Shows
NRCAC Team TalkTransitioning From Peer to SupervisorEPISODE SUMMARY: Transitions are such an important part of life, and one of the most challenging transitions is going from peer to supervisor. In this episode, Cara Vock, Program Manager and Chapter Development at Southern Regional Children's Advocacy Center, and Christina Rouse, Program Manager for CAC Development at Southern Regional Children's Advocacy Center, explore the complexities of this shift, sharing practical strategies and personal experiences to help you navigate this career shift. From redefining relationships to establishing boundaries and building leadership skills, they offer valuable insights for anyone stepping into a supervisory role. Tune in for tips...
2025-07-101h 06
The SRCAC ExchangeS3E7: Narrating Joy: Unveiling a CE-CERT toolS3E7: Narrating Joy: Unveiling a CE-CERT tool Imagine if your career satisfaction and well-being depended on the narrative you create about your work. In this episode, we delve into the Components for Enhancing Career Experience and Reducing Trauma (CE-CERT) approach, focusing on the domain of conscious narrative and its crucial role in sustaining professionals in the child abuse field. Dr. Brian Miller, the developer of the CE-CERT model, and Karen Hangartner, Director of Professional Services with the National Children’s Advocacy Center, share their insights on how this concept is influencing the CAC community. Join us as we exp...
2025-05-1252 minThe SRCAC ExchangeS3E6: Staying Power: A case study of exceptional CAC staff retention Why do some professionals remain committed to children's advocacy despite the many challenges? In this episode, we explore the experiences of three long-serving Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) professionals who have navigated decades in this demanding field. Kay Phillips, Jennifer Gamble, and Robert Scott Steele share their stories, offering valuable insights into what drives their long-term dedication to child advocacy. Whether you’re facing struggles yourself or simply curious about the heart behind CAC work, this episode will remind you of the powerful impact of staying committed to making a difference in the lives of children and families. Downlo...
2025-05-0533 minThe SRCAC ExchangeS3E5: Unlocking Potential: Where and how future CAC professionals are emerging How can Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) and Chapters cultivate the next generation of talent in the field? In this episode, we explore Mississippi's pioneering state-wide initiative that unlocks new potential for future professionals. Joining me are Karla Steckler Tye, CEO of Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi, and Didi Ellis, CEO and founder of Kids Hub Child Advocacy Center. Together, they share insights from their combined 25 years of experience, highlighting innovative programming and the transformative CAST program. We also hear from Addison Alexander, a CAST graduate, as she reflects on the value of her experience in shaping her care...
2025-04-2858 minThe SRCAC ExchangeS3E4: Bridging Bonds: The inseparable connection of CACs and MDTs Imagine doing some of the most emotionally challenging work in the world, with a team by your side, offering constant, sometimes invisible support. In this episode, we explore the vital relationship between Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) staff and their multidisciplinary team (MDT) partners—teams that don’t just work together but lean on each other in unseen ways. Joined by Lydia Crivens, Christine Woods, and Johnny Vallejo, we discuss how collaboration, shared values, and everyday acts of appreciation help sustain these teams through the most difficult cases. Discover why strong teamwork is essential in the field of child protection and...
2025-04-2142 minThe SRCAC ExchangeS3E2: Spaces that Thrive: A director's approach to staff wellness in CACs Episode Description: What makes some professionals thrive while others struggle, even with strong leadership? In this episode, we explore the key factors that contribute to a positive and healthy workplace in the child advocacy field. Joined by Paige Piper, Executive Director of BraveBE Child Advocacy Center, and Lori Wells Brown, CEO of Lotus Children's Advocacy Center, we discuss how both organizational culture and physical environments shape well-being and resilience in CAC professionals. Discover the strategies that foster a thriving and engaged workforce. Download Transcript Guests: Paige Piper, MA Exec...
