Read Our Employee Interview
Juvenile Justice Spotlight
Dr. Licia Lentz
Director of Alternative Education
Agency: Allegheny Intermediate Unit
Office Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
1. What is it that attracted you to the Juvenile Justice field?
“I began in teaching and coaching roles in the Aliquippa School District where I had a blast serving in those roles. I went on to be an administrator in the Woodland Hills School District, ultimately becoming Assistant Superintendent. It was throughout this time period that I worked with a number of at-risk students. In my current role, I supervise two alternative schools, and prior, we provided the education at the county jail and county detention center.”
2. What about your job that gets you out of bed in the morning?
“Besides my 11-year-old (laughs). Making sure that all kids have their needs met.”
3. Describe your style as a leader, both with kids and the teams you work with.
“With the kids, you lead with love, hope, and authenticity. Kids are the most authentic people on the planet, and you have to be real with them. I think with adults you have to be the same way but also have to be transformative in your style in helping others to grow. Bottom line is though, we have to have hope. People have to know that they are loved and cared about.”
4. Who were/are your mentor(s) in the field? What is something that they taught you?
“My mom is my hero, 100%. She’s a retired social worker and without her, I’m nothing.
I always have to give credit to my high school basketball coach, John Fiorentino. I was captain of my team, and he gave me this rock that read, ‘Real leaders are ordinary people, with extraordinary determination.’ It set a foundation for me in helping me understand that I was a leader. That rock stays with me on my desk.
The late Sylvia Benson was also impactful for me. She was a principal in the Aliquippa School District.
Dan Stephens was a principal at Woodland Hills. He taught me how to love kids for who they are.
These four people shaped and inspired me to help make sure that I understand that each kid, everyday, matters.”
5. As the hostess with the "mostest" last year at the Leadership Institute and National Symposium, what are you looking to bring to this year's event while serving in the same capacity?
“I just want people to be engaged, to have fun, and to find the joy in what we do. I think being together as a community, we’re going to bring the joy out. I want to bring greater pride to their work and the difference they make.”
6. I'm sure you've had many memorable experiences, but is there one that stands out as your most memorable?
“Whether it’s high school or juvenile settings, there is just something about commencement ceremonies. To see these kids finish something is always a soft spot for me and a moment of pure joy. The six most recent students who graduated from juvenile services in June gave me the same joy than my first class back in high school.”
7. What words of wisdom do you find yourself consistently giving to those you work with in the JJ system?
“They’re children. They want to learn. They want to be great, and we have to pull the greatness out of them. Some people need an extra hug, but we all have greatness in us. It’s our job to make them the best versions of themselves.”
8. As you see it from your role as Director, how can the current state of Juvenile Justice improve?
“We have to be better at family and community engagements. We have too many kids coming from broken families/communities that we have to make sure our efforts coincide with what they’re going back to. If we can accomplish this, while giving schools and communities more resources, we’ll help bring down recidivism rates significantly.”
9. What major contribution do you feel you have made in Juvenile Justice?
“I feel that I make kids know that they’re being seen. Through my interactions and advocacy for them, I think it’s so important to make sure that they’re seen. We’ve done things such as plays, stained glass projects that I still have in my home that help them…and I’m really proud of that.”
10. When you're away from work, what do you enjoy doing?
“I’m a sports mom. My daughter is in 6th grade and plays AAU basketball. To see my daughter love something is the absolute joy of my life. To see your kid love something is so profound. It is such a privilege to watch her grow up.