Employee of the Month
December 2021
- JCO III Joseph EspinozaI would like to nominate Joseph Espinoza. Anytime he is on duty you know things will get taken care of and the units will run smoothly. He is a great leader and mentor at Juvenile Hall, and in our training department. Any task you ask him to do, he will complete it quickly and efficiently and with a great attitude. We will miss him.
Joseph also works well with the youth in our care and especially the difficult high security youth. He balances the importance of safety and security with the rehabilitation and inclusion of each youth in the unit.
Thank you Joseph for all the hard work. Keep it up.
November 2021
- DPO II Bobby SherrillBobby Sherrill has been a whirlwind of energy and effort here at JH. Running multiple structured program groups with his RAP partners, engaging youth in meaningful exercises, providing crisis intervention needs, participating with youth in physical education activities, photographing JH events and covering shifts in the units – he does it all. Bobby is the consummate team player and often goes out of his way to help wherever needed. He has also been a great resource for our JPPS, Central School and Medical partners, providing input and assistance when he can.
His willingness to modify his personal schedule to make himself available to work extra shifts in different units within JH is greatly appreciated. He keeps an open mind and listens to unit staff to develop a programming to help the youth cope with their detention at JH and change their decision making process. He attended our unit meeting and listened to staff’s concerns with some youth and reminded them of the RAP team to promote their services to better serve the youth. During a recent power outage, he volunteered and delivered water to all the units and made his presence known throughout JH to make sure there were no issues. We are fortunate to have Bobby in our JH family.
I would like to thank Officer Bobby Sherril for adjusting his schedule to assist 300B with showers. He recognized the needs of the facility and made accommodations that have made a significant impact to our schedule.
I am happy to recognize Bobby as the Juvenile Hall employee of the month and grateful to his efforts to support our efforts to create a positive environment for staff and youth alike. Thank you for all your hard work Bobby.
October 2021
- JCO III Maria DavisMs. Davis is the consummate team player, doing whatever she can to help out her friends, co-workers and the facility as a whole when it comes to covering shifts, training staff or just being there to problem solve and offer her knowledge from years of experience as a JCO. She takes the time to de-escalate situations using her calm, yet firm demeanor, and treats others with dignity and respect. She is a pleasure to work with and is someone who is well respected facility wide.
Congratulations Officer Davis on being the employee of the month. Your efforts to support your co-workers and the mission of the facility are very much appreciated. You consistently promote the idea of accountability and opportunity with the staff and youth. Thank you for your hard work.
September 2021
- JCO II Jocelyn AndradeJocelyn Andrade has gone above and beyond what is asked of her. She has taken on the painting in 300B to create the home-like environment. She never questions any duties that are assigned to her. Andrade is used as an example of model behavior for new hires as well as a great role model for the youth.
Thank you Jocelyn for your professional approach to your job and the genuine interest you take in engaging and redirecting the youth in our care. Your recognition as employee of the month is well deserved.
July 2021
- JCO II Mark CayaDuring this unprecedented year and a half, JCO II Caya has taken care of the entire Juvenile Hall grounds, often by himself, due to limited staffing. The Juvenile Hall campus is very large and is usually maintained by two staff. Caya took on these responsibilities without complaint, working tirelessly to maintain the grounds by mowing, trimming, edging, and cleaning. Additionally, he takes the initiative to replace and/or repair all broken sprinklers, valves, and pipes without being asked. In doing so she saves our facility time and money by not referring these repairs to General Services. This month we had an important inspection and he was asked to make sure the grounds were well manicured. Though he had many jobs already on his plate, he took this job on and made the area look great. Lastly, being a CORE trained officer he has been temporarily moved to work in the units for months at a time, again with no complaint. No matter what the assignment he always does his best and holds himself to a high standard. Thank you Caya for all the hard work!
Congratulations Mark and thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to Juvenile Hall. We appreciate your work ethic and flexibility with assignments when needed.