2025-04-071h 02The SRCAC ExchangeS3E1: From Sacrifice to Sustainability: Transforming the culture of CACs Episode 1: From Sacrifice to Sustainability: Transforming the culture of CACs Guest: Sufna John, PhD Associate Professor, Co-Director of the Arkansas Building Effective Services for Trauma (ARBEST) program University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Episode Description: In this episode, we explore how Children’s Advocacy Centers are evolving beyond outdated professional norms that often lead to burnout and martyrdom. Dr. Sufna John, a licensed psychologist and expert in trauma-informed care, joins us to share her insights on fostering a healthier, more sustainable work environment in the CAC field...
2025-03-3154 min
NRCAC Team TalkPreparing for the Unexpected: The Importance of Succession PlanningEPISODE SUMMARY: “Better to be ready than get ready.” We delve deeper into the important topic of succession planning. In this episode, Tony speaks with Christopher St. Cyr who serves as the Executive Director at the Caledonia Children’s Advocacy Center. Chris discusses the importance of being intentional when it comes to succession planning. He guides us through a real-life experience of preparing for change and transition, including an unexpected twist the CAC faced along the way, and the value of being flexible. GUEST: Christopher St. Cyr is the Executive Director with t...
2023-10-1743 minThe SRCAC ExchangeS2E5: Nurturing Growth: Mentorship and supervision in forensic interviewingSeason 2: Forensic Interviewer Growth Continuum Episode 5: Nurturing Growth: Mentorship and supervision in forensic interviewing In the realm of forensic interviewing, mentorship and supervision are not mere luxuries—they are indispensable pillars of growth and development. A mentor’s steady guidance and a supervisor’s watchful eye can make all the difference in developing interviewers. In this episode, we will discuss the possibilities of what mentorship and supervision can look like at your CAC. Through check-ins, constructive feedback, opportunities for self-reflection, and continuous learning opportunities, we acknowledge the significance of these relationships in shaping the future of for...
2023-09-111h 02
The SRCAC ExchangeS2E5: Nurturing Growth: Mentorship and supervision in forensic interviewingSeason 2: Forensic Interviewer Growth Continuum Episode 5: Nurturing Growth: Mentorship and supervision in forensic interviewing In the realm of forensic interviewing, mentorship and supervision are not mere luxuries—they are indispensable pillars of growth and development. A mentor’s steady guidance and a supervisor’s watchful eye can make all the difference in developing interviewers. In this episode, we will discuss the possibilities of what mentorship and supervision can look like at your CAC. Through check-ins, constructive feedback, opportunities for self-reflection, and continuous learning opportunities, we acknowledge the significance of these relationships in shaping the future of for...
2023-09-111h 02The SRCAC ExchangeS2E1: Building Strong Foundations: The importance of onboarding forensic interviewersSeason 2: Forensic Interviewer Growth Continuum Episode 1: Building Strong Foundations: The importance of onboarding forensic interviewers Forensic Interviewing has advanced drastically since its development in the 1980s and continues to evolve every day. We recognize that effective onboarding for forensic interviewers is more than just a checklist - it's a transformative process that shapes the trajectory of forensic interviewers' careers. In this episode, we explore the impact of having a comprehensive and thoughtful onboarding process, so that organizations and professionals can establish a culture of excellence, nurturing the next generation of forensic interviewers. Episode Tr...
2023-08-1550 min
The SRCAC ExchangeS2E1: Building Strong Foundations: The importance of onboarding forensic interviewersSeason 2: Forensic Interviewer Growth Continuum Episode 1: Building Strong Foundations: The importance of onboarding forensic interviewers Forensic Interviewing has advanced drastically since its development in the 1980s and continues to evolve every day. We recognize that effective onboarding for forensic interviewers is more than just a checklist - it's a transformative process that shapes the trajectory of forensic interviewers' careers. In this episode, we explore the impact of having a comprehensive and thoughtful onboarding process, so that organizations and professionals can establish a culture of excellence, nurturing the next generation of forensic interviewers. Episode Tr...
2023-08-1550 min
NRCAC Team TalkSuccession PlanningEPISODE SUMMARY: When you hear succession planning, what comes to mind? Many people will think of a written document that outlines procedures for when there is a transition in leadership. Having a plan for change and transition is critical to the CAC’s stability and continuity of services for children and families. In this episode, Tony speaks with Southern Regional Children’s Advocacy Center Director Emily Chittenden-Laird who has a broader perspective on succession planning. She shares with us the importance of organizational planning and real-life experiences. GUEST: Emily Chittenden-Laird is the...
