Office of Training Personnel Biographies

Office of Training
Personnel Biographies
September 2014
Division of Training and Personnel Services
Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice
Office of Training Mission
The mission of the Office of Training is to provide effective
basic and specialized training programs, in support of the
Agency mission, effectively enhancing the safety, security
and skills of our DJJ colleagues and partners.
The Office of Training Organizational Chart
Office of Training
Central Office
Theodore Carter Jr.
Director, Office of Training
theodorecarterjr@djj.state.ga.us
Theodore Carter, Jr. began his career in juvenile justice in 1995 as a juvenile detention officer at the
Champaign County Juvenile Detention Center in Illinois. Shortly during his tenure at the detention center,
Mr. Carter was promoted to program coordinator where he designed and coordinated youth programs
including the facility’s first behavioral modification program. In 2000, he joined the Administrative Office
of the Illinois Courts (AOIC) as a program administrator responsible for monitoring 13 probation offices
and 3 juvenile detention centers for multiple judicial circuits in central Illinois. Mr. Carter coordinated and
presented basic training curricula for Illinois Probation and Detention Officers, co-facilitated the statewide
training of the Youth Assessment Screening Instrument, and developed the AOIC’s first online training
curriculum for detention officers.
Mr. Carter transitioned to Georgia in 2005 and joined the Department of Juvenile Justice as a Juvenile
Program Manager at the DeKalb County Multi-Service Center. In 2007, he returned to Illinois as a
contracted Judicial Education Coordinator responsible for managing special projects for the executive
assistant to the director of the AOIC, researching national trends in judicial education and coordinating
training events for the Illinois judiciary.
Mr. Carter was appointed Chief Probation Officer of the DeKalb County Juvenile Court in 2008. Mr.
Carter administered the direction of the county juvenile probation department through the supervision of
the Court’s department personnel; implemented evidence based practices; and promoted juvenile court
objectives. Mr. Carter returned to the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice in 2011 and was appointed
the Director of the Office of Training.
Mr. Carter is trained in motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral programming and the Youth
Assessment Screening Instrument. He is a graduate of the Correctional Leadership Institute and has a
bachelor’s in psychology from the University of Illinois.
Christopher Thomas
Assistant Director – Operations
Office of Training
christopherthomas@djj.state.ga.us
Chris Thomas began his career with the Georgia Department of Corrections as a correctional officer in
1988. While with the Department of Corrections, he worked at four adult facilities. Mr. Thomas served on
the first State Special Intelligence Team at the Georgia Women’s Correctional Institution for two years
prior to being promoted to Split Shift Supervisor at Hancock State Prison where he oversaw all Inside and
Outside Inmate Work Details, Key Control, Tool Control and Weapon Control. While at Washington State
Prison, he oversaw the Boot Camp Intake Area and served as a Senior Drill Instructor. During his time
with the Georgia Department of Corrections, Mr. Thomas also served on the Tactical Squad as a
chemical munitions specialist and was involved in numerous call outs for escape, prison riots and crowd
control throughout the State.
In 1995, Mr. Thomas transferred to the Department of Juvenile Justice and became the Chief of Security
over the Juvenile Boot Camp Program at the Bill Ireland YDC. During his tenure at the Bill Ireland YDC,
Mr. Thomas also held the position of Juvenile Detention Counselor for a 40 bed unit that housed the most
aggressive youth in the state’s juvenile system and then served as the Unit Manager over the Juvenile
Sexual Offender Program.
In 2007, Mr. Thomas transferred to the Office of Training as the South East Regional Training
Coordinator and in 2010, was promoted to the Training Program Manager over South Georgia. In 2012
Mr. Thomas was promoted to the position of Assistant Director for the Office of Training. Recently, Mr.
Thomas’ has been instrumental in the development and coordination of S.E.R.T. Basic, S.M.R.T. Basic,
the Field Training Officer Course, the Sergeant’s Academy, and the Behavior Management Unit Officer
Certification Course.
Mr. Thomas is a Senior Training Instructor with the Ga. P.O.S.T. Council and holds numerous specialized
instructor certifications. He has completed 38 courses through the Federal Emergency Management
Agency and served honorably for seven years with the Georgia State Defense Force as a Chief Warrant
Officer II, where he worked in the Headquarters G-3 Section (Operations, Plans, and Training).
Mr. Thomas is a graduate of the Correctional Leadership Institute and is a member of the Ga. Juvenile
Services Association, Ga. Gang Investigator’s Association, and International Kenpo Karate Association.
Lawanda Drinks
Administrative Operations Manager
Office of Training
lawandadrinks@djj.state.ga.us
Ms. Drinks began her career with DJJ in October 1999, as Administrative Operations Coordinator II
(AOC) at the Marietta Youth Detention Center. Ms. Drinks was later promoted within the Office of
Training as the Administrative Operations Manager (AOM) in April 2003. Her primary duties consist of
overseeing the development and on-going management of one or more programs or projects consistent
with agency goals and objectives to include: purchasing, registration (internal/external trainings), property
administration, vehicle maintenance, purchasing, and directing human resources and administrative
activities for the Office of Training. She also administers budget oversight for the Office of Training and
serves as the Unit KRONOS Manager, external/internal lodging administrator, conference/training
coordinator, and travel reimbursement administrator,.
Prior to her coming aboard with DJJ, Ms. Drinks served in various capacities of administrative functions
within the Department of Corrections, Dept. of Labor, Family & Children Services and Community Health
(Clerk, Secretary II, Accountant Paraprofessional, and Acct. Tech II).
