S3E6: Staying Power: A case study of exceptional CAC staff retention
Release Date: 05/05/2025
S3E7: Narrating Joy: Unveiling a CE-CERT tool
The SRCAC Exchange
S3E7: Narrating Joy: Unveiling a CE-CERT tool 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...
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S3E6: Staying Power: A case study of exceptional CAC staff retention
The SRCAC Exchange
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...
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S3E5: Unlocking Potential: Where and how future CAC professionals are emerging
The SRCAC Exchange
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...
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S3E4: Bridging Bonds: The inseparable connection of CACs and MDTs
The SRCAC Exchange
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...
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S3E3: Balancing Act: Coping, healing, and the art of gallows humor
The SRCAC Exchange
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. Guest: Karyn Buxman, RN, MSN, CSP, CPAE Neurohumorist Speaker Hall of Fame ...
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S3E2: Spaces that Thrive: A director's approach to staff wellness in CACs
The SRCAC Exchange
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. ...
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S3E1: From Sacrifice to Sustainability: Transforming the culture of CACs
The SRCAC Exchange
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...
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S2E7: Unlocking the Secrets: A Q&A on developing forensic interviewers
The SRCAC Exchange
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...
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S2E6: Building Resilience: Empowering forensic interviewers for sustainable success
The SRCAC Exchange
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...
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S2E5: Nurturing Growth: Mentorship and supervision in forensic interviewing
The SRCAC Exchange
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...
info_outlineWhy 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.
Guests:
Jennifer Gamble, BSW
Family Services Coordinator
Child Advocacy Center of Rutherford County, Inc.
Kay W. Phillips, PhD, LISW-CP
Executive Director
Children In Crisis, Inc.
Dorchester Children's Advocacy Center
Robert Scott Steele, MSW, LGSW, LSW
Senior Forensic Interviewer
Harmony House Children's Advocacy Center
Show notes:
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.
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:
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“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
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“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
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“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
Resources:
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Safe Babies Court - SCIMHA [Website]
Host:
Christina Rouse, MSW
Program Manager, CAC Development
Southern Regional CAC
Project Manager:
Lauren Tanner, MSEd
Program Manager, Communications & Instructional Design
Southern Regional CAC
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Resources:
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CE-CERT Training [Training]
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Reset. Reflect. Refuel. Hub [Video Series]