Learn more about the Action 4 Child Protection team! Learn more about our executive team, senior leadership, administration, child welfare specialists and independent consultants.
Executive Team
Wayne Holder
Chair of the Board & Founder
Wayne Holder
Wayne Holder
Chair of the Board and Founder
Wayne Holder is the Chairman of the Board of Directors for ACTION for Child Protection. He is also one of the founders of ACTION and is dedicated to the improvement of child protection efforts. He has over 50 years of experience in child welfare ranging from caseworker to the executive management level. He was the past Director of the Children’s Division of The American Humane Association and served in the New Mexico Department of Health and Social Services. His expertise includes decision making, liability and malpractice, system change, community organization, multi-disciplinary team building, program development and quality assurance. He is the author and editor of a number of books and articles.
Theresa Costello, MA
Chief Executive Officer & Founder
Theresa Costello
Theresa Costello
Chief Executive Officer and Founder
What’s your background?
I was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico and continue to enjoy living there in addition to spending a good deal of time in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona. I received my Master’s Degree from the University of Minnesota Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs in 1982 and went to work for the Children’s Division of the American Humane Association where I had the good fortune to meet Wayne Holder which led to my long-term career with Action. I have been with Action since July of 1985, having worked in numerous positions and becoming Director/CEO in 2011. In addition to being the CEO, I serve as the President of the Board of Directors of Action.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I enjoy a great life with my husband, I enjoy exercising, traveling, cooking a little, trying new restaurants, spending time with my daughter and her husband, golfing, attending Arizona Cardinal’s football games, rooting for the New York Giants football team (yes, you can do both of those!), entertaining, and hanging out with my grand-dog Charlie.
Todd Holder, MSW
Chief Program Officer
Todd Holder
Todd Holder
Chief Program Officer
What’s your background?
I was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and raised in Colorado. I received an undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Colorado, and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Denver. I have over 30 years of experience in public child welfare, with responsibilities including direct practice with families; supervision of staff; consultation, coaching and technical assistance with state, county, and tribal agencies; and practice model design and implementation. As a thought leader, with expertise in child safety decision-making, I am committed to promoting a system paradigm shift that defines child protection as a helping service for families and advances approaches to intervention that are empathetic, equitable, and least intrusive. As the lead for Action’s research agenda, I am motivated to test innovated practices and furthering the evidence base for safety management and change-focused practice in public child welfare.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I most enjoy and find peace in the mountains. I never cease to be amazing at how the Appalachian, Cascade, Rocky, and Sierra mountains have such unique personalities. To feed my passion for being in wilderness, I am an avid ultra-trail runner, with nearly 75 races in the mountains and high desert. Admittedly, I am slower now than when I first started, but this just gives me more time to enjoy the scenery.
Lisa Ruiz-Lee, MS
Chief Administration Officer
Lisa Ruiz-Lee
Lisa Ruiz-Lee
Chief Administration Officer
What is your background?
I grew up in Mesa, Arizona but have lived in Las Vegas, Nevada for more than 20 years. I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Arizona State University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. I have nearly 20 years of experience working in local government, including working for many years as the Director of Nevada’s largest child welfare agency. My role at Action for Child Protection includes providing oversight of adminsitrative and operational programming, managing practice model implementation projects, partnering on organizational and program assessments and evaluations, and helping to develop new partnerships.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends; time spent traveling to warm, beachy climates; and reading really good books.
Senior Leadership
Mary Pat Bohn, MS
Director of Program & Product Development
Mary Pat Bohn
Mary Pat Bohn
Director of Program & Product Development
What is your background?
I was born and raised in the city of Chicago but have lived in Wisconsin for over 30 years. I have a Bachelor of Social Work degree and a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. I have over 26 years of experience in public child welfare agencies as a child protective services social worker, child protective services supervisor, manager, and deputy administrator. As the Director of Program and Product Development, I manage and coordinate the development of the practice model and new products and services, provide supervision and support to staff, provide oversight of current projects, and provide consultation, technical assistance, and coaching to public child welfare agencies.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and taking road trips.