Mrs. Drinks has a wealth of
knowledge and experience within the business administrative profession, and uses her skillset to
coordinate interaction between department, agency, and facility operating units and external customers.
Ms. Drinks has earned an associate degree in Business Administration from St. Leo University and she’s
actively seeking a BA in Business Administration /HR.
Sherille May-Eunice
Staff Development Training Coordinator II
Leadership Programs Coordinator
Office of Training
SherilleMay-Eunice@djj.state.ga.us
Ms. Eunice is a Staff Development Training Coordinator with DJJ’s Office of Training. She has 15 years
of service with the state of Georgia. During her tenure with the state, she has pursued & developed
professional competencies in management, Human Resources and employee development.
As a manager, she focused on helping the organization achieve strategic objectives while contributing to
the productivity of the workforce. As an HR professional, she has worked in benefits administration,
recruitment & selection, workforce planning, succession planning, process improvement and performance
management.
As the program coordinator for the agency’s Management Development Program, Ms. Eunice focuses on
working with employees to acquire or enhance skills and knowledge. She utilizes best practices in adult
learning principles to develop training materials that provide employees with tools that increase their
knowledge and understanding of how to manage and lead staff towards achievement of the agency’s
mission, vision and goals.
Ms. Eunice received her M.S. degree from Georgia State University in Human Resources Development
and her undergraduate degree from the State University of New York in Business Administration.
Ms. Eunice is a certified Senior Instructor through the Georgia P.O.S.T. Council, has her PHR®
Certification through the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI), and holds additional instructor
certifications.
ShaRon LovettOzuem
Secretary II, Office of Training
ShaRonLovettOzuem@djj.state.ga.us
Ms. LovettOzuem is a Secretary II with the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice Office of Training.
Prior to joining the Training staff in September 2009, she was an Office Manager with the University of
Georgia, College of Education.
Ms. LovetOzuem holds the position of Secretary II where she performs a variety of clerical and
administrative duties. She is the Training Resource Information System (TRIS) Coordinator for the
Training Unit and is responsible for the organized process of creating and distributing the DJJ training
calendar, TRIS updates, and Course Description Guide revision. She provides professional service to
internal and external customers; manages the TRIS reports and rosters and enters the training calendar
into the DJJ Office of Training intranet site.
Ms. LovettOzuem is on the Board of Leaders at her church (Jubilee Christian Church, Int.) in which she
assists in the planning and development of the leadership team and assists in creating ways to attract
and retain new members. She is the Event Coordinator for her church; she’s an active volunteer with The
Cool Girls Inc.; and is a member of the Counsel of Care for Georgia’s Department of Juvenile Justice.
Maryam Favors
Clerical Services Worker
Office of Training
MaryamFavors@djj.state.ga.us
Mrs. Favors is a Clerical Services Worker with the Department of Juvenile Justice, Office of Training.
Prior to joining DJJ Office of Training in November 2011, she was an employee of the DeKalb County
Juvenile Court with varied responsibilities ranging from a Senior Clerk in the Child Advocate’s Office and
finishing with the Administrative Assistant to the Chief Probation Officer which included supervising two
(2) Probation Department secretaries. In May 2010, she retired from the Juvenile Court with twenty-five
(25) years of service. Prior to joining the DeKalb Juvenile Court, she started out typing ads for the
Department of Agriculture’s newspaper “Farmers and Consumers Market Bulletin” and finished as the
Administrative Clerk/Circulation Manager.
The main focus of her duties for the Office of Training revolve around processing invoices from the
Academy and Central Office Training Units, managing private billing, completing vehicle mileage reports,
assisting with T.R.I.S. and providing back-up support to the Office of Training’s AOM.
Some of her accomplishments include her proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher;
Kronos. She also dabbles in graphic design, cross-stitching, latch hook rug making, crocheting,
cooking/baking and poetry.
Mrs. Favors has been married for thirty-one (31) years and is the proud mother of three (3) handsome
sons aged thirty (30), twenty-four (24) and sixteen (16).
Office of Training
DJJ Training Academy
Robert “Neil” Cannon
Director, DJJ Training Academy
Office of Training
neilcannon@djj.state.ga.us
Mr. Cannon began his career in the juvenile justice field in 1978 as a probation officer with the Bibb
County Juvenile Court. In 1983 he transferred to the Macon Regional Youth Detention Center as a
Juvenile Detention Counselor. In 1988 he was promoted to Assistant Director of Security. In 1995 he was
promoted to Director of the Macon RYDC. He served as director until 1999 when he joined the DJJ Office
of Training as a Public Safety Training Instructor II. In 2000 he was promoted to Public Safety Training
Instructor III. In 2001 he was appointed coordinator of the Basic Juvenile Correctional Officer Training
Program. In 2005 he was promoted to Director of the DJJ Training Academy where he currently serves.
Mr. Cannon is a Senior Training Instructor with the Ga. P.O.S.T. Council and holds numerous instructor
certifications. He is a member of the American Correctional Association, National Juvenile Detention
Association, International Correctional Trainers Association, United States Specialty Softball Association,
National Softball Association and World Softball League Association. He currently serves as the Umpire
in Charge for the State of Georgia.
Mr. Cannon received an A.A. degree in education from Brewton Parker Jr. College and a B.A. degree in
Sociology and Physical Education from Mercer University.
Annette Jackson
Secretary III
Office of Training – DJJ Academy
AnnetteJackson@djj.state.ga.us
Mrs. Jackson began her career with DJJ as a part time Support Services Worker at the Training Academy
in May 2004. She was promoted to Academy Registrar in September 2005.
