Cathy is a licensed independent clinical social worker, who brings over twenty-five years of experience in the social work and child advocacy field. She joined Justice Resource Institute, twenty-two years ago, and during that time has served in a variety of positions, throughout Southeastern MA, working closely with children, families, and community partners. As the Co-Executive Director of the CAC of Bristol County, Cathy helped to establish our Healing and Resiliency Program, which offers evidence-based, trauma informed treatment to children and families. In addition, she supports and supervises staff, in a variety of positions, within the CAC. Contact Cathy: [email protected] or (508) 674-6111 Extension: 38102

Lara Stone, Co-Executive Director of the CAC, has worked with community-based and charitable organizations to advance and market their success for over 30 years. As Co-Executive Director of the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) of Bristol County, a program of JRI, Lara manages all fundraising activities, grant-writing and legislative affairs. With an active Capital Campaign Committee, Lara led our $3 million capital campaign for the agency’s new home. Prior to joining the staff of the CAC, Lara served in elected office as a Selectwoman in the Town of Dartmouth, MA. She is the former Director of Development for UMass Dartmouth’s Charlton College of Business and the College of Engineering, Director of Development at the Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of Southeastern MA and Assistant Director of the Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board. Lara has spent her career managing public-private partnerships and securing funding to protect children and families. She has presented extensively to legislative delegations, trained community-based partners in best practice service delivery and consulted to non-profit organizations on their fundraising campaigns and board development. Contact Lara: [email protected] or (508) 674-6111 Extension: 38105

Maria is our Office Manager at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Bristol County. She brings over 19 years of Administrative experience, and 9 of those years as an Office Manager. She has been with us for 4 years, assisting with Donor Relations, Fundraising, Accounting and Operations. Maria loves fixing any problem that comes her way and brings creativity whenever possible. Being multi-lingual in English, Portuguese, and Spanish allows her to troubleshoot and support the needs of our families and clients. Contant Maria: [email protected] or (508) 674-6111 Extension: 38108

Stephanie is a trauma-informed clinician and director of the HARP (Healing and Resiliency Program) at the CAC.  Stephanie has over 15 years of experience in the field of child maltreatment. Stephanie is nationally certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), and Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention (CFSTI).  She is also trained in Alternative Families Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT), Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Therapy (SMART), and Problematic Sexual Behavior Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (PSB-CBT).   Stephanie holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Rhode Island College and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Massachusetts.   Stephanie provides leadership and supervision of the CAC’s mental health program, as well as outreach, support and psychoeducation to families and providers when a CAC referral has been made. Contact Stephanie: [email protected] or (508) 674-6111 Extension: 38103

Samantha has been with the CAC since 2015; she has been a Mental Health Coordinator, Family Advocate, and now manages referrals for the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC, also referred to as Human Trafficking).  She holds Bachelors and Masters degrees in Forensic Psychology and has also worked in inpatient treatment.  She is passionate about multi-disciplinary team coordination and believes that survivors are best supported through this teamwork.  In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, and eating ice cream. Contact Sam: [email protected] or (508) 674-6111 Extension: 38113

Jillian Allen brings fourteen years of experience working with children and families throughout school departments, residential settings, as well as outpatient and in home therapeutic clinical services. She is currently a trauma informed mental health clinician of the HARP (Healing and Resiliency Program) at the CAC. Jillian has completed training in Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Problematic Sexual Behavior Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment, and Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga. Contact Jillian: [email protected] or (508) 674-6111 Extension: 38117

Catarina is an interviewer for the Bristol County District Attorney, at the Children’s Advocacy Center.  She worked in the field of child welfare for 17 years prior to transitioning to the CAC in 2021.  Catarina is passionate about the CAC’s mission and believes that every child should have a safe space to share their story so they can begin healing. Contact Catarina: [email protected] or (508) 674-6111 Extension: 38115

Ashley has over 15 years of experience in the childcare field and has provided youth court case management and family advocacy support. She has an educational background in Criminal Justice and Communications. Ashley is one of our Family Advocates and is bilingual in both Spanish & English. She is passionate about helping disadvantaged youth and volunteering for important causes. After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Ashley volunteered in New Orleans to rebuild homes for families. She enjoys supporting youth and families through difficult situations. Contact Ashley: [email protected] or (508) 674-6111 Extension: 38119

Lisa is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. In her 19 years of working in Health Care her primary focus has been meeting the needs of children and families through trauma-informed compassionate care. Contact Lisa: [email protected] or (508) 674-6111 Extension: 38107

Donna has been in the child care field for over 13 years, and a receptionist for 12 years. She’s has been at the CAC since 2017 as our Family and Program Support Specialist. You will see her smiling face welcoming you into our space. From her seasonally decorated desk and pet rock Pebbles; to the summertime popsicles, she has a way of making you feel right at home. She’s is passionate in the work she does and enjoys getting to know the families that come through the CAC. Contact Donna: [email protected] or (508) 674-6111 Extension: 38101

Chief, Assistance Dog for the Bristol County District. Chief joined the team in 2022 after being matched with his handler. Chief enjoys belly rubs, frosty paws, and lending a helping paw. He was purchased by the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, and was trained by NEADS World Class Service Dogs. Chief is named after a fallen U.S. soldier who fought in Iraq. He passed the Assistance Dogs International Public Access/Safety Test and is available to join children who request his presence in an interview.

