Many people contribute to helping KidsVoice defend the rights of over 3,000 abused and neglected youth each year, including our dedicated staff and our Board of Directors. We could not offer children the full range of services we do without the support of our generous donors.
Staff
Management
Scott Hollander
Executive Director
Scott has a BA degree from Tufts University and a JD degree from the University of Michigan. Scott joined KidsVoice in 1999 with six years of previous experience representing children at the Rocky Mountain Children’s Law Center and at Evans Ivory private law firm. Scott has taught child advocacy and trial skills as an adjunct professor at the University of Denver College of Law and as an adjunct professor in the Civil and Family Justice Clinic at Duquesne University Law School. Scott received the 2004 Child Advocate of the Year Award from the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the 2004 Child Advocacy Award from the American Bar Association for his work at KidsVoice.
Jonathan Budd
Associate Executive Director
Jonathan has a BA in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin, an MA in Public Affairs from the Humphrey Institute at the University of Minnesota, and a JD from the University of Pittsburgh. Jonathan joined KidsVoice in 2003 and had extensive prior experience in juvenile programming, nonprofit administration and human resources. He worked as a counselor for delinquent and at-risk youth in residential and community settings, as a program manager for the United States Department of Justice's National Institute of Justice and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, as Assistant Director of Jewish Family & Children's Service, and as a labor and employment attorney for Reed Smith.
Supervisors
Kristin Flory
Supervisor
Kristin has a BS degree in Political Science with minors in Childhood Studies, Psychology, Sociology, and Women’s Studies from Rutgers University and a JD degree from The Pennsylvania State University Dickinson School of Law. Kristin joined KidsVoice in 2011 and had two years of prior experience in child advocacy.
Lila Harris
Supervisor
Lila has a BA degree in Sociology from Trent University and a JD degree from Duquesne University School of Law. Lila joined KidsVoice in 2011.
Robert Lykos
Supervisor
Robert has a BA degree in English Literature from Rhodes College and a JD degree from the University of Denver College of Law. Robert joined KidsVoice in 2006 and had one year of prior experience in immigration law.
Jennifer McGarrity
Supervisor
Jennifer has a BS degree in Elementary Education from Duquesne University and a JD degree from the University of Dayton School of Law. Jennifer joined KidsVoice in 2005 and had nine years of prior experience in the legislative and family law areas.
Stephanie Pawlowski
Supervisor
Stephanie has a BA degree in Religious Studies from Bethany College and a JD from the University of Buffalo Law School, SUNY. Stephanie received an award for Outstanding Achievement in the Areas of Children’s Rights and Family Violence from the Women Lawyers of Western New York in 2003. Stephanie joined KidsVoice in 2013 and had 10 years of prior experience as a law clerk for the Anchorage, Alaska, Superior Court, a public defender, family law attorney, and child advocate. Stephanie has volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer and cared for children as a licensed foster parent.
Tom Welshonce
Supervisor
Tom has a BA degree in Psychology from West Virginia Wesleyan College and a JD degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Tom joined KidsVoice in 2008 and had four years of prior experience in corporate law.
Attorneys
Cate Axtman
Staff Attorney
Cate has a BA degree in Political Science and Psychology from the University of Rochester and a JD degree from Boston College Law School. Cate joined KidsVoice in 2010 and had four years of prior experience in municipal law.
Samantha Barclay
Staff Attorney
Samantha has a BA degree in Political Science and Sociology from Washington & Jefferson College. She earned her JD degree from Duquesne University School of Law. Samantha previously interned at a local magisterial district judge’s office, and joined KidsVoice in 2019 after four years of working as a real estate attorney.
Michelle Barr
Staff Attorney
Michelle graduated summa cum laude from Stern with a BA degree and graduated with high honors from Rutgers School of Law with a JD degree. She joined KidsVoice in 2020 and, prior to that, served as a judicial intern for United States Magistrate Judge for the District of New Jersey Tonianne J. Bongiovanni. Following this internship, Michelle served as a judicial law clerk for New Jersey Superior Court Judge Lee B. Laskin. After her clerkship, she worked for the New Jersey Division of Law as a Deputy Attorney General. Following this assignment, Michelle joined the New Jersey office of the Public Defender where she served as an Assistant Deputy Public Defender/Court Approved Law Guardian. Michelle also worked as a private defense counsel for a law firm in Morristown, New Jersey. Michelle is a member of the Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Washington, D.C. Bars.
Alayna Bartko
Staff Attorney
Equal Justice Works Fellow
Sponsored by PNC Bank and Reed Smith, LLP
Alayna has a BS in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and a JD degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Alayna joined KidsVoice in 2019 after being a Certified Legal Intern in the office. Her Equal Justice Works Fellowship, sponsored by PNC Bank and Reed Smith, LLP, focuses on the opioid epidemic.