In 2006, Mrs. Jackson moved into the position of Secretary III at the Academy which includes performing
all purchases and accounting related duties; all room reservations; maintaining Academy class calendars;
creating reports; and completing all electronic travel forms of any students that come through the
Academy. She is also the Notary for the Academy.
Mrs. Jackson has completed numerous professional courses and was awarded the Commissioner’s
Above and Beyond Recognition Award in May 2014.
Kimberly Blount
Secretary II/Registrar
Office of Training – DJJ Academy
KimberlyBlount@djj.state.ga.us
Kimberly Blount joined the staff of the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy in March of 2014
as a Secretary II. Prior to joining the DJJ Training Academy, Blount earned an Associate’s Degree from
Saint Leo University and enjoyed a great career with the City of Macon and Geico Insurance Company.
During her tenure with the City of Macon, Kimberly served as an Office Assistant II where she scheduled
fire inspections and maintained fire, medical and arson reports. Blount was also employed as an
Insurance Agent while at Geico where she assisted customers with insurance quotes, processed
payments and made necessary changes to automobile policies.
Since March of 2014, Kimberly has been serving as the registrar for the Training Academy and is
responsible for maintaining program files for all classes, entering of training records into the DJJ Training
Resource Information System, answering telephones and greeting visitors to the Academy. Ms. Blount
has completed several professional development courses.
Sharon Strickland
Public Safety Training Instructor III
Specialized Programs Coordinator
Office of Training – DJJ Academy
sharonstrickland@djj.state.ga.us
Ms. Strickland began working with the Department of Juvenile Justice in 1994 as a Secretary 1 in the
training unit. She progressed through the ranks as a Secretary 2, Secretary 3, Public Safety Training
Instructor 1, Public Safety Training Instructor 2 and is now a Public Safety Training Instructor 3. She is
currently the only Ga. P.O.S.T. Council Master Instructor for the Department of Juvenile Justice. In
addition to being a Master Instructor, Ms. Strickland holds numerous instructor certifications.
She serves as the Program Coordinator for all special programs at the DJJ Academy to include but not
limited to POST Instructor Certification Training, Fire Safety Principles Training, OC Training, Curriculum
Specialist and also assists with Basic Juvenile Correctional Officer Training, Basic I and II for non-security
staff, Sergeants Academy, and Facility Based Investigators Training. A primary responsibility is the
development of new training programs while also serving as the Coordinator of Audits for the DJJ
Academy through the POST Council.
Ms. Strickland’s accomplishments with the Office of Training include assisted the previous Office of
Training Director, Mary Esposito with implementation of opening the DJJ Academy, served as registrar for
all training prior to the development of the training academy, processed POST applications and criminal
histories for Juvenile Correctional Officers and Officers grandfathered in when legislation was passed in
1997 for officers to become certified peace officers, assisted with the development and teaching of the
first new supervisor’s training at the DJJ Academy, has served as the interim Academy Director in the
absence of the Academy Director, created the support staff training program previously offered by the
Department of Juvenile Justice, served on many interview panels, assisted with the development of the
PREA training program now required by the DJJ, trained over 200 new instructors through DJJ, DOC and
GPSTC, and coordinated and assisted with the planning of conferences and PDC’s for DJJ.
Ms. Strickland attended Gordon College in Barnesville, Georgia and Clayton State College and University
in Morrow, Georgia
Ms. Strickland is a member of the American Correctional Association, National Association of
Professional Women, Georgia Gang Investigators Association, International Association of Correctional
Training Personnel, and the Church of God.
Ms. Strickland also serves as the Director of Women’s Ministries at her church, teaches Sunday School
for special needs youth, coordinates activities for youth and serves as the assistant pianist for the Church
of God in Stockbridge, GA. In addition, Ms. Strickland represented the Department of Juvenile Justice in
a security capacity with the 1996 Olympics at the Georgia Dome, World Congress Center and Olympic
Park in Atlanta, Georgia.
Sigmund Morgan
Public Safety Training Instructor III
Basic Programs Coordinator
Office of Training – DJJ Academy
sigmundmorgan@djj.djj.state.us
Sigmund began his career in juvenile justice in 1996 as a substitute teacher with the Eastman RYDC. In
1999 he became a full-time employee at the Eastman YDC as a Juvenile Detention Counselor. In 2001
became a Juvenile Sex Offender Counselor and coordinated the program at Eastman YDC. Also in 2001
became the Adjunct trainer at Eastman YDC for the Office of Training after completing the Instructor
Training course.
In 2005 he transferred to the DJJ Training Academy as a Public Safety Training Instructor II. In 2007 he
was promoted to Public Safety Training Instructor III. In 2007 he was promoted to Coordinator of the
Basic Training program at the DJJ Training Academy where he currently serves.
Mr. Morgan is a Senior Training Instructor with the Ga. P.O.S.T. Council and holds numerous instructor
certifications.
Mr. Morgan is a member of the Georgia Juvenile Services Association, National Juvenile Detention
Association, and International Correctional Trainers Association.
Mr. Morgan received a B.A. degree in Psychology from Morehouse College (1971), Atlanta, GA.
Jason Kovarovic
Public Safety Training Instructor III
BJCOT Coordinator
Office of Training – DJJ Academy
jasonkovarovic@djj.state.ga.us
Mr. Kovarovic began his employment with the Department of Juvenile Justice in February 2000 as a
Labor Pool (Part-time) Juvenile Correctional Officer I. In August 2000 he was hired as a full time Juvenile
Correctional Officer I. In 2002, Mr. Kovarovic was promoted Juvenile Correctional Sergeant.
