Enhancing Probation Practices: New Jersey's Implementation of Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)

Go Back

Stacey Gerard is the Chief of Juvenile Supervision and Quality Assurance within the Office of Probation Services. In this role, Ms. Gerard leads efforts to enhance outcomes for clients involved in the justice system by implementing robust quality assurance practices and overseeing juvenile supervision initiatives statewide. Ms. Gerard graduated from The College of New Jersey in 2003 with a B.S. in Law & Justice Studies and earned College Honors. She received her Master’s in Criminal Justice from Rutgers University in 2006. Throughout her career, Ms. Gerard has been dedicated to improving juvenile justice practices and promoting effective probation strategies. She began her professional journey supporting youth with mental health and behavioral challenges and, in 2011, joined the Judiciary as a probation officer specializing in cases involving youth with sexually abusive behaviors. Her experience also includes serving as a Court Services Supervisor II in adult supervision and as the Probation Program Supervisor, where she was responsible for coordinating training and managing specialty programs statewide. A recognized leader in her field, Ms. Gerard has presented on a wide array of probation-related topics—including innovative juvenile supervision strategies, quality assurance, and wellness—at numerous conferences. Her work reflects a commitment to evidence-based practices and continuous improvement in probation services. Outside of her professional life, Ms. Gerard enjoys spending time with her husband and 5-year-old daughter.

Ryan Loud is an Administrative Specialist with the New Jersey Judiciary’s Probation Services Division, supporting the Intensive Supervision Program (ISP) and Juvenile Intensive Supervision Program (JISP). He has been with the Judiciary since 2011, serving in various roles that have enhanced his expertise in program development, policy implementation, and training. In his current position, Ryan serves as the Statewide Quality Assurance Coordinator for both ISP and JISP. He plays a critical role in guiding the successful implementation of the Ohio Risk Assessment System (ORAS) and the Ohio Youth Assessment System (OYAS). As a certified trainer for both assessment tools and in Core Correctional Practices, Ryan is dedicated to providing comprehensive training and ongoing support to probation staff, judges, attorneys, and other key stakeholders to ensure fidelity to the risk-need-responsivity model. He holds a B.A. in Law/Justice Studies from Rowan University and a post-graduate paralegal certification from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Stephanie Peate is an experienced Quality Assurance Coordinator and Analyst with over five years of service with the State of New Jersey. For the past four years, she has focused on coordinating and enhancing quality assurance processes, ensuring high standards across projects and operations. Stephanie holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Montclair State University, with a Minor in LGBT Studies. Her diverse academic background complements her extensive experience in the quality assurance field. Prior to her current role, she worked in the mortgage industry, managing vendor relationships and conducting loss analysis for government loans, gaining invaluable insights into the industry's intricacies. Stephanie is dedicated to improving processes, identifying opportunities for optimization, and ensuring quality at every stage. Her expertise in quality assurance strengthens her ability to support and elevate the performance for the State of New Jersey’s Probation Division.

With 28 years of dedicated service to the New Jersey Judiciary, Claudia Rudolf is an experienced Quality Assurance Specialist recognized for her commitment to maintaining excellence in court operations, data integrity, and procedural compliance. In 1996, Claudia began her career as a Probation Officer in Bergen County with the Child Support Enforcement Unit. She transitioned to the Juvenile Division as a Senior Probation Officer and remained in that unit until being promoted to the role of Quality Assurance Specialist in 2023. Claudia's professional background includes a wealth of experience in the field of juvenile justice and case management, as well as the development of various programs, including the H.E.A.R.T. program, a life-skills program for females. Additionally, Claudia is acknowledged for her professionalism, integrity, and ability to adapt to the judiciary's swiftly evolving needs. Her extensive tenure is a testament to her profound commitment to public service and the New Jersey Judiciary. Claudia holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and a Master of Arts in Education from Seton Hall University. In addition to her professional responsibilities, Claudia enjoys hosting Sunday dinners for her family.