Meet our staff

  Contact Annette: annette.jacobi@occy.ok.gov | (405) 606-4900

Annette Wisk Jacobi has dedicated her career to improving the lives of Oklahoma’s children and families. Since December of 2017, she has had the privilege of serving as the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth (OCCY) Executive Director. Prior to her work with OCCY, she spent over 20 years working within public health’s child abuse prevention arena and before that, she worked for the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy. She started in this line of work after receiving her Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Oklahoma, College of Law as well as certification from the University of Oklahoma Center on Child Abuse and Neglect’s Interdisciplinary Training Program. Before law school, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with a minor in Family Relations/Child Development from Oklahoma State University. 

Outside of her day-to-day role with OCCY, Ms. Jacobi serves as a member of the federal Quality Improvement Center for Domestic Violence and Child Welfare National Advisory Committee, as Board Treasurer for the National Alliance of Children’s Trust and Prevention Funds, as a Master in the William J. Holloway Inn of Court, and Chairperson of the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness Board. She has been the recipient of the Empowering Adults-Protecting Children Government in Action Award, the Oklahoma Bar Association Trailblazer Award, the Oklahoma Lawyers for Children Buddy Faye Foster Service Award, and the Exceptional Merit Award presented by the Oklahoma Public Health Association. 

Ms. Jacobi lives in Oklahoma City with her “Colorado Buffalo” husband Steven. She and Steven spend their time perfecting the art of empty nesting while bragging about their “Jayhawk” daughter Gabrielle and “Johnnie” son Jack.  

  Contact Mark:  mark.james@occy.ok.gov | (405) 606-4900

Mark James is the Assistant Director of the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth (OCCY). Currently he oversees the work of the Office of Juvenile System Oversight, Child Death Review Board, Post Adjudication Review Boards and the Juvenile Competency Forensic Evaluator services.  

Mark has more than 25 years of experience working with both OCCY and the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA). Mark began his service with the state as a Juvenile Justice Specialist at the Central Oklahoma Juvenile Center (COJC) in Tecumseh, OK. Within OJA he also held the position of Social Services Supervisor at COJC, served in the OJA Placement Unit and was the Deputy Superintendent at COJC. At OCCY, Mark previously managed the Post Adjudication Review Board program. 

Mark earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work from the University of Oklahoma. Mark and his wife, Jennifer, have five children and live in Shawnee.  

  Contact Marcia: marcia.johnson@occy.ok.gov | (405) 606-4912

Marcia Goff Johnson is the Legislative Liaison for the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth. She is the primary point of contact between agency leaders and members of the Oklahoma State Legislature.  Additionally, she is responsible for providing legislative-based resources and information that further OCCY's mission. 

Marcia has more than 30 years of experience working in state government – the last 25 years of which were at the Oklahoma House of Representatives.  She retired from the House in 2021 after serving 10 years as the Research Director.

Marcia earned her Bachelor of Science in Political Science degree from Oklahoma State University and her Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Oklahoma.

  Contact Rob: robert.agnew@occy.ok.gov | (405) 606-4923

Rob Agnew has enjoyed a career filled with a variety of adventures that has led him to the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth (OCCY).  In March of 2020, he joined the OCCY team as the Public Information Officer where he supports all agency programs and initiatives by providing communications, graphic design, social media, and website resources.

Rob received his Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations/Journalism (2007) and Master of Arts in Public Administration/Political Science (2011) from the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO).  While at UCO, he achieved high academic standards while he served as their PRSSA Chapter President (2006-2007), Project Leader for UCO for USO Student Project (2007), and received the College of Liberal Arts Public Relations Student of the Year Award (2007).

Throughout Rob’s career, he has served in roles such as a production manager for three newspapers, an underwriter and claims adjuster, and as an award-winning public relations specialist for an Oklahoma City-based sports/entertainment arena and convention center.  He is most proud of his service in the United States Army (2001-2005) and is a combat veteran.

  Contact Amanda: amanda.jett@occy.ok.gov | (405) 606-4913

Amanda Jett is currently the Executive Assistant to the Director of the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth (OCCY).  She joined the OCCY team in August of 2019.  In addition to supporting the agency director, she coordinates human resources functions, employee benefits, office management, and the agency's risk management program.

Amanda received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources from the University of Central Oklahoma (2008).  She is an OSU Nigh Scholar and received an Associate of Science in Public Service from Oklahoma State University (2006).  Prior to joining OCCY, she served more than 8 years as an Administrative Programs Officer at the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

In her spare time, Amanda is a professional photographer.  When she is not photographing weddings, she can be found doing photo shoots of her son and daughter as well as her dog named Layla.

  Contact Cherra: cherra.taylor@occy.ok.gov | (405) 606-4924

Cherra currently serves as the Office Coordinator for the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth (OCCY).  Cherra joined the OCCY team in November of 2012.  Since joining the OCCY team, she has served as the administrative assistant and community development planner for the agency.

