National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month
December 3, 2008
National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month is celebrated nationally during the month of November. The Arizona Department of Corrections is proud to participate in this celebration recognizing our correctional colleagues who are Native American. There are over 20 federally-recognized Indian Tribes in Arizona, their history, traditions and government structures enhancing our workplace and communities and contributing to the safety and well being.
About two percent of our department's corrections professionals are Native Americans and they ably represent all occupational categories including administrators, administrative support, custody, professionals, technicians and skilled crafts persons.
On November 20 at the Veteran’s Memorial Hall, we celebrated National American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage month. Kenneth Poocha, the Executive Director of the Arizona Commission of Indian affairs emceed the event and guest speakers included Dawn Melvin, Native American Tourism Development Manager of the Arizona Office of Tourism, Gina Marie Scarpa, Managing Partner of the Native American Basketball Invitational and Jason Coochwytewa, President and Owner of Red Note, Inc.
Director Dora Schriro then recognized eight ADC employees who had been nominated by their fellow co-workers by presenting them “Dudley Do-right” awards for being “caught doing the right thing.”
(Click name to see bio)
Ms. Tamiene Nims joined ADC as a correctional staff nurse in April 2007 and was quickly promoted to Inpatient Component Charge Nurse. She was recently assigned Nursing Supervisor for Central Unit and its inpatient component. CRNS I Nims is more that just a supervisor; she is a capital-M MEMBER of the ADC team. She fills-in as a line nurse whenever there is the need, rolling up her sleeves to do everything from giving bed baths to invalid inmates to providing intravenous therapy for infectious and contagious patients.
CRNS I Nims was pivotal in the successful transition of Central Unit from close custody to a split yard, ensuring the medical needs of the population were met without interruption. Working closely with Complex, she also developed the proposal to add a pill call window significantly improving the dispensing of medication. It’s not surprising that Tamiene receives many positive comments from inmate-patients, health staff and correctional officers about her willingness to help, her flexibility to work under changing conditions, and her concern for staff safety.
CRNS I Nims is also steadfast in her support of the community, volunteering for Torch Run activities as medical support staff. She also makes a difference in the community by volunteering her time at the elementary school that her daughter attends. A staunch advocate for the adoption of animals, she is also actively involved in local pet adoption and fundraising activities. CRNS I Nims is devoted to her daughter and is a proud member of the Laguna Pueblo Tribe.
Correctional Officer Loretta Begay began her correctional career at Winslow’s Kaibab Unit in September 1998, where she has continued to serve in an exemplary fashion. Over the past ten years, she has worked every post in the unit mastering many duties always with the utmost professionalism. Officer Begay’s demeanor and knowledge is always in great demand to train and mentor new officers, ensuring their success as corrections professionals. CO II Begay is tireless in her efforts, genuinely cares about the Department, and takes great pride helping ADC achieve its goals.
Loretta is also instrumental in organizing functions that foster cohesiveness on her shift. She cares deeply for her coworkers, demonstrated most recently when she coordinated a fundraiser to support a fellow officer whose child was killed. The money she raised helped to pay funeral expenses. She excels as well at organizing opportunities to recognize her co-workers on special occasions and the holidays when staff is away from their families.
Officer Begay serves as a remarkable role model for others. When not at work, she focuses her attention on mentally and physically challenged children through the Holbrook School District and with the Navajo County Special Olympics. She enjoys reading, hiking and loves to cook. She is a proud member of the Navajo Nation.
Correctional Officer II Brent Begay joined ADC in July 2002 at ASPC-Phoenix, Alhambra Unit where he still serves with excellence today.
His peers point with pride to his extensive knowledge of policy, his prompt and helpful manner when problems arise and his enthusiasm for training others as just a few of the reasons why CO Begay is recognized as an exemplary officer. He routinely fills critical posts whenever the unit is understaffed, leading by example in an exemplary manner.
CO II Begay is instrumental to the processing of Native American inmates who are being sentenced to ADC in greater numbers. In word and deed, he has contributed to the development of respect, diversity and individual dignity with staff and inmates alike. Brent has also earned a well deserved reputation for listening carefully to the needs of staff, working exceptionally well with his colleagues, bringing everyone together to find workable solutions to common concerns.
Officer Begay was born on the Navajo Indian Reservation in Northern Arizona. He joined the United States Army, 10th Mountain Division, in July 1997, and served with distinction for 11 years in such places such as Bosnia and Panama. During his military career, he earned Army Achievement and Good Conduct Medals and Humanitarian Awards for exceptional service to our country. After completing active military service in 2001 as an Army Staff Sergeant, he serves our country still as a reservist.
Outside of work, CO II Begay enjoys his time with his wife, Lisa, and their 5-year-old son, Ayden.
