In honor of Women's History Month, the Department of Corrections will highlight some of the exceptional women who work for the DOC and the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole. We are grateful for the wonderful women who work in Pennsylvania's criminal justice system.
Pam Smith
Corrections Health Care Administrator
SCI Retreat
Pam Smith, who serves as SCI Retreat's corrections health care administrator (CHCA), began her career with the DOC at SCI Retreat in 1996 as a licensed practical nurse. She obtained her associates degree from LCCC and after passing the state boards, was promoted to a registered nurse position in November 2001.
Pam worked as an RN from 2001-2009, then served as infection control nurse from 2009-2015. She was promoted to registered nurse supervisor in February 2015, and served as acting CHCA from March 2016 – December 2016. She was formally promoted to the CHCA position on December 18, 2016.
She is a dedicated, hard-working professional with outstanding leadership skills. Pam is committed to fostering teamwork and ensures the appropriate and efficient running of the Medical Department. SCI Retreat is lucky to have her!
Felicia Tavarez Puntiel
Corrections Counselor 2
SCI Retreat
Corrections Counselor 2 Felicia Tavarez Puntiel began her career with the DOC at SCI Dallas in 2010 as a corrections officer trainee. She transferred to SCI Frackville in 2013 as a CO1. She served a period of time in 2013 as an acting corrections counselor. In 2016, she transferred to SCI Retreat as a corrections counselor.
Felicia serves as part of SCI Retreat's Hostage Negotiation Team and is frequently called upon to serve as a translator. She is a team player and is willing to do anything that is asked of her without complaint. She is dedicated, competent and worthy of recognition.
Her hard work and efforts are acknowledged and appreciated!
Latonya Bower
Corrections Officer 1
SCI Retreat
Corrections Officer 1 Latonya Bower began her career with the DOC at SCI Retreat in 2008 as a corrections officer. In 2010, Latonya joined the SCI Retreat Hostage Negotiation Team, where she now serves as team leader. Additionally, Latonya has been a mentor to her co-workers since 2016 and completed Critical Incident Stress Management training in 2018.
Her performance record at SCI Retreat is exceptional. Latonya's strongest traits include a meticulous attention to detail and her ability to work effectively in a team environment. Latonya is also very pleasant to work with and treats everyone she encounters with respect. She has a good rapport with both staff and inmates and is always willing to go the extra mile to get the job done. She is an overall outstanding employee and is an asset to SCI Retreat and the DOC!