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Contains 4 Component(s) Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 10/08/2026 at 2:00 PM (EDT)
Join NCA for quarterly discussion calls to exchange ideas with other CACs working with military partners. Join us to share about your collaboration with military partners and learn what other CACs are doing to strengthen services for military families. Each call will include opportunity for highlighting successful practices, discussing challenges, and sharing ideas for improving CAC-military service coordination. Calls will take place the second Thursday of January, April, July, and October 2-3pm ET. All CACs are welcome to join calls when they can (attendance at all calls is not required). Please note that calls are live events and will not be recorded.
Join NCA for quarterly discussion calls to exchange ideas with other CACs working with military partners. Join us to share about your collaboration with military partners and learn what other CACs are doing to strengthen services for military families. Each call will include opportunity for highlighting successful practices, discussing challenges, and sharing ideas for improving CAC-military service coordination.
Calls will take place the second Thursday of January, April, July, and October 2-3pm ET. All CACs are welcome to join calls when they can (attendance at all calls is not required). Please note that calls are live events and will not be recorded.
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 09/23/2026 at 3:00 PM (EDT)
Mass violence incidents are increasing across the United States, and appropriate investigative responses are critically important. This module will discuss reasons for conducting forensic interviews of victims and witnesses in mass violence investigations, logistical considerations, and suggested techniques when responding to these events. An opportunity for Q&A will follow the live presentation.
Mass violence incidents are increasing across the United States, and appropriate investigative responses are critically important. This module will discuss reasons for conducting forensic interviews of victims and witnesses in mass violence investigations, logistical considerations, and suggested techniques when responding to these events. An opportunity for Q&A will follow the live presentation.
$i++ ?>Ashleigh Fuller
Child/Adolescent Interviewer
FBI
Ashleigh Fuller has been employed as a Child/Adolescent Forensic Interviewer with the FBI Victim Services Division, Child Victim Services Unit since October 2020. Prior to joining the FBI, Ms. Fuller was a Forensic Interviewer at a Children's Advocacy Center in Louisiana for over six years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Louisiana State University and a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology from the University of Denver. Additionally, Ms. Fuller provides interviews, consultations, and training for FBI Agents, Assistant United States Attorneys, and other federal, state, and international law enforcement.
$i++ ?>Michele Thames
Child/Adolescent Forensic Interviewer
FBI
Michele is a Child/Adolescent Forensic Interviewer for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In that role, Michele serves as a subject matter expert in forensic interviewing and child abuse for the Bureau. She conducts forensic interviews following the FBI’s protocol for presentingevidence in cases involving juveniles and adult victims of CSEC/trafficking cases.
Previously, Michele was the Executive Director of SafeSpot Children’s Advocacy Center in Fairfax, Virginia and prior to that, she was the Supervisor of the Forensic Interview Program at the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters Child Abuse Program in Norfolk, Virginia. Michele has conducted over 3,500 forensic interviews in a multidisciplinary team setting for local, state, federal, and military agencies. She has provided extensive training in child abuse and forensic
interviewing, participates in supervision and peer review, and provides expert testimony upon request. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education from Cambridge College.-
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 09/22/2026 at 2:00 PM (EDT)
This webinar helps Child Advocacy Centers better understand Military Family Advocacy Services from referral through assessment, treatment, and case closure. Participants will learn how military FAP respond to concerns involving military families, including reporting requirements, safety assessments, and service coordination. The session emphasizes how CACs can work effectively within military systems while continuing to center child safety and trauma-informed care. Practical insights will be shared to strengthen collaboration and reduce confusion when cases involve active duty families.
This webinar helps Child Advocacy Centers better understand Military Family Advocacy Services from referral through assessment, treatment, and case closure. Participants will learn how military FAP respond to concerns involving military families, including reporting requirements, safety assessments, and service coordination. The session emphasizes how CACs can work effectively within military systems while continuing to center child safety and trauma-informed care. Practical insights will be shared to strengthen collaboration and reduce confusion when cases involve active duty families.
