Terri J. Anderson, Chief Municipal Judge, City of Laurens 

While monitoring our clerk's participation and growth,  I have found MCAA Mentee Program to be an incredibly valuable tool because it gives these participants a comfortable environment to ask the "dumb questions" that really aren't dumb at all. If you think about it, during conferences and training sessions, many people hesitate to ask simple—but important—questions. They may worry about being judged by the "know-it-all" in the room who might think, "Are they seriously asking that?" Or they may feel the unspoken pressure from the group that says, "No one ask any more questions—we're ready to move on." 

This one-on-one approach removes those barriers. It allows individuals to ask detailed questions, gain a deeper understanding, and explore topics without feeling like they're holding up or imposing on a larger group. It also gives the mentor the opportunity to ask follow-up questions, leading to answers that are tailored to the individual's specific situation. Since every city and county operates differently—whether through unique procedures, organizational structures, or staffing models—a personalized conversation often provides far more meaningful guidance than a general group discussion. 

I have seen the positive impact this program has had on our courtroom operations, our day-to-day office functions, and our overall efficiency. The knowledge and skills gained have contributed to a smoother, more organized, and better-informed office. It has been rewarding to see the difference this experience has made, and I am grateful that our employee had the opportunity to participate. 

As an added bonus, we were fortunate to have Pam as the mentor. You simply can't ask for anyone better. She is exceptionally knowledgeable, engaging, and insightful. She shed light on areas we didn't even realize we needed to better understand, helping identify and address gaps we didn't know existed. Her guidance has been invaluable, and the positive impact of her mentorship is evident in our daily operations. 

James Hall, Court Clerk, Town of Jackson 

The mentoring program met a critical need by connecting court clerks with experienced mentors and their teams for immediate support. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from and meet my mentor, Mrs. Lisa Cunningham, and her staff. Her guidance gave me valuable insight that helped improve my productivity and effectiveness both in and out of court. 

Doris Hamilton, Clerk/Treasurer, Town of Gray Court 

I am so grateful for MCAA implementation of the Mentorship Program. My mentor, Donna DeRado, Judicial Director/Chief Municipal Judge, City of Maudlin.  

The friendship that we developed is awesome.  She is never too busy to assistant me with any CMS issues that I may have.  Donna always encourages me & continuously say, “it’s fine & I am here to get you through – we will figure it out.”  She has a very busy schedule but manages to schedule weekly visits with me when possible. She is very professional, knowledgeable and always willing to help me improve my CMS procedures. MCAA Mentorship Program has given me a better understanding and the importance of my CMS procedures. My thanks to everyone involved for implementing the MCAA Mentor Program.