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.
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 achievement 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 Inc. She will serve in a business development role. Natalie joins the private sector after more than 10 years with the Department of Juvenile Justice, where she most recently worked for the Division of Community Programs at the VADJJ's Central Headquarters in Richmond..
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 operational 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 Criminal 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)
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.
Kudos to Blue Ridge member Brian Henry, Roanoke Valley Juvenile Detention Home, on his recent promotion to Treatment Program Manager.
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.
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.
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 FLAT FOOTIN' Champion Sheila Parker, Rockbridge CSA, and runners up Shirley Thompson, Samantha Higgins, and Amy Darby alll 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: 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.
Blue Ridge District member Rhianna Price, Salem Court Service Unit, and her husband Randy welcomed their first child, a son Dylan Scott.
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.
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. She will be focusing on DMC issues in Louisiana and Pittsburg.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Tidewater District Officer, Patrick DeLauder, Portsmouth CSU, just celebrated the careeer milestone of 30 years with the Commonwealth of Virginia.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tidewater District Vice Chair Katherine Grimm, a Portsmouth CSU Supervisor, has a new guy in her life -- see photo
Not to be outdone by Ms. Grimm, Blue Ridge District Chair 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.
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.
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 65th Birthday!
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.
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.
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.
Portsmouth Probation Supervisor Katherine Grimm, who serves as VJJA’s Tidewater District Chair went to jail to help fight muscular disease.
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.
Longtime member Rodney Hubbard and wife Debbie have a new grandchild. The parents of 5 sons -- the Hubbard 5 – they welcomed their third granddaughter.
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.
Congratulations to Valley District member Anne Clifford on her recent promotion to Senior Probation Officer for the 16th Court Service Unit - Charlottesville.
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.
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.
Congratulations to Tidewater District member Sean Milner who was named Director of the 2A Court Service Unit - Accomac.
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.
Go Blue Ridge Member Aileen Lewis! A past winner of the VJJA Scholarship, Aileen completed a Master of Arts degree in Human Relations Counseling at Liberty University.
Tidewater District member John Curl retired after more than 30 years in juvenile justice on the Eastern Shore.
Kudos to colleague Marilyn Miller (now Marilyn Brown) and her husband Stephen on their recent nuptials in Stowe, Vermont.
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, 2007, 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.
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.
Way to Go Bruce! Long time Tidewater district member Bruce Bright 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.
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 30th 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, was named President of the Court Service Unit Director's Association.
