Children's Advocacy Alliance

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Meet our Staff

Tess Fletcher, Executive Director

Tess Fletcher is the Executive Director of the Children’s Advocacy Alliance. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Central Baptist College in Management Information Systems and her Master’s in Public Administration from Arkansas State University. She started volunteering with the CASA program in 2001 and took a CASA supervisor position with the agency in 2004. Tess took the Executive Director position with the agency in 2008 when the CASA program merged with the Central Arkansas Children’s Advocacy Center to become the Children’s Advocacy Alliance.

Tess is a member of the Conway Morning Rotary Club and enjoys giving back to the community. She was born and raised in Louisiana but has called Arkansas home for many years. Tess resides in Conway with her husband, Eric, and they have two grown children, Abbey and Keegan.

Tess enjoys exploring new places, hiking, boating, crafting and hanging out with her family. Her favorite quote is “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Vicki Crockett, Strategic Partnerships Coordinator

Vicki has worked in development for over 20 years, and also on various projects as a strategic consultant. She moved to Conway in 2003, and has lived in VA and NY, once she left her home of PA. She is married and has two kids, Maria and Bryan.

 

Karli Potratz, CAC Program Coordinator/Forensic Interviewer

Karli Potratz graduated from the University of Central Arkansas in 2017 as the sole Summa Cum Laude of the Sociology, Criminology, and Anthropology department with a B.S. in Sociology and minor in Psychology. Throughout academia and her time working with children in Central Arkansas over the past few years, Karli has gained knowledge of the inequities that children can be subjected to without widespread community support and involvement.

Karli began volunteering with the Children’s Advocacy Alliance for the annual “Festival of Chairs” event and fell in love with the mission and values held by the organization and its team members. Not long after, she pursued the Forensic Interviewer position at the CAA because she felt it would not only be fulfilling for her as an individual, but would ultimately help provide a voice of justice for children in our community who deserve nothing less. “I have a remarkable support system made up of family, friends, a long-term relationship, and a rescue puppy that have all shaped me into the person I am today and will continue to inspire my growth within the organization,” she says.

Courtney McPherson, Trauma Therapist

Courtney McPherson, LMSW, is a licensed master social worker and the trauma psychotherapist for the Children’s Advocacy Alliance. She holds a graduate degree in Social Work from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Oregon State University. Courtney is a certified clinical trauma professional and has clinical experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings working with children and families who have experienced trauma. Uniquely, Courtney has vast experience and education working with victims of domestic minor sex trafficking and the commercial sexual exploitation of children. Courtney utilizes evidence-based treatments such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, pet assisted therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and aspects of art and play therapy, among others, to help children process the trauma(s) they’ve endured and grow from their experiences. When necessary, Courtney also assists our clients and their families by being a support to them as they navigate the justice system. Courtney resides in Conway with her husband, Justin. She enjoys game nights, costume parties, beach trips, and a good 90s hip-hop playlist. She dislikes coffee, humidity, and Spanx. Courtney is the mother of two kitties (Georgia & Charles) and a 15 year old shih tzu, Avery.

 

Lacy Estrada, CAC Clinical Coordinator

Lacy is the Clinical Coordinator for the Children’s Advocacy Alliance. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Central Arkansas and graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2018. She is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree.

Lacy began volunteering for the Central Arkansas CAC in August 2017 and became a Family Advocate for the CAA in March 2018. In March 2020, she transitioned to the Clinical Coordinator position. Lacy lives in Greenbrier with her husband, dogs, cats, and cows. It is her aim to bring her passion and determination to better serve our kids hope and support.

Deisy Becker, Family Advocate/Outreach Coordinator

Deisy Becker graduated from Arkansas Tech with an associates degree in Human Services. She interned at a Children’s Advocacy Center and fell in love with the mission of helping children and families. Deisy grew up in Clinton, Arkansas and later moved to Conway, AR. When she saw that there was an open family advocate position at the satellite center in Clinton, she knew she had to apply for the position. She is now able to provide resources and awareness to the community that she grew up in. She is currently working on getting her bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership at Arkansas Tech. When she is not working or studying, she spends time with her husband, child, and pets.