$i++ ?>Janique Parnell
Family Advocacy Program Specialist
Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1, U.S. Army
Ms. Parnell is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and supervisor with more than 20 years of experience as a subject matter expert for domestic violence, child maltreatment, and high-risk family concerns. She has provided policy implementation guidance, clinical and administrative oversight, training, and program development support to Army behavioral health and Family Advocacy teams across a large multi-state region. She earned an M.S.S.W. and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. Ms. Parnell is currently a FAP Specialist with HQDA, G-1. Her previous positions include Regional Social Work Consultant, for more than 27 Army FAP clinics both CONUS and OCONUS, Child and Family Behavioral Health/School Based Behavioral Health Clinics, Supervisory Social Worker for the Warrior Transition Brigade at Fort Hood, Family Advocacy Program Clinical Social Worker, Combat Stress Social Work Officer in the U.S. Army Reserve, including deployment to Iraq and Slavic Linguist, including deployment in support of the Bosnia Mission. Across these roles, she has led multidisciplinary teams; provided trauma-informed, family-systems-based care; contributed to suicide prevention and resilience initiatives; and helped commands align practice with Department of Defense, MEDCOM, and accreditation standards, with a consistent focus on improving safety, readiness, and outcomes for soldiers and their families.
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 09/16/2026 at 3:00 PM (EDT)
This webinar provides Child Advocacy Centers with an overview of how cases involving Problematic Sexual Behavior in Children and Youth (PSB CY) are handled within the military system. Participants will learn how military Family Advocacy Programs and related partners assess safety, coordinate responses, and support children and families. The presentation highlights key military and civilian processes, including reporting requirements and service coordination. Emphasis is placed on collaboration, trauma-informed care, and keeping children safe.
This webinar provides Child Advocacy Centers with an overview of how cases involving Problematic Sexual Behavior in Children and Youth (PSB CY) are handled within the military system. Participants will learn how military Family Advocacy Programs and related partners assess safety, coordinate responses, and support children and families. The presentation highlights key military and civilian processes, including reporting requirements and service coordination. Emphasis is placed on collaboration, trauma-informed care, and keeping children safe.
$i++ ?>Amy Fustino, MSS, MLSP, LCSW
Clinical Analyst (PSB-CY & Prevention)
Commander, Navy Installations Command
Amy Fustino was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. She earned a bachelor’s in Business Administration from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Fredonia College in Fredonia, New York and later a Masters of Social Service (MSS) and Master of Law and Social Policy (MLSP) from the Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research (GSSWSR) at Bryn Mawr College in Bryn Mawr Pennsylvania.
Ms. Fustino is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and currently serves as a Clinical Counseling Program Analyst for the Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) in Washington D.C. Her portfolio includes Problematic Sexual Behavior in Children and Youth (PSB-CY) and Family Advocacy Program (FAP) Prevention and Education. She has over twenty years of experience as a clinician and social worker at nonprofits, advocacy programs, mental health hospitals and treatment centers, outpatient counseling centers and Fleet and Family Services Centers. As the Navy’s SME and POC for PSB-CY she has collaborated on numerous multi-service working groups in order to develop policies, procedures and products as well as spearheaded several initiatives at the service level in order to ensure a standardized process and support to Navy families.
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Charnelle Cook, LPC
Family Advocacy Prevention Specialist
Department of the Air Force Family Advocacy Program
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Marshe' Milbourne-Jackson, LPC
Family Advocacy Program Manager/Coordinator
United States Coast Guard
Marshé Milbourne-Jackson is the Family Advocacy Program Manager at the Office of Wellness (CG-WFS-1) with the United States Coast Guard. Marshe’ brings with her extensive knowledge of, and experience in, mental health services in private and public sectors.
A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia, Marshé holds a Master of Arts in Community Counseling from Regent University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Hampton University. Her experience includes work with youth and families at the Tidewater Regional Group Home Commission, HOPE Inc., the Up Center, and various group homes for adolescents working with juvenile offenders and therapeutic foster care.
Marshé's career trajectory speaks volumes about her commitment to family well-being. From her early work with youth in challenging circumstances to her extensive experience within the Navy's FAP from 2007-2019, including leadership roles at JEB Little Creek/Ft. Story, Naval Station Norfolk, and Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Marshé has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to providing crucial support services.
Her experience as the Mid-Atlantic Regional Quality Assurance/Risk Management Coordinator with Fleet and Family Support Program further solidifies her expertise in program oversight and quality control.
Since joining the Coast Guard as the FAP Coordinator in 2019, Marshé has been instrumental in shaping the approach to family advocacy. Marshe’ was promoted to the Family Advocacy Program Manager in 2025 and continues to lead the charge, bringing her wealth of knowledge and passion to this essential program.
