“I believe the highest honor bestowed on an employee of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit is being named the “Employee of the Year,” said Chief Judge Victoria Rossetti. “And, I am happy to name Beverly Brooks as the Circuit’s “Employee of the Year for 2010.” The selectee is chosen by a committee of peers and is one of twelve employees who had been previously recognized as an employee of the month during the year. Nominations are based on quality of service to the public and the court system, competency, and efficiency of overall performance.

Beverly Brooks is a principal probation officer in the Adult Probation’s Group Reporting Unit.  She supervises Spanish speaking clients and frequently helps them with special needs. She goes the extra mile to help her clients and strives to keep them on the right pathway to succeed. Ms. Brooks joined the court system in 1994 and, after a brief interval, she returned in 1998. Beverly has a B.A. degree from the University of Wisconsin at Parkside.

Beverly Brooks was nominated and selected as the January employee of the month for 2010. The other employees chosen as 2010 employees of the month included: February-Frank Morelli, Adult Probation; March-Robert Kocanda, Judicial Information Servicers; April-Molly Bonner, Adult Probation; May-Patrick Maher, Juvenile Detention and Probation Services; June-Karin McLafferty, Juvenile Detention and Probation Services; July-Daniel Filson, Juvenile Detention and Probation Services; August-Danielle Christopherson, Juvenile Detention and Probation Services; September-Juanita Hillsman, Juvenile Detention and Probation Services; October-Susan Nutgrass, Juvenile Detention and Probation Services; November-Laura Chavez, Adult Probation; and December-Jesus Rodriguez, Juvenile Detention and Probation Services.

Other employee awards included:

A new award this year is called the “Environmental Sustainability Award.” It is presented to an employee noted for their dedication to green practices both in the workplace and in the community and someone who promotes and practices recycling, waste reduction and energy conservation.

“I am pleased to announce that our first winner of the “Environmental Sustainability Award is Sharon Lawrence,” said Judge Rossetti. A senior probation officer in Adult Probation, Sharon is actively involved in promoting recycling efforts and monitors environmental news tips to encourage and motivate others to consider green practices in their daily lives. She has also served as liaison for the United Way employee giving campaign for several years. Sharon earned her B.A. in Social Work from Andrews University and her M.S.W. from the University of Illinois. She has been a staff member of Adult Probation since May 1980.

The Lawrence Bonds Officer of the Year Award. 

This award is named in honor of Lawrence (Larry) Bonds, a principal adult probation officer who was employed with the 19^th Circuit from May 15, 1984 until his death on April 6, 1997. The award is presented to a sworn probation officer or juvenile counselor who best exemplifies a high degree of professionalism and competence and is recognized for these qualities by colleagues, the Court, the community and clientele. Additionally, the person contributes to the organization’s culture; goes beyond the boundaries of the job in program development; service delivery; has a positive approach to duties; participates in professional and community organizations; and is a role model for others. 

“Danielle Rosen, senior probation officer in the Adult Probation Domestic Violence Unit, is this year’s recipient of the Lawrence Bonds Officer of the Year Award,” stated Judge Rossetti.  Danielle’s accomplishments include facilitating “Moving On” groups for female offenders and “Thinking for a Change,” cognitive groups for male offenders. She is an avid supporter of cognitive groups to reduce recidivism and continues to facilitate high risk male groups. In 2010, Danielle trained and received certification in the Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment (ODARA) that allows her to administer risk assessments on high risk offenders in violation of the Bischoff law. She and Keith Cooprider, another probation officer who also earned the certification, have completed twenty ODARA assessments.

In May 1997, Danielle graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She earned a Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in December 2005. She began her career as an adult probation officer in the Domestic Violence Unit in March 2006 and was promoted to senior probation officer via the career path program in November 2009.

The Kay S. Finn and Sarah G. Anderson Exceptional Employee Award.

The award is named in honor of Kay S. Finn, principal adult clerk, who was employed with the Circuit from July 29, 1985 until her passing on April 16, 1999 and for Sarah G. Anderson, executive adult secretary, who worked for the Circuit from April 18, 1991 until her death on February 20, 2001. The Finn/Anderson Award is presented to a non-sworn administrative support employee who best exemplifies commitment to the organization, excellent customer service, demonstrates high achievement, and promotes a positive impact in the work environment. This individual’s multiple talents and focused efforts result in outstanding service to others.

This year’s Finn/Anderson Exceptional Employee Award was presented by Judge Rossetti to Kevin Dowe. Kevin is considered a highly valued member of Adult Probation, and he has worked there as a clerk since April 1998. His primary responsibilities include conducting urinalyses and DNA testing for probation officers’ clientele. In addition to other duties that include front desk assistance, mail runs, copying and organizing materials for distribution, Kevin willingly offers his assistance wherever he can help. He is well respected by his colleagues and clients he works with on a daily basis.

The Leadership and Excellence Award. 

The recipient of this award is an employee who best illustrates the mission of the Court to the citizens of Lake County, the judiciary, and fellow employees by setting the highest standards in leadership and excellence. His professional involvement demonstrates dedication and commitment to the organization’s values and ethics, and he is recognized for his outstanding contributions and professionalism. “It is my pleasure to present the Leadership and Excellence Award for 2010 to Keith Cooprider,” said Judge Rossetti.

Keith Cooprider is a principal probation officer and unit coordinator in Adult Probation’s Pretrial Unit. He joined the 19^th Circuit in October 1983, was promoted to senior probation officer in 1985 and became a principal probation officer in 1989. Keith received his undergraduate degree from Northern Illinois University and an M.A. degree from Loyola University in 1984.

Keith is extremely knowledgeable in pretrial services and shares this knowledge with other probation officers to help resolve the problems and challenges they are faced with on a daily basis.  In 2010, Keith voluntarily participated in training with probation officer Danielle Rosen in the Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment (ODARA). Their certification allows them to conduct risk assessments on offenders charged with felony violations of orders of protection in connection with the newly enacted Bischoff Law. To date they have completed twenty ODARA assessments, thereby increasing information made available to judges when setting bond in these cases. 

Keith is involved with relevant professional organizations such as the Pretrial Committee of the Illinois Probation and Court Services Association (IPCSA); the National Association of Pretrial Services Agencies; and the Pretrial Justice Institute focus group on national pretrial issues.  In June 2009, Keith’s written work entitled “Pretrial Risk Assessment and Case Classification—a Case Study” was published in an edition of Federal Probation. He was named the Circuit’s “Employee of the Year” in 2009.

At the end of the program, Judge Rossetti thanked all the employees for their outstanding service and commitment to excellence in serving the public.