Brittani Rossignon, Family Advocate/Forensic Interviewer

Brittani Rossignon is a native of San Francisco, CA. There she began working with women and children in a drug treatment facility, working as a child enrichment worker. She has been living in Arkansas for about 5 years now, due to furthering her education. Brittani obtained 2 Associate Degrees in Liberal Arts: Arts and Humanities/ Behavioral and Social Science upon arriving in Arkansas. Here in Arkansas, Brittani attended Philander Smith College, an HBCU, where she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. In addition to obtaining her BA, Brittani also pledged and joined a Sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Her passion for serving her community as well as being involved in the advancement of children and families, has inspired her to continue learning and growing in the field. Currently, Brittani is in her Master’s program, studying in Mental Health and Marriage and Families.

In addition to matriculating through school, Brittani has served at different facilities working alongside families and children. From serving children with trauma, mental health challenges, as well as behavioral struggles. She sought out Children’s Advocacy Alliance, because she was committed to the mission that we live and serve by. Brittani is committed to serving families and ensuring the welfare of and support for abused and neglected children.

Some of Brittani’s hobbies include singing, writing, watching home improvement shows, and doing word searches.

Alyssa Dubois, Family Advocate/Forensic Interviewer

Alyssa is a recent graduate of Liberty University as of July 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Juvenile Justice. Alyssa has experience working with kids in various types of platforms working with at-risk youth. She is a Conway native, but spent the past two years in Atlanta, Georgia. She recently came back to Conway after obtaining her degree. “There truly is nothing like the community of Conway and I knew that I wanted to start my career investing in a place that means so much to me.” In her spare time, she loves to hang out with her great dane and spend time outdoors.

“I find that working with kids always inspires me to do better, be better, and strive for better. Children are the hands by which we take hold of Heaven, and to be able to serve my community by serving children and their families is such a blessing.”

Kennedy Huggins, Education Specialist

Kennedy is from the town of Springdale, Arkansas and migrated to Conway when she decided to pursue a degree through the University of Central Arkansas. She graduated in May 2020 with a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education. From a very young age Kennedy knew she wanted to work with children and help be the voice for them. Through various opportunities in Kennedy’s educational career, she has seen first hand how much of a difference one person can be for a child.
In her spare time, Kennedy enjoys being outdoors, reading (I love books!!), and spending time with her family and dogs. “The people in my life have molded me into the person I am today. They are the reason I am able to give 110% in this job and be the voice in a sea of conversation.

Pam Henry, MDT Coordinator

Pam Henry is the MDT Coordinator for Faulkner, Perry, and Van Buren counties. Pam is an alumnus of The University of Central Arkansas.  She has worked in this field for over 30 years and been in her current role for 23 years. She also previously served on the CAC board of directors for over 6 years.   

Pam has been married for 26 years and has one son and a fur baby named Scout.  Her hobbies are traveling, reading, and going for walks.

Kara Campbell, Contract SANE CAC Nurse

Kara Campbell, R.N., is our Center’s SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner). She graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing and has always had a passion for children and youth. She first served the agency as a volunteer CASA for 5 years before accepting the SANE position. “If I can use my interactions to make even one child feel loved and supported, and not “damaged goods”, then I consider my efforts a success.” Kara is a lifelong resident of Conway, along with her loving husband, Jim, 3 amazing kids, 1 beautiful “bonus daughter”, 1 precious grandson, and 3 adorable pups.

 

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Tracie Cadiente, CASA Supervisor

Tracie Cadiente is an alumna of Central Baptist College with a B.S. in Psychology and Christian Counseling. Tracie is a Community of Hope Chaplin, a Stephens Minister, and a Marriage Mentor. Her prior work experience includes being a caseworker for the Department of Children and Family Services. She was also an investigator and litigation claims specialist for two major insurance companies. Tracie has been married for 34 years has 6 grown children and 3 grandchildren. She loves to travel and her hobbies include scuba, snorkeling, and spending time with her family.

Tracie is the founder of a non-profit agency, whose mission is to demonstrate God’s Love is an action by providing programs that will transform the lives of families before they enter a crisis situation.
Tracie’s words to live by: Mercy, Grace, and Forgiveness. God can restore what is broken and change it into something amazing. All we need is faith, hard work, and a passion for those in need.

