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

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.

Madison Emanuel (she/her/hers), Education and Outreach Advocate

Madison Emanuel joined the CAC in 2023. Starting as our intern, Madison has gracefully moved into our full time Education and Outreach Advocate. She is currently enrolled at the University of Kentucky for Social Work. Madison has experience with Trauma-Informed Care, social media marketing, community collaboration, and advocacy.

Izzy Rowlands (she/her/hers), MSW, LSW

Izzy Rowlands joined the CAC in 2024. She holds a masters degree in social work, and joins our team as a licensed social worker. Izzy has experience providing therapy to youth in a school based setting, and has previously worked as an advocate at the Rape Crisis Center in Akron.

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

Kendall Crawford (she/her/hers), Victim Advocate

Kendall Crawford joined the CAC in 2023. Kendall has three years of direct service victim advocacy experience. She is a registered advocate through the Ohio Advocate Network and is currently working on the national credentialing. She has has an educational background in criminology, sociology, and anthropology. Although busy, she is currently pursuing her MSW through Ohio University. She has experience with survivors of domestic violence, providing case management, safety planning, and crisis intervention.

Kayla Kuhn (she/her/hers), Victim Advocate

Kayla Kuhn joined the CAC in 2024. Kayla holds a degree in Applied Science & Technology. She has experience doing projects and presentations on human trafficking for the Health Professions Affinity Community.

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi

• 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
• Brian Byard
  Aurora Police Chief & President of the Chiefs Association
• Pat Dennison
  Community Member
• LaJoyce Harris
  Family & Community Services