2023-07-0643 minThe SRCAC ExchangeS1E5: Conversations on PSB with the Experts - Matthew RobertsSeason 1: It Takes A Podcast: Conversations on PSB with the Experts Episode 5: Matthew Roberts Jimmy Widdifield Jr. hosts a conversation with Matthew Roberts, Unit Manager at the Jackson County Family Court in Kansas City, Missouri. Roberts discusses the implementation of a PSB-CBT program in Kansas City in partnership with MOCSA (Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault), how the partnership with MOCSA originated, what the impetus was for implementing a PSB program, and what shifts needed to occur not only within the court system but also with community partners who treat these cases. Matthew Roberts is...
2023-01-3041 minThe SRCAC ExchangeS1E6: Conversations on PSB with the Experts - Julie DonelonSeason 1: It Takes A Podcast: Conversations on PSB with the Experts Episode 6: Julie Donelon Jimmy Widdifield Jr. hosts a conversation with Julie Donelon, President and CEO of MOCSA (Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault) in Kansas City, Missouri. In this episode, Donelon talks about her background as a child abuse and neglect investigator and forensic interviewer and what the impetus was for her to identify and get children with PSB referred into the system. She discusses utilizing her existing relationships with community partners to develop an effective response once a child is referred and witnessing first...
2023-01-3036 minThe SRCAC ExchangeS1E4: Conversations on PSB with the Experts - Paula CondolSeason 1: It Takes A Podcast: Conversations on PSB with the Experts Episode 4: Paula Condol Jimmy Widdifield Jr. hosts a conversation with Paula Condol, Executive Director and Clinician at the Dakota Children's Advocacy Center in Bismarck, ND. This conversation revolves around how Condol built a program to treat children with PSB in the state of North Dakota, where each of the three CACs has a considerable rural service area. Condol also discusses the challenges of providing access to children from around the state and strategies that she has employed herself and in collaboration with a sister C...
2023-01-3041 min
The SRCAC ExchangeS1E6: Conversations on PSB with the Experts - Julie DonelonSeason 1: It Takes A Podcast: Conversations on PSB with the Experts Episode 6: Julie Donelon Jimmy Widdifield Jr. hosts a conversation with Julie Donelon, President and CEO of MOCSA (Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault) in Kansas City, Missouri. In this episode, Donelon talks about her background as a child abuse and neglect investigator and forensic interviewer and what the impetus was for her to identify and get children with PSB referred into the system. She discusses utilizing her existing relationships with community partners to develop an effective response once a child is referred and witnessing first...
2023-01-3036 min
The SRCAC ExchangeS1E5: Conversations on PSB with the Experts - Matthew RobertsSeason 1: It Takes A Podcast: Conversations on PSB with the Experts Episode 5: Matthew Roberts Jimmy Widdifield Jr. hosts a conversation with Matthew Roberts, Unit Manager at the Jackson County Family Court in Kansas City, Missouri. Roberts discusses the implementation of a PSB-CBT program in Kansas City in partnership with MOCSA (Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault), how the partnership with MOCSA originated, what the impetus was for implementing a PSB program, and what shifts needed to occur not only within the court system but also with community partners who treat these cases. Matthew Roberts is...
2023-01-3041 min
The SRCAC ExchangeS1E4: Conversations on PSB with the Experts - Paula CondolSeason 1: It Takes A Podcast: Conversations on PSB with the Experts Episode 4: Paula Condol Jimmy Widdifield Jr. hosts a conversation with Paula Condol, Executive Director and Clinician at the Dakota Children's Advocacy Center in Bismarck, ND. This conversation revolves around how Condol built a program to treat children with PSB in the state of North Dakota, where each of the three CACs has a considerable rural service area. Condol also discusses the challenges of providing access to children from around the state and strategies that she has employed herself and in collaboration with a sister C...
