• Experience and compassion for direct-service challenges
• Proven track-record in building successful social service systems
• Results-oriented approach to drive agency efficiencies

Sharon Pette is the creator and sole proprietor of Effective System Innovations (ESI), LLC. With nearly 25 years of professional experience in juvenile justice and child welfare systems, Sharon has led state governments, city governments, and large not-for-profit agencies throughout the United States in system-wide reform. Consulting expertise includes developing agency strategic plans, creating meaningful performance measures, implementing and managing system-wide initiatives, building quality assurance and program evaluation systems, and streamlining processes to improve outcomes for youth and families. Previous work history includes serving as a direct care staff in detention centers and group homes; Quality Assurance & Evidence Based Practices Program Manager (Oregon Youth Authority); and Executive Director of Quality Assurance (City of New York, Division of Youth and Family Justice). Key projects have included implementing evidence-based practices in ten close custody facilities and nearly 40 contracted community residential programs; establishing the infrastructure for program evaluation and process improvement; and developing the framework for measuring organizational outcomes. Sharon has been instrumental in helping organizations lead the nation in their work with at-risk and justice involved youth.

As an independent consultant, some of Sharon's key projects have included:

• Designing, implementing, and managing system-wide initiatives to meet state and federal requirements.
• Developing short- and long-term strategic work plans to improve processes and achieve agency outcomes.
• Facilitating process improvement projects using lean management tools and techniques.
• Providing training and technical guidance on effective strategies for reducing the use of isolation in juvenile justice facilities.
• Providing technical guidance and expertise to improve recruitment and retention of quality direct care staff. 
• Conducting dozens of trainings on topics such as evidence based practices, staff retention & recruitment, process improvement, and measuring organizational performance. 

Sharon is also certified as a Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) and a Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB).

Formal Education and Training

Sharon's academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology (cum laude) and a Masters degree in the Science of Counseling Psychology (summa cum laude). Sharon earned her Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certificate and Lean Management certificate from Villanova University. She is also a federally certified Department of Justice PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) auditor and has conducted dozens of facility audits throughout the United States.