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 is currently pursuing a degree in Social Work at 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

Kendall Crawford, Advocate

Kendall joined the CAC in 2023 with over three years of direct service advocacy experience. She is a registered advocate through the Ohio Advocate Network and nationally credentialed as a Credentialed Advocate. With an educational background in criminology, sociology, and anthropology, she is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at Ohio University. Kendall has extensive experience supporting survivors of domestic violence through case management, safety planning, and crisis response. She works closely with multidisciplinary teams, engages caregivers, and helps families navigate child protection, law enforcement, and the courts. Her trauma-informed approach and strong relationships with children and caregivers reflect her deep commitment to advocacy and healing.

Kayla Kuhn, Intake Advocate

Kayla holds an Associate’s degree in Applied Science and Technology from the University of Akron. She is dedicated to meeting client needs and fostering community well-being, with a strong passion for creating a safer world for all. In her role as Intake Advocate, Kayla brings compassion, commitment, and a drive to make a meaningful difference every day.

“Unity is strength… When there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved” — Mattie Stepanek

• 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