The SRCAC Exchange is a podcast by and for professionals in the field of child abuse prevention and intervention. Created by the Southern Regional Children's Advocacy Center, this show covers a wide variety of topics around the CAC model, child advocacy, multidisciplinary teams, and emerging trends in the field.
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Données mises à jour le 04/07/2026
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Imagine if your career satisfaction and well-being depended on the narrative you create about your work. In this episode, we delve into the Components for Enhancing Career Experience and Reducing Trauma (CE-CERT) approach, focusing on the domain of conscious narrative and its crucial role in sustaining professionals in the child abuse field. Dr. Brian Miller, the developer of the CE-CERT model, and Karen Hangartner, Director of Professional Services with the National Children’s Advocacy Center, share their insights on how this concept is influencing the CAC community. Join us as we explore how transforming our conscious narrative can help us foster a deeper love for our work.
This episode of the "SRCAC Exchange" focuses on the importance of conscious narratives in the work of Children's Advocacy Centers (CACs) professionals, particularly those dealing with child abuse. Today, Christina Rouse engages with experts Dr. Brian Miller, developer of the CE-CERT (Components for Enhancing Career Wellbeing and Reducing Trauma) model, and Karen Hangartner, Director of Professional Services at the National Children’s Advocacy Center. Together, they explore how the narratives professionals create about their work can either sustain or hinder their passion and commitment over time. They emphasize how the conscious narrative skill, one of the five domains of the CE-CERT model, helps professionals stay connected to their purpose and avoid burnout despite the challenges of working in high-trauma environments.
Through personal reflections and research, the episode encourages CAC professionals to embrace their work by finding joy in even the difficult moments, using tools like conscious narrative practices to frame their experiences positively. It discusses how supportive supervision and organizational culture play crucial roles in helping individuals maintain career-sustaining narratives, which ultimately foster resilience. By practicing self-reflection and mindful narratives, professionals can better serve their communities while finding fulfillment and longevity in their careers. Hit the subscribe button now!
Key Quotes:
“The most distinctive characteristic of professionals who are passionate and committed is the content of their narrative.”- Brian Miller, PhD
“We don’t have to be victims of this work.”- Karen Hangartner, LMSW
S3E6: Staying Power: A case study of exceptional CAC staff retention
Saison 3 · Épisode 6
lundi 5 mai 2025 • Durée 33:12
Why do some professionals remain committed to children's advocacy despite the many challenges? In this episode, we explore the experiences of three long-serving Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) professionals who have navigated decades in this demanding field. Kay Phillips, Jennifer Gamble, and Robert Scott Steele share their stories, offering valuable insights into what drives their long-term dedication to child advocacy. Whether you’re facing struggles yourself or simply curious about the heart behind CAC work, this episode will remind you of the powerful impact of staying committed to making a difference in the lives of children and families.
In this episode of the SRCAC Exchange, we focus on long-term dedication and resilience in the Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) field. Hosted by Christina Rouse, the episode delves into the challenges and rewards of working in child advocacy, particularly through the stories of experienced professionals like Kay Phillips, Jennifer Gamble, and Robert Scott Steele. These guests share their journeys, motivations, and tips for maintaining passion in this emotionally demanding field. Kay discusses the importance of finding purpose and spirituality in her work, while Jennifer emphasizes the value of self-care and a supportive team, and Scott highlights the importance of trust in building relationships with children in forensic interviewing.
S3E5: Unlocking Potential: Where and how future CAC professionals are emerging
Saison 3 · Épisode 5
lundi 28 avril 2025 • Durée 58:17
How can Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) and Chapters cultivate the next generation of talent in the field? In this episode, we explore Mississippi's pioneering state-wide initiative that unlocks new potential for future professionals. Joining me are Karla Steckler Tye, CEO of Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi, and Didi Ellis, CEO and founder of Kids Hub Child Advocacy Center. Together, they share insights from their combined 25 years of experience, highlighting innovative programming and the transformative CAST program. We also hear from Addison Alexander, a CAST graduate, as she reflects on the value of her experience in shaping her career path.
