood (Capital District), former Chesterfield CSU Director, is now the Program Administrator/Director for Chesterfield Detention Home's Post-Dispositional Program.

One of our newest members, Charlene Ward, recently graduated from J. Sergeant Reynold's Community College, where she completed an associate's degree in Social Sciences. She is now enrolled at Virginia Commonwealth University. Charlene is employed in the Department of Juvenile Justice's Division of Institutions.

Capital district member Susan Heck became a grandmother this year. A grandson was born last September and more recently twin granddaughters.

Bill Harrell and Lewis Wright each addressed the Compensation & General Government subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee on January 27th, speaking in support of enhanced retirement benefits for juvenile probation officers (VaLORS).

Jerrauld C. Jones, VJJA member and Agency Director for the VADJJ, was asked to participate in a recent retreat of key state executives; he represented the secretariat of Public Safety at the gathering. This is a steering group that will meet during the remainder of the current administration to support the Council on Virginia's Future, which was established by the 2003 General Assembly. The goal of the Council is to establish a performance leadership system that will transcend gubernatorial administrations. A key action for the group will be to integrate performance strategies and goals into the state budget process.

Michael Daniel, (Tidewater VJJA), is a proud dad. His son, Edwardio C.P. Daniel graduated from high school and has enlisted in the United States Army. He is in training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. After completing the basic training he will move to Fort Sam Houston in Texas for advanced individual training. From there it is on to Germany. Edwardio, who graduated from Kecoughtan High School, plans to obtain his college education while a member of the Army.

VJJA members Jerrauld Jones, Scott Reiner, Beth Stinnett, Shauna Epps, Don WIllis and John Matish were among the delegates selected by the VADJJ to attend the Annie E. Casey Foundation's Fall Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative Inter-site Meeting in San Francisco, CA (November 2004).

Board member Amy Darby's family just got bigger. On October 16th, she and her husband John and daughter Whitney welcomed Walker --- weighing in at 11 pounds, 13 ounces!

Kudos to Valley District Treasurer Samantha Higgins. Samantha recently invited Delegate Ben Cline to a local VJJA training event and he accepted her invitation! See the Valley District Page for photos and the complete story.

VJJA President Bob Bermingham and 40 of our colleagues from all over the state spent the Martin Luther King holiday in Richmond lobbying on behalf of VJJA. They met with various Delegate and Senators and Bob delivered a speech during the Governor's public budget hearings. Long time member Robert Foster (Blue Ridge Disrict) was among the participants who drove all the way from Martinsville. Other long distance participants included Angela Hiatt and Linda Fain (Martinsville) and Donnie Grinnan and Janie Schu (Page County).

Long time VJJA member Bill Harrell (Tidewater District), Director of the 5th CSU, continues to champion the VaLORS issue on behalf of POs across the state. He recently represented our association by speaking at the Governor's Budget Hearing in Norfolk.

Valley District member Ron Telsch, better known in literary circles as R. Erich Telsch, recently had his first novel published. Set in 1796, Three-Fifths Freedom, is available from Author House. Ron is the Assistant Superintendent of the Natural Bridge Juvenile Correctional Center. Learn more about his book and read a few excerpts HERE

Former Blue Ridge District Chair, Rick Smith, and his wife Jen had a recent visit from the stork. Carter Dule' Smith arrived just a few days after our Fall Institute. Rick is FPS' State Manager for Virginia and the District of Columbia.

VJJA State Treasurer, Donna Musiello, (Tidewater District) is now Donna Baker. Congrats to she and her new husband!

Jimmy Thomas, (Tidewater district) announced he will retire as Director of the Hampton CSU in March 2005. A founding member of VJJA, Jimmy will be hanging it up after nearly 43 years.

Northern District Chair Dave Carver recently became the GRIT Program Coordinator for Loudoun County. GRIT is the Gang Response Intervention Team. Read more about it HERE.

Despite just a few hours notice, Brian Tauss recently represented VJJA by speaking at a public budget hearing in the Northern VA area. He delivered a passionate speech concerning VaLORS and the current inequity, giving the Legislators a great analogy about their own benefits to ponder. Go Brian!

Natalie Dalton, formerly of the 23rd CSU and the Blue Ridge District, recently accepted a position at DJJ's central office. The Capital District's welcomes her transfer of membership.

Kathi Meenehan of VJJA's Northern District, known as the association's resident travel expert, is getting ready to take off on yet another cruise. She thinks this is cruise number 21 ... but she's admittedly lost count. This time she'll be visiting Aruba, Panama and Curacao.

DJJ Central Office Staffer, John Newell, (Capital District) retired from state service after nearly 42 years. He was department's Transitional Services Specialist. Another VJJA member, Andrea Hutcherson McMahon (formerly of the Roanoke CSU) has been named as his replacement.

Tom Currier (Blue Ridge District), Lynchburg Detention Home Superintendent, recently traveled to Santa Cruz, CA, as part of a team sent there to check out the area's model detention reform initiative. Beth Stinnett (Capital District) accompanied the team. Larry Robinson (Tidewater District) Newport News Juvenile Services Director, Aderon Gibbs, CSU Director, and Don Willis JDAI Coordinator, visited the same model site as part of the Newport News delegation.

John Matish & Shauna Epps and other members of the Hampton community traveled to Portland, Oregon, as part of a team sent there to check out the area's model detention reform initiative.

Kevin Moran, (Tidewater district) recently retired. He was the Director of the 4th District Court Service Unit in Norfolk.

Christopher Hunt, (Northern District), a probation officer with the Alexandria Court Service Unit, was recently recognized for 15 years of service with the Department of Juvenile Justice (July 2005).

Former VJJA Board member, John Matish, (Tidewater District) retired as Director of the Tidewater Regional Group Home Commission, but is back in the juvenile justice business in a new capacity. He recently accepted a position with the VADJJ as the JDAI Coordinator for the Hampton area. Similarly, Don Willis (Tidewater District), retired as Director of Juvenile Services for York County and is working as the JDAI Coordinator in Newport News.. Learn more about JDAI HERE.

Joyce Layne-Jordan of the Capital District recently accepted a transfer to the position of Interstate Compact Liaison. We know POs from across will be happy to have her to call upon when dealing with runaways and other out of state cases.

Andrea Hutcherson McMahon and Kyle McMahon, both officers in the Blue Ridge district, recently welcomed a second son, Ethan. He joined proud big brother Ben.

Formerly a Probation Officer and Intake Officer in the 25th District CSU, Sandy Crawford (Valley District) was recently promoted to Probation Supervisor.

Bridges Radick Spiva and her husband Jay also welcomed baby number two. New baby Waylon joins a big brother, Wagner.

DJJ Evaluation Specialist, Trisha Reyes, (Capital District) tied the knot and became Trisha Batley. Congrats to her on her recent marriage.

VJJA State Secretary, Beth Stinnett, (Capital District) of DJJ's Central Office was recently promoted. She now serves as the agency's Juvenile Justice Program Specialist.

Former Capital District Officer Sheila Palmer was promoted from Senior Probation Officer to Parole Supervisor.

Have information to share about any of our members? Know of recent births, marriages, promotions, awards, etc? If yes, please let us know. Send information to: memberhighlights@vjja.org