On a daily basis, she primarily serves the executive leadership team by maintaining documents and records for the agency’s vehicle fleet and is the agency's LEARN training administrator.  When she is not answering phones, or greeting visitors at OCCY, she provides support for all staff-related technical issues.

Cherra is passionate about the services that OCCY provides to the community.  Her own lived experiences have empowered her to overcome numerous obstacles in life.   She believes that if you work hard you can achieve great success.  Cherra studied Business Administration and received a certificate from Eastern Oklahoma County Technology Center. Prior to working at OCCY, she worked at the Oklahoma State Department of Health for more than 6 years as an administrative technician and administrative assistant.

  Contact Joseph: joseph.mcgrath@occy.ok.gov | (405) 606-4900

Joseph McGrath is a Case Manager for the Oklahoma Child Death Review Board, handling data collection and statistical quality control.  He has served the board since January of 2021.  Prior to working for the board, Joseph was in Education, specializing in Language Arts instruction for at-risk youth and international students.  Joseph has taught English as a Foreign Language abroad and has led workshops in Oklahoma training EFL tutors and instructors.

Joseph received a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Langston University and attended graduate school at the University of Oklahoma, studying composition, rhetoric, and literacy.

  Contact Christina: christina.whatley@occy.ok.gov | (405) 606-4910

Christina Whatley is the Post Adjudication Review Board Coordinator for Oklahoma County. She is responsible for managing all seven Oklahoma County PARB Boards including the specialty boards such as domestic violence and transition-age youth. She schedules the meetings and provides case information to volunteers.

Christina also welcomes new members and provides technical assistance to the Oklahoma County PARB boards. She has been with OCCY since 2006 and the Oklahoma PARB Coordinator since 2014.  Christina has worked for OKDHS in foster care and has extensive knowledge in deprived case reviews.

 Contact Danielle: danielle.dill@occy.ok.gov |(405) 606-4902

Danielle M. Dill, MPH, is the Program Manager for the Office of Planning and Coordination at the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth. In this position, she leads joint planning and service coordination efforts to improve the safety and well-being of children and youth throughout Oklahoma.

Danielle has worked in non-profit, higher education and public health for more than 26 years. Prior to joining OCCY, Danielle served as the Program Manager for Office of Partner Engagement at the Oklahoma State Department of Health, building community partnerships, and mobilizing resources to improve health outcomes at the local and state level. She also served as the Director of Health and Fitness at the Wellness Center and adjunct instructor for the Department of Kinesiology & Health Studies at the University of Central Oklahoma.

Danielle received her Bachelor of Science in Community Health from the University of Central Oklahoma and a Master of Public Health from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Danielle is a graduate of Leadership Edmond Class XXVII, Oklahoma Educators Leadership Academy and Oklahoma Public Health Leadership Institute.

An advocate at heart, Danielle is guided by her core values of authenticity, creativity, teamwork, the equipping of others, and the building of legacies defined by voices heard and lives saved. Professional interests and efforts center on leadership development, community organization and planning, public policy and advocacy, and health and wellness. In her spare time, she enjoys teaching group fitness, outdoor recreational activities, sports, music, and spending time with family.

  Contact Nicole: nicole.george@occy.ok.gov | (405) 606-4908

Nicole George has dedicated her career in social work to improving services and systems for our most vulnerable citizens and building healthy communities for all. As Community Planner in the Office of Planning and Coordination at the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth, Nicole assists with the planning and coordination of systems serving children and youth in Oklahoma to achieve the best possible outcomes for the state.  

Previously she has worked in regional government as a community and economic development planner, in community mental health providing children and families with trauma informed care and with local faith-based non-profits training everyday Oklahomans volunteering to support at risk children and families.

Nicole received her Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work from Texas A&M University-Commerce where she graduated cum laude. Most memorable during her time of study was being selected to receive a scholarship to attend the May Mini Travel Abroad program to Costa Rica where she learned about their approach to innovative social service systems.

As an Oklahoman who grew up with many of the same challenges faced by the people and systems, she is committed to improving, Nicole values a person-centered approach honoring the dignity and worth of each individual while providing resources that set people up for success. She is committed to discovering the best practices and the best tools to provide the best outcomes for all.

Professionally, Ms. George is passionate about improving systems for children and families and building strong communities. In her free time Ms. George enjoys cooking, hiking, road trips and spending time with her family.  

  Contact Isabel: isabel.rodriguez@occy.ok.gov  (405) 606-4900

Isabel Rodriguez is the Community Development Planner for the Parent Leadership Programs at OCCY.  In 2006, she moved from Mexico to Oklahoma in order to pursue her Master’s degree in Education.  In 2008, she obtained her degree from the University of Central Oklahoma.

She has more than 12 years of experience in child abuse prevention programs, parenting programs and support groups, and Latino youth education programs.  She believes that utilizing educational tools are the best way for parents and families to improve their lives.  Throughout her career, helping those who are considered the most vulnerable have been some of her proudest moments.