This episode of the SRCAC Exchange, hosted by Christina Rouse, delves into the theme of developing and retaining professionals in the Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) movement. The discussion features guests Karla Steckler Tye, CEO of Children's Advocacy Centers of Mississippi, and DiDi Ellis, CEO of Kids Hub Child Advocacy Center. Today, they share their combined 25 years of experience and innovative approaches in addressing workforce turnover and highlight Mississippi’s pioneering efforts to implement Child Advocacy Studies (CAST), a program designed to prepare the next generation of professionals through interdisciplinary training and experiential learning.
S3E4: Bridging Bonds: The inseparable connection of CACs and MDTs
Saison 3 · Épisode 4
lundi 21 avril 2025 • Durée 42:54
Imagine doing some of the most emotionally challenging work in the world, with a team by your side, offering constant, sometimes invisible support. In this episode, we explore the vital relationship between Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) staff and their multidisciplinary team (MDT) partners—teams that don’t just work together but lean on each other in unseen ways. Joined by Lydia Crivens, Christine Woods, and Johnny Vallejo, we discuss how collaboration, shared values, and everyday acts of appreciation help sustain these teams through the most difficult cases. Discover why strong teamwork is essential in the field of child protection and how it shapes lasting impact for children and families.
Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Coordinator, Volunteer and Intern Manager
The Children’s Advocacy Center – Covina (Main Campus) & Los Alamitos (Satellite Site)
Christine Wood, BA
Former Lead MDT Coordinator
Barren River Area Child Advocacy Center
Show Notes:
In this episode of The SRCAC Exchange, host Christina Rouse leads a powerful discussion on the importance of teamwork and supportive relationships within the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) network. This season centers on the "invisible threads" that strengthen the dedication and resilience of professionals working in child abuse prevention. Christina is joined by guests Lydia Crivens, Christine Wood, and Johnny Vallejo, who are all deeply involved in the CAC movement and share insights into creating a supportive and connected work environment. They explore topics such as the value of multidisciplinary team (MDT) partnerships, fostering resilience, and building trust through natural interactions, which together contribute to the sustainability of this challenging yet essential work.
S3E3: Balancing Act: Coping, healing, and the art of gallows humor
Saison 3 · Épisode 3
lundi 14 avril 2025 • Durée 50:16
Episode Description:
In this episode, we explore a topic often left unspoken but widely experienced—how child abuse professionals use dark humor to cope with the emotional weight of their work. Joined by neurohumorist Karyn Buxman, an expert in the therapeutic power of laughter, we discuss how humor serves as a lifeline in challenging environments. Discover the fine line between humor as a coping mechanism and when it might become harmful.
In this episode, host Christina Rouse dives into a delicate and seldom discussed topic in the child advocacy field about how professionals use gallows humor and dark humor to cope with the emotional toll of their work. Joined by neurohumorist Karyn Buxman, this episode explores the science behind humor, how it serves as a tool for stress relief, and when it may cross the line. Karyn shares her expert insights on how humor impacts brain function, helping professionals recover from amygdala hijack moments and regain cognitive control in the face of trauma. Through a dynamic conversation, Christina and Karyn discuss how laughter can be both a lifeline and, at times, a liability when used without care in sensitive environments.
The episode also features sound bites from professionals on the frontlines of child abuse prevention, discussing their experiences with humor as a coping mechanism, and Karyn details the 7 Humor Competencies of High Performers she developed: Rapport/Bond, Context, Authenticity, Safety, Timing, Content, and Delivery. The episode encourages listeners to understand the nuances of gallows humor, while also offering practical advice on fostering healthier workplace humor that doesn’t cross ethical boundaries. Karyn provides guidance for leaders on creating supportive environments and using humor mindfully, emphasizing that while abused children are no joke, laughter can help heal the caregivers and improve the care provided to victims.
S3E2: Spaces that Thrive: A director's approach to staff wellness in CACs
Saison 3 · Épisode 2
lundi 7 avril 2025 • Durée 01:02:52
Episode Description:
What makes some professionals thrive while others struggle, even with strong leadership? In this episode, we explore the key factors that contribute to a positive and healthy workplace in the child advocacy field. Joined by Paige Piper, Executive Director of BraveBE Child Advocacy Center, and Lori Wells Brown, CEO of Lotus Children's Advocacy Center, we discuss how both organizational culture and physical environments shape well-being and resilience in CAC professionals. Discover the strategies that foster a thriving and engaged workforce.
