Week in Review: April 18, 2025

April 18, 2025

In this Week in Review for April 18, we spotlight an officer whose daughter is following his career path and meet two people enjoying post-incarceration success.

Staff Spotlight – 3 Questions

3 Questions with Officer Joseph Celis

Officer Joseph Celis with daughter Officer Vanessa Celis at graduation

Correctional Officer Joseph Celis Welcomes the Next Generation

Dreaming of a career in law enforcement, Officer Joseph Celis joined CDCR in 2007 and has spent his career at the California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) in Norco. Proudly boasting of being an “all-girl dad,” Celis has always encouraged his daughters to chase their dreams as he was chasing his own.  

Seeing her father’s passion for his career, Vanessa Celis is following her father’s footsteps into CDCR. When asked why she decided to join CDCR, Vanessa laughs and replies, “My dad has been encouraging me for years, but I always thought there was no way I could do this job.” After a lot of advice and support, “I was finally convinced. It’s been hard but I am excited for my future in CDCR.”

Officer J. Celis is excited for the future of CDCR. We caught up with him to discuss his career and how he feels about his daughter following in his footsteps.

Have you always wanted to work for CDCR?

Law enforcement has always been the goal. I was a fifth-grade elementary school teacher for five years but always wanted to work in law enforcement. I had just received my bachelor’s degree and was convinced to try teaching. But after several years, my dream of a law enforcement career was still there. I liked CDCR because of the benefits it provided me and my family, and the sense of camaraderie within the department. I like to joke that I went from supervising kids to supervising adults. My teaching career helped prepare me to become a correctional officer. 

How did you feel when Vanessa told you she considered joining CDCR?

I felt proud, excited, and a little protective. I have always told my daughters to do whatever makes them happy and to always do better than me. Of course, I felt protective of her because I know how difficult and dangerous the job can be, but she is smart and strong. I know she can handle herself. I am incredibly proud of her for chasing her dreams and following in my footsteps. Vanessa has a lot of goals within CDCR, and I look forward to seeing her accomplish them all. 

Young Officer Joseph Celis holding daughter Vanessa

What advice would you give the next generation coming into CDCR?

I told my daughter there are three things she needs to know:

Know who you’re working with. Get to know the other officers you are working with; those are the people you will spend the most time with. Those are the people that are going to have your back.

Know who you’re working for. As a new officer, knowing your Chain of Command and their expectations is important. It is equally important for them to know you so that they know what kind of officer they are backing up.

Go into every day with a positive mindset. That no matter what happens, you’re going to be safe and come home. It isn’t always easy to do, but leave yesterday behind, and tomorrow is a new day.

Upward Mobility

Lavelle Parker, appointed Warden, California Institution for Women

Observances

Second Chance Month highlights

Meet two people who share their post-incarceration journeys during Second Chance Month.

Antinique Piggee, a childcare supervisor, credits her post-incarceration success to the female community reentry program (FCRP). Today’s she’s a childcare supervisor who helps women and children facing homelessness. Find her full story on Inside CDCR.

Edward Gaston, a formerly incarcerated individual, now serves as a private contractor firefighter in Butte County. “Who I was and what I’ve done doesn’t determine who I am. It’s up to me to determine who I am today.”

Fire Services Week

Meet a CCWF incarcerated firefighter: During Fire Service Week, we spotlight an incarcerated firefighter turning her life around while making a difference at Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF).

National Cancer Prevention and Alcohol Awareness Month

April is National Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month, as well as Alcohol Awareness Month. Even moderate alcohol use increases your risk for several types of cancer.

Celebrating Health Information Professionals Week

Health Information Professionals Week Banner

Health Information Professionals (HIP) Week, April 21–25, honors the vital work of Health Information Management (HIM) professionals in healthcare. HIP Week highlights the dedication, accuracy, and expertise HIM professionals bring to managing health records and safeguarding sensitive data. From maintaining accurate patient records to ensuring data privacy, their work supports quality care behind the scenes. Their innovation and commitment help ensure patients receive safe, effective, and informed healthcare every day.

Let’s celebrate our health information heroes and the critical role they play in delivering trusted, high-quality care. Thank you for making a difference!

Earth Day: A Global Call to Action

Earth Day, observed every April 22, raises awareness about environmental protection and encourages sustainable practices to protect the planet.

First celebrated in 1970, Earth Day has grown into a global movement involving millions. People mark the day by attending events, adopting eco-friendly habits, and supporting climate action. It’s a powerful reminder that we all share responsibility for preserving the Earth for future generations.

For more information and ways to get involved, visit the official Earth Day website: Earth Day: The Official Site | EARTHDAY.ORG

In Our Institutions

PBSP Honors Victim Advocates During NCVRW Luncheon

Pelican Bay honors victims advocates during NCVRW luncheon

Pelican Bay State Prison hosted a luncheon on April 9 to recognize National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), presenting Certificates of Appreciation to local partner agencies.

Guests included representatives from the Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, Victim Witness and Services, Social Services, Probation Department, Superior Court, Rural Human Services Harrington House, North Coast Rape Crisis Center, and prison staff.

Warden Stephen Smith welcomed attendees and reflected on the theme, Kinship.

