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5th Annual Guardify Awards

The work you do deserves to be recognized

National Forensic Interviewers Week is our way of saying what this community already knows: the people protecting children do the hardest work in the room. Every year, we put four of them on a national stage.

Nominate Someone
See the awards

Why this exists

Most of this work happens without a public stage.

Child advocacy work doesn’t come with a lot of public recognition. The interviews happen behind closed doors. The coordination happens in hallways. The policy fights happen in rooms most people never see. Five years ago, Guardify created National Forensic Interviewers Week because the people doing that work deserve to be recognized — nationally, publicly, and by name.

Fifth

Year of the Guardify Awards

Four

Awards across the full multidisciplinary team

One Week

Of national recognition for people who work year-round

The 2026 Awards

Four awards. The entire team.

From the interview room to the courtroom to the coordination table — these awards recognize the full multidisciplinary team that makes healing and justice possible.

Forensic Interviewer of the Year

Celebrates excellence in forensic interviewing. Honors a professional whose work exemplifies best practices and whose contribution to the field goes beyond the interview room.

Child Advocacy Leader

Recognizes a CAC employee who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to child advocacy over the past year. The person others quietly rely on to hold the center together.

Child Advocacy Partner of the Year

Honors an MDT member outside the CAC structure who has shown extraordinary dedication to justice and healing. Child protection, law enforcement, prosecution, medicine, mental health — the partner who shows up every time.

Champion for Children

Acknowledges individuals working to advance systemic change for survivors — especially children — through advocacy, policy reform, or direct support. The person who keeps fighting when the system doesn’t make it easy.

Nominate Someone
KEY DATES

Mark your calendar

June 1, 2026
Nominations open

The nomination form goes live. Any staff member from a CAC or partner organization can submit. You can nominate multiple people across or within categories.

June 19, 2026
Nominations close

All nominations must be submitted by end of day. Late submissions won’t be considered for this cycle.

July 6–10, 2026
Winners announced

National Forensic Interviewers Week. Award recipients announced across Guardify’s platforms and spotlighted by local centers.

The 2025 Award Ceremony

A Record of Recognition

Four years of honorees across the multidisciplinary team

These are the professionals who were nominated by their peers, selected by a committee, and recognized nationally. Their names are here because the work they did deserved to be remembered.

Meghan Whitlock

Forensic Interviewer of the Year

Meghan Whitlock

SafeSpace CAC of the Gorge, OR

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Megan Voss

Child Advocacy Leader Award

Rebecca Voss

CAC of Franklin County, PA

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Sandra Romero

Champion for Children Award

Sandra Romero

All Faiths CAC, NM

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DFPS

Child Advocacy Partner of the Year

Payden Sharkey

Texas Department of Family & Protective Services, TX

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Forensic Interviewer of the Year

Rachel Mitchell

Hunt County Children’s Advocacy Center, TX

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Child Advocacy Leader Award

Brittany Brooks

Barren River CAC, KY

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Champion for Children Award

Regina Dismuke

Hero House CAC, GA

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Child Advocacy Partner of the Year

Nick Hefner

Haywood County Sheriff’s Department, NC

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Forensic Interviewer of the Year

Sue Counts

CAC of Butler County

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Forensic Interviewer of the Year

Challye Nunn

Blount County CAC

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Child Advocacy Leader Award

Crystal Richardson

CAC for Rockwall County

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Champion for Children Award

Kim Mangiaracino

Children’s Advocacy Centers of Illinois

Read More

Child Advocacy Partner of the Year

Nicole Buermann

Assistant Prosecutor of Essex County, NJ

Read More

Forensic Interviewer of the Year

Shy Watters, ED

Warren Washington CARE Center, NY

Read More

Child Advocacy Leader Award

Lindsay Pack

Child Protect of Mercer Co, WV

Read More

Champion for Children Award

Captain Sean Norman

Wells Township PD, Brilliant, OH

Read More

Child Advocacy Partner of the Year

Detective Denise Gomez

Richmond PD, TX

Read More

Open now through June 19

You know someone who deserves this.

A strong nomination takes about 10 minutes. Describe what they’ve done, give a specific example, and explain why it matters. That’s it. The committee does the rest.

Nominate Now

FAQ

Everything you need to know.

Who can submit a nomination?

Any staff member from a Child Advocacy Center or partner organization. If you’ve seen the work up close, your perspective counts.

Can I nominate more than one person?

Yes. You can nominate multiple people across different categories, or more than one person within the same category.

What makes a strong nomination?