In this episode of the SRCAC Exchange Podcast, host Christina Rouse introduces the season's focus on the invisible threads that sustain child advocacy center (CAC) professionals. Today’s episode explores the critical factors contributing to a supportive workplace culture and the essential role of organizational structure. Executive Director Paige Piper of the BraveBe Child Advocacy Center shares her insights into the top five reasons employees experience burnout—ranging from inequity to time pressure—and discusses how changing workplace policies can lead to a healthier and more engaged workforce. She also shares strategies that BraveBe has implemented, including shifting from "sick leave" to "health leave," discretionary time off, and improving supervision models to prioritize staff wellness.
S3E1: From Sacrifice to Sustainability: Transforming the culture of CACs
Saison 3 · Épisode 1
lundi 31 mars 2025 • Durée 54:39
Episode 1:
From Sacrifice to Sustainability: Transforming the culture of CACs
Guest:
Sufna John, PhD
Associate Professor, Co-Director of the Arkansas Building Effective Services for Trauma (ARBEST) program
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Episode Description:
In this episode, we explore how Children’s Advocacy Centers are evolving beyond outdated professional norms that often lead to burnout and martyrdom. Dr. Sufna John, a licensed psychologist and expert in trauma-informed care, joins us to share her insights on fostering a healthier, more sustainable work environment in the CAC field. Discover how shifting workplace mantras can enhance both the well-being of professionals and the quality of care for the families they serve.
In this episode of The SRCAC Exchange podcast, host Christina Rouse kicks off Season 3, focusing on igniting the drive and resilience of Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) professionals. Joined by Dr. Sufna John, a licensed psychologist from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, they explore the ingrained workplace mantras often found within Children's Advocacy Centers (CACs). They focus on how statements like “If I don’t do it, no one will” can lead to a culture of martyrdom, burnout, and unhealthy work environments. The conversation encourages CAC professionals to shift from self-sacrificing behaviors to a more sustainable approach that values teamwork, collective responsibility, and long-term resilience.
The episode also addresses the role of leadership in transforming workplace culture. Dr. John and Christina discuss strategies to foster a healthier, more supportive environment, emphasizing the need for leaders to model self-care and encourage a collaborative approach to work. The episode provides practical advice for both large teams and single-staff CACs, suggesting ways to reframe responsibilities, seek support, and prevent burnout. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure CAC professionals can continue their crucial work while maintaining their well-being, leading to better outcomes for both staff and the families they serve. Hit the subscribe button now!
S2E7: Unlocking the Secrets: A Q&A on developing forensic interviewers
Saison 2 · Épisode 7
lundi 25 septembre 2023 • Durée 43:04
Season 2: Forensic Interviewer Growth Continuum
Episode 1: Unlocking the Secrets: A Q&A on developing forensic interviewers
Forensic interviewers play a crucial role in gathering information from victims, especially when it involves vulnerable populations like children. But what does it take to become a skilled forensic interviewer? How do we develop their expertise and ensure their techniques adhere to the highest professional standards? Forensic interviewing requires a unique blend of skills, empathy, and the ability to work with the multidisciplinary team. In this episode, we offer a Q&A with the National Children’s Advocacy Center’s Director of Forensic Interview Training and Services, Linda Cordisco Steele, and explore the strategies and approaches used to develop skilled forensic interviewers, whose work can make a profound difference in the lives of children and families.
Prepare yourself for an insightful deep dive on this episode, as Christina Rouse has an engaging conversation with Linda Cordisco Steele, the Director of Forensic Interview Training and Services at the National Children’s Advocacy Center. These experts draw from their wealth of experience to shed light on the vital role of continuous skill development, mentorship, and support for new forensic interviewers. They stress the importance of initial observation before formal training, consistent practice post-training, and the necessity of continual development skills. Christina and Linda distinguish between administrative and skills-based supervision, emphasizing the need for a safe a supportive environment for interviewers to reflect on their experiences and build resilience when their administrative supervisors lack the same forensic interviewing experience.
Our discussion goes beyond training, touching on the multidisciplinary collaboration and peer review in the development and support of interviewers, and they suggest a comprehensive approach involving facilitated discussions, feedback, and ongoing training. Christina and Linda delve into the challenge of balancing interviewer development with high service demands, offering creative solutions for those with limited resources. The conversation closes with a call to action for those with limited resources to explore innovative solutions for interviewer support, reinforcing the idea that the development of interviewers is a continuous, lifelong learning process. Tune in to uncover the fascinating, complex world of forensic interviewing, and gain a newfound appreciation for this crucial profession. Hit the subscribe button now!