June 2021
- JCO III Mario NegreteMario has dedicated himself to improve the 200-wing making it a more homelike setting by painting beautiful artwork in multiple youth rooms. He has been working extremely hard trying to complete these murals in all rooms of the wing. He involves the youth in the selection of the design and the painting of the room and mural. This allows for both skill-building in the youth as well as an opportunity for rapport to be developed between youth and staff. In addition to working on painting these rooms, he works well with our high-risk youth on a daily basis and provides great mentorship to our youth and staff.
Mario thank you for all the great work and for continuing to provide opportunities for the youth in our care to experience the joys of completing a project they can be proud of. Your work in the units is truly changing the atmosphere in a positive way.
May 2021
- JCO II Cindy Valladolid“I would like to recommend Cindy Valladolid for employee of the month. She regularly goes above and beyond to assist with covering shifts due to staff shortages and always has a positive attitude. Valladolid has also volunteered her time to assist with repainting Pathways in an effort to provide a more home-like environment for the youth. Valladolid takes the initiative to help train staff new to the unit and took the time to debrief a new staff following their first experience with an assaultive youth. She assists with structured programming which helps facilitate buy-in and participation from the youth. Recently, Valladolid was assigned to assist a youth with an array of mental health needs and past trauma. Not only did she hold the youth accountable in a firm, fair, and consistent manner, she also provided her opportunities to succeed and improve her behavior by setting short term goals and providing guidance and incentives to the youth. This is an important aspect of promoting change and pro-social behavior in the youth we work with. When dealing with all youth, Valladolid is firm, fair, and consistent in her approach. She takes the time to remind the youth of the expectations for their behavior each shift. When critical incidents occur, Valladolid responds and acts quickly without hesitation. She has repeatedly assisted staff during these incidents and has demonstrated she possesses excellent quality of judgement and safety practices.”
Thank you Cindy for all your hard work and dedication to the youth and staff in Juvenile Hall.
April 2021
- JCO II Jah HackettOfficer Hackett goes out of his way to encourage the youth in 300B to take pride in themselves and the unit that they live in. There isn’t a moment during the morning shifts where the youth are in their rooms for a long period of time. With 300B having a 6am PE time, the winter elements sometimes hindered the activities available. When they were unable to conduct PE outside Officer Hackett would take the youth back to the slab for additional free time weather and time permitting. I have seen him teaching the young men how to shave, general hygiene and room care to help make their adjustment to a little easier. The small things he does, create a big impact on the youth he supervises.
Thank you Officer Hackett for your efforts to provide a positive and rehabilitative environment for the youth in your unit. Keep up the great work.
March 2021
- JCO I Krystal BarbozaDuring a medical emergency involving a youth she remained calm and professional and not only assisted the medical staff with keeping track of important medical information but assisted other staff to remain calm. Her actions that day helped to provide calm in a stressful situation. She has also been recognized for dealing with the youth in a positive manner. She holds them accountable and also tries to help them to make better decisions when they are struggling with regulations. When presented with a youth who is disrespectful to her she keeps calm and uses de-escalation training she has acquired to redirect their behavior or removes herself from the situation to allow for de-escalation to occur.
Officer Barboza has also participated in the Re-Entry, ADA and Programming units career presentations. She discussed her prior employment as an EMT with all youth in the facility during structured programming. Youth were engaged and asked numerous questions of her and her fellow presenter. She assisted in providing insight to the youth of the requirement to become and EMT and discussed daily functions of the job. She has embraced the dual roles that officers have of holding youth accountable and the responsibility to provide opportunity and rehabilitative support to in custody youth as well.
Thank you Officer Barboza for all your hard work and keep up the great work.