Specifics. A clear description of what the person did, a concrete example of their impact, and a statement on how they embody the spirit of the award. Avoid generalities — the committee responds to real stories.

How are winners selected?

A selection committee of professionals in child advocacy, forensic interviewing, and multidisciplinary collaboration reviews all nominations. Finalists are chosen on the strength of the nomination, demonstrated impact, and alignment with the award.

When is the deadline?

Friday, June 19, 2026. Nominations submitted after that date won’t be considered for this cycle.

When are winners announced?

During National Forensic Interviewers Week, July 6–10, 2026. We announce across Guardify’s platforms and coordinate spotlights with local centers.

Meghan Whitlock, SafeSpace CAC of Gorge, Hood River, OR

2025 Forensic Interviewer of the Year

Meghan Whitlock has been a vital force at Columbia Gorge Children’s Advocacy Center for the past two years, bringing extraordinary heart, skill, and leadership to her work as a forensic interviewer. With a background as a 911 dispatcher, she brings a calm, trauma-informed approach that has made her the lead interviewer, a trusted colleague, and an advocate that children and families count on.

In addition to her interview work, Meghan serves as Safety Coordinator for the Interagency School Safety Committee and contributes meaningfully to the Child Fatality Review Committee—showing her deep commitment to community well-being.

Meghan is known not only for her professionalism but for her deep compassion. Whether comforting a grieving mother after a traumatic event or helping a guarded teen open up and share their truth, she shows up with patience, humility, and empathy. Her ability to meet each child where they are emotionally transforms moments of crisis into moments of empowerment.

She is also a lifelong learner, continuously working to sharpen her skills and better serve those around her. Meghan doesn’t just do the work—she elevates it. Her integrity, resilience, and dedication make her an irreplaceable part of her team, and a powerful example of what it means to serve children with compassion and justice.

Rebecca Voss, CAC of Franklin County, Chambersburg, PA

2025 Child Advocacy Leader

Rebecca Voss has been a driving force at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Franklin County since its founding in 2014. As both Executive Director and a trained Forensic Interviewer, she brings more than a decade of experience, strategic vision, and deep community engagement to her work.

Under her leadership, the CAC has expanded programs and services, secured a new building, achieved national accreditation, and earned recognition as Franklin County’s Nonprofit of the Year. Rebecca has organized major community initiatives including child abuse prevention workshops, annual fundraisers, and holiday outreach efforts that connect children and families with needed resources.

Rebecca is also a statewide advocate. She participates in legislative education efforts, mentors forensic interviewers, and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Pennsylvania Chapter of Child Advocacy Centers.

Her work reflects a clear commitment to healing, prevention, and systems-level change. Rebecca leads with collaboration, compassion, and a steadfast belief that every child deserves a safe and supported future.

Sandra Romero, All Faiths CAC, Albuquerque, NM

2025 Champion for Children

Sandra Romero has been with All Faiths Children’s Advocacy Center for three years, bringing unmatched dedication, expertise, and heart to her role as a Forensic Advocate. Though no longer in a data role, her background in case tracking has made her a statewide resource for Child Advocacy Centers across New Mexico.

Sandra is widely recognized as a leader in case tracking systems, including NCAtrak and other tools critical to MDT coordination and data accuracy. She is often called upon to train staff, guide new directors, and consult with emerging centers—efforts she takes on without hesitation, even while managing a full caseload of families in crisis.

Her ability to balance operational excellence with deep empathy is a defining strength. In one recent emergency, Sandra spent the night comforting a young child who had just witnessed a traumatic act of violence. She provided care and presence in that moment, then returned to work the next morning to continue training and supporting her peers.

Sandra’s generosity, resilience, and commitment extend far beyond her job description. She leads by example, uplifts others, and ensures that systems—and people—don’t fall through the cracks. Her impact is felt not only by the families she serves but by colleagues across the state who rely on her guidance and support.

Payden Sharkey, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, TX

2025 Child Advocacy Partner of the Year

Payden Sharkey is a consistent and compassionate presence in the lives of children, families, and colleagues. In a recent case involving the removal of a child with special needs, Payden’s calm and supportive approach helped a colleague overcome personal trauma and build trust with the child during a difficult medical exam. His ability to encourage others while centering the child’s emotional needs reflects his thoughtful and trauma-informed practice.

He regularly attends multidisciplinary team meetings and builds strong relationships with professionals across agencies. These connections have played a critical role in helping locate missing children, contact families, and gather key information that supports child-focused investigations.

Even while managing emotionally demanding cases involving multiple jurisdictions and law enforcement partners, Payden shows up with focus and renewed energy. His steady leadership and commitment to teamwork help ensure every child and family receives the support they need.