While at Macon RYDC, Mr. Kovarovic had experience working and supervising all shifts, and was
proficient in intake procedures, policy coordinating, and facility based investigations. He also served as
the facility training coordinator. He assisted facilities with audits in the area of training and investigations
and occasionally worked as an adjunct instructor for field training coordinators assisting with pre-service
and in-service training.
In 2006 Mr. Kovarovic became the Lieutenant Trainer at Macon RYDC, where he conducted annual InService Training, First Aid/CPR Training and Use of Force Training. In 2007, Mr. Kovarovic was
promoted to Public Safety Training Instructor I at the DJJ Academy in Forsyth. In 2010 Mr. Kovarovic
was promoted to Public Safety Training Instructor II. In 2013 Mr. Kovarovic was promoted to Public
Safety Training Instructor III where he currently serves as the Basic Juvenile Correctional Officer Training
(BJCOT) Coordinator.
Mr. Kovarovic assisted in coordinating and developing the Lt. /Capt. Training that has now been replaced
by the Sergeant’s Academy. He continues to assist in facilitating during the Sergeant’s Academy course
and lends his expertise in teaching others how to become high performing shift supervisors.
Mr. Kovarovic is married to a wonderful wife of 14 years and has 2 sons.
Annie Sams
Public Safety Training Instructor II
Office of Training – DJJ Academy
AnnieSams@djj.state.ga.us
Ms. Sams began employment with the Macon RYDC in 1993 as a twenty-nine hour labor pool worker. In
July of 1995, she transitioned to a full-time Youth Development Worker/Juvenile Correctional Officer
where she served for the next 18 years as a Youth Development Worker, Juvenile Correctional Officer I,
Juvenile Correctional Officer II, Intake Specialist, and Lieutenant Trainer/Training Coordinator.
In October 2007, Ms. Sams partnered with the Office of Training as an Adjunct Instructor and conducted
training at her facility in the areas of annual In-Service, Physical Intervention, and CPR/First Aid.
In September 2013, Ms. Sams joined the Office of Training as a full-time Public Safety Training Instructor
II. She is a General Instructor with the Ga. P.O.S.T. Council and maintains several additional instructor
certifications.
Ms. Sams was Employee of the Year in 2002 for District 6. She has served as a volunteer speaker for
Department of Juvenile Justice at Youth Day Programs, Career Day at schools, and churches in her local
area. She was recently instrumental in the development of the DJJ Intake and Classification Training
Program.
Ms. Sams is a 2005 graduate from Macon State College with an Associate Degree in Science
(Information Technology).
Michael Mulkey
Public Safety Training Instructor I
Office of Training – DJJ Academy
MichaelMulkey@djj.state.ga.us
Michael Mulkey began working for the Department of Juvenile Justice in August 1, 2007, at the Bob
Richards Regional Youth Detention Center. He attended Basic Juvenile Correctional Officer Training in
November of 2007, where he obtained his P.O.S.T. certification on October 12, 2007.
Mr. Mulkey was promoted to Juvenile Corrections Officer II on September 1, 2008, and promoted to
Transportation Officer on April 16, 2012.
On September 16, 2013, Mr. Mulkey began his career with the Office of Training as a Public Safety
Training Instructor I. Currently he is assigned to the DJJ Training Academy in Forsyth and serves
facilitates training for the Basic Juvenile Correctional Officer Training (BJCOT) Program.
Mr. Mulkey is a General Instructor with the Ga. P.O.S.T. Council and holds several additional instructor
certifications.
Mr. Mulkey is a 4 year veteran of the United States Marine Corps.
Natasha Swift
Public Safety Training Instructor I
Office of Training – DJJ Academy
NatashaSwift@djj.state.ga.us
Ms. Swift began working for DJJ on November 16, 2006 as a Juvenile Correctional Officer 1 at Bob
Richards RYDC in Rome, Ga. While serving as a JCO I, she worked as the lead Intake Officer, Debriefing
Facilitator, Certified Mental Health Screener as well as a back-up shift supervisor. As a Juvenile
Correctional Officer, Ms. Swift had experience working all shifts and post assignments throughout the
facility.
In September 2010, Ms. Swift was promoted to a Juvenile Probation/Parole Specialist 1 position on the
High Intensity Supervision Team for Paulding County Court Service Office. She supervised 20 + youth on
her caseload. While serving as a JPPS 1, she formed and directed a group for at risk female offenders on
probation called, “Just Girls”.
In October 2012, Ms. Swift was selected for a position on the Security Management Response Team
(Special Operations). While on this team, she enforced policy and procedures, as well as being a subject
matter expert in the area of Key and Tool Control at different facilities throughout the state. She also
assisted in conducting apprehensions within the community, working escapes, and conducting facility
security visits and making suggestions to Directors on how to operate their facilities more efficiently.
Ms. Swift also served as a Security Advisor to problematic facilities as assigned. While on SMRT, she
assisted as an adjunct instructor training DJJ SERT/SMRT officers during SERT Basic Training.
In September 2013, Ms. Swift received a position with the Office of Training as a Public Safety Training
Instructor 1 and currently helps instruct new hires in the Basic Juvenile Correctional Officer Training
Course, Basic classes as well as the Instructor Training course.
Ms. Swift is a Senior Instructor with the Ga. P.O.S.T. Council and holds several additional instructor
certifications. She has also completed the Ga. Department of Corrections Basic Drill and Leadership
Course and has worked as a volunteer for Georgia’s Domestic Violence shelters in Dalton.