Jessica Croak, M.A., HARP Mental Health Clinician, has worked in the mental health field for over 7 years. She has a background in providing trauma-informed care in a multitude of settings such as residential treatment, group home care, community mental health, and outpatient mental health. Jessica provides group, individual, and family therapy. She completed her MA internship at the CAC of Bristol County. Her primary experience is working with children, adolescents, and young adults. She enjoys using a person-centered approach to help foster self-exploration, healing, and resiliency.  Contact Jessica: [email protected] or (508) 674-6111 Extension:

Samantha Dias, MSW, LCSW, is a forensic interviewer for the Bristol County District Attorneys office at the CAC. Samantha started her journey working with the CAC in 2015 before transitioning to the DAs office in 2018 beginning her career as an interviewer. Contact Sam: [email protected] or (508) 674-6111 Extension: 38114

Kyla Farias is currently serving as the Education and Outreach Prevention Coordinator, providing education on topics related to the work of the CAC to professionals, caregivers, and youth. Kyla facilitates trainings throughout the county regarding mandated reporting, digital safety for youth, child sexual abuse prevention, and the commercial sexual exploitation of children. Prior to this position, Kyla spent several years working as a case manager serving children and families with extensive trauma backgrounds through in-home services for both Intensive Foster Care and Family Stabilization. She has worked through a trauma-informed approach in crisis intervention, shelters and safe houses throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Contact Kyla: [email protected] or (508) 674-6111 Extension: 38110

Aly has been with the CAC since 2022, first as a family advocate and now as our Missing Youth Advocate. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Crime and Justice Studies and a Master’s degree in Police Administration. Prior to joining the CAC team, Aly worked in law enforcement for 8 years. She is passionate about finding missing kids and offering families support navigating these difficult situations. In her free time she enjoys walking her dog and traveling. Contact Aly: [email protected] or (508) 674-6111 Extension: 38106

Louann Markley, LCSW is a trauma informed mental health clinician of HARP (Healing and Resiliency Program) at the CAC. She graduated with her Masters in Social Work from Bridgewater State University. She has been in the mental health field for 7 years, starting at an Intensive Residential Treatment Program moving onto Therapeutic Mentoring, and now Outpatient Therapy. She trained in ARC, TF-CBT, CFTSI, and is currently being trained in PSB-CBT. In sessions, she enjoys using art, movement-based activities, or games with clients. Contact Louann: [email protected] or (508) 674-6111 Extension: 38122

Priscilla is a trauma informed mental health clinician of the HARP (Healing and Resiliency Program) at the CAC. Priscilla completed her masters at Boston University School of Social Work and is trained in TF-CBT, SMART, EMDR, CFTSI, COSP and use of non-directive CCPT techniques. She has six years of experience in outpatient therapy settings and previous experience in community mental health settings providing in home therapy with families as well as working in the foster care system as a case manager advocating for the needs of foster children and their foster families. Contact Priscilla: [email protected] or (508) 674-6111 Extension: 38124

Kerrin has an educational background in Psychology and Criminal Justice. She graduated Cum Laude and is working on her Masters in Social Work. As a dedicated Family Advocate, she brings valuable experience in childcare, particularly with disabled children. With over five years of expertise in customer service and training facilitation skills, Kerrin is deeply committed to assisting clients and families in finding the support they need. Contact Kerrin: [email protected] or (508) 674-6111 Extension: 38109

Katie is a Mental Health Clinician at the Healing and Resiliency Program (HARP) at the CAC. She has received training in multiple evidenced based treatment modalities in order to best serve children and families impacted by trauma. Katie is trained in Child Focused Traumatic Stress Intervention (CFTSI), Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Problematic Sexual Behavior – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (PSB-CBT) and Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment (SMART). In addition to the above listed treatment models, she is also trained in Play Therapy techniques and the framework Attachment, Regulation and Competency (ARC). Previously, she held the position of Family Advocate at the CAC for over six years. This provided her a background in case management as well as a foundation of knowledge of the multiple agencies involved in protecting children. Contact Katie: [email protected] or (508) 674-6111 Extension: 38116