S2E6: Building Resilience: Empowering forensic interviewers for sustainable success
Saison 2 · Épisode 6
lundi 18 septembre 2023 • Durée 48:18
Season 2: Forensic Interviewer Growth Continuum
Episode 6: Building Resilience: Empowering forensic interviewers for sustainable success
As forensic interviewers bear witness to the harrowing narratives of children who have experienced trauma, these stories can have profound effects on the well-being of interviewers. The cumulative toll of this work can contribute to many facets of secondary traumatic stress. In this episode, we will explore the impact of this work on forensic interviewers and shed light on the crucial role supervisors play in supporting their well-being. Discover how supervisors can be champions of retention, creating environments that prioritize well-being and equip forensic interviewers with the tools to cultivate their resilience.
Step into the complex world of forensic interviewing in this insightful conversation between Christina Rouse and Lisa Conradi, Executive Director of the Chadwick Center. In this episode, they discuss the challenging roles forensic interviewers play in child abuse investigations, providing healing and support to victims while acting as witnesses for significant legal proceedings. This demanding role comes with both physical and emotional burdens, but the interviewers’ resilience and deep-seated concern for the well-being of children and families keep them going.
We’ll also explore the profound personal impact on these forensic interviewers. From personal life intrusions and heightened safety awareness to emotional exhaustion, the demanding nature of their work leaves deep imprints. However, through organizational support, open conversations, self-care, and finding fulfillment in their vital work, they navigate these hurdles. This conversation also highlights leadership strategies, support mechanisms, and useful resources for addressing secondary traumatic stress among interviewers. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the child welfare system, trauma-informed care, and the resilience of those working on the frontlines. Hit the subscribe button now!
S2E5: Nurturing Growth: Mentorship and supervision in forensic interviewing
Saison 2 · Épisode 5
lundi 11 septembre 2023 • Durée 01:02:08
Season 2: Forensic Interviewer Growth Continuum
Episode 5: Nurturing Growth: Mentorship and supervision in forensic interviewing
In the realm of forensic interviewing, mentorship and supervision are not mere luxuries—they are indispensable pillars of growth and development. A mentor’s steady guidance and a supervisor’s watchful eye can make all the difference in developing interviewers. In this episode, we will discuss the possibilities of what mentorship and supervision can look like at your CAC. Through check-ins, constructive feedback, opportunities for self-reflection, and continuous learning opportunities, we acknowledge the significance of these relationships in shaping the future of forensic interviewing.
In this episode, host Christina Rouse is joined by guests Kelly Bober and Lydia Johnson Grady to discuss the critical role of mentorship and supervision in the field of forensic interviewing. Kelly is the Executive Director of the ChildSafe Center-CAC and Lydia is the Program Manager for MDT Development at SRCAC. Drawing form their extensive experience in the field, they delve into the nuances of these two roles, highlighting the importance of guidance and support for interviewers. They also share personal stories about their own experiences with mentorship, emphasizing the profound impact it had on their professional development. The conversation further explores the current state of mentorship and supervision in the field, stressing the need for a balance between productivity and ongoing professional development.
The discussion then shifts to practical aspects of implementing mentorship and supervision in Child Advocacy Centers (CACs). Lydia and Kelly offer insights on how to create a conducive environment for mentorship, emphasizing the need for dedicated time, purposeful sessions, and mentors who are not only skilled but also enjoy teaching. They also touch upon the role of peer review in supervision, viewing it as a valuable tool that complements but does not replace mentorship or supervision. They also discuss the challenges of learning from inappropriate sources, such as team members who are not well-versed in the discipline. Christina ends the episode with a powerful quote from J. Loren Norris, noting the importance of seeking guidance in the field of forensic interviewing. This episode promises to be a deep dive into the nuances of mentorship and supervision, offering valuable insights for both new and experienced professionals in the field. Hit the subscribe button now!