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Laura Walker
PSB-CY Specialist
United States Marine Corps Headquarters
Laura Walker is the USMC PSB-CY Specialist and has served in this role since January 2022. Prior to joining USMC Headquarters, she worked as a middle school social worker for four years in a public school system in Washington, DC, supporting students and families through academic, behavioral, and social-emotional challenges.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Social Work from George Mason University. Her professional background combines experience in youth development, behavioral health, and family systems with her current work supporting military-connected communities.
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 09/10/2026 at 2:00 PM (EDT)
Join representatives from state chapters across the country for a panel discussion on building coordinated statewide responses to commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). Panelists will share how they brought partners together, established a shared vision, and developed strategies to strengthen statewide collaboration. Attendees will hear about successes, challenges, and lessons learned in creating statewide approaches to identification, response, service delivery, and system coordination.
Join representatives from state chapters across the country for a panel discussion on building coordinated statewide responses to commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). Panelists will share how they brought partners together, established a shared vision, and developed strategies to strengthen statewide collaboration. Attendees will hear about successes, challenges, and lessons learned in creating statewide approaches to identification, response, service delivery, and system coordination.
$i++ ?>Naeshia McDowell, MPH
Director ofStrategic Partnership and Development
Children's Advocacy Centers of Georgia
Naeshia McDowell is the Director of the Commercial Sexual Exploitation (CSEC) Response Team, a program of the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Georgia. Naeshia leads a multidisciplinary team of professionals who provide assessment and crisis intervention services to children impacted by child sex trafficking. Naeshia earned her MPH from Georgia State University. Naeshia is an active member of the Georgia Statewide Human Trafficking Taskforce and the Coalition to Combat Human Trafficking. She also serves as co-chair of the National Children’s Alliance CSEC Collaborative Work Group. In 2022, Naeshia was named to the Statewide Expert Committee on Child Abuse, Sexual Assault, and Human Trafficking.
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Kim Marcantonio
Manager of CSEC Programming
CACs of Pennsylvania
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Latirah Cisero
Statewide CSEC Program Manager
Massachusetts Children's Alliance
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Beth Pierson
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children Specialist
Missouri Network Against Child Abuse
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 08/26/2026 at 3:00 PM (EDT)
This presentation focuses on the growing threat of online extremist networks and the unique challenges they present when identifying victims and conducting interviews. VON refers to decentralized online extremist networks that target vulnerable individuals, often minors, through social media platforms, gaming spaces, and encrypted messaging apps. These groups use manipulation, coercion, and psychological control to exploit victims. Tactics may include grooming, threats, humiliation, self-harm coercion, sexual exploitation, and the production of violent or degrading content. Unlike traditional organized groups, these channels operate through loosely connected online communities that encourage escalating harm, radicalization, and control over victims. Victims are often isolated, fearful, and manipulated into believing they cannot leave or report the abuse. An opportunity for Q&A will follow the live presentation.
This presentation focuses on the growing threat of online extremist networks and the unique challenges they present when identifying victims and conducting interviews. VON refers to decentralized online extremist networks that target vulnerable individuals, often minors, through social media platforms, gaming spaces, and encrypted messaging apps. These groups use manipulation, coercion, and psychological control to exploit victims. Tactics may include grooming, threats, humiliation, self-harm coercion, sexual exploitation, and the production of violent or degrading content. Unlike traditional organized groups, these channels operate through loosely connected online communities that encourage escalating harm, radicalization, and control over victims. Victims are often isolated, fearful, and manipulated into believing they cannot leave or report the abuse. An opportunity for Q&A will follow the live presentation.
$i++ ?>Shannon Martucci
Child/Adolescent Forensic Interviewer
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Shannon Martucci has been a Child/Adolescent Forensic Interviewer (CAFI) for the Federal Bureau of Investigation since 2014. Shannon is located in the Atlanta regional office and covers some of the Southeast region of the United States of America to include Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, and parts of northern Florida. Shannon has a Master of Science degree in Professional Counseling, a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, and she is a National Certified Counselor. She began her career as a forensic interviewer in 2010 at the 13th Judicial Circuit’s Administrative Offices of the Court- Children’s Advocacy Center in Tampa, FL. Shannon has conducted forensic interviews for a variety of violations to include: cyber exploitation, human trafficking, kidnapping, domestic terrorism, homicide, sexual abuse, physical abuse, and domestic violence. Shannon also has extensive experience as a trainer to law enforcement, service providers, and community members in various topics related to child abuse. Due to her training and experience in Forensic Interviewing, Shannon testifies in court as an expert in the Forensic Interview process.