Sharman Burnside
Executive Business Manager
Sharman Burnside
Sharman Burnside
Executive Business Manager
What is your background?
I’ve been employed by ACTION since July 1993, first as an Executive Assistant to and now Senior Business Manager of the organization. I am responsible for the collection and review of all time and expense reporting by staff and contractors, invoicing and budget tracking for projects, and assist in numerous accounting activities for the organization, including assisting auditors for the annual financial audit. I am a native of West Virginia, moved to North Carolina in 1988 and currently live in Concord, NC.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
When not working I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family and friends.
Christina Kelly, MA
Director of Project Management
Christina Kelly, MA
Christina Kelly, MA
Director of Project Management
What’s your background?
I grew up in the small town of Princeton, Illinois where I started my career in social work in a residential treatment facility. I have 38 years of child welfare experience, 4.5 years in state government and over 30 years with the private sector. During my tenure with the not-for-profit agency, I had the opportunity to work in all aspects of child welfare. Starting as a specialized foster care case manager to become the Director of Child Welfare Services. While at the department, I was part of overhauling and privatizing the Child Welfare Services program by developing procedures and implementing training to the private sector. I also developed training for onboarding and professional development of new and existing staff. I hold Master of Arts in Child, Family, and Community and reside in Peoria, IL.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
When I am not working I enjoy binge watching Netflix, camping, and spending time with my dogs.
Tarrin Reed, MSW
Director of Program Management
Tarrin Reed
Tarrin Reed
Director of Program Management
What’s your background?
I am the Director of Project Management for Action for Child Protection, and a member of its leadership team. As the Director of Project Management, I provide support to our Child Welfare Specialists and oversight of current projects. In addition, I provide expert consultation and technical assistance to public child welfare agencies and their stakeholders regarding systemic implementation of practice reform, particularly regarding safety decision-making throughout the life of the child welfare case process.
I have worked with jurisdictions implementing Family Connections in New York, Florida, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. I have an MSW from the University of Alaska Anchorage. Prior to becoming a national consultant, I was a caseworker, supervisor, and manager of public child welfare practice in Anchorage Alaska. During my tenure with the Office of Children’s services, I was a member of the state implementation team, implementing the safety decision-making principles developed by Action.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I currently reside in Montana with my husband. When not working, I enjoy spending time outdoors and visiting my son in Arizona.
Farah Vallera, PhD, PMP
Director of Learning & Technology
Farah Vallera, PhD, PMP
Farah Vallera, PhD, PMP
Director of Learning & Technology
What is your background?
I was born and raised in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. Despite leaving several times for school and work, I always returned. I have a PhD in Teaching, Learning, and Technology, where my focus was on curricular and instructional design using innovative technology, project-based learning, and integrated STEM and agriculture. I have an MA and BA in sociology and have completed all of my PhD coursework in sociology as well. I am Action’s instructional designer, where I design learning solutions in multiple formats related to meeting our audiences’ needs. Prior to that, I had been teaching undergraduate-level sociology and graduate-level instructional design and technology courses and have worked as an instructional designer, educational researcher, and marketing researcher for a billboard advertising company. I also serve as a board member for the Center for Humanistic Change and for Flint Hill Farm Education Center.
What do you enjoy when you are not working?
I’m an organic urban gardener, avid kayaker (when it’s warm, so I guess not THAT avid), and love the outdoors. I can often be found in my woodshop building something I don’t have room for. I have a one-eyed cat named Steve, a grumpy cat named Poppy, a turtle named Sal (short for Salmonella), and a hairy mutt named Karl. I’m also a part-time squirrel rehabber.
Eboni Washington, MPA
Director of Government & Community Relations
Eboni Washington, MPA
Eboni Washington, MPA
Director of Government & Community Relations
What’s your background?