Payden doesn’t limit his care to his assigned caseload. He often steps in to support other families and peers, always willing to do more when it matters most. His empathy, professionalism, and collaborative spirit make him a deeply valued partner in this work.

Rachel Mitchell, Children’s Advocacy Center, Hunt County, TX

2024 Forensic Interviewer of the Year

Rachel Mitchell is an exceptional forensic interviewer whose dedication, skill, and compassion have made a lasting impact on countless children and families. Performing over 50 interviews most months, Rachel approaches each child with intentionality, empathy, and professionalism, creating a safe environment for disclosure. Her deep knowledge of child maltreatment, grooming, and disclosure dynamics drives her commitment to ongoing training and best practices.

A tireless advocate, Rachel supports not only her center but others in need, offering on-call services across jurisdictions to ensure every child receives high-quality care. She plays a vital role in her multidisciplinary team, strengthening collaboration and adapting practices to meet children’s needs. Her patience, organization, and insight are unmatched.

Rachel’s work has led to multiple felony convictions, including a pivotal case where her interview clarified a child’s previously ambiguous disclosure, enabling prosecution and securing the child’s safety and justice.

Born and raised in Hunt County, Rachel is deeply invested in her community, dedicating volunteer hours to fundraising and prevention efforts. She exemplifies the mission of Children’s Advocacy Centers and continues to be a cornerstone of healing and justice for child victims.

Brittany Brooks, Barren River CAC, KY

2024 Child Advocacy Leader Award

For over six years, Brittany Brooks has been a steadfast child advocate at the Barren River Area Child Advocacy Center, known for her unwavering commitment and compassionate presence. She meets children where they are, offering stability, trust, and a safe space during their most vulnerable moments. Her work extends beyond typical hours, as she consistently responds to after-hours cases with dedication and care.

Brittany’s advocacy goes beyond the child, supporting caregivers and recognizing their vital role in a child’s healing. She empowers children to rediscover their voices, walking with them step by step toward resilience. Brittany shies away from recognition, believing the focus should always remain on the child.

Her impact is best illustrated through action—like ensuring a family devastated by abuse didn’t go without Christmas gifts, and continuing support for a survivor well into adulthood, even sitting beside her in court as she testified against her abuser. Brittany’s servant heart and tireless advocacy provide hope, healing, and lifelong strength to the children she serves.

Regina Dismuke, Hero House CAC, GA

2024 Champion for Children Award

Regina has dedicated her life to helping children. She spent the majority of her career working for the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services, serving in all different types of roles from child abuse investigator to director. Upon retirement she became the director of the fledgling Hero House CAC, serving children in Colquitt County, Georgia, and the surrounding counties. The CAC was woefully underfunded, had almost no facilities, and needed serious updating of equipment. Through her leadership, and her love of children, she, along with a board of directors who stand solidly behind her, have made the Hero House a true gem of service in our community.

We are currently constructing  more soundproof room to be able to hear the child victims testimony. Future plans are to construct an entire new center. She has earned the respect of her peers, and is a trusted resource for the prosecution community. She goes above and beyond the call of duty, each and every day. She has helped hundreds of children, and families, in our community. She coordinates the toy drive every year that makes sure children of abuse have a good Christmas. She is a true servant at heart and a fierce protector of abused children.

Nick Hefner, Haywood County Sheriff’s Department, NC

2024 Child Advocacy Partner of the Year

Detective Nick Hefner has made a profound impact in less than five years as a special investigator, demonstrating unwavering dedication to justice and healing for children. Volunteering for a role many shy away from due to its emotional toll, he has become a strong advocate for child victims and the local child advocacy center. Known for his compassion, commitment, and collaboration, Hefner regularly checks in with staff, mentors new deputies, and actively seeks guidance from experienced professionals to better serve families.
Currently handling three high-stakes cases with potential life sentences, Detective Hefner is a meticulous investigator who prioritizes corroborative evidence and teamwork. His empathy shines through in how he supports victims—taking extra steps to ease children’s fears, such as walking one child around the jail to show the alleged offender couldn’t escape, and spending over an hour reassuring another about the justice process.
Detective Hefner’s tireless pursuit of justice, his ability to bring hope in difficult circumstances, and his deep commitment to the wellbeing of children make him an outstanding recipient of this award.

Sue Counts, Butler County, PA

2023 Forensic Interviewer of the Year

With over 30 years in child advocacy, Sue Counts has devoted her life to protecting and empowering vulnerable children. Drawing from her experience as a foster mother, Sue spent 23 years as a Child Protective Services caseworker before briefly retiring—only to return and establish the Child Advocacy Center in Butler County, PA.

