Press Release

On February 3, 2026, Strategies for Youth (SFY) celebrated its First Annual Juvenile Justice Champions honoring SFY partners across the nation.

Before SFY honored four of its partners, SFY’s new Executive Director, Anthony Pierro introduced himself to the webinar’s 80+ participants and shared a quote from Benjamin Franklin: “’Well done is better than well said.’ And that’s what tonight is about…honoring four individuals who did it, who continue to do it, who continue to work in the system and make it theirs.”

Geordie McClelland, SFY’s Board co-director introduced the group of honorees as people “who share SFY’s commitment to the wellbeing of young people” and who go above and beyond to demonstrate their dedication to ensure good outcomes for youth.

SFY honored Rebecca Humphrey, the Youth Services Director of Tippecanoe County, with the Visionary Youth Leadership Award for her transformation of Tippecanoe County’s approach to juvenile justice.  SFY saluted Rebecca’s courageous and pioneering efforts to adopt SFY’s law enforcement and youth education programs, and to be an early adopter of the Youth Services App to build connections to youth supports. Rebecca thanked her many colleagues and partners in Tippecanoe, commending their willingness to allow her to “run boldly into things and then change course again.”  She noted that “Youth justice doesn’t happen in silos. It happens when adults across systems are willing to examine their own responses and approaches…”   Rebecca’s efforts have been pioneering, and effectively supporting better outcomes for youth. Ass a result, she has become a renowned leader in system improvements who has persuaded others around the state of Indiana, and beyond, to follow suit.

SFY awarded Lt. Brian Lowe of the Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office the Policing the Teen Brain Training Award.  Since 2014, Brian has presented more than 40 Policing the Teen Brain trainings in Tippecanoe County and an additional 60 other trainings across Indiana and the U.S. When he received his award, Brian thanked SFY.  “This award has made me a better officer, person, and parent.” SFY honored his commitment to using the Policing the Teen Brain training to equip law enforcement officers with the understanding and skills needed to interact with young people is unrivalled.

SFY also conferred two leadership awards for advocates who use  Juvenile Justice Jeopardy.  Teresa “Eden” Zabala, a trial attorney at the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office representing  youth and adults over the last 24 years, won the Leadership in Juvenile Justice Jeopardy Award.  Eden, who began her “additional career” as a JJJ game leader in 2012, is SFY’s longest running game leader.  Upon receiving her award, she described memories of playing JJJ anywhere she could, including the Los Angeles County Parks After Dark programs, classrooms, and the challenges of dragging equipment across playgrounds.  “You know, teaching kids in a manner that is so organic to learning, like a game , knowing these lessons they learn will educate, empower, them to be safe, is like life’s purpose stuff for me.” And it’s no surprise that Eden continues to play JJJ.

Jordan King, Esq., Director of Youth Diversion Programs at the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office in Pennsylvania won the Leadership in Juvenile Justice Jeopardy Award for his innovative approaches to using Juvenile Justice Jeopardy.  SFY honored Jordan’s commitment to using JJJ to both teach and empower system-involved youth to avoid legal jeopardy and recidivism. Jordan described how working with the Philadelphia Youth Advisory Council to present JJJ—often co-led by youth—in Philadelphia and in counties across PA, “has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my young career…I have a lot of respect for how Kristen Wheeler listened patiently and humbly to all our youth’s suggestions to enhance the game questions.”

“This year’s award-winners highlight the wide range of SFY partnerships – from community advocates to public defenders, from police officers to prosecutors,” said SFY Executive Director Anthony Pierro. “We’re thrilled to recognize the impact of these incredible individuals, dedicated to the idea that every police-youth interaction today shapes tomorrow.”