Our Team

Cindy Brew, Executive Director

Cindy joined the Children’s Advocacy Center in 2020, bringing over 21 years of experience in victim services. She began her journey as a volunteer supporting crime survivors and has since built a robust career in the field. Cindy’s expertise includes program development, public speaking, fundraising, grant management, team engagement, trauma-informed care, leadership, and providing direct services as an advocate. She leads with empathy and a growth mindset, often reiterating:

“You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress, simultaneously.” — Sophia Bush

Leanne Biltz, Assistant Director

Leanne joined the CAC in 2022, bringing over a decade of experience in victim advocacy. She began her work with survivors of crime in the field of community corrections after earning her Bachelor’s degree from Kent State University in 2011. Leanne’s background includes program development, public speaking, marketing and fundraising, leadership, trauma-informed care, and providing direct services as a victim advocate. Her extensive experience and commitment to empowering survivors make her an integral part of the CAC team.

Jessica Hoskin, MSN, RN, CPNP-PC, Nurse Interviewer

Jessica joined the CAC in 2019 and has been a Registered Nurse since 2012. She completed her graduate nursing education in Pediatric Primary Care in 2017. Jessica is trained in NCAC’s Forensic Interviewing of Children and Pediatric Sexual Assault Nurse Exams. At the CAC, she provides forensic interviews, medical exams, testing, and treatment for children and teens who have experienced abuse. Jessica is passionate about promoting health and safety while delivering compassionate medical care to youth in Portage County.

Jessica Gealy, Advocacy Program Coordinator

Jessica joined the CAC in 2021, bringing over 11 years of social service experience and three years of focused victim advocacy. Her background includes direct service advocacy for adult sexual assault survivors, crisis intervention, and case management. Jessica is skilled in trauma-informed care and has a deep understanding of how trauma affects the body. She also provides education to law enforcement on the impacts of sexual assault and offers court advocacy to support survivors. Jessica is dedicated to helping clients navigate the pain and confusion of trauma with empathy and expertise.

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” — Martin Luther King

Madison Emanuel, Advocate

Madison joined the CAC in 2023, beginning her journey as an intern and seamlessly transitioning into her current role as an Advocate. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Kentucky. Madison brings valuable experience in Trauma-Informed Care, prevention education, resource coordination, collaboration with multidisciplinary partners, social media marketing, and advocacy. Her passion for supporting others and commitment to making a positive impact are evident in all she does.

“Only you can decide what breaks you.” – Sarah J. Maas

Riley Kirk, Intern

Riley joined the CAC team in 2025 as an intern while completing her senior year at Bio-Med Science Academy. She brings enthusiasm, compassion, and a strong interest in supporting youth and families in her community. Riley is eager to continue growing her experience, and her positive attitude and dedication make her a valued member of the team.

Cassidy Beckert, Advocate

Cassidy joined the CAC with over a year of experience providing trauma-informed advocacy to survivors and co-survivors of intimate partner violence, human trafficking, sexual violence, and child abuse. She has supported individuals and families through hotline response, safety planning, shelter intakes, and resource coordination across hospitals, children’s advocacy centers, medical facilities, and law enforcement settings. Cassidy has collaborated extensively with multidisciplinary partners and is a nationally credentialed advocate working toward Ohio advocacy credentialing. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Political Science at the University of Akron and is committed to survivor-centered, compassionate advocacy.

• Claudia Amrhein, President
  PARTA
• Randy Griffith, Vice President
  Maplewood Career Center
• Sabrina Christian-Bennett, Treasurer
  Portage County Commissioner
• Scott Flynn, Secretary
  Flynn Keith & Flynn
• Bill Benoit
  University Hospitals Portage — Medical Center
• Keith Fletcher
  Family & Community Services

• Melissa Roubic
  Judge/Portage County Municipal Court
• Shawn Gordon
  UH Portage Medical Center Foundation
• Kathy Hartung
  Community Member
• Kellijo Jeffries
  Portage County Job & Family Services
• Amanda Lewis
  Paoloni & Lewis Attorneys
• Kathy Regal
  Children’s Advantage

• Heidi Singer
  Kent City Schools
• Ben Ribelin
  Ravenna City Schools
• Bruce Zuchowski
  Portage County Sheriff
• Brian Byard
  Aurora Police Chief & President of the Chiefs Association
• Pat Dennison
  Community Member
• LaJoyce Harris
  Family & Community Services