Office of Training
NE/NW Regions
Tania Appling
Training Program Manager
Office of Training – NE/NW Regions
taniaappling@djj.state.ga.us
Ms. Appling’s career began as a counselor at the Griffin Regional Youth Detention Center in 1997. Ms.
Appling later worked in the position of Social Service Provider working within the areas of mental and
behavioral counseling for two Regional Detention Centers.
Ms. Appling ‘s career continued as Assistant Director the Macon Regional Youth Detention and Bill
Ireland Youth Development Campus where the oversaw the areas of medical, mental health, substance
abuse, counseling, recreation and education.
In 2010, Ms. Appling joined the Office of Training as the Training Program Manager for the Northern
Regions. Ms. Appling also directly oversees the Juvenile Probation Officer Training Course and provides
oversight to all community based and non-security focused training courses. In addition, Ms. Appling also
serves as the Commandant for the Sergeant’s Academy.
In 2011, Ms. Appling became a member of the Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency and Prevention
work group to compile information on juvenile justice community probation services within the American
Parole Probation Association. She served as the Juvenile Justice track chair for the 2013 American
Parole Probation Association Winter Institute, the 2012 APPA Winter Institute, and Victim Issues for the
2013 APPA Annual Institute. Ms. Appling currently serves as an APPA Leadership Sponsor to the
Leadership Institute.
Ms. Appling is a Senior Training Instructor with the Ga. P.O.S.T. Council and holds numerous specialized
instructor certifications. She is an Adjunct Instructor for the University of Phoenix in Criminal Justice and
Political Science and is a Ph. D. Candidate at Walden University - Academic Psychology (dissertation-in
progress). Ms. Appling holds a Masters of Education from the State University of West Georgia in
Guidance and Counseling and a Masters of Public Administration from West Georgia College.
Ms. Appling is a graduate of the Correctional Leadership Institute and is a member of the Ga. Juvenile
Services Association, America Probation and Parole Association, Georgia Gang Investigators
Association, Big Brother Big Sister of Heart of Georgia, National Organization of Professional Women,
and Optimist Club of Milledgeville.
Andrew Dawson
Staff Development Training Coordinator II
Office of Training – NW Region
AndrewDawson@djj.state.ga.us
In 1983, Mr. Dawson served as a Student Intern at the United States Attorney’s Office in Washington,
DC. In this capacity, he assisted staff attorneys by tracking court documents and interviewing witnesses
prior to court hearings.
From 1984 until 2005, Mr. Dawson served in the Georgia Army National Guard and retired as a Staff
Sergeant (E-6) with 21 years of service. While in the National Guard, he served as a Medical Section
Sergeant and a Telecommunications Specialist. Mr. Dawson is an Iraq War Veteran.
From 1985 until 1986, Mr. Dawson held the position of Residential Youth Counselor at Anderson Youth
Treatment Center for Anderson Youth Associations, in Anderson, SC. He maintained care and custody
for emotional challenged youth in a group home setting and provided weekly individual and group
counseling to youth.
From 1986 until 1989, Mr. Dawson worked as a Correctional Officer I and II at Stone Mountain
Correctional Institution, with the Georgia Department of Corrections.
In 1989, Mr. Dawson transferred to the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice as the Facility Trainer at
the Lorenzo Benn Youth Development Campus where he served until 1997.As the Facility Trainer, Mr.
Dawson also coordinated the Saturday School Program, Bridge Sex Offenders Program, MLK NonViolence Social Change Program and Supervised the Orientation and Diagnostic Unit.
In 1997 Mr. Dawson transferred to the DJJ Office of Training as a Staff Development Training Coordinator
II as the Northern Region Training Coordinator where he continues to serve.
Mr. Dawson is a Senior Training Instructor with the Ga. P.O.S.T. Council and holds numerous instructor
certifications. He has a BS in Criminal Justice from Benedict College, Columbia, SC and a certificate in
Urban Social Problems from Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA.
Mr. Dawson is a member of the Georgia Gang Investigator’s Association, the Veterans of Foreign Wars
and the American Legions.
DeBaja Coleman
Staff Development Training Coordinator II
Office of Training – NW Region
DebajaColeman@djj.state.ga.us
As a Staff Development Training Coordinator, Ms. Coleman is primarily responsible for implementing and
coordinating the Basic Juvenile Probation Officer Training Course. Ms. Coleman has also assisted with
developing and implementing specialized projects including Balance and Restorative Justice, Bullying,
Educational Ethics, and Community Safety. Within the past three years with the Office of Training, she
has received several certifications to include CPR First AID, General and Senior P.O.S.T. Training
Instructor, Motivational Interviewing Instructor, Oleoresin Capicum (OC), Pepperball Instructor, Aikido
Control Tactics Instructor and the Department of Corrections Basic Probation and Parole Training Course.
Ms. Coleman assisted with the implementation of Physical Intervention in the community, Enhanced
Service Plan in the facility and community, Pre-Dispositional Risk Assessment, Juvenile Sex Offender
Assessment Protocol II (JSOAP II) Sergeants' Academy for Facility Leadership, Group Counseling and
other specialized classes within the facility. Ms. Coleman has developed several Online Quick Tips
Trainings and the Bullying lesson plan that has been used throughout the department. She represents
the Office of Training on several policy committees including Victim Services, Project Face, and
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC).
Ms. Coleman has been a Presenter at the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) Summer
Conference and twice at the Substance Abuse Mental Health and School Safety Training.