“Your dedication and collaboration are instrumental in fostering a sense of solidarity and hope. Together, we can continue to advocate for the rights and dignity of all victims.”
Warden Stephen Smith

The luncheon closed with a message of gratitude for the community’s continued partnership in advocating for victims of crime.

United in Compassion: ASP Rallies for Officer Guerrero’s Family

On Nov. 5, 2024, Officer Guerrero and his wife welcomed their second child, a daughter named Emilia. Shortly after birth, Emilia was moved to the NICU when hospital staff noticed she was having difficulty breathing.

After 17 days in intensive care, Emilia was diagnosed with CHARGE syndrome—a rare genetic condition affecting approximately 1 in 15,000 births. The syndrome is a leading cause of deafness and blindness in infants. Emilia currently has vision in one eye and is deaf in both ears.

Determined to help, the Visiting staff organized a barbecue fundraiser to support the Guerrero family. The event brought staff together in an incredible show of unity and compassion.

“At Avenal, we protect one another, uplift each other and work together as a family—because we are stronger together,” said organizers.

Crisis Response Team Receives Critical Negotiator Training

Warden addressing crisis response team at CCI

The California Correctional Institution (CCI) hosted Critical Response Team (CRT) members from multiple institutions for negotiator training. CRT is a specialized CDCR unit trained to respond to critical incidents and emergencies within institutions. The rigorous training challenges CRT negotiators to think quickly and establish communications during hostage situations, barricaded subjects, and suicidal individuals.

Guests from the FBI, Alameda County Sheriff, Modesto Police Department, and CDCR’s Emergency Operations Unit shared experiences, impactful stories, and response tactics.

Members of the Critical Response Team completed the week-long negotiator training, consisting of mentally challenging scenarios and high-risk activities.

In the Community

Former MCRP Participant Inspires Six to Enroll at Bakersfield College

Parole Agent II Escobar brought Male Community Reentry Program (MCRP) Kern participants to a Parole and Community Team (PACT) meeting at Bakersfield College.

There, they met Michael Wyatt, a former MCRP participant who shared how higher education changed his life. He spoke candidly about his journey and growth. Now employed by the Rising Scholars Program, Wyatt helps formerly incarcerated students enroll in college—just as he once did at Bakersfield College.

Inspired by his story, six MCRP participants enrolled the same day. This success was made possible through collaborating with Escobar, Rising Scholars, and Bakersfield College.

MCRP continues to support participants’ goals through education and community-based rehabilitative services.

Empowering Victims: Highlights from National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

The Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services (OVSRS) observed National Crime Victims’ Rights Week from April 6-12 with several events.  

CDCR, CCHCS, and OVSRS kicked off NCVRW with a regional event at CDCR Headquarters. CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber spoke in honor and recognition of crime victims, with members of the public and government and community-based agencies in attendance.

 On April 8, they partnered with WEAVE and Chicks in Crisis for a donation drive, collecting items such as diapers, blankets, pillows, and gently used clothing for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and former foster children.  

WEAVE donation OVSRS event Chicks in Crisis — WEAVE and Chicks in Crisis Event

NCVRW Solano State Prison OMCP Mentor Certification Pro — WEAVE and Chicks in Crisis Event

 On April 10, OVSRS staff attended a seminar at CSP-Solano, featuring a presentation on healing and resilience, where survivors shared their stories. Staff also highlighted their support services for crime victims. 

The week concluded with the annual Superhero 5K in Los Angeles County, a fundraiser for the Crime Survivors Resource Center, where staff connected with other agencies and distributed informational brochures on available services. 

CDCR Tech Leaders Recognized at CIO Academy Awards Ceremony

The 20^th anniversary of the California Public Sector CIO Academy was held this week honoring senior-level technology leaders. This year, four CDCR technology leaders received various awards recognizing their dedication, innovation, and organizational transformation in the public sector. Congratulations to Bradley Griffin, Craig Eastman, Jonathan Mortensen, Sara Coppenger, the EDS Business Intelligence Team, and the Office of Information Security Officer Leadership Team!

EIS Team — EDS Business Intelligence Team

Individual Leadership Awardees:

Bradley Griffin, IT Specialist III – Led CDCR’s cloud strategy and generative AI initiatives.

Craig Eastman, IT Specialist II – Expanded connectivity for education programs in institutions and fire camps.

Jonathan Mortensen, IT Manager I – Oversaw complex IT support for HQ relocation affecting 7,800 staff.

Sara Coppenger, IT Manager I – Advanced cybersecurity culture and leadership within the Office of Information Security.

Team Leadership Awardees:

EDS Business Intelligence Team – Developed real-time dashboards improving programming, transparency, and compliance across CDCR.

Office of Information Security Officer Leadership Team – Implemented new security initiatives, expanded responsibilities, and handled major incident volume increases.

Full story will be published in Inside CDCR soon!

In the Media

Macomber with Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services Staff

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

Last week, the Governor’s Office honored the staff of the Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services for their work at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation supporting crime victims through compassionate, trauma-informed practices. Read the full article here.

Ventura Fire Training Center works with ex-convicts

VTC accepts trainees who have recently been part of a trained firefighting workforce housed in fire camps or institutional firehouses operated by CAL FIRE and CDCR. Watch the full video now.