I am a native Nevadan who grew up in Reno but have lived in Las Vegas, Nevada for more than 20 years. I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Ecology from the University of Nevada, Reno and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. As an experienced Human Services leader, I have over two decades of non-profit and local government experience working in various roles including: leadership, direct service, operations, technology, and administrative services for community services, justice and child welfare programs serving children, youth, and families. I am a passionate collaborator, advocate, and strategist driven to create and implement solutions designed to advance outcomes and build thriving communities. My role at Action for Child Protection includes monitoring legislative and regulatory changes, empowering leaders, managing government contracts, partnering to shape our public policy strategies, developing and enhancing business partnerships and relationships, and partnering in the development of new solutions and projects.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I am a sports enthusiast who loves to spend time with my family and friends. I am an avid traveler who loves the beach. My guilty pleasure is binge watching survivor reality shows.
Administration
April Klein, MPA
Business Analyst
April Klein
April Klein
Child Welfare Specialist
What’s your background?
I am originally from Eugene, OR, but lived in Wisconsin for 20+ years. I currently reside with my husband, in Dorena, OR – a small rural community of around 1,000 people. I graduated from Mount Mary College in Milwaukee WI, with a B.S. in Social Work. I work full-time with Action as a Child Welfare Specialist. In this role, I travel to different states and communities to assist with development, implementation, and fidelity reviews of their child welfare system.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
Spending time with family, working in the yard, camping, hiking, and exploring the mountains and the coast line.
Lori Lawrence
Accounting Manager
Lori Lawrence
Lori Lawrence
Account Manager
What is your background?
With over 30 years of experience in accounting, I bring personal care and rigor to Action for Child Protection’s accounting department as Accounting Manager. I am a graduate of Wake Forest University and am a Notary Public for the State of NC.
What do you enjoy when you are not working?
In my free time, I play flute and volunteer for causes important to me. I love history and genealogy and am a member of DAR and The Mayflower Society. I am an avid gardener and love to travel. I developed a passion for theatre throughout life and was delighted to make my acting debut in 2019 in my local community theatre and have since performed in several plays. Most importantly, I love spending time with my grandson.
Sommer Riley
Sommer Riley
Instructional Designer
What is your background?
I have been in employee learning and development now for over sixteen years, specializing in eLearning design and development where I blend my love of creativity and visual design with the science of adult learning. I started my career creating training in healthcare and later earned a Masters of Science in Education in Learning Design and Technology from Purdue University. In 2019, I embarked on a new adventure as a full-time freelance instructional designer and eLearning specialist, during which time, in 2022, I was contracted to work with Action to develop thirteen online courses. Three years later, a series of serendipitous events reunited me permanently with Action as a full-time instructional designer.
What do you enjoy when you are not working?
When I’m not working, I’m also a reader, artist, writer, and coffee addict. I own a lot of books. My favorite way to spend an afternoon is curled up in a coffee shop with a book and art supplies or watching a St. Louis Blues hockey game. I also like to hike, swim, wander antique stores, and research random, interesting topics. I’m from Omaha, NE but currently live in Las Vegas, NV with my husband and cats.
Debra Rubart, MS
Instructional Designer
Debra Rubart
Debra Rubart
Junior Instructional Designer
What is your background?
I hold a Master of Science degree in Instructional Technology with a certificate in Learning Design in Educational and Professional Settings from Lehigh University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Management of Information Technology and Management from DeSales University. I enjoy creating learning experiences in the virtual space that not only meet each course’s goals and objectives, but also create environments where learners feel empowered and part of a community. I am interested in how people learn, which has led to my involvement in a STEM-based UX research team focused on understanding adult learners’ preferences.
What do you enjoy when you are not working?
I regularly volunteer for The Open Line and as a judge for the Lehigh Valley Science and Engineering Research Fair. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, as well as genealogy research and quiet walks in the woods.
Hope Sagnip, MS, MS
Instructional Designer
Hope Sagnip
Hope Sagnip
Instructional Design Specialist
What’s your background?