The episode also tackles issues like high turnover rates in CACs and the need for mental and emotional resilience among child advocacy professionals. With statistics showing that only a small percentage of people in the field stay longer than 15 years, the guests offer insights on why they’ve stayed committed and how they manage the pressures of the job. Through their stories, this episode emphasizes the importance of support systems, self-care, and the profound impact of helping children, showing that dedication in this field is both rewarding and challenging. Hit the subscribe button now!
Key Quotes:
“For me personally, it was just a calling. My background is in business, but I went back to school because I wanted to give my life more purpose. I wanted to make a difference.”- Kay Phillips
“If you’re going to be a social worker, you need a therapist. I see one regularly, and it helps keep me grounded and focused. Self-care is critical for longevity in this work.”- Jennifer Gamble
“When a child feels safe enough to trust me, to tell me something they’ve never told anyone before, that’s what keeps me going. It’s the most rewarding feeling.” – Scott Steele
The discussion emphasizes the challenges that turnover creates, especially in rural areas like Mississippi, where the loss of a key staff member can disrupt services for children in need. Both Karla and DiDi explain how CAST helps fill these gaps by ensuring that students entering the CAC field are better prepared and equipped with the skills necessary to provide comprehensive care. They also share personal anecdotes, including how CAST has transformed student interns into long-term hires, effectively reducing turnover and enhancing the quality of care. We’ll also hear from a graduate of CAST who did her internship at a CAC and what she found so valuable about her experience. The episode offers a deep dive into how intentional recruitment, training, and strategic planning are essential to sustaining the CAC workforce for the future. Hit the subscribe button now!
Key Quotes:
“If we’re going to have true systematic change, we have to move upstream, and CAST is one way to prepare our workforce for the realities of this work.”- Karla Steckler Tye
“With turnover, we’re not just losing employees; we’re impacting children’s lives. CAST interns are better prepared, and it has transformed the hiring process for us.”- DiDi Ellis
Throughout the conversation, each guest shares inspiring stories that highlight the collaborative power of CACs. They discuss examples of their teams coming together in difficult cases, the ways they build rapport and support among MDT members, and the small yet impactful gestures, like shoutouts and awards, that reinforce team cohesion and individual motivation. The episode closes with a reflection on how collective strength and unity are central to the CAC mission, and that teamwork is key to creating positive outcomes for children and families. Hit the subscribe button now!
Key Quotes:
"When you see someone and you talk with them regularly, you trust their perspective because you know them a bit more than someone you hadn’t reached out to."- Lydia Crivens
"When you get to hear words of encouragement from your team, it just reassures you that you’re doing this work and that others see it, which pushes you forward." -Christine Wood
"Coming to the CAC is actually a really nice experience for our partners because they know they’re in good company and working with a team that genuinely cares."- Johnny Vallejo
“Humor enables us to rise above any situation, even if only for a few seconds. When we’re dealing with trauma, pain, and stress, sometimes just getting that small moment of relief is essential.”- Karyn Buxman
"It is well known that humor, more than anything else in the human make-up, can afford an aloofness and an ability to rise above any situation, even if only for a few seconds." From “Man’s Search for a Meaning” -Viktor E. Frankl
“Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” -Viktor E. Frankl
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Later, Christina introduces Lori Wells Brown, Chief Executive Officer of Lotus in Paducah, Kentucky, who highlights the power of creating trauma-informed physical spaces for both staff and clients. Lori describes how redesigning their center’s environment, including sensory gardens, walking trails, and holistic healing spaces, has positively impacted both employee mental health and the quality of services delivered to children and families. Through these conversations, the episode emphasizes the importance of nurturing organizational culture and physical environments in preventing burnout and fostering a productive, resilient workforce. Hit the subscribe button now!
Key Quotes:
“We are searching for unicorns who can handle the emotional wear and tear of child advocacy work. Our job as leaders is to support their mental wellness so they can continue this vital work.”- Paige Piper
“The physical environment we work in has a major impact on how we feel emotionally and physically. Creating trauma-informed spaces helps staff connect with their purpose while ensuring their own well-being.”- Lori Wells Brown
Follow SRCAC on Facebook and LinkedIn for more learning content!
Key Quote:
“You can be passionately dedicated to your work and still realize that work is not done alone, and work does not have to be carried by me alone.”- Dr. Sufna John
Follow SRCAC on Facebook and LinkedIn for more learning content!
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