Why Danielle Gonzalez loves coming to prison
“This is a safe space to be who you are,” is the quote one sees immediately after they enter Danielle Gonzalez’s office.
For resident Kandice Ortega, it has been. Gonzalez is Central California Women’s Facility’s (CCWF) supervising psychiatric social worker and the go-to person for residents looking to address their mental health while incarcerated. According to Ortega, Gonzalez is the best clinician she has ever had.
“When I first started seeing her, I was having flashbacks from traumatic experiences,” Ortega said. “Gonzalez actually did therapy with me that helped me tremendously. Because of her care and expertise, I no longer have nightmares.”
Gonzalez’s office is quiet, quaint and decorated with personal touches that give the space an inviting character. A thermos placed by her ergonomically shaped keyboard is covered with affirmations that speak to her character like “Make Your Optimism Come True” and “Change the World.” The desk also holds a few succulent plants, a box of Kleenex and a baby Yoda toy.
Gonzalez graduated from Fresno State University with a master’s degree in social work and though she could work anywhere else, she loves coming to prison.
Gonzalez started her career as a clinical social worker in the prison’s Substance Abuse Treatment Facility. She enjoyed working with the different correctional departments, she said, and talking to her incarcerated clients. She truly believes she can help anyone who wants the help.
“I measure the individual improvements: working with someone who stopped abusing substances, someone that has a board date coming up or had a denial, reconnecting with family members, someone that found out that they are worthy of being respected, etc.,” Gonzalez said. “Those little changes bring me here in prison.”
Gonzalez grew up in a middle-class family and expressed how fortunate she was to have good people to raise her. Her parents and grandparents had a huge influence on her because of their strong work ethics. They provided for her and encouraged her to be the best she could be.
Because Gonzalez had a fulfilling childhood, she always wanted to help people who are less fortunate. Famous people in history that helped others inspired her: Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King, Cesar Chavez, Nelson Mandela, and Oprah.
Gonzalez said she has always been drawn towards working with underserved populations (i.e., the LGBTQ+ population, patients with acute mental illness, immigrants, incarcerated population, etc.). Growing up, she noticed the struggles of these populations and felt it was unjust and always wanted to help make changes.
Gonzalez said she believes incarcerated individuals are not bad people, just people who have made bad choices. She hopes that, while incarcerated, individuals will utilize the time to self-reflect and make better choices for the future.
“Transformation is possible,” Gonzalez said. “I am not here to judge anyone, I am here to support the next step, whatever that person wants the next step to look like, in a positive direction. Whoever wants the help, I am going to be part of their story. Everyone has their own time frame and timeline for change.”
Not everybody is fit to work with special populations. In choosing this profession, Gonzalez said she had the confidence that she can work with individuals that made a bad choice in their life.
According to Ortega, Gonzalez has created a space that feels judgement-free, which has allowed her to open up about things that very few know.
“She is professional but personable, she is trustworthy, she remembers what I tell her and what I go through, and she also follows through,” Ortega said.
Ortega gave credit to Gonzalez for playing a huge part in Ortega being a better Peer Support Specialist in the institution.
However, Gonzalez’s job is far from easy. The most challenging aspect, she said, is the system’s structure. The timeframes to see clients are short and they are often prevented from reporting to appointments by yard-downs and institutional lockdowns that restrict movement.
“There are not enough hours in the day to feel I have a complete day of service,” she said. “This job requires flexibility. Oftentimes things will come up, situations will happen, and I just have to roll with it.”
Even outside of working hours, Gonzalez is always there to listen and help. Ortega witnessed this generosity when one of her peers who was paroling, didn’t know who was picking them up or what would happen once they got out of CCWF.
“Gonzalez sat with them in the Reception and Release building, helping the individual figure out the next step,” Ortega said. “She made sure that person transitioned with peace in her heart. That girl was not even her client. She saw her as a human being in need.”
Once she goes home for the day, however, she tries not to bring her work life with her.
“If I know I did enough that day and did everything I could, I will be able to turn it off and concentrate on my personal needs,” Gonzalez said. “However, sometimes I think I could have done something more.”
Gonzalez’s self-care is lots of puppy time with her three furry kids (dogs): Chewy, Munch, and Gigi. She takes them for long walks accompanied by playtime. She also considers herself a TV junkie and her favorite shows include Law & Order and Chicago Fire. She is a diehard Star Wars fan.
Gonzalez has been working with CDCR for 10 years and her professional goals are to keep challenging herself, and to continue to help with new mental health-geared programs and rehabilitative programs for another 10.
She is also inspired to do new things to continue her support of the incarcerated population.
“Staying involved with the population keeps my passion and my drive going,” Gonzalez said, “I want to continue to challenge myself and find new aspects of the job. Every person is worth it.”
Gonzalez said, “I love coming to prison and I love the work that I do.” She has found her niche and her passion. It has made coming to work a happy thing.