In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, road trips, and the majesty of nature.  She looks for ways to learn more about other cultures and loves to try new things

  Contact Ellen: ellen.lohrenz@occy.ok.gov | (405) 606-4950

Ellen J. Lohrenz is the administrative assistant for the Office of Planning and Coordination for the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth.  She joined the agency in 2020. Prior to her position with OCCY, she was employed by the Oklahoma Department of Corrections as an administrative assistant for the Records Department, Continental Resources, Incorporated in the Treasury Department as an Accountant I, and lastly at Emmanuel Baptist Church as an office assistant.

In her spare time, Ellen enjoys outdoor activities including gardening, hiking, exercise, reading, expressing herself through fiber arts, painting, refurbishing furniture, hanging out with her family, friends and traveling.

  Contact Tina: tina.pendergraft@occy.ok.gov | (405) 606-4928

Tina Pendergraft is one of two supervisors for the Office of Juvenile System Oversight (OJSO) and started with the Oklahoma Commission on Children & Youth (OCCY) in August 2005. The OJSO unit was created through Oklahoma State Statue 601.6. The OJSO reviews wrongdoings and unlawful acts for all children's services statewide and reviews any child agency policy to ensure the agency is working by their policy set forth. 

Tina has two employees in her unit, Brooke Laws and Matthew Spruill and as a team, they primarily deal with issues with Oklahoma Human Services.

Prior to becoming a supervisor, Ms. Pendergraft was an oversight specialist for the OJSO and started that position in August 2005. Ms. Pendergraft worked for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) from November 1989 through her start of employment with OCCY in August 2005.

Tina received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1989. She was enrolled primarily in social work classes with a law enforcement minor from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva.

  Contact Harold:  harold.jergenson@occy.ok.gov | (405) 606-4929

Harold is one of two supervisors for the OJSO program within OCCY and has been with the agency since 2008. Prior to his employment with OCCY, Mr. Jergenson was employed with OKDHS with both the Office of Client Advocacy as a Social Service Inspector and as a Child Welfare Specialist in Child Protective Services. In 1999, Mr. Jergenson began his career in administrative investigations working as a Private Investigator for a private firm.

Harold received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice with a Minor in Psychology in 1998 from the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Oklahoma, and is a U.S. Army Veteran.

  Contact Raegan: raegan.qualls@occy.ok.gov | (405) 606-4930

Raegan Qualls is the Oversight Specialist III for OJSO and has held this position since January 1, 2010. Prior to her employment with OCCY, Ms. Qualls was employed with OKDHS in permanency planning as a Child Welfare Specialist II and the Adoption Transition Unit (ATU) as a Child Welfare Specialist II. In 2006, Ms. Qualls started her career in child welfare with the Canadian County DHS as a Child Welfare Specialist II in permanency planning then in 2008 transferred to the Oklahoma County DHS holding the same title in their ATU.  In 2010, Ms. Qualls was hired at OCCY in as a part of OJSO where she currently conducts oversights at facilities with DHS and the Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA) custody children.

Raegan received a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology in 2005 from UCO and a Master’s in Criminal Justice in 2009 from UCO and is currently in the Forensic Science Program for a Doctorate in Forensic Science (DFS) with an emphasis on Forensic Investigative Sciences from Oklahoma State University (OSU).

  Contact Dawn:  dawn.bender@occy.ok.gov | (405) 606-4914

Dawn D. Bender is an Oversight Specialist III for OJSO. Prior to her employment with the OCCY, she was employed with the OKDHS as a Child Welfare Specialist and Supervisor. She has a total of 25 years working for the State of Oklahoma. She received her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Psychology and her Masters Degree in Human Relations from Cameron University and The University of Oklahoma, respectively.

  Contact Matthew: matthew.spruill@occy.ok.gov | (405) 606-4918

Matthew Spruill is an Oversight Specialist for the Office of Juvenile Systems Oversight. He has held this position since October, 2016. Prior to his employment with OCCY, Mr. Spruill was employed with Oklahoma Child Support Services as a Programs Field Representative and a child support specialist prior to that. Matthew began his career in social services with the OJA at the L. E. Rader Treatment Center in 2005 where he was a Juvenile Justice Specialist working with incarcerated youth.

Prior to his work in social service, Matthew attended and received a Juris Doctorate from the University of Tulsa, College of Law. While there he became a certified Mediator for both the State of Oklahoma and the State of Kansas.

  Contact Brooke:  brooke.laws@occy.ok.gov | (405) 606-4901

Brooke Laws is an Oversight Specialist III for OJSO and has held this position since November of 2012. Prior to working at OCCY, Ms. Laws was employed with OKDHS in both the Office of Intergovernmental Relations and as a Child Welfare Worker in Permanency Planning. In 2005, Ms. Laws began her career in social services with OKDHS as a child welfare worker.

  Contact Tameron:  tameron.session@occy.ok.gov | (405) 606-4905

Tameron Session is an Oversight Specialist for OJSO and has held this position since 2017. Ms. Session held the position of Community Development Planner in Planning and Coordination from 2014 to 2017. Prior to her employment with OCCY, Ms. Session was employed with the Department of Corrections (DOC) working with Community Corrections.

Ms. Session has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Masters Degree in Business Administration.