I love the kind of story that makes you feel proud to live in a small town like ours. A place where people roll up their sleeves and just get it done when something needs fixing instead of just hoping someone else will figure it. One of those people is Deputy Probation Officer, Karyn Mueller.

Now, Karyn isn’t the kind of person to go around bragging about her work, but luckily, the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) did it for her. In December of last year, she was named the 2024 Sacramento Region Employee of the Year, and trust me, it’s well deserved.

From Probation to Passion Projects

Those who know Karyn say she’s got a heart the size of the county and a tireless drive to lift up young people. She focuses mostly on those who’ve aged out of foster care and are trying to make their way in a world that hasn’t exactly made it easy.

She saw a huge roadblock holding these youth back: transportation.
Can’t get to work, class, or interviews. Basically: no car, no shot.
So instead of just saying “oh, that’s unfortunate,” she co-founded a nonprofit called Beyond the Barriers California with Helena Heinzelman, a foster youth specialist with the Nevada County Superintendent of Schools.

This isn’t just some nice idea collecting dust in a folder. They’re out here putting keys in hands. Real cars, real repairs, real roadside help, and a whole education around vehicle ownership. It’s the kind of “no excuses” help that gives these young adults a real shot at success—and freedom.

A Leader Kids Can Count On

Outside of the nonprofit work, Karyn’s also been the driving force behind our local Youth Commission and works closely with schools, helping create programs that actually connect with teens. She’s not just meeting kids where they’re at—she’s making sure there’s a better path forward when they’re ready to walk it.

Her boss, Chief Probation Officer Jeff Goldman, summed it up perfectly when he called her the “go-to leader for juvenile services in our community.” And he’s not wrong. She’s shaping systems while staying grounded in real, human impact.

In a world that often feels like it’s shouting bad news from every direction, this is the kind of story that reminds us of the quiet heroes—those who don’t chase headlines, but end up making them anyway because their work is that good.

So here’s to Karyn Mueller. For showing us that public service doesn’t have to be bureaucratic, it can be bold. For giving youth a set of car keys and a second chance. For proving that change doesn’t come from waiting—it comes from action.

Do you know someone quietly doing big things in our community? Nominate them to be featured!

Just fill out the form below and I’ll reach out within 24 hours to learn more about your nominee and their impact.

Let’s shine a light on the people who deserve it most—because the best stories start when someone like you takes the time to notice.