Who We Are

Executive Director | Forensic interview Specialist

Melinda Barton was born and raised in Covington County where she graduated from Pleasant Home School. She attended Troy University where she completed her Bachelor's degree with a major in both Criminal Justice and Psychology. She worked for over 25 years with the Covington County Department Human Resources in the Family and Children's Service Unit where she supervised foster care. In January 2020, she retired from the state to go to work as the Executive Director/Forensic Interviewer at the Covington County Child Advocacy Center. Melinda came on board at the Escambia County Regional Child Advocacy Center the middle of June 2025 and was named Executive Director/Forensic Interviewer. Melinda has completed over 600 forensic interviews and has an passion for working with children and families who are navagating the crisis of child abuse, the court system and the healing process. Melinda is married to her college sweetheart and they have raised 3 children together. She loves to read and travel with family in her spare time. She is excited to meet and get to know the community!

Victim/Family Advocate

Shawnda is the Victim/Family Advocate for the Escambia County Regional CAC. Shawnda is a graduate of Jefferson Davis Community College where she earned an Associate Degree in Registered Nursing. Shawnda has been with the Escambia County Regional CAC since September of 2022. She absolutely loves the work associated with her advocate position. Her favorite part of her role with the Child Advocacy Center is the opportunity to meet and help some of the most awesome children. Shawnda is very excited and is looking forward to a great future with the CAC. Shawnda is married to her best friend, Juan. She has three children of her own and a grandson who keeps her on her toes. Shawnda enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, and meeting people.

Wendell serves as one of Alabama's Facility Dogs with the HERO program through the Office of Prosecution Services. As a Facility Dog, Wendell is highly trained in over 40 commands, that he uses to engage with victims or witnesses of traumatic crime, to help them through the difficult criminal justice process. He will assist his clients in forensic interviews, counseling sessions, Grand Jury sessions and in Jury trials by lying quietly at their feet during theses times. He has proven to be a great comfort while he helps relieve his clients of stress, anxiety, fear and other emotions, so they can get through the difficult task of disclosing, and testifying about their event.