The Washington state Department of Children, Youth and Families announced on Wednesday, March 12, that it has hired superintendents for two juvenile rehabilitation facilities and is still looking for a permanent superintendent for the Green Hill School facility in Chehalis.
Jeffery Wallace will become the new superintendent at Echo Glen Children’s Center in Snoqualmie and Kendrick Rochelle will be the superintendent of a new DCYF facility in Grays Harbor County called Harbor Heights.
Harbor Heights is being built on the campus of the Stafford Creek Corrections Center to help alleviate overcrowding at Green Hill and elsewhere in the state’s juvenile detention system.
Wallace has a background in social work and has worked in juvenile justice for 20 years, including leadership roles at secure facilities, treatment programs and community-based initiatives. He previously served on Iowa’s Juvenile Justice Advisory Council.
“I envision a facility where every team member and young person feels valued and empowered,” Wallace said. “My goal is to build a collaborative, safe and innovative environment that promotes continuous learning, personal growth, and a lasting culture of positive change.”
Rochelle has over 20 years of experience in public service and juvenile justice and has previously held leadership roles in facilities in Arkansas, Louisiana and Ohio.
“My mission is to create a safe, structured and supportive environment for young people and staff by holding both accountable, while maintaining fairness and respect,” Rochelle said.
DCYF says they are reopening recruitment for the Green Hill School superintendent position in the following days and will continue ongoing hiring for Harbor Heights positions.
Last October, the state announced that former Green Hill School Superintendent Jennifer Redman would once again step into the role following the departure of Superintendent Jason Aldana. It’s not clear if Redman is still employed at the facility.
“Having strong leadership at our secure facilities leading our staff, inspiring young people, and partnering with the community is a step in the right direction as we take on the challenges we face in JR,” DCYF Secretary Tana Senn said in a news release.