Ms. Coleman has been employed with the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice for 10 years. Since her
employment with the Department, she has served in various capacities to include Professional Education
Worker, Social and Human Service Worker, Juvenile Detention Counselor and one of the first Balance
and Restorative Justice Regional Coordinator.
Ms. Coleman received her BA degree in Sociology with a minor in Criminal Justice and Masters of
Education with a concentration in history from Georgia State University. She is also a member of Delta
Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. where she currently serves as Sergeant at Arms. Ms. Coleman has served as
a Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, Golden Harvest Food Bank, the Hurricane Katrina Relief Project,
Hosea Williams Feed the Hungry Project, Inner City Playground Project, and Toys for Tots.
Monaleto Irby
Public Safety Training Instructor III
Office of Training – NW Region
MonaletoIrby@djj.state.ga.us
Mr. Irby’s career started 11 days after graduating Jacksonville State University, when he was hired as a
Case Manager at Children’s Services at the Calhoun-Cleburne Mental Health Center. He was
responsible for in-home support services for those children who were placed on psychotropic medications
by the Psychiatrist. He also served as the behavior aide for most of those same children in the school
system, providing classroom support.
Three years later, Mr. Irby accepted a position with The Bridge Drug Treatment Center for Youth as a
Counselor in their Wilderness Program. The Program serviced boys from the State of Alabama who were
committed to the Alabama Department of Youth Services. After a year of serving as the counselor in the
program, Mr. Irby was promoted to Program Manager.
After almost 3 1/2 years with the Agency, Mr. Irby accepted a position with Coosa Valley Youth Services
as Program Manager for the Camp Robert Lewis Boot Camp Program for young men. Mr. Irby stayed in
this capacity close to 4 years, before being hired as the Director of the Alabama Youth Challenge
Academy.
Mr. Irby moved to Georgia and started with the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice as Juvenile
Probation and Parole Specialist 2 in Fulton County from 2007 until 2011. In July 2011, Mr. Irby was
promoted to Public Safety Training Instructor III with the Office of Training. While with the Office of
Training, Mr. Irby served as the Regional Training Coordinator to the Southwest Region and currently
oversees training for the Northwest Region. Mr. Irby also assists in the coordination and facilitation of the
Basic Juvenile Probation Officer’s Training Course.
Mr. Irby is a Senior Training Instructor with the Ga. P.O.S.T. Council and holds numerous instructor
certifications. He is a member of the Georgia Juvenile Services Association, National Alumni Association
of Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville State Criminal Justice Alumni Association., Phi Beta Sigma
Fraternity, Inc. for 18 years in which he has held local and State positions, and is a member of The
Toastmaster’s Club. Mr. Irby also serves as the Youth Director at Travelers Rest Missionary Baptist
Church and as mentors with Youth Challenge Academy and Mt. Zion Primary School.
Roman Bing
Staff Development Training Coordinator II
Office of Training – NE Region
RomanBing@djj.state.ga.us
Roman A. Bing is a twenty-one year veteran of the United State Army Military Police Corps; earning his
way through the ranks from Private to Retired Sergeant First Class (P). During his tenure on active duty,
Bing served as Acting First Sergeant, Physical Security Officer, Investigator, Platoon Sergeant, and a Drill
Sergeant, distinguished as “Drill Sergeant of the Quarter”. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in
Human Services from Wayland Baptist University, Plainview, TX, and an Associate’s Degree in Criminal
Justice from Central Texas College, El Paso, TX,
Upon retiring from the United States Army, he worked as a Work Detail Officer at the Richmond County
Correctional Institute. Roman served as the Juvenile Probation and Parole Specialist II in the Richmond
County Court Services office and Juvenile Probation and Parole Specialist III, Supervisor of the HITS
Unit, in the Toombs County Circuit Court District, McDuffie County Juvenile Court Office, Thomson, Ga.
As a JPPS, Mr. Bing also supervised the Sex Offender Program with additional duty as an Adjunct
Instructor. Promoted in 2004, Roman began his current position as the Public Safety Training
Development Specialist at the Augusta Youth Development Campus, and Region II.
Mr. Bing is a Senior Training Instructor with the Ga. P.O.S.T. Council and holds numerous instructor
certifications.
During his tenure as a JPPS II in Richmond County, he was the recipient of the Georgia Juvenile Justice
Associations Probation Officer of the Year award, and was recognized by the Mayor of Richmond County
as the Outstanding Juvenile Justice Worker of the Year.
Mr. Bing also serves as a mentor in the Men’s Ministry at the Hammond Grove Word Power Ministry
Church in North Augusta, South Carolina.
Billy Mosley
Public Safety Training Instructor III
Office of Training – NE Region
BillyMosley@djj.state.ga.us
Mr. Mosley joined the U.S. Army after high school in 1972 where he served in various locations in the
U.S. and overseas. In 1982, while stationed at Fort Gordon Ga. Mr. Mosley was chosen to attend the
Instructor Certification Course. Once completed, Mr. Mosley was assigned to the Telecommunications
72E course where he provided technical instructions on Fixed Station as well as Tactical
Telecommunications Equipment. Mr. Mosley retired from the military in 1992 and returned to college to
work on completing his degree.
On April 1, 1994, Mr. Mosley started his correctional career with the Georgia Department of Corrections at
the Washington State Prison that housed adult female offenders. In December of that same year, Mr.
Mosley volunteered to work with juveniles when the Davisboro Youth Development Facility was opened
adjacent to the prison. It was during this time that Mr. Mosley came to the realization that he wanted to
work with juveniles.