CO II Terry Katoney has been with ADC since February 1998, all of that time in service at ASPC-Winslow Coronado Unit. In his role today as field training officer, Officer Katoney makes sure newly assigned staff excels in every core correctional practice and, he is instrumental in their professional development. Terry develops individualized training opportunities best suited to each employee’s skill level, simultaneously fostering an environment in which team work thrives. He encourages his co-workers to set and accomplish goals and inspires superior performance in those he mentors. Terry demonstrates daily his dedication to the Department, the community and the professional growth and development of his peers. To that end, he received the Plank Owner Award, special recognition at ASPC-Winslow for his efforts to keep his unit safe and secure for inmates and staff alike. Officer Katoney has worked as well in every facet of his shift including yard, dorm, and kitchen and control officer.
He has had perfect attendance and, the Department has recognized him on several occasions for these reasons, and more. Officer Katoney is vigilant, ensuring the Department’s code of conduct and published policies are followed by everyone in his unit.
Correctional Officer Andrew Peterson began working for ADC in April 2003, serving first at the Mohave Unit, then as an instructor for the Complex, before transferring to Complex Security.
CO Peterson is known for clear-headed analysis and old-fashioned hard work. He is generous in volunteering on shift and throughout the complex, open to accepting challenging assignments. Officer Peterson has demonstrated steadfast professionalism in his working relationships with staff, inmates and visitors. It’s not uncommon for him to be complimented by members of the public for his help and courteous manner.
Andrew is not shy about seeking enriching experiences and furthering his career by pursuing opportunities in the security series. He has earned numerous certifications in his roles as a teaching cadre and firearms instructor. He also successfully completed training in the canine agitator/decoy and is a COTA Class Advisor. Recognizing his consistently positive influence on staff and inmates, CO II Peterson was selected Officer of the Month and Officer of the Quarter.
He is a member of the Cherokee Tribe.
Correctional Officer Avery Smith started his distinguished career with ADC in April 1995. Before joining ADC, Officer Smith served in the United States Army for nine years, seeing action in the Middle East during Operation Desert Storm.
Since he joined the Department, he has selflessly provided assistance to others helping to complete projects, he never hesitated to stay late and lend a helping hand, or to assume any role from yard officer to shift supervisor, all of them pursued with a commitment to excellence. One of his recent assignments involved transportation moves associated with the ICE hearings and movement of inmates to Oklahoma. These efforts aid the Department’s population management to maximize use of available beds. He’s also transported inmates in blizzard conditions, always without incident.
Throughout his career, Officer Smith has received numerous letters of appreciation for his work ethic and professional conduct and was the recipient of the ASPC-Winslow Employee of the Month Award.
He is a member of the Navajo Tribe.
Correctional Officer Suenuesa Soohafyah joined ADC in February 2008. Before that he proudly served for four years as a Sergeant First Class with the U.S. Army Reserves. He also served as a police officer with the Hopi District Federal Police Department for two years.
During his short tenure with the Department, Officer Soohafyah has already distinguished himself by receiving a Life Saver Award for administering CPR to an unconscious inmate who was found unresponsive in his cell. He has also proven to be a driving force in his unit, an exceptional role model for others. As a result of his focus and attention to detail, CO II Soohafyah has been instrumental in detecting countless items of contraband ranging from nuisance to dangerous items.
Officer Soohafyah is very active in the community, serving as a Wild Land Fire Fighter and as an assistant ROTC instructor for the Hopi junior and senior high schools. He is a member of the Hopi Tribe.
Correctional Officer
Christopher McPhail started his career with ADC in May 2003, at the Maricopa
unit where he has served in a variety of posts.
CO McPhail is responsive to the needs of his colleagues and flexible and friendly in the face of change and challenge. In addition to his current responsibilities as Work Crew Officer, he is often called upon by his yard and other units for his expertise in lock repair. His wealth of knowledge and expertise has earned him 1st place on the recent Sergeant Promotional Register for ASPC-Douglas and 8th place on the statewide promotional list.
Christopher’s contributions and the Complex’s confidence in his leadership are evident in many ways including his membership on the ASPC-Douglas Crisis Negotiations team. After serving for only one year on the team, his steady and calm demeanor and outstanding leadership skills led to his selection as Crisis Negotiations Team Commander. In this capacity he is now responsible for the training, equipping and welfare of his 7-member CNT team. In his role as commander, he has completed the FBI Basic Crisis Negotiation School and is certified as a crisis negotiator with the International Association of Hostage Negotiators.
Officer McPhail has been recognized as Uniformed Officer of the Quarter on two occasions. He is married to Tracy and the proud father of Yolanda, Michael, Meghan and Tyson. He is also a devoted grandfather to 20-month-old Christopher Michael. CO McPhail enjoys serving as an assistant Cub Scout Master and a baseball coach. CO II McPhail is a member of the Cherokee, Choctaw, Maidu and Pit River Tribes.
