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.

Tess currently serves on the board of directors for Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas and is a member of the Conway Morning Rotary Club. She was born and raised in Louisiana and moved to Conway to attend college. Tess resides in Conway with her husband, Eric, and two children, Abbey and Keegan.

Leia Smith, Development Coordinator

Leia Smith is an Alumni of the North American Montessori Center, with a specialization in art and music early education. She began working with the Children’s Advocacy Alliance in 2015, and fell in love with the mission of the non-profit. Leia is also an alumni of the University of Central Arkansas holding a B.A., in communication and public relations. Leia has spent the past four years in the International Public Debate Association, and has maintained the status of the top ranking speaker in the nation for all four years. She has been the number one professional debater in the nation for the past two years. In 2017, Leia opened her own marketing business missioned at provident marketing consultation to all local business while incentivising philanthropic activity. Leia plans on obtaining a masters in non-profit administration. She is a passionate advocate of child rights, community development, and humanitarian efforts.

Karli Potratz, Forensic Interviewer

Karli Potratz recently graduated from the University of Central Arkansas 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. With that said, Karli began volunteering with the CAA 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.” – Karli Potratz

Lacy Taylor, Family Advocate

Lacy is the Family Advocate at the Children’s Advocacy Center. She began volunteering for the Central Arkansas CAC in August 2017 and became a staff member in March 2018. She has a degree in Psychology from the University of Central Arkansas and has plans to move forward with a Master’s degree in Social Work. She is originally from Kansas, but Arkansas is now her home. It is her aim to bring her passion and determination to better serve our kids hope and support.

Tracie Cadiente, CASA Coordinator

Tracie Cadiente is an Alumina of Central Baptist College with a BS in Psychology and Christian Counseling. Tracie is a Community of Hope Chaplin, a Stephens Minister, and Marriage Mentor. Her prior work experience includes being a caseworker for DCFS, She was also an investigator and Litigation Claims Specialist for two major insurance companies. Tracie has been married for 34 years, has 4 grown children and 2 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 that will transform the lives of families before they enter a crisis situation.

“Words to live by: Mercy, Grace, and Forgiveness. Joel 2:25: ‘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.” – Tracie Cadiente

Jessica Hess, CASA Supervisor

Jessica graduated with a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies, emphasis: Social Work, Psychology, Sociology. Jessica has always been determined to pursue a career that focuses on making a positive impact. When Jessica heard about CAA’s mission to be a voice for the unheard abused and neglected children, she knew she wanted to get involved.

“Seeing what these children go through is tough on the heart but being a part of helping to bring hope into their lives is a huge blessing.I am passionate about three things: traveling, exploring the outdoors, and kindness. I, truly, believe that even the smallest act of compassion and kindness will move mountains. I am grateful to work alongside a group of people who all share the same passion of kindness.”- Jessica Hess

Jasmin Joseph, CASA Supervisor

Colossians 3:12 “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”Jasmin is a graduate of Central Baptist College, holding 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 a small town in McCrory, AR. and moved to Conway in 1997. After moving to Conway, Jasmin was blessed to meet her husband, the Chef. They have been married 16 years. I have lived in Chicago, IL and Longview, TX. but somehow, kept making my way back to Arkansas and now I have a purpose that keeps me grounded here. Working for the Children’s Advocacy Alliance has touched my heart and given my life better meaning

“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 only 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

Debra Lance, Financial Coordinator

Debra is the Financial Coordinator for the agency. She served the agency for 6 years as a CASA Supervisor and loves meeting new people and helping children in need. Debra chose this profession to help those children who are in need of safe permanent homes find their forever home. Debra is originally from Whittier, CA and loves spending time with her Parrot, Sweetie, and being involved with her church. Debra’s favorite motto she relishes is having the faith of a mustard seed.

Heather Laferte, CASA Recruiter Trainer

Heather has been wishing on the first star in the night sky for the safety, peace, and loneliness of hurting children since she was four years old. While her language and abilities to help in a direct manner have grown with her, her heart and passion has never wavered. Heather is a busy Mama to five incredible kiddos who bring her more joy and more gray hairs than she ever imagined. Her experience includes autism, allergies, adoption, attachment, advocacy, and obvious ability to alliterate. She will graduate from UA Little Rock May 2019 with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies: Biology, Health Science, Psychology. Heather’s hobbies include all things trail related, knitting, and avid reading of all the good words.

Michelle DuVall, Education Specialist

Michelle L. DuVall is a 35-year-old Little Rock, Arkansas native who joined our team in late 2018. Michelle was introduced to the Children’s Advocacy Alliance as a result of being on the Woman of Inspiration committee for the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas for the past four years. Michelle has expertise in media relations, non-profit fundraising & awareness, as well as her true passion-ALL THINGS FASHION. Now that Michelle is on board as CAA’s Education Specialist, she will invest her time in educating children and adults on reporting child abuse and maltreatment to schools, churches, and organizations throughout her assigned service areas: Faulkner County, Conway County, Perry County, and Van Buren County. Michelle is extremely excited to join the CAA and aims to fulfill the mission of providing hope, healing, and justice to the abused and neglected children of our community.

Staff

Mailing Address

Conway Center

Clinton Office