As the center’s founding force and sole forensic interviewer, Sue has handled 250–300 cases annually, also providing advocacy, court support, and guidance with victim impact statements. She developed vital procedures that prevent children from falling through the cracks, setting a high standard for forensic interview services in the region.

Sue’s humility, tireless work ethic, and deep compassion have shaped a culture of dignity and care for children and families in Butler County and beyond. She has never sought recognition—only to serve with excellence and integrity.

Now preparing for a second retirement, Sue leaves a powerful legacy in the CAC/MDT movement. Her life’s work has transformed a community and inspired all who have had the honor of working beside her.

Challye Nunn, New Hope Children’s Advocacy Center, Blount County, TN

2023 Forensic Interviewer of the Year

Challye Nunn exemplifies compassion, resilience, and leadership in her role as Director of Forensic Interview Services at New Hope Children’s Advocacy Center. When the center’s long-time Director was suddenly unable to work due to a serious illness, Challye stepped up without hesitation. Despite being part-time and already juggling multiple roles, she became the sole forensic interviewer for eight months—conducting 310 interviews, including 39 after-hours, all while grieving the loss of her mentor.

Her dedication meant canceling vacations, working through illness, and putting children’s safety above all else. Challye’s calm, caring approach helps children disclose their experiences with trust and dignity.

Now leading the forensic services team, she has trained new staff and continues to ensure every child receives the care and advocacy they deserve. Challye’s unwavering commitment and strength have not only held her center together through hardship, but have also ensured a legacy of excellence and compassion continues for the children of Blount County.

Crystal Richardson, Children’s Advocacy Center for Rockwall County, TX

2023 Child Advocacy Leader of the Year

Crystal Richardson has been a driving force behind the development and success of the Children’s Advocacy Center for Rockwall County since its founding in 2018. With a background that spans roles including MDT Coordinator, Family Advocate, Forensic Interviewer, and Data Analyst, Crystal brings unmatched versatility and insight to her work.

For the past five years, she has been instrumental in building and strengthening the county’s Multidisciplinary Team (MDT), fostering collaboration among partners, and establishing vital protocols and communication strategies. As chair of the Adherence Committee, she helps guide interagency coordination and team-building across all levels of leadership.

Crystal also leads the county’s response to Commercially Sexually Exploited Youth (CSEY), assembling a team to deliver coordinated services to this highly vulnerable population. Her expertise in data analysis drives strategic planning and supports grant reporting, making her a cornerstone of both operations and program development.

Known for her integrity, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to child-centered outcomes, Crystal’s leadership has transformed systems and lives in Rockwall County. Her work is a powerful example of how one person’s vision and dedication can create lasting, meaningful impact.

Kim Mangiaracino, Executive Director, Children’s Advocacy Centers of Illinois

2023 Champion for Children

Kim Mangiaracino has been a driving force for child advocacy across Illinois. As Executive Director of the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Illinois, she has united and supported CACs statewide with tireless dedication and passion.

Facing significant federal funding cuts, Kim led a successful effort to secure increased state funding, working closely with the Task Force on CAC and CASA Funding. Her advocacy resulted in a nearly 66% funding increase—$3.7 million—ensuring that all 41 CACs in Illinois can continue providing essential services to children healing from abuse.

Kim’s efforts go far beyond budget negotiations. Her leadership has strengthened the foundation of child advocacy throughout the state, setting a standard of equity, collaboration, and resilience. Thousands of children and families will benefit from her work, receiving the care and support they need during their most vulnerable moments.

Through her unwavering commitment, Kim has made a lasting impact on Illinois’ child protection efforts. Her work reminds us that behind every funding victory and policy change are real children whose lives are forever changed by access to compassionate, effective care.

Nicole Buermann, Assistant Prosecutor, Essex County, NJ

2023 Child Advocacy Partner of the Year

For 16 years, Assistant Prosecutor Nicole Buermann has been a powerful force for justice in Essex County, New Jersey. As a member of the Special Victims Unit, she takes on some of the most difficult and emotionally taxing cases, including all human trafficking prosecutions in her jurisdiction.

Nicole works cases from the very beginning, collaborating closely with investigators to ensure no detail is overlooked. Her relentless pursuit of justice has led to convictions in some of the most severe child sexual assault cases, including a recent case resulting in 26 guilty counts and a 106-year prison sentence for the offender.

