Robin Hatter, a longtime Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) staff member, was remembered by her coworkers at a recent memorial.
Parole Agent III Hatter, who passed away March 16, was fondly remembered during an April 5 gathering for staff at Ventura Youth Correctional Facility. She worked for DJJ for 28 years.
A formal memorial service honoring her memory is scheduled for 11 a.m., June 3, at Camarillo Community Church, 1322 Las Posas Road in Camarillo.
Hatter was ‘mentor, teacher, leader’
“She was so many things to so many people. Robin was a friend, mentor, teacher, motivator, leader, mother, and dedicated a great deal of her life to her job at VYCF. She will greatly be missed for her accomplishments with our youth and all of the staff,” said DJJ Director Heather Bowlds.
Her correctional career began in August 1994 at Ventura as a parole agent. She then promoted to Supervising Casework Specialist in May 1998, followed by Parole Agent III in July 2006.
She led the facility’s Social Work Internship Program and Kiwanis Key Club. Hatter was a clinician and peace officer, holding a Masters in Social Work. She also encouraged higher education and for those under her guidance to seek upward mobility.
Legacy lives on
As VYCF’s Parole Agent III, Hatter interacted with every youth at Ventura when they went before the Board of Juvenile Hearings.
Supervising Case Work Specialist Karette Fussell fondly remembers her longtime coworker.
“The compassion and dedication she extended to each youth was unparalleled. She cared deeply about their welfare, but was a realist and straightforward with them. She was their greatest cheerleader, but held them accountable with stern decisiveness when necessary,” Fussell said. “Her meticulous balance of discipline and compassion was legendary. Many youth who left years ago continued to call her to give updates on how they were doing.”
Read more tributes to staff and retirees who have passed away.