 

Carrie Curtis, CASA Supervisor

Carrie was born and raised here in Arkansas and spent most of her childhood in Pangburn, Arkansas. She moved to Conway after high school to attend the University of Central Arkansas. She graduated from UCA in 1998 and remained in Conway for the community. “I loved the community and felt like a could make my home here. I have resided here ever since raising my 13 year old daughter and our assorted pets.”

Carrie had many opportunities in her youth to be able to volunteer for multiple organizations and learned quickly how fulfilling it was to help others and become a part of healing experiences. Carrie has spent almost two decades working with victims of abuse. She is thrilled to continue her career in helping protect and serve the smallest of those that need us the most.

 

Jasmin Joseph, CASA Supervisor

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” (Colossians 3:12)

Jasmin is a graduate of Central Baptist College and holds a B.S. in Psychology. Initially, Jasmin started as a CASA volunteer before being presented with the opportunity to become a staff member at Children’s Advocacy Alliance as a CASA Coordinator. Jasmin is originally from the small town of McCrory, Arkansas. After moving to Conway in 1997, Jasmin was blessed to meet her husband of 18 years, who is equally passionate about children who have suffered hardships at no fault of their own. Chef King is employed in an impoverished community where he enjoys bringing smiles to kiddos faces by making sure every child has nutritious meals. Together they champion bringing hope and healing.
She has lived in Chicago, Illinois and Longview, Texas but somehow, kept making her way back to Arkansas. Now she has a purpose that keeps her grounded here.
“Working for the Children’s Advocacy Alliance has touched my heart and given my life better meaning. Growing up, my mom noticed how empathetic I was towards those around me and so she would say ‘you know you can’t fix everyone’s problems?’ This is true but if I can provide hope, care, and compassion to just one, I will have given that one hope and joy when before they felt hopeless and helpless. The Children’s Advocacy Alliance gives that voice to the voiceless, and I am honored to be a part of an organization that has a HEART!” – Jasmin Joseph

Crystal Dendy, CASA Recruiter Trainer

Crystal brings with her a decade of experience in the child welfare field. In addition to being a former foster and adoptive parent, she also trained prospective foster and adoptive families across the state and coordinated awareness efforts for foster care regionally. She brings both a personal and professional devotion to the mission of the CAA and to her role as CASA Advocate Engagement Specialist. She earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from the University of Central Arkansas. Prior to joining the CAA team, she worked in state government and nonprofit leadership.

Crystal is a Central Arkansas native. Originally from Cabot, she moved to Conway in 2005, fell in love with the community, and resides here still with her husband, Chris, their four children, and three dogs. On any given weekend you can find her in her kitchen baking and decorating cakes.

 

Terrence Harris

Terrie Harris is a mother of 6 (4 boys and 2 girls), all of which are grown except for her 17 year old son who has recently graduated Conway High School. She is an alumna of Arkansas State University and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. She has a collective of 23 years of teaching in the early childhood, from Head Start, ABC Pre K, and Kids for the Future.

She wanted to expand her experience and took a position at Arkansas Department of Youth Services. She worked with youth that had been in some trouble, and learned that a few of the youth were in foster care. After hearing some of their stories, she wanted to get involved with working with foster youth. She applied for a program assistant position and was hired in St. Francis County (Forrest City). While working there for almost two years, a position came open where she could work directly with teens. She applied and was blessed to receive the position. She has had the opportunity to work with some amazing youth and help to develop a connection to their future.
“That is what has brought me to CASA. I have seen the way CASA has been making a difference in children and families that are in foster care. I wanted to be involved with these amazing people. I do believe God has brought me to this point. I want to ensure the needs of our foster children are met. I am very blessed to have been chosen for this position. I pray that my experience and passion for working with children and youth will bring continued success to the CASA Program.” – Terrie Harris

Mailing Address

PO Box 1202
Conway, AR 72033
www.hopeandjustice.org
info@hopeandjustice.org
   

Conway Center

574 Locust Street
Conway, AR 72034

Tel. 501.328.3347
Fax. 501.328.5507

Clinton Office

100 Success Dr., Suite 36
Clinton, AR 72031

Tel. 501.745.3038
Fax. 501.745.3242

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