I grew up in the Poconos of Pennsylvania. While I no longer reside in the Poconos, I currently live in Berks County, PA. I have enjoyed over a decade long career in Information & Library Sciences, working in public and academic libraries. During my time in the Library Sciences field, I graduated from Syracuse University with a Master of Science in Information & Library Sciences. Then in 2022, I graduated from Lehigh University (College of Education) with a Master of Science in Instructional Technology. I am Action’s Instructional Designer where I build instructional materials and trainings to support our audiences’ needs.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I treasure time spent with loved ones and cherish family meals together. I find solace and connection with others through my various hobbies, which include: jewelry design, crochet, and caring for indoor plants.
Lesley Shroyer
Administrative Specialist
Lesley Shroyer
Lesley Shroyer
Administrative Specialist
What’s your background?
I’ve been employed by ACTION since 2015, first as Administrative Assistant and now Assistant Specialist. My responsibilities include supporting the Learning & Technology department, managing and writing articles for the newsletter, overseeing the production of research reports, and editing written curricula and learning materials. I was born and raised in Charlotte, NC and now live in Matthews, NC with my daughter Kailyn.
What do you do when you are not working?
When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my daughter, family and friends. I also enjoy making arts & crafts, especially jewelry, handmade cards and gifts, and painting.
Child Welfare Specialists
Adell Bleskin, MSW
Child Welfare Specialist
Adell Bleskin
Adell Bleskin
Child Welfare Specialist
What’s your background?
I currently reside in Great Falls, Montana. I earned my BSW from Carroll College of Montana and my MSW from Boise State University. I have more than 30 years of experience in child welfare. I retired from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Child Protective Services Division, after working for 21 years in multiple capacities. My scope of work included direct service delivery to children and families, training, permanency planning, consultation, supervision and management. In 2015, I began working for Action for Child Protection. I have worked nationally with child welfare organizations as a consultant and trainer on implementation of child safety methodologies. I have experience in practice and program evaluation, case consultation and coaching, technical assistance, and curriculum development. While having experience in all areas of child protective services, my passion is centered on using a strength-based approach in caregiver engagement, safety intervention, and safety management.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, outdoor adventures and traveling. I always look forward to experiencing new cultures and customs while traveling to new places.
Todd Darling, MSW
Child Welfare Specialist
Todd Darling
Todd Darling
Child Welfare Specialist
What’s your background?
I am a Child Welfare Specialist with Action for Child Protection. I have worked in various jurisdictions providing training, curriculum design, technical assistance, case reviews, and case consultation around safety decision making throughout the life of a case. Prior to joining Action, I worked for the State of Florida’s Department of Children and Families and its contracted providers for 17 years. When I left the state of Florida, I was the Statewide Training Manager for the Department of Children and Families. Prior to that, I was a training manager, trainer, and designed curriculum for newly hired staff. My additional experience includes being a Foster Care Case Manager, Child Protective Investigator, Child Protection Team Case Coordinator, and Assistant Team Coordinator. I graduated from Georgia Southern University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and received a Master of Social Work from Florida State University.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I enjoy spending time with my family, golfing, and watching sports on tv.
Michelle Kays, MPA
Child Welfare Specialist
Michelle Kays
Michelle Kays
Child Welfare Specialist
What’s your background?
I was born in South Dakota and raised in Albuquerque, NM. I graduated from the University of New Mexico with a B.S. in Psychology and a B.S. in Biology and received my master’s in public administration from the University of South Dakota. I have over 30 years of Child Protection Services experience including a 23-year career with the State of South Dakota Child Protection Services. I started as a child protection worker and held positions in supervision and management in child protection, foster care services, and adoption and was part of the training unit and implementation teams. While working with SD CPS, I completed Action’s Supervisor as Safety Decision Makers (SSDM) program to enhance the implementation of the safety model. I have worked with Action for Child Protection since February 2015 in a variety of jurisdictions providing implementation support for child welfare agencies, curriculum development, training for child welfare agencies to improve safety decisions and outcome, consultation, coaching, and fidelity reviews.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I currently reside in northeastern South Dakota. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, cooking spicy food, traveling, reading, paddleboarding, listening to podcasts, and watching all things related to murder mysteries.
