The Smith County Juvenile Services Department recently celebrated three of its employees who together have served the county for 70 years, said public information officer Casey Murphy.
Joniesha Pierson, who has been with the department since June, 199, was honored for 25 years of service.
She was promoted from detention officer to detention supervisor in 2004, and she has also served as a training officer.
“Joniesha’s longevity and experience has been a tremendous asset to Juvenile Services. She’s been here long enough to have seen a lot of changes made, not only at the state level but also at the local level of juvenile justice. She’s been dedicated to the mission and vision of SCJS since the first day she started.” Juvenile Services Director Ross Worley said.
Pierson is a graduate of Waxahachie High School, attended Tyler Junior College and earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Ashford University (Magna Cum Laude).
“After 25 years of working with Smith County Juvenile Services, I find it an honor to mentor, encourage and show compassion to juveniles regardless of their mistakes,” she said. “Over the years, I’ve worked with great people in leadership and fellow peers that have made my career fulfilling and have motivated me to continue to strive to empower others along this journey and great opportunity to work in Juvenile Services. I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge and leadership at Smith County Juvenile Services to continue to help support the juveniles we serve, and the community.”
25 YEARS
Marisa Duran was recognized for 25 years of service.
She has actually worked there for more than 25 years, having served as a case aide for more than two years while attending college in the 1990s. She left to complete her studies at Sam Houston State University.
Duran earned a bachelor’s degree and was hired at Juvenile Services as a probation officer in June of 1999.
She has served in a multitude of positions as a probation officer, including as an intake officer, a field officer in both the misdemeanor unit and the felony unit, and as a field officer in the substance abuse program.
“Marisa has developed a wealth of experience in her 25-plus years here at SCJS,” Worley said. “In her tenure she has served literally hundreds of juvenile offenders on her caseload and has always been an advocate for rehabilitating at-risk kids. She’s been a tremendous asset to Smith County Juvenile Services.”
20 YEARS
Edna Glenn was honored for 20 years of service.
She began her career there as a detention officer in June of 2004, less than a year after the Juvenile Services’ new facility opened.
Glenn is a graduate of Rusk High School and earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Phoenix while working full time.
“Edna is a dedicated officer, a team player and is always willing to step in and help out when needed,” Residential Superintendent Monica Powell said.
“Serving as a juvenile detention officer is one of the most difficult jobs at SCJS,” Smith County Juvenile Services Director Ross Worley said. “Edna has seen hundreds of juvenile offenders come through the doors of our detention center. She has faced some very challenging situations in her 20 years here, yet she has consistently conducted herself with a professional demeanor.”