2023-01-3041 min
The SRCAC ExchangeS1E3: Conversations on PSB with the Experts - Carrie Jenkins and Julia GrimmSeason 1: It Takes A Podcast: Conversations on PSB with the Experts Episode 3: Carrie Jenkins and Julia Grimm Jimmy Widdifield Jr. hosts a conversation with Carrie Jenkins and Julia Grimm of the Dee Norton Children’s Advocacy Center in Charleston. This conversation focuses on the catalyst for the Dee Norton CAC to address the issue of PSB, the MDT approach to the program that they have developed, the various therapeutic options for children with PSB and their families, the barriers and successes that they have experienced, and how handling these cases is different with this program ver...
2023-01-3051 min
The SRCAC ExchangeS1E2: Conversations on PSB with the Experts - Michelle MillerSeason 1: It Takes A Podcast: Conversations on PSB with the Experts Episode 2: Michelle Miller Jimmy Widdifield Jr. hosts a conversation with Michelle Miller, Director of Mental Health Programs at the National Children’s Alliance. Miller discusses why effectively treating children with problematic sexual behavior is so critical, the specific challenges around providing this treatment, changing perceptions in this field, and current resources developed by NCA on this topic. Miller also talks about the future goals and hopes of her continued work in this area. Michelle Miller, PhD, LCSW, LCPC, is the Director for Mental...
2023-01-3034 min
The SRCAC ExchangeS1E1: Conversations on PSB with the Experts - Jane SilovskySeason 1: It Takes A Podcast: Conversations on PSB with the Experts Episode 1: Jane Silovsky Jimmy Widdifield Jr. hosts a conversation with Jane Silovsky, Director of the National Center on the Sexual Behavior of Youth (NCSBY). Silovsky discusses how she became involved in the Problematic Sexual Behavior field, the evolution of research into PSB, the importance of caregivers and an interdisciplinary approach to treating children with PSB, and how the CAC model is an ideal model for understanding and effectively responding to these youth and their families. Jane Silovsky is a researcher, clinical psychologist, professor at th...
2023-01-3045 minThe SRCAC ExchangeS1E3: Conversations on PSB with the Experts - Carrie Jenkins and Julia GrimmSeason 1: It Takes A Podcast: Conversations on PSB with the Experts Episode 3: Carrie Jenkins and Julia Grimm Jimmy Widdifield Jr. hosts a conversation with Carrie Jenkins and Julia Grimm of the Dee Norton Children’s Advocacy Center in Charleston. This conversation focuses on the catalyst for the Dee Norton CAC to address the issue of PSB, the MDT approach to the program that they have developed, the various therapeutic options for children with PSB and their families, the barriers and successes that they have experienced, and how handling these cases is different with this program ver...
2023-01-3051 minThe SRCAC ExchangeS1E2: Conversations on PSB with the Experts - Michelle MillerSeason 1: It Takes A Podcast: Conversations on PSB with the Experts Episode 2: Michelle Miller Jimmy Widdifield Jr. hosts a conversation with Michelle Miller, Director of Mental Health Programs at the National Children’s Alliance. Miller discusses why effectively treating children with problematic sexual behavior is so critical, the specific challenges around providing this treatment, changing perceptions in this field, and current resources developed by NCA on this topic. Miller also talks about the future goals and hopes of her continued work in this area. Michelle Miller, PhD, LCSW, LCPC, is the Director for Mental...
2023-01-3034 minThe SRCAC ExchangeS1E1: Conversations on PSB with the Experts - Jane SilovskySeason 1: It Takes A Podcast: Conversations on PSB with the Experts Episode 1: Jane Silovsky Jimmy Widdifield Jr. hosts a conversation with Jane Silovsky, Director of the National Center on the Sexual Behavior of Youth (NCSBY). Silovsky discusses how she became involved in the Problematic Sexual Behavior field, the evolution of research into PSB, the importance of caregivers and an interdisciplinary approach to treating children with PSB, and how the CAC model is an ideal model for understanding and effectively responding to these youth and their families. Jane Silovsky is a researcher, clinical psychologist, professor at th...