Steve Dittmer
Staff Attorney
Steve has a BA degree in Political Science from Pennsylvania State University and a JD degree from Duquesne University School of Law. Steve joined KidsVoice in 2001 and had eight years of prior experience in collections management.
Alyssa Drake
Staff Attorney
Alyssa has a BA degree in International Relations from Duquesne University and a JD degree from Duquesne University School of Law. Upon graduation, Alyssa was awarded the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Outstanding Student Award and was recognized for her pro bono service. Alyssa joined KidsVoice in 2018 and has one year of prior experience as a family law attorney.
Becca Edmiston
Staff Attorney
Becca has a BS in Human Development and Family Studies from Penn State University and a JD from Duquesne University School of Law. She joined KidsVoice in January 2019.
Jeff Gdovin
Staff Attorney
Jeff has a BS degree in Secondary Education, Social Studies, from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania and a JD degree from The Pennsylvania State University, Dickinson School of Law. Jeff joined KidsVoice in 2017 after almost two years of prior experience in family law, civil litigation, and estate planning.
Cheryl B. Gorski
Staff Attorney
Cheryl is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Pennsylvania State University with a BA degree in Political Science and a JD degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Cheryl joined KidsVoice in 2002 and had over 20 years of prior experience as an attorney in legal research and litigation. While serving as a Navy JAGC, she was both trial and defense counsel in the Special and General Courts-Martial and represented military personnel at medical discharge hearings and other military administrative hearings. Cheryl received the Navy Achievement Medal for Prosecutorial Merit. In addition, Cheryl is a current Fellow in the Allegheny County Bar Association.
Danielle Iman
Staff Attorney
Danielle has a BS degree in Diplomacy and International Relations from Seton Hall University and a JD degree from University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Danielle joined KidsVoice in 2012.
Erin Krotoszynski
Staff Attorney
Erin has a BA degree in Political Science from Clarion University and a JD degree from The Pennsylvania State University Dickinson School of Law. Erin joined KidsVoice in 2021 and had three years of previous experience as a legal aid attorney.
Amanda Meighan
Staff Attorney
Amanda joined KidsVoice in November of 2017 as an Attorney on the Education team. Mandy received her BA in International Commerce & Negotiations and Business Administration from Washington & Jefferson College and a JD degree and Health Law Certificate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. While at the University of Pittsburgh, Mandy advocated on behalf of children with disabilities as a Fellow with the LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) Center and was ultimately awarded the Dick Thornburgh Prize for Public Service. Mandy joined the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a Presidential Management Fellow directly after law school, working at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System in Acquisitions, the Office of Regional Counsel, and Human Resources.
Arjun Mishra
Staff Attorney
Arjun is from upstate New York. He earned his BA and BS degrees from Syracuse University and his JD degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Arjun joined KidsVoice in 2018. Prior to KidsVoice, Arjun worked as an immigration lawyer, representing clients in business, family, and humanitarian immigration matters.
Morgan Moody
Staff Attorney
Morgan has a BA degree in English from the College of William and Mary and a JD degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Morgan joined KidsVoice in 2017 following a two-year fellowship with Neighborhood Legal Services Association in Pittsburgh. In 2018, Morgan was the recipient of the Homer S. Brown Young Leader Award.
Samantha Moyer
Staff Attorney
Samantha has a BS degree in Social Work from Slippery Rock University and a JD degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Samantha joined KidsVoice in 2014 and had two years of prior experience in criminal and family law.
Jane Myhers
Staff Attorney
Jane has a BA degree in Sociology from the University of California, Irvine, and a JD degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Jane joined KidsVoice in 2017 and had two years of prior experience as an Associate practicing in Family Law and Civil Litigation.
Kristen Ornato
Staff Attorney
Kristen has a BA degree in Political Science and Anthropology and a Master's in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh and a JD degree from American University Washington School of Law. Kristen joined KidsVoice in 2014 and had 18 years of prior experience in Tax, Employee Benefits, Wealth Planning, Corporate Administration and Trust Administration.
Brian Panucci
Staff Attorney
Brian has a BS degree in Business Administration from Robert Morris University and a JD degree from the Duquesne University School of Law. Brian joined KidsVoice in 2018 and had five years of previous experience as a civil litigation and family law attorney.
Genevieve Pecharka
Staff Attorney
Genevieve has a BA degree in English from the College of Wooster and a JD degree from Duquesne University. She joined KidsVoice in 2018 after a career in real estate and oil and gas.
