Jail Hosts PPS Guidance Counselors
Published on September 29, 2025
Allegheny County Jail Maj. Stephanie Frank stole the show when the jail hosted guidance counselors from Pittsburgh Public Schools on Friday, Sept. 26.
She quickly grabbed the counselors’ attention when she told them she is a graduate of Taylor Allderdice High School.
Friday’s program, which was organized by Jeffrey Leedstrom, ACJ’s Talent Acquisition Supervisor, aimed to show guidance counselors the career opportunities the jail can provide high school students.
The jail can also offer opportunities for college graduates who are looking for a career rather than just a job. That was the case for Frank, who attended Slippery Rock University and ultimately graduated with a criminal justice degree from the University of Pittsburgh.
Frank interned as a caseworker at the jail, but full-time positions were not immediately available. So, she got a job working at a local convenience store. Eventually she decided to apply for a correctional officer position at ACJ, completed the academy and accepted the job.
Twenty-seven years later, Frank is still here and has advanced to the rank of major.
“I can retire in three years,” Frank said, “but I may not.”
Frank said she has seen a lot of forward progress at the facility.
“It’s a really great job,” she said.
Frank’s words, as well as stories from other current ACJ employees, left a strong impression on the guidance counselors who attended.
Peggy Feldman, Interagency Coordinator for Pittsburgh Public Schools who is familiar with the jail’s school and classrooms, said she was grateful for the opportunity to see more of what was offered at ACJ.
“Seeing (ACJ) in person has really opened my eyes as a career path, and I will definitely keep it in mind when advising others about possible careers,” Feldman said.
The counselors from Allderdice who attended were thankful for the experience, said Transition Counselor Courtney Stonestreet.
“The experience definitely changed my perspective of what jail is like,” she said. “I know the focus was to showcase all the amazing job opportunities, which it did – I can't get over the diversity of jobs needed to run a successful facility. But what really stood out for me was the restorative approaches being taken to rehabilitate the (incarcerated individuals) so that they can re-enter society and hopefully live a positive life.”
Stonestreet said the restorative approach is important to her because many of the students she works with have incarcerated family members.
“So, knowing there is an opportunity for our kids to get a second chance with a family member, and that hopefully it is more fulfilling, makes me hopeful,” she said.
Thinking back on all she took in during the day-long program, Stonestreet said the counselors at Allderdice will “absolutely be educating our students on future careers they could have available to them at the ACJ.”
Media inquiries may be directed to Jesse Geleynse, Public Information Officer for the Allegheny County Jail
jesse.geleynse@alleghenycounty.us or by phone at 412-350-1267 or 412-760-4760 (cell).