When Ariel Montoya pictured what she would be when she grew up, a corrections officer was never on the list. Ariel originally moved to New Mexico in search of a Family Studies degree at UNM, but after listening to her brother’s constant stories about his job at the Penitentiary of New Mexico, she decided to take a leap of faith and give it a shot – much to the dismay of the rest of her family.

The seemingly timid CO from season one admits she hasn’t taken the easiest career path, but she is determined to succeed.