Courtney Potter
Staff Attorney
Courtney has a BA degree in Classics from the University of Kentucky and a JD degree from the University of Michigan Law School. Courtney joined KidsVoice in 2014 after working with us as a Certified Legal Intern.
Amy Racunas
Education Advocate
Amy has a BA degree in English from Pennsylvania State University and a JD degree from American University Washington College of Law. Amy joined KidsVoice in 2014 with 18 years of prior experience in public service, juvenile and family law. She was also an Education and Medical Guardian and School Liaison.
Rachel Rosnick
Staff Attorney
Rachel has a BA degree in Sociology and Political Science, a Master’s degree in Public and International Affairs, and a JD degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Rachel joined KidsVoice in 2020 and had 10 years' previous experience at small firms and in private practice.
Angelica Shepard
Staff Attorney
Angie has a BA degree with a double major in English and Psychology from St. Vincent College and a JD degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Before joining KidsVoice in 2017, she was a litigator (and partner) in one of Pittsburgh's largest law firms, where she practiced for more than 16 years in the areas of insurance coverage, commercial transactions, personal injury, and products liability.
Deirdre Shope
Staff Attorney
Deirdre has a BA degree in Communications from the University of Virginia and a JD degree from Suffolk University. Deirdre joined KidsVoice in 2017 and had three years' prior experience as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate in Pittsburgh and as an Assistant Public Defender in Agana, Guam.
Marcus Spisso
Staff Attorney
Marcus has a BA degree in History and Political Science from The Pennsylvania State University and a JD degree from The Pennsylvania State University Dickinson School of Law. Marcus joined KidsVoice in 2019 and had two years of prior juvenile advocacy experience. While at Dickinson Law, Marcus was named a Public Interest Scholar and awarded the Clinical Legal Education Association Outstanding Student Award for his work in the school’s Children’s Advocacy Clinic.
Brittany Vakiner
Staff Attorney
Brittany has a BA in Integrated Social Studies Education from Ohio University and a JD degree from Duquesne University School of Law. Brittany joined KidsVoice in 2018 and had three years of previous experience as a family law and oil and gas attorney.
Dawn Walters
Staff Attorney
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Specialist
Dawn has a BA degree, cum laude, from Denison University in Religion and Spanish, and a JD degree, magna cum laude (Order of the Coif), from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. At Pitt Law, Dawn served as Senior Managing Editor for the University of Pittsburgh Law Review, earned a Certificate in Civil Litigation, and received five CALI Awards, including in Legal Writing & Analysis and the Family Law Clinic. Upon graduation, the Law School recognized Dawn for her pro bono leadership. Dawn interned at KidsVoice from June 2013 to May 2014 and returned as a Staff Attorney in 2015. Dawn brings to KidsVoice experience in family, employment, and landlord-tenant law. Dawn was awarded the Above and Beyond Advocate Award in 2017.
Micah Wright
Staff Attorney
Legal Training Coordinator
Micah has a BA degree in International Politics from Pennsylvania State University and a JD from the Thomas R. Kline School of Law at Drexel University. Micah joined KidsVoice in 2017 after nearly three years of experience as an Assistant District Attorney in Allegheny County.
Tara Yontz
Staff Attorney
Legal Training Coordinator
Tara has a BS degree from the University of South Carolina, an MSW degree from Hawaii Pacific University and a JD from Capital University Law School with a concentration in Child & Family Law. Tara joined KidsVoice in 2015 with two years of experience in adoption, permanency support, and sexual abuse treatment and two years of legal experience as a hearing officer in juvenile court and estate research. Tara was awarded the Above and Beyond Advocate Award in 2017.
Child Advocacy Specialists
Sharon Broker
Child Advocacy Specialist
Sharon has a BA degree in Psychology and Sociology with a concentration in Criminal Justice from Duquesne University and an MS degree in General Human Services from Capella University. Sharon joined KidsVoice in 2008 and had seven years of prior experience in the child advocacy and counseling in foster care and group home settings.
Matthew Carlin
Child Advocacy Specialist
Matthew has an MS degree in Sports Psychology from California University of Pennsylvania and a BA degree in Sociology from Westminster College. Matthew joined KidsVoice in 2019 and had six previous years of experience advocating for children and their families.
Sarah Carlin
Child Advocacy Specialist
Sarah has a BS degree in Human Services from Geneva College with a minor in Psychology. Sarah joined KidsVoice in 2018 and has 14 years of previous experience working in mental health services for children.
Jennifer Chapman
Child Advocacy Specialist
Jennifer has a BS degree in Applied Developmental Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. A former intern at KidsVoice, Jennifer returned to KidsVoice in 2020 after working in the behavioral health field.
