Stories from The Field: How Jurisdictions Are Using a Free Juvenile Probation Transformation Training Series to Spark Local Discussion and Change

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Joanna currently serves as the Director of the Juvenile Community Enrichment Services (JCES) Department in Franklin County, Ohio, where she oversees community supervision, formerly known as juvenile probation. She began her professional journey as a probation officer and later advanced to a supervisory role within the newly established JCES Department, a key component of Franklin County’s juvenile probation transformation efforts. Joanna has dedicated her professional career to supporting youth and families involved in the juvenile justice system. Her passion for this work runs deep. Having once been on juvenile probation herself, Joanna knows firsthand the challenges that young people face when trying to overcome difficult circumstances and survival. Her personal journey from system involvement to leadership fuels her commitment to building opportunities, hope, and second chances for others. Driven by empathy, resilience, and a belief in the power of transformation, Joanna continues to lead with purpose and compassion. Beyond her professional life, she is a proud wife, mother of four, and devoted dog mom who finds joy and strength in her family.

Diana is a consultant to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, specializing in detention reform, probation practice, organizational culture, staff development, and research. She obtained her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Oklahoma State University in 1987 and began working with the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department in 2001. She served for over 20 years as Deputy Director for the Behavioral Health Services and the Residential Services Divisions and was appointed as the Assistant Executive Director in 2018. In that role, she was the second in command of a probation department with 1,200 employees, including intake and diversion, detention, community-based programming, and two residential facilities. She retired as the Assistant Executive Director in January 2023. Since that time, Dr. Quintana has been consulting with the Annie E. Casey foundation, providing technical assistance in probation transformation efforts with jurisdictions throughout the country, and assisting in the design and development of probation transformation courses. In addition to her extensive experience in the development, implementation, coordination, planning and evaluation of programs in the juvenile justice system, Diana also has experience working with community organizations in creating innovative programs and approaches to address gaps more effectively in services for impacted youth.

The founder and President of The Exception, Ramon Ramos has an incredible life story that defies all odds. By the age of 15, he found himself heavily involved in gangs, battling a meth addiction and living homeless on the streets. Determined to break free, Ramon embarked on a journey of personal transformation. His experiences inspired him to establish The Exception, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life through a holistic approach to wellness. He brings over 25 years of experience mentoring at-promise youth and individuals impacted by the justice system, dedicating his life to creating lasting, positive change for young people and their families. Today, he works to cultivate a culture of servant leadership while strategically managing relationships with community stakeholders, media, and government partners to advance outreach and expansion efforts. Most recently he was appointed as the Chairman of the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council Ad Hoc Committee in Riverside County to help establish a community-based approach for youth justice system services. This also led him to create what is now known as the CBO Alliance, a dynamic group of community-based organizations, united by a shared commitment to foster vibrant communities and address systemic challenges.

Olivia Serna serves as a Probation Division Director with the Riverside County Probation Department in California, where she brings over two decades of experience in public service and community safety. Known for her leadership, integrity, and commitment to collaborative justice, Olivia has played a key role in advancing strategic initiatives that support rehabilitation and strengthen interagency and community partnerships. Her work reflects a deep dedication to ethical practices, innovation, and measurable outcomes that improve lives across Riverside County. On her free time, Olivia enjoys traveling with her children and attending live sporting events, concerts, and musicals.