DES Bids Farewell to Child Support Leader with a Heart and History of Humanitarianism

On a Sunday evening in the spring of 2005, a mother and social service devotee opened the newspaper to the 'wanted' section. Jonell Sullivan saw an ad for a position with the DES Division of Child Support Enforcement – now known as the Division of Child Support Services (DCSS). That ad sparked her interest, she applied and the rest is history. With prior child support and clerk of court experience, DCSE welcomed Jonell onboard.

Throughout her years with DCSS, Jonell made many positive impacts among her colleagues and within the program. "I've met many wonderful people in all of our stops; many are still in my life, and all have been pieces of the quilt of my life and career," said Jonell.

"I feel privileged to have worked with and learned from such a dedicated individual," said DES colleague, Arthur Siewert. Throughout her time with DCSS, Jonell was instrumental in fostering relationships with key partners, such as the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) and the federal Office of Child Support Services.

Jonell notoriously wears violet in her hair to advocate for domestic violence prevention.

After partnering with ACESDV, Jonell traveled throughout Arizona with LEAN Coach and colleague, Martha Kozemchak, to share new processes and protocols that better equip caseworkers to recognize and respond to cases where domestic violence may be a factor. Jonell was also honored for championing domestic violence prevention.

"Jonell always had the ability to make those around her feel comfortable and valued and never left anyone out," said LEAN Coach and colleague, Martha Kozemchak. "In between office visits, Jonell and I had many opportunities to laugh and just enjoy each other."

"One of my favorite qualities of Jonell's is her person-centric approach to every aspect in her life, both professionally and personally," said LEAN Coach and colleague, Sheri Hurst. "Every initiative she took on was well thought out and kept people at the forefront."

Jonell's management of the Procedural Justice-Informed Alternatives to Contempt (PJAC) project led to more positive outcomes in cases and improved customer engagement with the program. "I wanted to do my job, help people get what they need and keep their dignity," said Jonell. With PJAC, she led a designated team that provided enhanced services to customers with eligible child support cases.

"She was a constant cheerleader and always in your corner providing words of wisdom, encouragement, support and humor," said Martha, who served on the team. Now, caseworkers use the five key PJAC principles – neutrality, voice, helpfulness, understanding and respect – throughout their work.

Foundation for 'Mission Work'

The well-being and safety of others have always been a driving force for Jonell. After high school, she joined the U.S. Air Force and completed technical training to test the health and stress of aircrafts, preparing them for flight. At age 19, Jonell was stationed in the Philippines. "I did a lot of so-called 'mission work' at the time," said Jonell. In her free time, she raised funds to support young women and their families in the Filipino community through difficult financial times.

Jonell recalls helping one young woman who was pregnant. "If she didn't work, she didn't eat and she needed help paying for the midwife." Jonell raised money to assist her and was there the day she gave birth. Experiences like these laid the foundation for her mission work.

Once enlistment was over, Jonell returned to the States where she and her husband started a family. Jonell retired from the Air Force since it would be challenging to care for children while her husband remained in the service.

"Embarking on new adventures led to much discovery, growth and endless fascination." - Jonell Sullivan

From Mission Work to Career

It was during her time in Ohio and Indiana that Jonell was first able to channel her passion for mission work into a career. She began as a clerk of court and later became a generalist child support case manager. She described an experience that motivated her work over the years: "I conducted my first [program compliance] interview and thought to myself, 'That could be me,'" Jonell said, being a mother with little knowledge of family finances. "Since that day, I've always approached my work knowing that it's by God's grace that I'm not on the other side asking for help."

In 2005, the family lived in Indiana and planned to relocate back to Arizona. Coincidently, while Jonell worked for the Indiana child support program she shared an interstate case with DCSS Child Support Services Officer, Elva Torres. Elva referred Jonell to check the job openings for the Arizona program, which inspired Jonell to check the newspaper. "Before you knew it, she was working for DCSE," said Elva. "You could count on her to get things done…if she could help you in any way she would."

Nearly 19 years later, Jonell retired from DCSS leaving strengthened safety protocols and lasting partnerships as her DCSS legacy. She continues her mission to improve the lives of those around her through social service work outside of DCSS. "There's always more to be done," she said. Jonell values her time and the connections she made with DCSS and is optimistic about the progress DCSS continues to make each day.

The Sullivans on their wedding day

One night while deployed to the Philippines, Jonell connected with a young man in a restaurant. ‘Maganda Ka,’ he said to her, which translates to ‘beautiful you.’ They talked for a few hours while Jonell expressed in detail how intensive her work was on base. The next Monday at work, Jonell was mortified when he approached her with a witty comment and revealed that he was her on-the-job trainer. The couple married within six months. Only ten days after their wedding, her husband was assigned to Davis Monthan Air Force base in Tucson. They spent a year apart. “I was separated from him longer than I knew him,” she said. Jonell’s husband remained in the Air Force and became a Master Sergeant. Over the years, the family lived in California, Ohio, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Indiana.