Ben Cook
Child Advocacy Specialist
Ben has a BA degree in Theater Arts and MS degree in Applied Developmental Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. Ben joined KidsVoice in 2004 and had six years of prior experience in behavioral health and developmental disabilities services for hearing and Deaf children/adolescents in special education, and in family-based and residential treatment. Ben has served for over 10 years as the Youth and Services Coordinator for the Pittsburgh Gay and Lesbian Community Center. Ben was awarded the Pittsburgh “40 under 40” award in 2007 and the Jefferson Award for Public Service in 2010.
Shelly Cook
Child Advocacy Specialist
Shelly has a BS degree in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg. Shelly joined KidsVoice in 2015 and had 14 years of prior experience in group home counseling and case management.
Alexa Crippen
Child Advocacy Specialist
Staff Development Coordinator
Alexa has a BA degree in Psychology, a BS degree in Sociology and an MSW degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Alexa joined KidsVoice in 2018 and had six years of previous experience in the child therapy, child advocacy, and foster care casework areas, two years of which were in a supervisory capacity. In addition, Alexa interned with Homewood Children's Village and Court Appointed Special Advocates of Allegheny County.
Justine Crow
Child Advocacy Specialist
Human Services Resources Coordinator
Justine has a BA degree in Administration of Justice and Legal Studies from the University of Pittsburgh. She also completed the Master's in Social Work program at the University of Pittsburgh, where she received a certificate in Child Welfare. Justine is a Licensed Social Worker. She completed her Master’s-level internship with KidsVoice in 2011 and joined the KidsVoice staff in 2012. Justine had three years of prior experience in direct care and service coordination for children and adolescents.
Samantha Gallivan
Child Advocacy Specialist
Samantha has a BA degree in Health and Human Services from the University of Buffalo and an MSW degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Samantha joined KidsVoice in 2018 and had three years of prior experience in residential treatment, child welfare, and juvenile justice.
Paige Haggerty
Child Advocacy Specialist
Paige has a BA in Sociology from Penn State University and a Master's degree in Social Work from University of Pittsburgh. Paige joined KidsVoice in 2019 after previously working at a foster care agency for a year. Paige is a Licensed Social Worker.
Kelby Haskins
Child Advocacy Specialist
Kelby has a BA degree from Lock Haven University, an MBA from Chatham University, and an MSW from the University of Pittsburgh. Kelby joined KidsVoice in 2017 and had 11 years of prior experience working in Residential Treatment Facilities, as a therapist in public schools, and working with individuals with intellectual disabilities and other mental health disorders.
Nate Morley
Child Advocacy Specialist
Nate has a BA degree in Sociology from Loyola University and a Master's of Social Work degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Nate joined KidsVoice in 2004 and had three years of prior experience in group homes, shelters, and crisis management.
Cassandra Musta
Child Advocacy Specialist
Cassandra has a BA degree in Anthropology from the University of Pittsburgh and an M.Ed degree from Carlow University. Cassandra joined KidsVoice in 2021 and had five years' experience as a youth advocate and seven years' experience working in education.
Jimi Onley-Palmer
Child Advocacy Specialist
Jimi has a BA degree in Psychology from Auburn University, an MSW degree from the University of Pittsburgh and is a certified strengths-based family worker. Jimi joined KidsVoice in 2021 with two years of experience working with CYF-involved families as an in-home worker.
Katelyn Poremski
Child Advocacy Specialist
Katelyn has a BA degree in Psychology from Point Park University and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. Katelyn is a Licensed Social Worker. She completed her Masters-level internship with KidsVoice in 2019. Katelyn joined the KidsVoice staff in 2019.
Tiffany Russell
Child Advocacy Specialist
Tiffany has a BS degree in Criminal Justice from South Carolina State University and an MS degree from Kaplan University. Tiffany joined KidsVoice in 2006 and had seven years of prior experience in juvenile corrections, independent living, and foster care.
Rebecca Shafer
Child Advocacy Specialist
Independent Living Project Coordinator
Staff Development Coordinator
Rebecca has a BA degree in Psychology from Edinboro University. She joined KidsVoice in 2003 and had seven years' prior experience in child and adolescent counseling and experiential learning.
Stephanie Tecza
Education Advocate
Stephanie has an Associate in Specialized Technology degree in Visual Communications from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Stephanie joined KidsVoice in 2014 and had 17 years of experience as an education advocate and advisor regarding best practices in special education. Stephanie received the 2014 Get Involved! Patty Verostko Award for child advocacy, as well as the Persistent Parent Award and the Collaboration Award from the Education Law Center.
