“Good Enough Isn’t” is a GEO Care principle that Alejandra Martinez embodies. As Program Manager of the Orange County and Westminster Day Reporting Centers, she views her role within the company as an opportunity to positively impact participants, staff, and the greater GEO team.
Alejandra joined GEO in 2013 and received several promotions while with the company. She also completed GEO’s Leadership Academy and received a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice, Corrections, and Offender Rehabilitation. Alejandra held the Behavior Change Manager, Employment Coordinator, and Supervising Case Manager positions before becoming the Program Manager in 2018.
Alejandra’s passion and commitment to serving the reentry population and coaching others has led her to take on several projects focused on Evidence-Based Practices (EBP). She has served on multiple committees in the past year to enhance program services, including the Quality Assurance Through Coaching and the Case Staffing Format committees. Alejandra is always striving to create processes, procedures, and innovative ways to improve the use of EBP in reentry. She has even created monthly staff challenges for her team to increase EBP knowledge and boost morale.
She has also spotlighted the importance of Motivational Interviewing (MI) as a tool to help staff and participants. She created weekly “MI Corner” sessions to share tips and encourage staff to practice their skills. Developing a learning and growth culture has increased MI skillset certifications among her team in the past year.
Alejandra is equally passionate about investing in the people around her. She leads lunch and learn sessions with her team on topics ranging from personal finance to the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. She has used the Officevibe platform to learn about her team’s needs and found ways to fill their bucket. In the last year, her team’s scores in feedback, recognition, happiness, and relationship with the manager have been at the top. Alejandra takes what she knows and shares it widely with other staff and Program Managers, including ideas, tools, and resources. Recently, Alejandra presented nationally to GEO Program Managers about the company’s 401(k) plan and financial wellness. She is enthusiastic about spreading knowledge and coaching others.
Outside of work, Alejandra has a deep love and appreciation for the outdoors. She enjoys hiking, camping, and visiting National Parks with her husband and two-year old daughter. They have made quite a dent in their wish to see all 63 National Parks, but Yosemite is the one they return to often.
Alejandra, you have continued to demonstrate an exceptional degree of professionalism, and your impact on staff, participants, and your peers can be seen daily. Congratulations on being selected as the Reentry Services Employee of the Year.