Heather Kohls, MSW
Senior Child Welfare Specialist
Heather Kohls
Heather Kohls
Senior Child Welfare Specialist
What’s your background?
I have a BS in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin - Madison and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. I went on to work in public child welfare as a social worker, supervisor, manager, and trainer. I have worked for Action since 2014, supporting multiple states in their implementation of the SAFE model in their Intake, Initial Family Assessment, In-Home, and Permanency/Ongoing Services programs. Since 2020, I have been primarily focused on supporting new and existing replications of the Family Connections program. This includes implementation planning support, policy development, delivery of training and train-the-trainer support, supervisory coaching, case consultation, case reviews, and collaborative planning around fidelity enhancement strategies.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I love traveling with my husband and attending Milwaukee’s summer festivals. I also enjoy spending time outdoors in northern Wisconsin with friends and family – cooking over the campfire, hiking, kayaking, and exploring the snowshoeing trails in winter!
Toby Lester, MSW
Child Welfare Specialist
Toby Lester
Toby Lester
Child Welfare Specialist
What’s your background?
I am originally from West Virginia and currently reside in South Carolina. I received an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from Marshall University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University. I have over twenty-five years of experience in Child Protective Services in West Virginia, North Carolina, and with Action for Child Protection. I have worked for Action since 2014. My responsibilities at Action include project design and management, program and practice evaluation, enhancement of supervisory effectiveness, training design and curricula development, technical assistance in practice and decision-making, and expert witness services. While my focus includes all areas of child protective services, my area of emphasis is safety intervention, including safety assessment and decision-making, safety planning effectiveness, provisional ongoing safety management, and caregiver engagement. I manage, implement, and conduct statewide training projects and have trained thousands of public child welfare professionals and stakeholders.
What do I enjoy doing when I am not working?
I enjoy spending time with my family, fishing, mountain biking, visiting the beach, and watching classic movies.
Tara Muender, MPA
Senior Child Welfare Specialist
Tara Muender
Tara Muender
Senior Child Welfare Specialist
What’s your background?
I currently reside in Middleton, Wisconsin. I earned my undergraduate degree in Social Work (BSW) from the University of Northern Iowa and my master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. I have more than 25 years of experience in child welfare. I have worked in Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin in multiple capacities. My scope of work included direct service delivery to children and families, quality improvement, policy development, consultation, training, supervision, and management. I began working for Action for Child Protection in 2016. I have worked nationally with child welfare organizations as a consultant and trainer on implementation of the SAFE model. I have experience in practice and program evaluation, case consultation and coaching, technical assistance, and curriculum development. While having experience in all areas of Child Protective Services, my passion is centered on using a family-centered, strength-based approach in engagement, safety intervention, and safety management.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
Watching sports, traveling, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Erin Nasgovitz, MSW
Child Welfare Specialist
Erin Nasgovitz
Child Welfare Specialist
What’s your background?
I am born and raised, and currently live, in Wisconsin where I enjoy 3 of the 4 seasons. I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from UW Eau Claire and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from UW Madison, where I was honored to have achieved this degree through the Title IV-E scholarship program. My experience in Child Protective Services includes direct practice, supervision, training, and facilitating learning statewide. With a strong foundation of case management, family engagement, and assessing child safety, I have built a career centered on supporting a workforce that feels competent and confident in serving the children and families in their community. My role at Action for Child Protection includes consultative and technical assistance services to child welfare agencies and other social services/human services organizations to support practice and program improvements centered around safety, permanency, and well-being.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
When I’m not working, I’m busy being a mom to three teens and multiple fur babies. Exercise is a top priority to keep me balanced. In addition, I love a good book and taking advantage of sporting events, music, and theatre in my area.
Theresa Preston, MS
Child Welfare Specialist
Theresa Preston
Theresa Preston
Child Welfare Specialist
What’s your background?
