Angela Bates- Forensic Interviewer/ Family Advocate
Angela serves as a forensic interviewer and has completed over 1,000 child forensic interviews. Angela also serves as a liaison between the CAC, MDT team members, the victim, and non-offending family members and oversees the Rainbow Room’s incoming and outgoing inventory and assists clients and workers with Rainbow Room requests. Angela is a graduate of Leadership Lamar County 2016-2017 Leadership Class. Prior to joining the CAC family, Angela worked over 12 years at New Mexico State University as an Assistant Dean of Students for Student Judicial Services. Prior to working at NMSU, Angela worked for over 3 years as Children’s Program Coordinator for a domestic violence shelter in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Angela is bilingual and holds a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from New Mexico State University.
David Coats, LPC, LCDC - Therapist
David provides mental health services, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, to the child victims we serve and their non-offending family members. Prior to joining the CAC family, David work with teens and children through the STAR program as well as through his church as youth minister. David holds a Master's degree in Counseling from Texas A&M University Commerce and is a Marine veteran.
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Heather Handy- Administrative Assistant
Heather provides support to the overall CAC program by ensuring the clients and families are comfortable while at the CAC. Heather also provides support for CAC staff and MDT members by ensuring the day to day operations of the office are running smoothly. Prior to joining the CAC family, Heather worked at Workforce Solutions of Northeast Texas as a Business Education Consultant for 5 years and spent over 7 years working with Legend Healthcare in various positions including Marketing, Administration, and Activity Director. Heather holds a Bachelor's degree in Human Science from Stephen F. Austin State University.
Reisa Holzwarth- Family Advocate
Reisa serves as a liaison between the Center, multi-disciplinary team members, the victim, and non-offending family members. Her duties include making appropriate referrals for needed services to the victims and family members, provide information and assistance regarding Crime Victims Compensation, conduct follow ups with clients, and provide support at all stages of involvement with the CAC. Prior to joining the CAC family, Reisa worked at Office of the Attorney General, Child Support Division for 8 years, the City of Paris for 2 years and the Texas Workforce Commission for over 6 years. Reisa holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas A&M University Commerce.
Rebecca Peevy - Executive Director
Rebecca is the Executive Director of The Children's Advocacy Center and has been with CAC since 2005. During her time with CAC, Rebecca has served as the Forensic Interviewer and Program Director before becoming the Executive Director in 2012. Prior to joining the CAC family, Rebecca worked as a Child Protective Services Investigator for the State of Oklahoma for 3 years. Rebecca holds a master's degree in Psychology from Texas A&M Commerce and a bachelor's in Criminal Justice from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. She is a member of the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, and was in the Leadership Lamar County Class of 2006-2007. She has conducted over 2,000 child forensic interviews and has completed over 1,000 training hours in the field of child abuse and forensic interviewing and victim services.
Lindsey Severson, LMSW - Therapist
Lindsey provides mental health services to the child victims we serve and their non-offending family members. Lindsey graduated with a master's degree in Social Work from Texas A&M Commerce. Prior to joining the CAC family, Lindsey taught 3rd grade reading and was a literacy coach at Aikin Elementary. Lindsey also served as Supervisor at Little Ark Learning Center. Lindsey is a 2004 graduate of The University of Texas in Austin.
Jaci Shovan- Family Advocate/Intake Coordinator
Jaci serves as a liaison between the Center, multi-disciplinary team members, the victim, and non-offending family members. Her duties include making appropriate referrals for needed services to the victims and family members, provide information and assistance regarding Crime Victims Compensation, conduct follow ups with clients, and provide support at all stages of involvement with the CAC. Jaci also facilitates intake coordination and provides community awareness through presentations, trainings, and education activities. Prior to joining the CAC family, Jaci worked at Paris Junior College for 10 years as an Educational Advisor for a federal TRIO program. Jaci holds a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from Texas A&M University Commerce.