In December 1995, Mr. Mosley started his Juvenile Justice Career at the Augusta YDC as a Facilities
Police Officer. While working at the YDC, Mr. Mosley held numerous positions including Intake Officer,
Special Management Unit and the Short Term Program. In August 2000, Mr. Mosley moved to the
Augusta RYDC after accepting a JCO-2 position and in July 2005 he was promoted to Lieutenant Trainer,
where he worked closely with the Office of Training.
Mr. Mosley joined the DJJ Office of Training in August 2007 as a Public Safety Training Instructor III. Mr.
Mosley is a Senior Training Instructor with the Ga. P.O.S.T. Council and holds numerous instructor
certifications. Mr. Mosley is also a member of the Ga. Juvenile Services Association.
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Office of Training
SE/SW Regions
Gary Murphy
Training Program Manager
Office of Training – SE/SW Regions
GaryMurphy@djj.state.ga.us
Mr. Murphy is a twenty year veteran of the United States Air Force. As a Senior Non-Commissioned
Officer in charge of the Aircrew Life Support section he provided leadership and guidance to six
supervisors and general oversight of thirty assigned personnel. He has ten years’ experience as a
Combat Survival Training Instructor.
Mr. Murphy has 18 years of professional experience with the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice. In
1996, he began his DJJ career as a Juvenile Correctional Officer 1 at the Bill Ireland YDC Boot Camp
Program. Mr. Murphy completed the Rehabilitation Training Instructor Course, offered by the United
States Army at Fort McClellan, Alabama and began his Department of Juvenile Justice training career as
a Senior Drill Instructor. In 1997, he was promoted to Juvenile Correctional Officer 2 and assigned as the
second shift supervisor responsible for day to day operations, performance evaluations, disciplinary
action and oversight of the Facility Response Team. To enhance his DJJ career he completed his degree
in Criminal Justice at Georgia Military College and was promoted to the position of Cottage Life
Supervisor and then Program Manager for the New Horizon Pre-Release Community Program at the Bill
Ireland YDC.
In 2004, he was promoted into the Office of Training as a Regional Staff Development Training
Coordinator 2.
Mr. Murphy has also, been instrumental in the development and implementation of specialized programs
such as the Security Emergency Response teams, Security Management Response teams, Behavior
Management Unit certification, Sergeants Academy and Field Training Officer.
In February 2013, Mr. Murphy was promoted to Office of Training Program Manager overseeing training
for fifteen facilities in the Southern Region.
Mr. Murphy is a Senior Instructor with the Ga. P.O.S.T. Council and maintains numerous additional
instructor certifications. He is a graduate of the Department of Corrections Advanced Management
Training Program and is a member of the Ga. Gang Investigator’s Association.
Rolland Hinkins
Staff Development Training Coordinator II
Office of Training – SE Region
RollandHinkins@djj.state.ga.us
Rolland “Hank” Hinkins has more 22 years of distinguished law enforcement and criminal justice
experience through the Department of Corrections and the Department of Juvenile Justice. Mr. Hinkins
began his career with the Department of Juvenile Justice in 1994 at the Davisboro Youth Development
Campus as the Director of Fast Food Operation. This program established the first fast food restaurant in
a juvenile correctional facility. Under Mr. Hinkins’ direction, this lead to a work-release program that
partnered with Wendy’s, Burger King, and Kentucky Fried Chicken to offer employment opportunities for
youth in Georgia after release from DJJ.
In 2000, Mr. Hinkins joined the Office of Training where he continues to serve as the Regional Training
Coordinator for the Southeastern Region.
While working with the Office of Training, Mr. Hinkins developed and implemented the initial agency
training file/record retention format, coordinated and facilitated Facility Based Investigator Program. Mr.
Hinkins was selected and certified on behalf of the agency by Deverux Mental Health Faculty in
Pennsylvania for physical restraints for mental health youth. He also coordinated and implemented the
DJJ Apprehension /Law Enforcement Training in 2003 through 2005. In 2005 Mr. Hinkins was selected as
the Instructor of the Year.
Mr. Hinkins is a Senior Training Instructor with the Ga. P.O.S.T. Council and maintains additional
instructor certifications. He is a member of Peace Officer Association of Georgia, Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity Inc., Walker Baptist Minister’s association, The Georgia Juvenile Services Association, and is
the Director of The MALE INITIATIVE Program.
Mr. Hinkins is a veteran of the United States Marines and a graduate of Paine College, with a Bachelor’s
Degree in Business Management and a minor in psychology. Mr. Hinkins is currently enrolled in the
University of Phoenix Master’s Program for Public Administration.
Richard Payne
Public Safety Training Instructor III
Office of Training – SW Region/FTO Program
RichardPayne@djj.state.ga.us
Mr. Payne began his career working for the Greater Boston YMCA Services Corporation as a Recreation
Director and Social Worker from 1979 through 1985. From 1985 through 1989, Mr. Payne was employed
with the Justice Research Institute at the Metropolitan Detention Center and served as a Shift Supervisor.
From 1998 through 2000, Mr. Payne served as a Shift Administrator for the Southeastern Massachusetts
YMCA Services Corporation - Challenge Detention Program.
Mr. Payne moved to Georgia in 2000 and began working with the Department of Juvenile Justice at the
Metro Regional Youth Detention Center as a JCO II and Adjunct Training Instructor. In 2004, he
transferred to the Sandersville Regional Youth Detention Center as a JCO II and Adjunct Training
Instructor. In 2005, Mr. Payne was promoted to Juvenile Correctional Counselor at the Augusta Youth
Development Campus and continued to assist the Office of Training as an Adjunct Instructor.
