Staff
Melissa Werkman
Executive Director
Melissa is grateful to have been able to spend her career in roles that allow her to support children and families in West Michigan – whether by creating opportunities for improved health and wellness or advocating for individuals with Down syndrome – each position has lent to learning and growth that she is honored to bring to her role in supporting the critical work the team at the CAC does every day. Though she is from and her heart is still in Grand Rapids, she and her husband now live on the Lakeshore. They have 4 awesome kids who are “mostly” grown. When not working, Melissa usually can be found biking, running or hiking with her dog – pursuits that justify her other hobbies: cooking and eating great food.
Rebekah McDowell
Business Manager
Rebekah has transitioned through three different positions at CAC since first joining us as a part-time Grant Writer in 2007. A childhood spent in various states, countries and islands taught her to embrace change and challenge. Rebekah is a graduate of Central Michigan University who enjoys movies, yoga, reading, writing and spending time with family.
Angie Kowalczyk
Volunteer Coordinator & Administrative Specialist
Building on the skills she polished during her tenure as CAC’s Intake Coordinator from 2010-2014, Angie now works to match volunteer talents and interests with the needs of the Center. Her passion for people and commitment to our cause inspire the very best from our volunteers and her co-workers.
Tatum Hawkins, MA
Development Coordinator
Tatum earned a bachelor’s degree in mass media communications and a master’s degree in public relations, setting the stage for a successful career in non-profit communications and fund development. She is passionate about increasing community awareness of CAC and helping supporters connect to this worthy cause. Tatum unwinds from the demands of the job through travel, art, music and cooking.
Sarah Zuidema, LMSW
Clinical Services Manager
A licensed social worker who has spent her entire career in child welfare, Sarah has experience in foster care and adoption, trauma, prevention and international social services. Her goal is to ensure that all Kent County children have a safe place to talk about and heal from abuse. She earned a master’s degree in social work from Grand Valley State University and now serves as an Adjunct Professor there.
Alicia Cadena, LLMSW
Therapist
Alicia is a Limited Licensed Master of Social Work for the state of Michigan who earned a psychology degree with a minor in juvenile justice from Grand Valley State University and a master’s degree in social work from Western Michigan University. She has worked with youth in an inpatient psychiatric setting and as a School-Based Social Worker, and began her Master’s-level internship at CAC in 2016.
Amy Minton, MA, LLPC
Forensic Interviewer
Amy holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Central Michigan University and a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Central Michigan University. She began her career with a 12-year stint in Child Welfare and joined the CAC in July 2015. Amy enjoys spending time with her husband, three children and dog.
Anne Slater, LPC
Therapist
A Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Michigan, Anne earned both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Central Michigan University. She is a nationally certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist who began working with survivors of sexual violence and trauma as a college volunteer.
Ashley Jansma, LPC
Lead Therapist
A Licensed Professional Counselor and nationally certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy clinician, Ashley is passionate about helping survivors of trauma and sexual aggression create their own path to healing. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and master’s degree in professional and school counseling from Central Michigan University.
Gretchen Knight-Dennis, LMSW
Therapist
Gretchen is a licensed social worker with an undergraduate degree from Western Michigan University and a master’s in social work from Grand Valley State University. Trained in Trauma Focused – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), her passion is walking alongside survivors and their families as they heal within the therapeutic process. She has years of experience working with children and teens in a variety of mental health capacities and her approach is typically fun and positive. Gretchen loves to experience new things while traveling; enjoys the four seasons in Michigan; and spending time laughing and having fun with her family and friends.
Jessica Johnson, BA
Family Advocate
Jessica holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in psychology from Grand Valley State University. She has more than five years’ experience working with children and families who have experienced trauma. At CAC, she works to build a trusting, respectful and supportive relationship with families, children, and teens as they start their journey of healing and justice.
Melanie Mays, MA, LLPC
Kids Have Rights Educator
Melanie has experience working in educational settings from preschool classrooms through the college level. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan and a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Michigan State University. Melanie is passionate about educating and empowering children and helping them know and understand their rights. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her family, reading, and hiking with her dog.
Misti DeVries, BSFCS
Community Advocate
Misti holds a bachelor’s degree in child and family development from the University of Georgia. She has over 12 years’ experience working with children and families in Kent County. Misti also holds the position of Media and Promotions Coordinator for the Kent County Sexual Assault Prevention Action Team (SAPAT). As our Community Advocate, Misti’s goal is to educate the community to end the stigma of child sexual abuse.
Samantha Akerman, LMSW
Therapist
Samantha is a state licensed Social Worker with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Grand Valley State University and a Bachelor’s degree from Davenport University. Samantha is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy and has worked with children and families in various settings. She is an advocate for children and is passionate about working with children and families who have experienced trauma.
Sara Soehnel
Kids Have Rights Program Manager
Sara taught in both kindergarten and special education classrooms prior to joining the Kids Have Rights team of educators in 2010. She holds a degree in elementary education with a language arts emphasis from Central Michigan University. Sara serves on the Sexual Assault Prevent Action Team for Kent County and has presented at the Michigan Chapter of the National Children’s Alliance.
Simone Vieco, LLMSW
Forensic Interviewer
Simone Vieco is an alumna of the psychology program at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. She received her Masters of Social Work from the University of Washington, with a concentration in Children, Youth, and Families. Prior to working at the CAC, Simone worked for years in the child welfare system. Simone is passionate about providing every child with an excellent quality, sensitive interview. When she is not working, she loves to cook and bake.
Andrea Woller
Kids Have Rights Lead Educator
Andrea worked in the education field for 10 years before joining the Kids Have Rights team in 2015. She earned an Aquinas College degree in elementary education with endorsements in special education, early childhood education and reading/language arts. Her teaching experience includes Early Childhood Special Education instruction and curriculum development.
K-9 Jaycee
Therapy Dog
A Kent County Sheriff’s Office “employee” since August 2016, K-9 Jaycee is a certified therapy dog who works and plays with the children and families that visit the CAC. She assists victims through the healing process. She is handled by Detective Matt Hooker, lives with him and his family, and accompanies him to work every day at the CAC.
5% of children under the age of 18 are solicited sexually online.
1,000+ suspected child sexual abuse cases are reported in Kent County each year.
75% of childhood sexual abuse is thought to go unreported.
1 in 7 girls and 1 in 25 boys are sexually abused.