February 2021
- JCO II Myles Scott“I would like to nominate Scott for employee of the month. Scott has transitioned well into the RAP unit. On numerous occasions, he has spent lengthy amounts of time counseling youth at program. He counseled a female youth in 300A who was emotional after getting bad news during her phone call. He has counseled youth who were having emotional and mental breakdowns, and has de-escalated youth who were upset and angry at program. I have witnessed him run the AP shift in the 200’s and he kept the youth engaged and was fair, firm, and consistent with the youth. He has utilized time outs when youth did not want to participate in the AP activity, but was able to counsel them to get them to engage. Scott also goes above and beyond to assist unit staff with showers after critical incidents and offers to work additional shifts in order to help meet operational needs. Recently, a youth in 300B became upset and attempted to lunge at another youth in the AP room. Scott remained calm in his demeanor even when the youth pushed him. He was able to maintain control of the youth and counseled the youth even after responding officers came on scene. Due to his calm demeanor and continued commitment to counseling and de-escalating the youth, the youth eventually calmed down.“
Thank you for your hard work and commitment to providing both accountability and opportunity to the youth in our care.
January 2021
- Renee Valenzuela JCO CookCongratulations again Mrs. Valenzuela. Your effort and dedication to providing meals to the youth and staff of Juvenile Hall during such a trying time has not gone unnoticed and you are very deserving of the Employee of the Month award.
December 2020
- JCO III Maria DavisThe Pathways youth recently completed the first human trafficking class, Ending the Game, provided by Probation and it was a huge success due in large part to Mrs. Davis. She was always willing to transport the youth to JPU, she was quick to respond to any questions, and you can tell she really cares about the youth in her unit. During the class she reached out to assist the youth with some basic needs they had for when they are released. Which was able to be fulfilled. This was huge because it showed her understanding that this sensitive group has a propensity to return to their traffickers when they have a need for basic necessities and by securing these items it provided one less barrier to them breaking away. Mrs. Davis is professional and organized. My staff and I enjoyed working with her.
Thank you Mrs. Davis for continuing to support the rehabilitative services and programming for our youth. Your efforts have a positive influence on the youth and staff you work with.
November 2020
- JCO II James PoundsI would like to nominate James Pounds 200B for really embracing the challenges of our culture changes in our institution and this includes the 200-wing. He recommended, helped purchase new exercise equipment and provided a new exercise routine for the youth of the institution. In addition, he guided 200B youth in the creation of two pumpkins that were submitted and took 1st and 3rd place finishes in our annual pumpkin contest. Pounds is also assisting our painting team in the 200’s by creating a more home-like environment in the 200-wing. He is teaching youth in the unit to paint the rooms which provides them with a life skill they can potentially utilize upon their release.
Officer Pounds has also been instrumental in the transition to virtual learning in the wing. He worked with school officials to troubleshoot the use of the Zoom platform for delivery of educational services.
Congratulations Officer Pounds on being named the employee of the month for Juvenile Hall and thank you for all your efforts to create an environment where the youth in our care have an opportunity to learn and experience the positive outcomes of their efforts.
September 2020
- JCO II Sophia Rivas"While not officially assigned to Juvenile Hall she has been putting in work since she arrived. She has responded to multiple incidents, continuously assists in the units with showers and other activities. She never complains and is always willing to help out.
She has been incredibly helpful with meds, in all units and in responding to incidents. She never complains and know where she is needed before anyone even tells her. Sophia does a great job working with and calming down the youth as well. Lastly, she volunteers to stay over to take late afternoon med runs even though her shift is ending."
Sophia, thank you for your dedication to Juvenile Hall, your co-workers and the youth housed in the facility. Your efforts to go above and beyond have helped staff throughout the facility and are very much appreciated. Thank you and keep up the great work.
August 2020
- JCO II Jennifer Mercado“I would like to nominate J. Mercado JCO II for employee of the month.
Officer Mercado is currently assigned to the Pathways Academy. She is in charge of purchasing personal blankets for the youth and core training (Case Plans-Noble).
Mercado demonstrates her professionalism by being respectful towards youth and staff. During stressful situations, Mercado remains calm and professional. Her sense of humor and calm demeanor makes it easy to de-escalate potentially volatile situations. She has a good rapport with youth and staff. Mercado holds youth accountable for their actions while helping them transition to become respectful citizens. Mercado is a team player and goes above and beyond the call of duty by helping train new staff and taking the initiative to complete unassigned duties.
