Mike Pitocco Email & Phone Number

Following a stint in the USAF I worked in retail management on Long Island, New York prior to relocating and beginning a new career with the California Department of Corrections, from which I retired after 33 years of service. Retiring as a Program Coordinator with the Division of Addiction and Recovery Services I continue to be involved with the drug treatment initiative as a consultant with the University of California, San Diego, Center for Criminality & Addiction Research. While working at the California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi, CA, I activated Celebrate Recovery (CR), a faith-based ministry, at the prison. My wife Sharron and I also had the opportunity to activate CR at a number of other correctional facilities. I volunteered and eventually was hired as a full-time Chaplain at the Lerdo Detention Facility (Kern County jail) in Bakersfield, CA; eventually becoming Supervising Chaplain, and earning a certificate of ordination from Prison Ministry of America. I was also the Ministry Director of CR at Canyon Hills Church in Bakersfield along with co-founding the Kern County Prison Ministry Alliance, (KCPMA) the goal of which is to reduce recidivism one life at a time. I considers himself truly blessed to be Sharron’s husband, the proud father of Christina, Daniel and Sean and grandfather (aka, ‘Papa’) of Lawson, Harper and Savvy. For Sharron - God’s instrument in knocking off some very rough edges - for family, for life and love, and whatever he may be privileged to share through writing, I give glory to God alone…. Soli Deo Gloria.

• Consultant

  Uc San Di

  Sep 2018 - Mar 2020

  Staff trainer for Dept. of Corrections employees