FROM STAFF REPORTS
Associate District Judge Bob W. Hughey has announced the selection of Melanie Johnson as the next director of the Canadian County Children’s Justice Center. She will begin her tenure as director on Aug. 24.
Judge Hughey indicated that he is very pleased to be able to hire someone with Johnson’s background. Her work experience and education will be a good fit to the range of services offered by the Children’s Justice Center.
Among her qualifications, Johnson is a licensed professional counselor, a licensed marriage and family counselor and a licensed alcohol and drug counselor. She also has a master’s degree in Criminal Justice, one of two post-graduate degrees that she has earned.
Currently, Johnson is working as the director of Clinical Services at a behavioral health hospital. Before that, she was the executive director of Choices for Life Foster Care, Inc., a statewide foster care agency.
Johnson said she is excited about the opportunities awaiting at the Children’s Justice Center and looks forward to getting started.
Johnson was selected from nearly 180 applicants. Canadian County officials were very pleased with the number of applicants and the qualifications of those applying.
During the hiring process, the Citizens Advisory Board for the Children’s Justice Center reviewed applications and provided input. The Citizens Advisory Board is a panel of residents from across Canadian County who advise the leadership at the Children’s Justice Center.
Judge Hughey said he is looking forward to Johnson joining the staff at the Children’s Justice Center.
