How many years have you been in the corrections field and what specific area of corrections are you involved?
I began working for the Texas Youth Council in October 1973. When the Legislature created the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission in 1981, I was transferred to TJPC and worked there until 1991. In 1993 I returned to the Texas Youth Commission and retired in August 2000. I am still active in corrections on a volunteer basis, chairing the Texas Advisory Committee on Offenders with Medical and Mental Impairments and the Children’s Initiative Committee of the American Correctional Association.
What motivated your interest in a corrections career and what are the three biggest changes you have witnessed over your career?
When I began in 1973, it was a month after Judge Justice handed down his federal court order against TYC. Ron Jackson was appointed the new director and he was dynamic. He also hired an incredibly young, dedicated and enthusiastic staff that were determined to create the best child care/juvenile justice agency in the country. It was an exciting time that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
The three major changes that I have witnessed are that we incarcerate too many people, many of whom would be better served at a community level; there is a much higher incidence of serious mental illness and intractable substance abuse among our clientele, and correctional professionals are more accountable to funding entities and the public through performance and outcome measures as well as standards.
What are the three biggest challenges you see facing the corrections field in the next three years?
With so many corrections professionals retiring, much of the institutional knowledge is no longer there. Not only is it important to have mentors in this field, but it’s critical for stabilization and continuity.
It will continue to be difficult to recruit, train, and keep good correctional professionals when salaries are low and working conditions are not ideal.
If prevention initiatives to keep kids out of trouble are not embraced and funded and proven treatment programs and effective aftercare services for those already in the system are not adequately funded, this State will continue to recycle its failures.
What advice would you have for those interested in entering the corrections profession?
Understand that corrections is an honorable profession that has some of the most dedicated people they will ever meet.
Find someone who they admire and can look up to and is willing to mentor them as they grow in the field.
Take advantage of educational and training opportunities and join organizations such as TCA and ACA, so they not only have a more global perspective about corrections, but that they also get to know and develop friendships among their colleagues.
How long have you been a TCA member and what do you consider the best benefits of your membership?
I’ve been a member since the 1970’s when I entered the field. It gave me a chance to be a leader and spokesperson for corrections, but mostly, it allowed me to develop life-long friendships.
What is your biggest career achievement?
Receiving the George Beto Hall of Honor Award from TCA..
What person has had the most influence on your professional life and how?
Ron Jackson, former Director of TYC, and Bill Anderson, former Director of TJPC, were mentors to me and taught me so much. Both men were way ahead of their time in terms of sound, compassionate juvenile justice practice, as well as management principles. Further, both men recognized and appreciated smart competent females.
What is something most people may not know about you?
I began working at a bank 2 days after I graduated from high school and didn’t start college until I was 26. I worked at TYC full time and went to college at night for 6 years until I got my Bachelors from St. Edwards. I then got my Masters Degree in Criminal Justice Management while working at TJPC and going to Sam Houston State University on the weekends.