Known for her tenacity, fearlessness, and deep compassion for victims, Nicole is a cornerstone of her multidisciplinary team. Despite the emotional weight of her work, she remains steadfast in her commitment to every child and family she serves. Her MDT describes her as “the best champion you can have in your corner.”

Nicole Buermann’s unwavering dedication and fierce advocacy continue to make a life-changing difference for victims and a lasting impact on her community.

Shy Watters, Warren Washington CARE Center, Glens Falls, NY

2022 Forensic Interviewer of the Year

Known as “The Closer,” Shy Watters is a forensic interviewer with an exceptional success rate, especially in difficult cases—remarkable given the CARE Center’s staff of just two. Her ability to connect with children, build trust, and communicate sensitively about traumatic experiences is unmatched.

In one case, Shy and a colleague interviewed numerous children abused by a daycare worker, leading to a guilty plea. In another ongoing case, her skillful interviewing helped a fearful 7-year-old disclose repeated abuse by her mother’s boyfriend and additional crimes against other children. The child now feels safe and is thriving in a loving foster home.

From her nomination: “Shy is an amazing partner to law enforcement, child protective services, and victim advocates. She has made the CARE Center welcoming for children and families, offering access even at unusual hours. Shy is a true asset and embodies advocacy for the children of our area.”

Lindsay Pack, Child Protect of Mercer County, WV

2022 Child Advocacy Leader

Lindsay Pack serves as the MDT Facilitator, therapist, and direct services coordinator at Child Protect of Mercer County, West Virginia. She brings a valuable mental health lens to every case review, a strength highlighted during a recent Re-Accreditation Site Visit, where reviewers praised her facilitation and holistic approach.

Lindsay is currently deepening her leadership skills through the Southern Regional CAC’s Facilitative Leadership Learning Collaborative, learning new strategies to elevate team performance and engagement. Her dedication goes beyond meetings—when a local officer was overwhelmed by a complex case involving ten children, Lindsay spent the entire day helping with reports, hotline calls, and interview coordination.

Her creativity with clients also shines—this summer, she used sidewalk chalk and outdoor activities to support children’s healing, encouraging them to leave uplifting messages for others.

From her nomination: “Lindsay is a mentor, teacher, support, advocate, and friend to everyone. She’s an amazing team player who will jump in and conquer any task that needs to be accomplished.”

Lindsay’s compassion, leadership, and commitment to both justice and healing make her an indispensable part of the team and a true advocate for children and families.

Captain Sean Norman, Wells Township Police Department, OH

2022 Champion for Children

Captain Sean Norman of the Wells Township Police Department has spent many years in law enforcement and just as many supporting A Caring Place, donating his time and resources to the cause. His commitment to children extends well beyond his official duties—he volunteers as a girls’ softball coach and serves as the local D.A.R.E. officer in area schools.

Captain Norman is also the driving force behind the Wells Township Haunted House, a nationally recognized attraction named the top haunted house in Ohio by The Scare Factor. For the past 15 years, he has led this initiative, bringing together teens and law enforcement to create a safe, inclusive space. The proceeds fund scholarships for student volunteers and support activities like band camps and athletic programs.

From his nomination: “Sean always says, ‘I’ve created this space for the kids who may think they’re outsiders, or have no place they belong. They belong here and we always welcome them with open arms.’”

Captain Norman’s creative leadership and deep compassion have made a lasting impact on the young people of his community, offering both opportunity and belonging.

Detective Denise Ledesma-Gomez, Raymondville Police Department, TX

2022 Child Advocacy Partner of the Year

Detective Denise Ledesma-Gomez is the sole Sex Crimes Detective at the Raymondville Police Department in Texas, carrying a caseload comparable to those in larger cities. She also serves as a Task Force Officer with the Rio Grande Valley Child Exploitation Investigations Task Force, led by Homeland Security Investigations.

Dedicated to protecting children from abuse, she investigates crimes at the local, state, and federal levels while also serving as President of the Advisory Board for the Cameron County CAC. Since 2017, her investigations have led to multiple high-profile convictions, including lengthy sentences for two State of Texas Corrections Officers convicted of sexually assaulting minors and producing child pornography.

In addition to her law enforcement work, Detective Ledesma-Gomez is an active advocate for victims of family violence and women’s rights. She balances her demanding career with her roles as a wife, mother of four, and community leader.

From her nomination: “Detective Ledesma-Gomez is a humble consummate professional, loyal friend, and loving wife, driven by her passion for justice for victims in her community.”

Her tireless work and unwavering commitment make her a powerful force for justice and healing in the Rio Grande Valley.