Who We Are

Executive Director | Forensic interview Specialist

Stephanie serves as the Executive Director and Child Forensic Interview Specialist and is a graduate of Auburn University at Montgomery where she completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Justice and Public Safety and from Southern Union State Community College where she obtained an Associate Degree in Registered Nursing. She has worked in the victim services field since 2004. Stephanie has served as the Executive Director of Escambia County Regional CAC since 2008. In addition to her duties as the executive director, she also provides forensic interviews for children and adolescents in Escambia, Conecuh and Monroe Counties in cases of alleged abuse. During her time working in the field, she has conducted thousands of forensic interviews of abused children and has testified as an expert in criminal court numerous times. Stephanie is extremely passionate about her work with the local community and advocates for support to maintain services to the children and families in the service area. She is married to Mike and they have a son and a daughter. Stephanie enjoys spending time with her family, fur baby, traveling and being outdoors.

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.