Our Team

Cindy Brew (she/her/hers), Executive Director

Cindy Brew joined the Children’s Advocacy Center in 2020 with over 21 years of victim service experience. She initially began working with crime survivors as a volunteer. Cindy has experience in program development, public speaking, fundraising, grant management, team engagement, trauma-informed care, leadership, and direct service as a victim advocate. Cindy 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

Rachel Lancaster (she/her/hers), Lead Victim Advocate

Rachel Lancaster is a Registered Advocate with Senior Standing in Ohio. She has been working in the social services field since 2000 and has spent the last 13 years at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Portage County. Rachel began her career working with homeless families and helping them become self-sufficient. Rachel has experience in program management, fundraising, trauma-informed care, and as a victim advocate.

“Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and twice as beautiful as you’ve ever imagined. “ — Dr. Seuss

Jessica Gealy (she/her/hers), Victim Advocate

Jessica Gealy joined the CAC in 2021. She has 11 years of social service experience and three years of victim advocacy experience. Her experience comes from direct services advocacy with adult sexual assault survivors, crisis intervention, and case management. Jessica helps clients navigate the pain and confusion of trauma. Jessica has experience in trauma-informed care, how trauma affects the body, in educating law enforcement on the effects of sexual assault, and in court advocacy.

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

Jessica Hoskin (she/her/hers), MSN, RN, CPNP-PC, Nurse Interviewer

Jessica Hoskin joined the CAC in 2019. Jessica has been a Registered Nurse since 2012 and completed graduate nursing education in Pediatric Primary Care in 2017. Jessica’s CAC training includes NCAC-Forensic Interviewing of Children and Pediatric Sexual Assault Nurse Exams. Jessica provides forensic interviews, medical exams, testing, and treatment for children and teens who have experienced abuse. Jessica is grateful to be able to promote health, safety, and provide medical care for children and teens in Portage County.

Leanne Biltz (she/her/hers), Education and Outreach Coordinator

Leanne Biltz joined the CAC in 2022 with over 10 years of victim advocacy experience. Leanne began working with survivors of crime while working in community corrections after receiving her Bachelor’s degree from Kent State University in 2011. Leanne has experience in program development, public speaking, marketing and fundraising, leadership, trauma-informed care, and direct services as a victim advocate.

• Victor Vigluicci, President
  Portage County Prosecutor
• Randy Griffith, Vice President
  Maplewood Career Center
• Claudia Amrhein, Treasurer
  Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority
• Scott Flynn, Secretary
  Flynn Keith & Flynn
• Bill Benoit
  University Hospitals Portage — Medical Center
• Sabrina Christian-Bennett
  Portage County Commissioner

• Mike Finley
  Hall-Green Insurance Agency
• Keith Fletcher
  Family & Community Services
• 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

• Melissa Roubic
  Portage County Municipal Court Judge
• Heidi Singer
  Kent City Schools
• Geri Strange
  Community Member
• Ben Ribelin
  Ravenna City Schools
• Bruce Zuchowski
  Portage County Sheriff
• Dean Tondiglia
  Kent State University Chief of Police