Pennsylvania Association of Treatment Court Professionals
Louis J. Presenza
Louis J. Presenza

The Louis J. Presenza Distinguished Service Award

In the 1999, under the leadership of Judge Louis J. Presenza, the Pennsylvania Association of Drug Court Professionals was formed. Judge Presenza had implemented the first Adult Drug Court in Pennsylvania just two years earlier, in Philadelphia’s Municipal Court, and during that two year period, eight more problem solving court programs had sprung up. If the movement was going to gain momentum in Pennsylvania, Judge Presenza recognized the need to create an affordable forum in which problem solving court teams from around the Commonwealth could meet, interact and exchange ideas. Working with a small group of volunteers, by-laws were formed, a board was elected and the Pennsylvania Association of Drug Court Professionals was born. This was just the beginning of the story of a man who decided to spend the last decade of his career trying to make a difference – and he did. During those ten years, the number of problem solving courts in Pennsylvania continued to grow and the problem solving court model was adapted to address a myriad of behavioral problems. All along the way, courts would turn to Judge Presenza for advice and guidance. In recognition of Judge Presenza’s commitment to the field of problem solving courts, to the citizens of Pennsylvania, and to his colleagues, the Pennsylvania Association of Treatment Court Professionals’ Distinguished Service Award was established in his name.

Past Presenza Award Winners

  • 2025: Holly Wise, York County
  • 2024: Honorable Ann Marie Wheatcraft, Chester County
  • 2023: Stephanie Heitman-Landes, Montogomery County
  • 2022: James McMonagle, Luzerne County
  • 2021: Honorable Daniel J. Milliron, Blair County
  • 2019: Abbey Geffken, Union/Snyder County
  • 2018: Honorable John Leete, Potter County
  • 2017: Honorable William Cunningham, Erie County
  • 2016: Christopher Ciprich, Wyoming County
  • 2017: Honorable William Cunningham, Erie County
  • 2016: Christopher Ciprich, Wyoming County
  • 2015: Cheryl Ondechek, Lancaster County
  • 2014: Charmayne Raia, Blair County
  • 2013: Honorable John A. Zottola, Allegheny County
  • 2012: Jeff Shaw, Erie County Treatment Court
  • 2011: Scott Kerstetter, Union/Snyder County Treatment Court
  • 2010: Kelly Cesari, Luzerne County Treatment Court Coordinator
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President's Award

The President’s Award is an honor bestowed by the Executive Committee of the PA Association of Treatment Court Professions (PATCP.) This prestigious award recognizes exceptional leadership, dedication, and contribution to the advancement of treatment courts, both in PA and across the nation. Recipients of the President’s Award exemplify the mission of PATCP by demonstrating unwavering commitment to improving justice outcomes for individuals struggling with substance use disorders, mental health challenges and other behavioral health issues. Their leadership has transformed the effectiveness and sustainability of treatment courts within the Commonwealth and has also made a lasting impact on the national stage. Through advocacy, innovation, and collaboration, these individuals have helped shape policies and best practices that benefit treatment court programs nationwide. The President’s Award will not be given annually but will be reserved to honor those whose contributions are truly extraordinary, marking a profound and lasting influence on the treatment court community. This selective recognition ensures that the award is a testament to the most outstanding efforts in therapeutic jurisprudence and recovery focused justice.

Past President's Award Winners

  • 2025: Jessica Miraglia, Luzerne County Treatment Court Alumni, Wyoming County District Attorney's Office
  • 2024: Honorable David Ashworth (Retired,) Lancaster County