The Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC) marked a milestone with the first graduating class of the Juvenile Corrections Officers Academy (JCOA) at its Southwest Regional Campus. This historic class reflects the Commission’s commitment to bringing training closer to local communities and preparing officers with the empathy, professionalism, and skills to impact the lives of youth in their care positively.
The JCOA is an 80-hour academy designed for corrections staff who work directly with youth in county detention facilities. Through scenario-based learning, recruits gain tools in de-escalation, communication, trauma-informed practices, and cultural awareness — all to build safer, more supportive environments.
For the graduates of this first Southwest Regional class, the training was more than professional development. It was deeply personal. Each brought their own story of resilience, struggle, and hope — experiences that now guide how they approach and mentor youth.
Anis Trbonja | Spokane County Juvenile Court Services
Born in Bosnia, Anis Trbonja and his family were displaced during the Bosnian war. At age 13, they arrived in the U.S. as refugees after his father endured time in a concentration camp. The memories of fear, hunger, and uncertainty shaped his empathy. “I always have that in the back of my mind when I interact with the youth. I respect their journey because there is light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.
With a criminal justice degree from Boise State University and more than 13 years in juvenile corrections, Anis sees the JCOA as a step forward. “I have learned a lot of valuable lessons by attending this academy. I believe this is just the beginning of our career,” he reflected. His past fuels his ability to connect with youth and remind them that better days are possible.
Marcello Evans | Clark County Juvenile Court & Detention
For Marcello Evans, JCOA graduation represents transformation. A former juvenile offender, Marcello grew up angry, fighting often, and spending time in detention. His life changed when the officer who arrested him chose a different approach. “Instead of telling me I was dangerous or violent, he said, ‘Hey son, you have a nice jab there,’ and suggested taekwondo. Martial arts changed everything for me,” Marcello shared.
Through martial arts and later a career in security, he found discipline and purpose. Now he uses his story to connect with youth. “You think your story is over when you’re in juvy, but it’s really just the beginning. You have the opportunity to be the hero of your story and have a comeback,” he said.
Marcello credits the academy for giving him tools to strengthen that connection. “I like that they encourage us to think objectively. That’s going to help you connect with a lot of kids even if you don’t look like them,” he explained. For him, graduation is both an accomplishment and a responsibility: “To me, it would be an honor to be a mentor for somebody. That’s my why.”
Salvador Guerrero, Jr. | Mason County Juvenile Court & Probation Services
Salvador Guerrero, Jr. admits he grew up making poor choices. Trouble in high school was a wake-up call, and he watched many friends struggle. His turning point came while working as a janitor at the YMCA. “As I was cleaning, I would see how staff and administrators helped kids. For the amount of pay they got, they all seemed pretty happy. It feels like a field that gives you some sense of purpose. That is my goal,” he said.
That sense of purpose now guides his work in juvenile corrections. “I believe kids deserve to feel safe. They need structure and accountability in an environment where they are not judged or broken for their mistakes,” he said. His message for youth is simple: “They still have possibilities. Just because they made some mistakes doesn’t mean their life is over.”
Reflecting on his JCOA experience, Salvador praised the training: “The amount of information I received over these eight days has been exceptional. The TAC officers treated me with respect, were very welcoming, and communicated well. I recommend it,” he said.
Wasim Aryobi | King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention
A year ago, Wasim Aryobi was an English teacher in Afghanistan. He also served as a translator for U.S. Special Forces, work that earned him a visa to bring his family safely to Washington in 2023. “In my wildest dreams, I never thought I would be in this position. I am very happy that I’m here, and I’m very grateful,” he said.
Wasim chose juvenile corrections because of its potential to create lasting change. “I know that I will have a positive impact on society and on the youth. That gives me really positive energy,” he explained. His approach is hopeful: “I tell them this is not the end of the world. They can still get back to their lives and have a great future if they work on it right now.”
Raised in a difficult environment, Wasim shares his own journey to inspire youth. “I worked hard, had a positive mindset, and right now I’m here in the U.S., working with youth. I hope they learn from my journey,” he said. For him, graduation was a major milestone: “We worked very hard for the last two weeks. I’m ready to go back to my job and give 100% of what I learned here.”
A Class of Firsts
The stories of Anis, Marcello, Salvador, and Wasim reflect the heart of JCOA: resilience, empathy, and the belief that every young person deserves the chance to grow and succeed. As the first class to graduate from the Southwest Regional Campus, they are trailblazers — not just for the academy, but for the communities they serve.
With their training complete, they now step forward carrying both professional skills and personal stories that will guide their work. Their experiences remind us that even in the most challenging circumstances, there is always a path forward — and always a reason to believe in the future.