$i++ ?>Kathryn VanDewark
Child and Adolescent Forensic Interviewer
FBI
Kathryn VanDewark has been employed as a Child/Adolescent Forensic Interviewer with the FBI Victim Services Division, Child Victim Services Unit since January 2023. Kathryn is located in the Salt Lake City regional office. Her Area of coverage includes Utah, Idaho, and triages New Mexico. In her role as a Forensic Interviewer, Kathryn serves as a subject matter expert in forensic interviewing, trauma, and child abuse for the Bureau. Prior to joining the FBI, Kathryn was the Executive Director and Forensic Interviewer at The Children’s House Child Advocacy Center for nine years. In her 14 years of forensic interviews experience, she has conducted interviews in many violations to include but aren’t limited to physical abuse, sexual abuse, domestic violence, mass violence victims, sex trafficking, homicide, cyber exploitation, and kidnapping. Kathryn in addition to conducting forensic interviews, Kathryn also provides expert testimony, case assistance, and training both at a national and international level to FBI personnel, United States Attorneys, and other federal, state, and local agencies.
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 08/20/2026 at 2:00 PM (EDT)
This panel of Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) professionals will share how their teams have approached cases developing their CAC’s response to commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). Panelists will discuss how they define and identify CSEC cases, strategies for engaging multidisciplinary team partners, and the key community partners needed to build an effective response. The conversation will explore how CSEC cases may differ from traditional child sexual abuse cases, highlight effective practices and programs currently in place. Attendees will gain practical insights, lessons learned, and ideas for strengthening their local response to child exploitation.
This panel of Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) professionals will share how their teams have approached cases developing their CAC’s response to commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). Panelists will discuss how they define and identify CSEC cases, strategies for engaging multidisciplinary team partners, and the key community partners needed to build an effective response. The conversation will explore how CSEC cases may differ from traditional child sexual abuse cases, highlight effective practices and programs currently in place. Attendees will gain practical insights, lessons learned, and ideas for strengthening their local response to child exploitation.
$i++ ?>Dedra Hardaway
Senior Director of Partner Services
Dallas Children's Advocacy Center, Dallas, TX
Dedra Hardaway is the Senior Director of Partner Services at the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, where she provides leadership across multidisciplinary team coordination, forensic interview services, and partner services. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and brings nearly 20 years of experience with the Department of Family and Protective Services, including multiple leadership roles.
Dedra joined DCAC in 2022 as the Director of MDT Services and was later promoted to her current role, where she focuses on strengthening collaboration, practice alignment, and systems that support effective outcomes for children and families.$i++ ?>Joanna Smith, LMSW
Director
Chenango County Child Advocacy Center, Norwich, NY
Joanne Smith, LMSW is the Director with Chenango Child Advocacy Center and Chenango Safe Harbour Program in Central New York. With over 30 years of experience in the Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Sexual Exploitation field, she thrives on providing trauma-informed care services for clients, families, staff, and administration in the field. Throughout her career, Joanne Smith has led numerous initiatives in the development of programing for Child Advocacy Centers, such as the expansion of CSEC/CSAM services for rural communities. A MSW graduate from Syracuse University, she is committed to continuous learning and has earned several awards while providing clinical supervision for intern students. Joanne is passionate about working with children and families impacted by a crime and thrives on providing services, developing programming, and making a lasting impact in the domestic violence, sexual assault and sexual exploitation field.
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Noelle Ainslie
Child Abuse Services Team (CAST) Coordinator/Senior Social Services Supervisor
Child Abuse Services Team (CAST), Orange, CA
Noelle Ainslie is a Senior Social Services Supervisor and Child Abuse Services Team (CAST) Coordinator for Orange County Children and Family Services. She holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree and has dedicated more than 20 years to serving children and families in Orange County, spending the majority of her career in Emergency Response as both a Senior Social Worker and Supervisor.
