TRENTON – Five Monmouth Vicinage probation division employees were recognized by the Chief Probation Officers of New Jersey (CPONJ) at a ceremony last week at the Hughes Justice Complex in Trenton.
The ceremony was held in observance of National Probation, Parole and Community Supervision Week. Probation staff were recognized for their achievements in child support matters as well as juvenile and adult supervision.
Assignment Judge Lawrence M. Lawson acknowledged the efforts of Monmouth Vicinage Probation Division employees. “We take pride in the accomplishments of all of our probation professionals,” he said. “Although they face a multitude of challenges, they serve a vital role and have an important impact both on the court and the community.”
Master probation officer Jeanette Garner and judiciary clerk Lisa Zeltman, both of the Monmouth Vicinage juvenile supervision unit, received certificates of meritorious service, certificates of outstanding achievement and career achievement awards.
“Jeanette supervises one of the most demanding caseloads in probation and facilitates the Parent Orientation Program. She also oversees two grant-funded programs, serves as a mentor and training officer and recently conducted a juvenile employment workshop,” their supervisor, Sean Haar, said. “Lisa not only participated in the workshop, but also serves as vehicle coordinator and serves a critical role as liaison between probation and other divisions and agencies.”
Child support unit investigators Paula Betz and Maribeth Rothberg also were recognized. Betz received a certificate of outstanding achievement for her exceptional efforts to increase collections, her willingness to assist with two open caseloads and the proactive measures taken to prevent the issuance of bench warrants and address clients’ concerns.
“Maribeth is an extremely knowledgeable and skilled caseworker who maintained a 74 percent collection rate during the past year. She is a valuable resource for her peers and often receives positive feedback from clients,” said her supervisor, Patrick Keller.
Court services supervisor Richard Ninivaggi received a career achievement award in recognition of his accomplishments during approximately 35 years of service to the New Jersey Judiciary.
Earlier in his career, he handled various types of adult supervision caseloads before advancing to a supervisory position. He trained all newly hired adult supervision probation officers and later supervised officers in the specialized caseloads of domestic violence and sex offenders.
“Richard most recently was assigned to the drug court team, overseeing eight officers working alternative schedules. His leadership has helped the vicinage drug court program to become a model for many others,” said his supervisor, Assistant Chief Probation Officer Ralph Esposito.
CPONJ is a professional association of chief and assistant chief probation officers from around the state. Each year, officers who distinguished themselves for outstanding achievements, meritorious service or career accomplishments are nominated for recognition.
