On Dec. 2, SCI Camp Hill Unit Manager Jessie St. Pierre was officially recognized for her work with mental health.
Simply known as "The Award" for the annual Forensics Rights & Treatment Conference (FRTC), the honor is bestowed to a candidate working at a grassroots level.
Jessie's career is remarkable. Starting at Camp Hill almost 20 years ago, Jessie resolved to establish herself as a valuable corrections officer. She regularly practiced crisis intervention and mental health support skills with vulnerable mentally ill inmates. Jessie was especially skilled at deescalation, thus earning a coveted block assignment and her coworkers respect.
Jessie paved the way for women in forensics by transforming the negative mindset about female corrections officers' abilities to perform duties, particularly dealing with mental health-identified inmates on housing units. Jessie's current endeavors include managing Camp Hill's unit devoted to drug and alcohol treatment and involvement in regional DOC hostage negotiations team.
Jessie received her plaque in a brief taped presentation with Camp Hill Superintendent Dr. Laurel Harry, several administrators and FRTC Planning Committee members: UM Digby, PSS Tedesco and LPM Plotica.
Congratulations, Jessie!