In July of 2011, Mr. Payne transferred to the Office of Training as a Public Safety Training Instructor III.
Currently he oversees training for the Southwestern Region to include Sumter YDC, Crisp RYDC, and
District 8.
Mr. Payne currently serves as the Field Training Officer Program Coordinator and is directly responsible
to the success of the FTO Program throughout the Agency.
Mr. Payne is a Senior Training Instructor with the Ga. P.O.S.T. Council and maintains additional instructor
certifications.
Mr. Payne obtained an Associate of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Science Degree in
Psychology from the University of Phoenix
Stephanie Farmer
Staff Development Training Coordinator II
Office of Training – SE Region
StephanieFarmer@djj.state.ga.us
Stephanie Farmer began her career in Law Enforcement in Screven Co. Georgia in 1992. She started as
a 911 Dispatcher and was a shift supervisor. Stephanie was then promoted to Jailer. She served as
GCIC/NCIC trainer and auditor. She was then promoted to Road Division and served as ranking shift
supervisor. Stephanie was the field training officer for new employees. She then went on to be an
Investigator and School Resource Officer. She specialized in conducting all cases involving juvenile
crimes and abuse cases. She served as the School Resource Officer for Screven Co. She was the DARE
and Law Related Education instructor for the elementary schools, middle schools, and alternative
schools. She served as the representative for the Sheriff’s Office for the Emergency Management Team.
Stephanie is a POST certified Peace Officer, Communication Officer, Jailer, School Resource Officer, and
Emergency Management Officer.
Stephanie Farmer began her career with the Department of Juvenile Justice in 2000. She began her
career as a HITS/JPPS 1. She covered two counties. Stephanie also held the majority of groups offered
to the juveniles in her area. She completed Law Related Education and Anger Management classes. She
was later promoted to a JPPS II. She continued to provide groups for the youth in her community and
worked closely with community leaders to provide mentors for the youth, community service opportunities,
and “Restorative Justice” opportunities. She became certified to hold “HELP- Parenting Program”. She
was responsible for obtaining and monitoring contractors for the Juvenile Court Judges Grant Program.
Ms. Farmer completed POST Instructor Training in 2011 and assisted with the roll-out of PIT/OC in two
regions. She has assisted Office of Training in numerous training classes since she received her
certification.
In March 2013, she received a promotion to the Office of Training where she currently serves as a Staff
Development Training Coordinator II and oversees all training for the Southeast Region.
Ms. Farmer is a General Training Instructor with the Ga. P.O.S.T. Council and maintains several
additional instructor certifications. She is an active member with Georgia Peace Officer Association,
GJSA, Screven County Collaborative, Community Christian, REACH Mentor, and Making a Change.
Antonio Banks
Public Safety Training Instructor III
Office of Training – SW Region
AntonioBanks@djj.state.ga.us
Mr. Antonio Banks begins his career with the Agency in March, 1992 with the Macon Youth Development
Campus. During his tenure, he has been promoted through the security ranks as Sergeant and
Lieutenant.
In October 2013, He joined The Office of Training as Regional Training Coordinator and responsible for
coordinating all training with Aaron Cohn RYDC, Muscogee YDC, Albany RYDC and Loftiss RYDC.
Mr. Banks is a General Training Instructor with the Ga. P.O.S.T. Council and maintains several additional
instructor certifications.
Mr. Banks is a member of the American Correctional Association and the Ga. Juvenile Services
Association.
Calvin Waldroup
Regional Training Coordinator
Office of Training – SE Region
calvinwaldroup@djj.state.ga.us
Mr. Waldroup began his career with the Department of Juvenile Justice in August 2012 as a
Lieutenant/Trainer with Gwinnett RYDC. In February 2013 he then joined The Officer of Training as
Regional Training Coordinator and responsible for coordinating all training with Macon RYDC, Macon
YDC, and Sandersville RYDC. He also coordinates/instructs all Special Operations Training within the
Department of Juvenile Justice to include S.E.R.T., and S.M.R.T. teams. He also assists as an instructor
with the Department’s specialized training to include Sergeants Academy and the new BMU Officer
Certification Course.
Mr. Waldroup retired after serving 27 years with the Gwinnett County Department of Corrections. During
his tenure, he held various positions to include Shift Supervisor, Facility Training Officer, Disciplinary
Report Investigator/Hearing Officer, C.E.R.T. Member/Commander, Tactical Squad Member, K9 Team
Member, Fugitive Squad Member, and S.W.A.T. Member.
Mr. Waldroup is a Senior Training Instructor with the Ga. P.O.S.T. Council and maintains numerous
additional instructor certifications.
Mr. Waldroup is a member of the American Correctional Association (ACA), National Tactical Officer
Association (NTOA), Georgia Gang Investigators Association (GGIA), Georgia Juvenile Service
Association (GJSA), State Guard Association of the United States (SGAUS) and Georgia State Guard
Association (GSGA).
Mr. Waldroup also volunteers his time with different state, county, private organizations. In 2005, Mr.
Waldroup joined the Georgia State Defense Force and is Chief Warrant Officer II with the
Headquarter/G3 Operations Section as a Master Instructor. Mr. Waldroup conducts specialized training to
include Search and Rescue, Disaster Recovery, and Security Operations. Mr. Waldroup also coaches for
the Putnam County Recreation Department to include football and girls’ soccer. He is also an Assistant
Cub Scout Master, and Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Merit Badge Councilor (First Aid). Mr. Waldroup
was also selected in 1989 as the Georgia Department of Corrections Officer of the Year.