Desiree Dawn Samaniego
Desiree Samaniego is a dedicated social work professional and criminal justice advocate, currently pursuing a Master of Social Work at Arizona State University with a focus on Clinical and Medical Social Work. They bring over 13 years of experience in criminal justice and recovery-focused programs, beginning their career as an adult probation officer in Santa Fe New Mexico and then the majority of their career as a probation officer in Pima County, Tucson, Arizona, where they supported women navigating homelessness, substance-use, co-morbid disorders and recovery. Their commitment to compassionate, person-centered, strength based interventions has guided their work across probation departments, treatment courts, and rehabilitation programs. In their current role as Customer Experience Representative/Quality and Control Manager at ReConnect, Inc., Desiree supports justice-focused software platforms, ensuring technical assistance, quality assurance, and successful implementation of tools that enhance engagement and accountability in treatment courts. They also contribute to app testing, officer training, and nationwide program support, particularly within Arizona, helping high-risk individuals achieve positive rehabilitation outcomes. Their approach blends technology, advocacy, and recovery-focused strategies to create meaningful opportunities for clients to rebuild their lives. Desiree’s professional journey reflects a passion for combining social work, criminal justice, and technology to drive systemic change. Alongside their role at ReConnect, they work as a therapist intern in residential and intensive outpatient programs, further expanding their expertise in substance-use disorder, recovery and client advocacy. They are an active member of Omicron Delta Kappa’s Leadership National Honor Society and continue to engage with programs and organizations focused on criminal justice reform and rehabilitation, embodying a career devoted to service, equity, and positive community impact.
• BA, BHT
• The University of New Mexico - BA
• Arizona State University
• Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Society
• ReConnect Inc.
• The Haven
• Pima County Treatment Court
• Pima County Drug Court Alumni - Ambassadors of Recovery
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the empathy I’ve developed through personal experience, my persistence, and my commitment to supporting others in recovery. I also credit my ability to bridge technology with person-centered care within justice systems, allowing me to create meaningful impact where it matters most.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received comes from supervisors and colleagues within probation departments, treatment courts, and recovery-focused programs who modeled trauma-informed care and client advocacy. Their example taught me the importance of approaching every interaction with compassion, understanding, remaining humble, and striving for the highest good of all those we serve.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering this field to be prepared for supporting and advocating for clients who face stigma, systemic barriers, and funding limitations, while leading with empathy and advocating fiercely for some of the most vulnerable populations. It’s equally important to maintain emotional intelligence and healthy boundaries by always prioritizing self care and self awareness.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field right now include funding cuts, shortened treatment programs, insurance barriers, limited placement options for individuals experiencing homelessness, and the persistent stigma surrounding substance-use disorders, mental health disorders, and those who are unhoused. At the same time, there are significant opportunities, such as leveraging technology to support treatment and justice involved individuals and professionals, expanding treatment-court programs, adopting integrative therapy approaches—including psychedelic-assisted therapy—and strengthening recovery-focused justice models.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life include empathy, innovation, healing, social justice and equity, criminal justice reform, supporting recovery, authenticity, and personal growth. Some of my personal interests and passions include astrology, designing and making bracelets and crystal jewelry, providing astrology readings, exploring spirituality, wellness and holistic lifestyles, and developing personal branding.
Locations
Reconnect, Inc., Charted Crystals
Tucson, AZ 85706