Over the past three years, Noelle has served as the CAST Coordinator, where she oversees multidisciplinary collaboration and works closely with law enforcement, medical professionals, prosecutors, and community partners to support child abuse investigations and promote best practices in child advocacy. She is passionate about improving outcomes for children and families through teamwork, education, and strong community partnerships.
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Contains 6 Component(s) Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 08/12/2026 at 2:00 PM (EDT)
This CWG develops resources to support CAC-military collaboration and expand these partnerships to improve services for military families.
This CWG develops resources to support CAC-military collaboration and expand these partnerships to improve services for military families.
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 07/30/2026 at 2:00 PM (EDT)
Sadistic Online Exploitation (SOE) is an evolving and challenging form of technology-facilitated victimization that often combines child sexual exploitation alongside coercion, humiliation, threats, and other intersecting harms. While current indicators may suggest SOE is low in prevalence relative to other cases CACs support, the severity of impact is high, with unique victim impacts and support needs. This foundational webinar will help CACs understand SOE’s core dynamics, how it differs from other exploitation cases, and what CACs should anticipate at intake and across MDT coordination. Drawing on Thorn’s ongoing field-informed research, the webinar will highlight practical implications for supporting youth and caregivers and strengthening the coordinated CAC MDT response.
Sadistic Online Exploitation (SOE) is an evolving and challenging form of technology-facilitated victimization that often combines child sexual exploitation alongside coercion, humiliation, threats, and other intersecting harms. While current indicators may suggest SOE is low in prevalence relative to other cases CACs support, the severity of impact is high, with unique victim impacts and support needs.
This foundational webinar will help CACs understand SOE’s core dynamics, how it differs from other exploitation cases, and what CACs should anticipate at intake and across MDT coordination. Drawing on Thorn’s ongoing field-informed research, the webinar will highlight practical implications for supporting youth and caregivers and strengthening the coordinated CAC MDT response.
$i++ ?>Amanda Goharian
Director, Research & Insights
Thorn
Amanda Goharian is the Director of Research & Insights at Thorn, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming how children are protected from sexual abuse and exploitation in the digital age. She is a subject matter expert in technology-facilitated child sexual abuse, CSAM, and online safety. At Thorn, she leads the organization’s research strategy focused on identifying emerging online child safety risks and translating findings into practical, decision-ready insights for the child safety ecosystem. With over a decade of experience, her work prioritizes applied research to inform effective policies, tools, and interventions that strengthen digital protections and resilience.
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits
This webinar will train CACs on how they can identify military families and strengthen services through effective screening, tracking, and new stats reporting requirements. Participants will learn the importance of accurate case identification and tracking , and learn actionable steps CACs can take to improve outcomes when a military connection is identified.
This webinar will train CACs on how they can identify military families and strengthen services through effective screening, tracking, and new stats reporting requirements. Participants will learn the importance of accurate case identification and tracking , and learn actionable steps CACs can take to improve outcomes when a military connection is identified.
$i++ ?>Heather Provencher, LCSW
Senior Manager for Federal Partnerships
National Children’s Alliance
Heather Provencher, LCSW, is Senior Manager for Federal Partnerships at National Children’s Alliance (NCA). Prior to joining NCA, she worked in foster care and child protective services and held investigative, forensic interviewing, advocacy, and prevention education roles at Children's Advocacy Centers in Maryland and California.
$i++ ?>Amber Garrison-Ahmed, LCSW
Coordinator for Federal Partnerships
National Children's Alliance
Amber Garrison-Ahmed, LCSW is the Coordinator for Federal Partnerships at NCA. She received her education at University of Denver earning her Masters of Social Work and a certification in Animal Assisted Social Work in 2008. Amber became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2011. She is an experienced Social Worker with over 18 years of experience specializing in the care of domestic violence, child abuse, crisis intervention, child protection, and military social work.
$i++ ?>Rhonda Wurgler, EdD, MPA
Guardify Senior Account Manager
Guardify
Prior to joining Guardify, Dr. Rhonda Wurgler was a Deputy Sheriff, an Executive Director of a Child Advocacy Center (CAC) in Ohio, and a Training and Application Specialist for NCA. In addition to her 20-plus years of serving her community in those capacities, she has also served on many task forces, councils, not-for-profit boards, and her local school board. In addition to providing technical assistance and support with case management systems, Rhonda also develops and delivers training programs.
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