Alicia Vance
Child Advocacy Specialist
Alicia has a BS degree in Criminal Justice from Fairmont State University. Alicia joined KidsVoice in 2018 and had two and a half years of previous experience working with child protective services as a caseworker and six years of previous experience working as a caseworker and case manager in juvenile corrections.
Heather Wilkes
Child Advocacy Specialist
Human Services Training Coordinator
Heather has a BA degree in Political Science with a minor in Psychology, a Certificate in Elementary Education, and a Master's of Elementary Education degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Heather joined KidsVoice in 2007 and had three years of prior experience in foster care and two years of prior experience in the mental health field as a Case Manager. She also has experience providing wrap-around treatment to children in the capacity of Therapeutic Support Staff, a Behavioral Support Consultant, and a Mobile Therapist.
Legal Support
Tara Gainfort
Legal Assistant
Tara has a BA degree in Politics and Philosophy with a related concentration in Latin American studies from the University of Pittsburgh Honors College. Tara joined KidsVoice in 2016 and had eight years of prior experience in the legal areas of social security disability, litigation, and general corporate law administration, as well as event management for local non-profit arts organizations.
Sheila Heath
Legal Assistant
Sheila has a Paralegal Certificate from Penn State University. Sheila joined KidsVoice in 2013 and had over 10 years of prior experience as a paralegal and legal administrator.
Support Staff
Joanna Johnson
Lead Regional Support Staff
Joanna joined KidsVoice in 1999 and had over 10 years of prior experience in the administrative field.
Karen McDonald
Regional Support Staff
Karen has an AS degree in Business Administration from Duff’s Business Institute. Karen joined KidsVoice in 2020 and has over 20 years of experience working in non-profits and management.
Nicole Olen
Regional Support Staff
Nicole has an AS degree from ICM School of Business. Nicole joined KidsVoice in 2008 and had over 10 years of prior administrative and family law legal secretarial experience.
Administration and Development
Monique Crowe
Receptionist
Monique has a BS degree in Business from Point Park University. Monique joined KidsVoice in 2019. She has over 10 years of experience as an administrative assistant.
Melanie DeStefano
Communications and Development Associate
Melanie has a BA in Professional Writing from Kutztown University and an MFA in Creative Writing from Chatham University. She came to KidsVoice in 2021 with more than 14 years of experience in the communications industry, including public relations and journalism.
Garth Graeper
Development Manager
Garth has a BA in English and Economics from Vassar College and an MA from the University of Maryland. Garth joined KidsVoice in 2018 after eight years at Penguin Random House and three years of non-profit fundraising.
Michelle McCully
Human Resources Manager
Michelle has a BS degree in Business Administration from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Michelle joined KidsVoice in 2012 with over 20 years of prior human resources experience in the banking and legal industries.
Joy Myers
Office Manager
Joy has a degree in Marketing and Business Communications from Community College of Allegheny County as well as other certificates and licensing. Joy joined KidsVoice in 2016 and has a wide variety of experience in companies ranging from large corporations to non-profit organizations. She has over 15 years' experience in reception and administrative support.
Sue Schmidt
Full Charge Bookkeeper
Sue joined KidsVoice in 2004 and had over 20 years of prior accounting experience.
KidsVoice is governed by two boards. One, KidsVoice Pennsylvania, governs all local advocacy efforts while the other, KidsVoice, governs our national work and other projects.
KidsVoice Pennsylvania
Board of Directors
Kirk Botula
CMMI Institute
Jason D'Amico
Buchanan Ingersoll
President
Debra Dermody
Reed Smith
Scott Frishman
Deloitte
Rev. Brenda Gregg
Project Destiny
Buddy Hobart
Solutions 21
Ed Kabala
Fox Rothschild
Gregory Kaminski
Strategic Marketing
Joanne La Rose
FedEx Ground
Vice President
Jeff Letwin
Saul Ewing
Michael Lynch
K & L Gates
Michael Moose
First National Bank
Chuck Moser
Cisco Systems
Daniel Rosati
Shasta Services/TMS International
Treasurer
Thomas Shields
Douglas Oil & Gas
William Thompkins
Community Volunteer
Judy Thompson
Community Volunteer
Jeffrey Upperman, M.D.
Children’s Hospital of Vanderbilt
Michael Yoon
PNC Bank
Immediate Past President
KidsVoice Board of Directors
Bill Guttman
Panopto
Vice President
Scott Hollander
KidsVoice
Ex Officio
Ed Kabala
Fox Rothschild
Immediate Past President
Tom Shields
Douglas Oil & Gas
President
Michael Yoon
PNC
Treasurer
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