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I have so many hobbies! I love to do yoga, play beach volleyball, and golf. I enjoy reading and various crafts like embroidery or crocheting. I love spending time with my family and friends and enjoy traveling internationally. I also have the sweetest old-man dog, an 80 lbs. boxer/aussie mix named Gunther.
Lisa Randall, MA
Child Welfare Specialist
Lisa Randall
Lisa Randall
Child Welfare Specialist
What is your background?
I currently reside in the Charlotte area, after living all over the U.S. I received a BA in Criminology from Florida Atlantic University and an MA in Intelligence Studies from American Military University. My first professional experiences, before moving into the child welfare field, include the United States Air Force and being a Licensed Private Investigator specializing in criminal defense. My child welfare experience involves various roles with the Florida Department of Children and Families to include Child Protective Investigator, Field Support Supervisor, Family Safety Specialist, and Critical Child Safety Practice Expert. In addition, I served on the implementation team and as a trainer of the safety model created by Action for several years, as well as a human trafficking trainer and liaison. My main roles with Action include case reviews and consultation, technical assistance, training development, and training delivery.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
Traveling abroad, road trips, visiting my nieces and nephew, and watching historical dramas.
Danielle Rice, DSW
Child Welfare Specialist
Danielle Rice, DSW
Danielle Rice, DSW
Child Welfare Specialist
What’s your background?
I am from Long Island, NY, and reside in Brooklyn, NY. I have a Doctoral Degree in Social Work with a concentration in Organizational Leadership & a Master’s Degree in Social Work with a Specialization in Child Welfare: Children, Youth, and Families. I have worked in Child Welfare for over 16 years as a Case Planner, Supervisor, and FTC Facilitator in Preventive and Foster Care Services. I’ve been with ACTION for 6 years, starting as a Consultant and transitioning to a Child Welfare Specialist, training and facilitating various learning programs for NYC Administration for Children Services within the Child Welfare & Juvenile Justice Continuum of services.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, cruising, listening to music, and being involved in church activities.
Lauren Wagner-Powell, LCSW
Child Welfare Specialist
Lauren Wagner
Lauren Wagner
Social Media Specialist
What’s your background?
I work to support jurisdictions in enhancing outcomes for children and families involved in Child Welfare by developing tailored training curricula and delivering training to staff, supervisors, managers, and community stakeholders. My skills also include designing and implementing social work education needs assessments, reviewing practice standards, and ensuring regulatory compliance. I am skilled at fostering collaborative environments, developing educational programs, and providing clinical supervision.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, baking, traveling, and reading.
Jennifer Wilson, MSW
Senior Child Welfare Specialist
Jennifer Wilson
Jennifer Wilson
Senior Child Welfare Specialist
What is your background?
I grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, where I have recently returned after a 25-year absence (It’s so good to be home). After graduating with my MSW from Florida State (Go Noles!), I worked within every aspect of Child Welfare for over 20 years, from Prevention (Family Preservation and Intensive Crisis Counseling), to Investigative consultant, all the way through to Adoptions and post-adoption support as a certified Adoption Competent Mental Health provider. The last three years of my career, prior to coming to Action, I was employed as a Critical Child Safety Practice Expert for the State of Florida, consulting on the highest risk child abuse investigations, as well as an adjunct professor at FSU for the School of Social Work. My parents were foster and adoptive parents, and my husband and I fostered teens aging out of foster care as well.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I enjoy spending time with my family, watching my children play sports, hiking, kayaking, traveling, and exploring!
Independent Consultants
Sarah Barnett
Social Media Specialist
Sarah Barnett
Sarah Barnett
Social Media Specialist
What is your background?
After graduating from Temple University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in photojournalism in 2011, I started my career in technology, eventually using those skills to assist in my transition into marketing and specializing in web content management. In 2017, I received a certificate in digital advertising from Temple University. In 2021, I graduated from Lehigh University’s College of Education with a Master of Science in instructional technology and a certificate of technology use in the schools. I utilize instructional technology within my work including social media and web content management. My role at Action for Child protection as a social media specialist includes creating content to share stories through various channels to further community outreach and engagement.