2023-01-3045 min
NRCAC Team TalkMoving Beyond Case ReviewEPISODE SUMMARY: How do you define the role and responsibilities of Team Facilitator at your CAC? In this episode, Tony speaks with Sue, Vicky, and Brittnee on professionalizing the role of the Team Facilitator. They discuss the importance of the role moving beyond case review to having the role be viewed as more of a leadership position within the CAC. Furthermore, they share what was learned from a recent survey done as a collaborative project by the four Regional Children’s Advocacy Centers. GUESTS: Sue Ascione is a Training Specialist at the...
2022-07-0756 minThe SRCAC ExchangeEpisode 3: Perspectives from the Field: The Role of Team FacilitatorJoin us for a conversation with three team facilitators about the challenges and benefits of the MDT model, common struggles that teams experience, best ways to support the facilitator role, and what advice they would offer to other teams in the field. Greg Flett has over 15 years of experience working with child-serving non-profit organizations throughout the U.S. He has served as Executive Director of CACs in New York and Colorado and has facilitated trainings with MDTs and team facilitators from across the country. Greg joined SRCAC in October of 2017 and continues to provide training and technical...
2022-04-2655 min
The SRCAC ExchangeEpisode 3: Perspectives from the Field: The Role of Team FacilitatorJoin us for a conversation with three team facilitators about the challenges and benefits of the MDT model, common struggles that teams experience, best ways to support the facilitator role, and what advice they would offer to other teams in the field. Greg Flett has over 15 years of experience working with child-serving non-profit organizations throughout the U.S. He has served as Executive Director of CACs in New York and Colorado and has facilitated trainings with MDTs and team facilitators from across the country. Greg joined SRCAC in October of 2017 and continues to provide training and technical...
2022-04-2655 min
NRCAC Team Talk24. Forensic Interviewer Skill Development with the National Children's Advocacy CenterEPISODE SUMMARY: In the final episode of the 4-part series on Skill Development for Forensic Interviewers, Tony speaks with Andra Chamberlin and Kim Madden from the National Children’s Advocacy Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Both Andra and Kim are trainers and forensic interview specialists with a wealth of experience in the child abuse field. During the conversation, Kim and Andra share their thoughts on the skills needed to be an effective forensic interviewer and how CACs and MDTs can develop a process to where interviews take the foundational knowledge gained during their initial training and build more form...
2021-08-0555 min
NRCAC Team TalkElevating Your FI ProgramEPISODE SUMMARY: Still searching for that elusive perfect forensic interview? In this second episode of our two-part conversation with Michele Thames and Christina Rouse, forensic interviewers from Virginia, we discuss the importance of leadership to the success of a forensic interviewing program. When child abuse occurs, cases may be investigated using a Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) and a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT). Forensic Interviewers are often employed at CACs and tasked with gathering reliable information from children. An interviewer is required to have knowledge in child development, memory formation, cultural influences, state and federal laws, and...
2021-07-0152 min
NRCAC Team TalkIn Search of the Perfect FIEPISODE SUMMARY: Is your team searching for the perfect forensic interview? Although a “perfect” outcome might not be possible, the journey is important. In this episode, I speak with two forensic interviewers from the Commonwealth of Virginia about that journey. We discuss some of the challenges that might get in the way and what interviewers and team members can do to overcome the obstacles that impact the journey toward perfection. In the last 5 years, over 1 million children have received forensic interview services at Child Advocacy Centers across the United States. In this second episode of a 4...
2021-06-1752 min
NRCAC Team TalkNCA AccreditationEPISODE SUMMARY: Becoming accredited with the National Children's Alliance has a lot of value for CACs, but the process can seem daunting. Darcy Fluharty and Shyra Williams from the Hanenburg CAC in Holland, MI discuss with us the benefits they've experienced in their over 20 years of being an accredited CAC and share some tips on how to best prepare for the accreditation process. GUEST: Darcy Fluharty is the Executive Director of the Hanenburg CAC in Holland, MI. Shyra Williams is the Program Director of the Hanenburg CAC. RE...
2020-11-1251 min