The rapport Mercado has with the youth and how she engages with them is commendable. Not only does she set clear expectations at the beginning of each shift and hold youth accountable in a consistent and fair manner, she also takes the time to engage with the youth in positive activities which builds rapport and compliance. Mercado always comes up with projects to decorate the unit each month and engage the youth in creating decorations and putting them up. This gives the youth a sense of accountability and ownership in the program. Furthermore, she came up with the idea of having an Easter egg hunt for the youth. Mercado and other staff filled the eggs with small incentives for the youth. Her willingness to go above and beyond to provide fun activities for the youth is greatly appreciated."
Thank you Officer Mercado for your commitment to the youth in the Pathways Academy and for your creativity in organizing projects and activities for the youth to engage in.
July 2020
- Yesenia Leon“I would like to nominate Yesenia Leon. She always has a positive attitude and is described by her co-workers and wing supervisors as a “team player.” I want to specifically commend her on her growth and development in dealing with critical incidents within the institution. In April she was involved in a critical incident with a Pathways youth who assaulted her Wing Supervisor. During the incident, she took immediate action by assisting her Wing Supervisor in taking the youth to the ground. Although the youth was strong and resistive, she stayed committed and engaged until responding officers arrived to assist. Seeing a fellow officer being assaulted can be traumatic and emotional, but she was able to take control of her emotions and acted without hesitation. In June she responded to a peer assault and mutual peer fight on the same day. Leon acted quickly to stop two youth from fighting by using a takedown maneuver and when another youth swung at her, she was able to defend herself in the midst of the takedown maneuver and worked with other staff to gain control of the situation. Leon’s ability to act quickly and decisively and in cooperation with other staff during multiple critical incidents has shown her ability to effectively communicate with other staff during high stress situations and her ability to perform under high stress situations.”
Congratulations Yesenia on being named the employee of the month for July. Along with a certificate acknowledging this you will have use of the employee of the month parking space for July. Thank you for all your hard work.
June 2020
- Karoll Millan"Ms. Millan has adjusted incredibly well to the 200’s. She has helped setting up Zoom calls with Officer Pounds, she has built up a professional rapport with the youth in the 200’s, and she made herself available to work extra shifts in the 200’s, 300’s (1 on 1) special assignment, and shifts at Control. Her hard work, work ethic, and dedication to the job is incredibly impressive.“
Thank you Ms. Millan for all your hard work and dedication.
May 2020
- Kristen Fuentez"Officer Fuentez has shown the attributes and characteristics of the dual role officer that incorporates accountability and opportunity. There have been high stress/low frequency situations that have arisen and she was able to respond without hesitation and assist in securing the youth. Due to her immediate actions, she assisted in preventing further harm to the youth and potential harm that could have occurred to staff. Additionally, she has been eager and excited about providing structured program to the youth. She provides RAP team members with ideas and when there is not a RAP team member available to conduct structured programming she either takes the initiative to come up with an activity or facilitates the program set up by the RAP team. Hear ability to consistently provide accountability and opportunity to the youth whom she serves provides them with the tools and skills to be successful upon re-entry to the community. She also provides a model of the mission, vision and philosophy of not just the division but the department as a whole."
Thank you Kristen for all your hard work and dedication to the youth and staff at Juvenile Hall.
April 2020
- JCO II Nancy Perez"I would like to nominate Nancy Perez. She always goes above and beyond for the Pathways program. She brought up the idea of starting up a running team for Pathways and has been training the youth daily, including coming up with a training program. She is professional and a team player, helping out whenever and where-ever needed. She displays the characteristics of a leader and ensures an equal balance between holding the Pathways youth accountable through re-direction, counseling, and utilizing progressive discipline, with also promoting opportunity for growth and development by offering positive reinforcement through praise and incentives. She takes the time to meet with her youth weekly, get to know them and their goals, and gives them assignments and homework to help them work on their criminogenic needs. She is firm, fair, and consistent in her approach with the youth and is a true asset to our department."