What do you enjoy when you are not working?
In my free time, I enjoy sipping on tea; spending time with my family, friends and miniature schnauzer; gardening; and cooking.
Diane Depanfilis, PhD, MSW
Independent Consultant, Developer of Family Connections
Diane Depanfilis, PhD, MSW
Diane Depanfilis, PhD, MSW
Independent Consultant, Developer of Family Connections
What is your background?
I am a Professor of Social Work at the Silberman School of Social Work. I have over forty-five years of experience in child welfare and have worked at the local and national levels supporting public and private programs to implement child maltreatment prevention programs and systems change to strengthen the quality of services received by children, youth, and families. My research has explored the epidemiology of child maltreatment recurrences and evaluated the process, fidelity, and outcomes of child maltreatment related prevention and intervention programs. My role with ACTION is to provide training, technical assistance, and coaching for programs replicating Family Connections.
What do you enjoy when you are not working?
Going to Zumba and other exercise classes, fine dining, and playing with my dog Keiko.
Lisa Durette, MD, DFAPA, DFAACAP
Independent Consultant, Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist
Lisa Durette, MD, DFAPA, DFAACAP
Lisa Durette, MD, DFAPA, DFAACAP
Independent Consultant, Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist
What’s your background?
My career in child and adolescent psychiatry began with education and training at the Medical University of South Carolina. During that time, I was introduced to the universe of childhood abuse and neglect through both the Lowcountry Children’s Center and the National Crime Victim’s Center. My husband and I eventuually moved to Las Vegas with the goal of working within a medically underserved community. I became aware of the great need for an expanded continuum of care, especially for youth within the local foster care system, while serving as Medical Director for a local psychiatry hospital. In 2011, I was part of a team to launch an outpatient clinic dedicated to serving the mental and behavioral health needs of youth in the foster care system. We have since treated more than 1,200 youth in the foster care system, and continue to measure and demonstrate positive clinical outcomes such as overall medication reduction, reduction in acute psychiatric hospitalizations, reduction in placement disruptions, and an increase in case closures. In 2013, I also created and launched the child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship training program with the local Department of Psychiatry, now the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Medicine. I also have a passion for advocacy and have served in several capacities including state medical societies, the Clark County Children’s Mental Health Consortium, and the Nevada Commission for Behavioral Health.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
When not working, I love to cook and hang out with my daughter, husband and dogs. I am also an avid knitter and an even bigger nerd.
Linda Holder
Editor
Linda Holder
Linda Holder
Editor
What is your background?
I am from Pennsylvania. I was a Russian linguist for the Navy, and I have a B.S. in Biology from UC Davis, and an M.A. in Zoology from CU Denver. I taught high school biology and chemistry until I retired. I am certified as a Linguistically Diverse Educator. I live in Aurora, Colorado, with husband Reed and Jesse the Border Collie. My job at ACTION is to edit everything they send me.
What do you enjoy when you are not working?
I read. Anything. No, seriously…and not just looking for typos and plot discontinuity. And I watch Jeopardy. And I like to do crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles, but not the easy ones.
Sarah Kaye, PhD
Independent Consultant
Sarah Kaye, PhD
Sarah Kaye, PhD
Independent Consultant
What’s your background?
I have been a part of child welfare research and evaluation teams for almost 20 years. Grounded in implementation science, I use innovative mixed methodologies to produce high-quality studies that meet the research needs of practitioners and policy makers. From research design, through data collection, and analysis, I have had the honor of serving as the lead evaluator on evaluations of child welfare services in several states, counties, and private child welfare organizations. I am a strong advocate of practice informing research, and am currently supporting several interventions developed in practice to advance their evidence base.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I enjoy my work a lot. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, outdoor recreation, yoga and eating good food.
George Ramos
Trainer/Facilitator
