Christopher Ponti
Indianapolis,United States
Summary
Results-driven professional with extensive experience in program management, client case management, and staff management, demonstrating a proven track record in developing and implementing innovative programs while maintaining the highest standards of quality control. Expertise in fostering strong client relationships and leading teams to achieve strategic objectives. Skilled in navigating complex challenges and delivering impactful solutions that enhance operational efficiency and client satisfaction. Committed to driving continuous improvement and delivering exceptional results in dynamic environments.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager- Diversion Services, and Teen Court Manager
Reach For Youth, Inc.
07.2003 - Current
- Areas of responsibility encompass administering psycho-social assessments, case management, collaborating with community resources, and implementing contractual treatment goals to deter future criminal behavior and encourage positive life choices. Oversee the logistics of the Teen Court program including recruitment, training and supervising youth volunteers, licensed attorneys, law school students, and interns. Conduct all follow-up communication on progress and deadlines with clients, community partners and juvenile probation.
- Recipient of the 2014 Marion County Prosecutor's office Crime Fighter of the Year Award
- Provide diversion programs to a minimum of 320 clients annually with a 93%+ successful completion rate, thus avoiding formal juvenile court proceedings
- Member of the team, which developed, implemented and licenses the In-School Teen Court Program that diverts cases from probation departments and provides schools an alternative to student expulsion, resulting in additional revenue for the RFY program
- Worked with producers from NBC TV Network, Sirens Media, Wish-TV, Fox 59, The Indianapolis Star and the Johnson County Daily Journal which raised awareness for the Teen Court program
- Reach For Youth, Inc. provides counseling programs to Central Indiana youth and their families that address behavioral and mental health conditions. The organization is home to a nationally recognized Teen Court program that brings juvenile offenders and trained youth volunteers together to provide a second chance to juvenile offenders. My location was viewed as the top Juvenile Court in the nation where we were the role model for others.
- Areas of responsibility encompass administering psycho-social assessments, case management, collaborating with community resources, and implementing contractual treatment goals to deter future criminal behavior and encourage positive life choices. Oversee the logistics of the Teen Court program including recruitment, training and supervising youth volunteers, licensed attorneys, law school students, and interns. Conduct all follow-up communication on progress and deadlines with clients, community partners and juvenile probation.
- Recipient of the 2014 Marion County Prosecutor's office Crime Fighter of the Year Award
- Provide diversion programs to a minimum of 320 clients annually with a 93%+ successful completion rate, thus avoiding formal juvenile court proceedings
- Member of the team, which developed, implemented and licenses the In-School Teen Court Program that diverts cases from probation departments and provides schools an alternative to student expulsion, resulting in additional revenue for the RFY program
- Worked with producers from NBC TV Network, Sirens Media, Wish-TV, Fox 59, The Indianapolis Star and the Johnson County Daily Journal which raised awareness for the Teen Court program
Teen Court Coordinator
Reach For Youth, Inc.
07.2003 - 05.2006
- Responsible for conducting assessments to evaluate the needs of at-risk youth referred to the Teen Court program. Facilitated Teen Court hearing sessions and educational workshops. Created partnerships with local schools, juvenile probation departments, and community agencies. Maintained on-going support with youth and families throughout the length of their diversion term. Engaged in fundraising activities, such as recruiting donors and organizing events.
- Implemented additional Teen Court programs in Pike High School and Decatur Middle School
- Developed jury training for youth volunteers and expanded recognitions
- Implemented Restorative Justice conferences and trainings to expand RFY’s program offerings
- Responsible for conducting assessments to evaluate the needs of at-risk youth referred to the Teen Court program. Facilitated Teen Court hearing sessions and educational workshops. Created partnerships with local schools, juvenile probation departments, and community agencies. Maintained on-going support with youth and families throughout the length of their diversion term. Engaged in fundraising activities, such as recruiting donors and organizing events.
- Implemented additional Teen Court programs in Pike High School and Decatur Middle School
- Developed jury training for youth volunteers and expanded recognitions
- Implemented Restorative Justice conferences and trainings to expand Reach for Youth program offerings
- Completed bi-weekly payroll for [Number] employees.
- Developed training materials to support staff on program execution and best practices.
Youth Services Officer
Plainfield Juvenile Correctional Facility
08.2002 - 05.2003
- A state operated, medium to maximum-security facility with approximately 245 staff and 335 boys housed in campus style cottages. Supervised the operations, safety and security of student cottages. Assisted students with tutoring and behavior modification by promoting and modeling positive social values and personal accountability. Collaborated with staff on operations, healthcare and treatment by providing written observations of student behavior and physical conditions. Organized and maintained accurate and detailed documents of activities and events.
- A state operated, medium to maximum-security facility with approximately 245 staff and 335 boys housed in campus style cottages. Supervised the operations, safety and security of student cottages. Assisted students with tutoring and behavior modification by promoting and modeling positive social values and personal accountability. Collaborated with staff on operations, healthcare and treatment by providing written observations of student behavior and physical conditions. Organized and maintained accurate and detailed documents of activities and events.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Social Work, Criminal Justice
Manchester University
Manchester, Indiana01.1996
Skills
- Client relations support
- Collaborative team management
- Organizational time strategies
- Strategic decision-making
- Conflict resolution support
- Stakeholder needs evaluation
- Resource optimization
Timeline
Teen Court Coordinator
Reach For Youth, Inc.
07.2003 - 05.2006
Manager- Diversion Services, and Teen Court Manager
Reach For Youth, Inc.
07.2003 - Current
Youth Services Officer
Plainfield Juvenile Correctional Facility
08.2002 - 05.2003
Bachelor of Science - Social Work, Criminal Justice
Manchester University