Katherine is the
daughter of Guatemalan immigrants making her the first-generation US born
citizen. Katherine graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice
and Sociology from San Diego State University. Shorty after gradation,
Katherine relocated to Las Vegas, NV in January of 2000. As an at-risk
child herself, Katherine utilized her drive and passion towards mentoring
at-risk youth and young adults. Katherine began her career as a Clark
County, NV Juvenile Probation Officer (CCJPO) in July of 2000. Throughout
her career, Katherine participated in several departmental committees such as
the Use of Force, Policy/Procedures, Gang Committee, juvenile detention
initiatives in accordance to national trends and guidelines, and
cultural/diversity Committees. Katherine has also been a certified
Defensive Tactics and Oleoresin Capsaicin Instructor and has held a Peace
Officer Standards and Training (POST) Category II certification for over 20
years.
In 2008,
Katherine and four other juvenile probation officers began formulating an
association specific to CCJPOs. In 2011, Katherine and the other founding
members successfully established the Juvenile Probation Officers’ Association
(JJPOA), recognizing all CCJPOs as Peace Officers in the state of Nevada,
subject to NRS 289. Katherine served as Treasurer, Board, and Labor Team
member since inception until January of 2020. During her terms, Katherine
and the Labor team successfully negotiated and ratified JJPOA’s first few
Collective Bargaining Agreements with Clark County,NV, setting the platform for
generations to come. Katherine has also lobbied during Nevada’s
Legislative Session(s) with other law enforcement associations and conservation
groups.
Outside of her
professional life, Katherine can be found participating in community events
advocating public awareness on matters such as LGBTQ, Leukemia/Lymphoma, Stroke
and Heart Disease, Childhood Diabetes, Mental Health, Autism, Anti-bullying,
Senior, Family and Juvenile Services, and Law Enforcement Community Outreach
engagements. In addition to being a member of the JJPOA, Katherine is
also a member of the Nevada Association of Public Safety Officers (NAPSO),
the Communication Workers of America (CWA) Local 9110, and the American Federal
Labor and Congress of Industrial Organization (AFL-CIO).