New Jersey Juvenile Probation: Engagement Events & Youth Success Stories

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Cory DiBiase is the Morris and Sussex Probation Division Manager. He has been with the Judiciary for 22 years, 21 of them have been with Probation in various roles including Recovery Court, child support, juvenile and adult supervision. He is a member of various committees including local juvenile detention alternatives, Probation staffing committee, state-wide juvenile sexually abusive behaviors group and more. Cory holds a bachelor’s degree from Caldwell University.

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.

Carmen Melendez is a seasoned criminal justice professional currently serving as the Probation Assistant Division Manager for Atlantic County, New Jersey. With over 14 years of comprehensive experience in operations, case management, and team leadership, Carmen is deeply committed to public service and community engagement. She is passionate about promoting rehabilitation and making a positive impact within the community and is dedicated to advancing fair and effective justice practices. Carmen holds a master’s degree from West Chester University.

Leroy Peterson is a dedicated public service leader with over a decade of experience in the New Jersey court system. He currently serves as the Mercer County Vicinage Probation Division Manager at the Superior Court of New Jersey, where he leads all aspects of probation operations, including strategic planning, staff development, and performance management. In this executive role, Leroy is responsible for advancing organizational goals, implementing innovative leadership strategies, and ensuring the effective delivery of probation services. Previously, Leroy served as the Assistant Division Manager, where he played a key role in managing the Recovery Court Program and supervising Probation Officers to ensure effective case management and compliance. His academic credentials include a Master of Public Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a Bachelor of Science in Health and Exercise Science from The College of New Jersey. In addition, he has served as an adjunct professor in the MPA program at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Leroy is known for his strategic vision, collaborative leadership style, and results-driven approach, consistently working to improve performance, foster professional growth, and enhance service delivery within the judicial system.

Keisha Walker is the Assistant Probation Division Manager for Essex County, New Jersey. With 25 years of distinguished service within the Judiciary, she brings extensive experience across Criminal, Municipal, Family, and Probation Divisions. Keisha is deeply involved in advancing justice initiatives, currently serving as chair of the state-wide Pretrial Intervention Committee and co-chair of the Juvenile Policy and Procedure Committee. She is also an active member of several local and state committees, including those focused on juvenile detention alternatives. Keisha holds a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University and a master’s degree from the University of Baltimore.