Dionne Loera

Probation Division Manager Dionne Loera began her career with Merced County Probation on June 18, 2004, as an extra help Juvenile Institutions Officer at the Iris Garrett Juvenile Justice Correctional Facility, and on October 4, 2004, she transitioned to full-time. She worked in the Juvenile Facility for ten years while she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Corrections and her Master’s Degree in Counseling with a California Pupil Personnel Services credential from California State University, Fresno. Dionne took oversight of revamping the Group Leader incentive program to be more efficient and evidence based to where the incentives match the youths’ behaviors. On September 4, 2014, Dionne was promoted to Deputy Probation Officer. She held many positions within the department such as Adult Administrative Supervision, Juvenile Drug Court/Behavioral Health Court/wraparound services, Adult Supervision Residential Treatment, and Adult Treatment Drug Court/Prop 36.

Dionne was promoted to Supervising Probation Officer in April 2019 and assigned to oversee the specialized assignments in Adult Field Services, such as Drug Treatment Court, Domestic Violence, Sexual Offenders, Residential Treatment, Mental Health Court, and AB 109 realignment Unit. In the various assignments, she worked closely with employees/supervisors from Merced County Sheriff’s Department, Behavioral Health Recovery Services, Human Service Agency, and Community Based Organizations. Dionne took oversight of special assignments within the agency, such as Operation Christmas Star.

Dionne was promoted to Probation Division Manager in May 2023 and assigned to oversee the Juvenile Field Division.