Congratulations Nancy and thank you for all your hard work.
March 2020
- JCO II Wendy McCune"McCune has worked tirelessly to start the Library as soon as possible and been able to manage keeping up with the Library duties while also filling in the units as needed. She has shown a desire to provide an incentive for the youth who are doing well. While in the Library as she talks about various books with the youth and attempts to gain rapport with them. She is constantly coming up with new ideas to make the library better for the youth and even though the work is tedious, she does it without complaint. Many youth have commented about the library and have shown excitement about it. This could not have been accomplished without her hard work and effort."
Thank you for all your efforts Mrs. McCune!
February 2020
- Sara Lopez"I would like to nominate Sara Lopez for employee of the month. Last week a youth was brought in very angry and pregnant. The youth refused to get out of the Probation vehicle. Sara talked to her and calmed her down as well as helped transport her into JH safely. Her calm demeanor and ability to use humor when appropriate has helped de-escalate several situations, preventing incidents. Additionally, due to staff shortages she is always willing to work extra shifts when asked."
Sara thank you for all your hard work and enjoy to parking spot for the month of February.
January 2020
- Jairo Bautista"I wanted to nominate Mr. Bautista for Employee of the Month. He is one of our extra help who I have seen devotedly work extra around here. He is eager to learn and has grown tremendously since his start date. He picks up extra shifts and is willing to assist when needed. In just the short time he’s been here, he has been selected to be trained as Security Transport. This assignment has helped him grow as an employee and it is noticeable through his work ethic within the units.
I look forward to seeing him work within our department and see where his career takes him. He definitely has characteristics of a future leader.”
Congratulations Jairo on your recognition as the Juvenile Hall employee of the month. Thank you for all your hard work.
December 2019
- JCO-EH Hannah SaldiasThank you for all of your efforts Ms. Saldias!
November 2019
- JCO II Olga HinojosaShe has been sharing tons of ideas for Incentive program and even has gotten other staff on board with competitions to show the boys that a little competition is fun when there is positive outcome from it!”
Olga, your efforts are very much appreciated! Thank you!
October 2019
- DPO II Bobby Sherrill“Not only does Bobby do so much for the structured programming, he goes above and beyond to help out when we are short on staff, working tons of extra shifts and helping out in any way he can! He never complains and is always eager to help out!”your efforts Pounds, it is much appreciated!"
Great job Bobby! Thank you for all of your efforts.
August 2019
- JCO II James PoundsYouth have also spoken highly of Officer Pounds’ “Drivers Ed” class.
Thanks for your efforts Pounds, it is much appreciated!
July 2019
- JCO Keisha Blair"Mrs. Blair is an excellent staff who redirects youth while holding them accountable, and enabling such youth to work toward bettering themselves after they have been corrected through positive reinforcement, in accordance with the Behavior Management System (BMS). She was recently able to redirect a disgruntled youth who was involved in peer friction with another youth. She deescalated a possibly violent situation. She is always asking questions from seasoned staff to better the performance of her duties. Furthermore, she is always polite and hardworking, which makes her a joy to work with."
"Blair is a really strong staff. In the Pathways unit she holds the youth accountable. The youth In Pathways know her expectations when she works the unit. She has good communication with fellow staff and takes initiative in duties that will support the flow of the program."
June 2019
- JCO III Edward NesheiwatMay 2019
- JCO II Miguel Flores“He has done a great job in 300B when de-escalating situations and providing additional counseling when necessary.”
April 2019
- JCO II Nancy PerezMarch 2019
- JCO II Nic CamposFebruary 2019
- JCO III Michele BorckyJanuary 2019
- JCO II Myda CamachoDecember 2018
- Jose PulidoHis co-workers wrote: