Administrative Assistant
Paula Alsup has a long history in education, spending 33 years working in public schools. She's worked as a teacher, librarian, and school leader, helping kids from kindergarten to 11th grade. Paula has experience working with kids from all kinds of backgrounds.
At CAC, Paula uses her skills to help families going through tough times, support the staff, and tell people about CAC’s work. She really cares about kids and is excited to give back to the community that helped her.
Financial Director
Family Advocate
Reisa Holzwarth has spent eight years helping children and families dealing with abuse. She started by working as a Child Support Officer, where she learned a lot about the law and how to fight for people's rights.
Now, as a Family Advocate at the Children's Advocacy Center, Reisa works directly with families in her hometown of Paris. She's passionate about making a difference for local kids and helping them heal from abuse and neglect.
Reisa has a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Texas A&M-Commerce. Her background and caring nature make her a strong advocate for the families she helps.
Family Advocate
Jaci Shovan has been working with children since 2006, focusing on victims of child abuse since 2016. Her background in victim advocacy allows her to offer important support and guidance to those in need.
Jaci's goal is to help kids heal and feel hopeful again. She wants to give families affected by abuse the tools and knowledge they need. She's dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of kids, one by one.
Jaci has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, which helps her understand the problems that children and families face. She's committed to making sure that every child gets the help they need to heal.
Forensic Interviewer / MDT Coordinator
Nayeli Mendoza is a compassionate Forensic Interviewer deeply committed to child advocacy. With a strong educational foundation in sociology and social work from Texas A&M University-Texarkana and Paris Junior College, she brings a keen understanding of social dynamics to her role.
Her professional experience includes serving as Intake Coordinator at Domestic Violence Prevention and Paris Episcopal Day School/Quest Academy. As a bilingual Forensic Interviewer and MDT Coordinator, Nayeli creates a safe and supportive environment where children can openly share their experiences. Her dedication to empowering children shines through as she guides them on their healing journey with empathy and expertise.
Therapist
Lindsey Severson is a therapist at CAC, where she has been helping families since 2022.
Lindsey specializes in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Behavior Therapy. She provides counseling for children ages 4-18 and their non-offending caregivers.
As a Licensed Master Social Worker, Lindsey is passionate about supporting children and families affected by trauma, helping them to live healthy, happy, and safe lives.
Therapist
David Coats is a skilled therapist with a decade of experience in the field and over 15 years of experience working with youth and children.
He holds a master's degree in counseling and is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Problematic Sexual Behavior Cognitive Behavior Therapy (PSB-CBT).
Since David has dedicated the past 15 years to helping children in various walks of life, he's a valuable resource for those he serves.
Clinical Supervisor
Lamar County Sheriff's Office
Texas DFPS (Department of Family & Protective Services)
Lamar County District Attorney’s Office
Reno Police Department
Paris Police Department
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