 Mitchell Gabbard, Correctional Captain
Mitchell Gabbard began his career with the department in 1997 at the Breathitt Regional Juvenile Detention Center. For more than a decade, he also served as the facility's Fire Safety Officer before joining the Transportation Branch in 2011, where he now serves as Breathitt's regional correctional captain.
Throughout his career, Mitchell's dedication has been recognized with honors such as Eastern Region Detention Employee of the Year in both 2000 and 2011. With over 25 years of service, he continues to prioritize safety while keeping youth at the center of our mission.
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 Elizabeth Bell-Gates, Executive Administrative SecretaryElizabeth Bell-Gates has devoted 28 years to our department, starting as a Youth Worker in 1997 after graduating from Academy Class #4. Over the years, Elizabeth has served in nearly every facility on the Louisville campus, navigating multiple openings and closures while always putting the safety and development of Kentucky’s youth first.
Now serving as Executive Administrative Secretary in the Office of Detention, Elizabeth is motivated each day by leadership and the mission of creating safe, secure environments for the youth we serve.
Thank you, Elizabeth, for your decades of dedication and service to Kentucky’s youth
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 Amanda Krahenbuhl, Training Director
For more than 20 years, Amanda Krahenbuhl has dedicated her career to supporting Kentucky’s youth and families. Since joining the department in 2013, she has focused on putting youth first—meeting their mental and emotional needs while ensuring staff are equipped to keep everyone safe.
Now, as Training Director, Director Krahenbuhl has been instrumental in expanding department-wide training and preparing staff for success. She believes that building trust and modeling healthy behaviors can transform lives. For her, the most meaningful part of the work is knowing the department equips staff with the skills to support that journey and witnessing young people take control of their stories, rewriting them with hope and purpose.
We are proud to have Director Krahenbuhl's leadership and compassion on Team Kentucky. Thank you for all that you do.
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 Christopher Prater, Youth Worker I
Congratulations to Christopher Prater, who was named Employee of the Month at Morehead Youth Development Center!
Christopher goes above and beyond in his work, leading by example and proving to be a true asset to the facility. We are proud to have him on Team Kentucky. Thank you for all that you do.
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 Dakota Oaks, Correctional Officer
Congratulations to Correctional Officer Dakota Oaks, Breathitt Regional Juvenile Detention Center's Employee of the Month. Officer Oaks consistently demonstrates dedication to his work while supporting his colleagues and maintaining a commitment to excellence in every task he undertakes.
We are proud to recognize his hard work and the positive impact he has on our team. Great work, Officer Oaks!
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