A Bridge Between
Children and Resources
Mission
We believe that when we work as a united force, communities are empowered to take effective, efficient, and compassionate action to end the cycle of child abuse.
Staff
As a membership organization, Children's Advocacy Centers of Kentucky employs a staff of experienced professionals dedicated to serving the needs of its member centers. Services include advocacy, collaboration, funding, networking, evaluation and assessment, training and technical assistance, and more
Caroline Ruschell
Chief Executive Officer
The Chief Executive Officer provides oversight and direction to the planning, development, and management of the daily operation of the state association. Oversees all CAC Kentucky services and activity.
Laura Kretzer
Chief Strategy Officer
The Chief Strategy Officer provides guidance and leadership in program initiatives and organizational strategy, including data analysis, stakeholder relationships, and training.
Blair Lee
Chief Financial Officer
The Chief Financial Officer manages all financial and accounting functions of the agency and provides current data to the Chief Executive Officer and its Board of Directors, including managing a budget of over $10 million annually. In addition, this position monitors all CAC subcontracts for financial compliance. This includes site visits, desk reviews, financial technical assistance and fiscal and administrative oversight.
Ellie Young
Program Compliance Manager
The Program Compliance Manager oversees all program monitoring activities performed in accordance with state and national standards for CACs. This includes site visits, desk reviews, programmatic technical assistance, data tracking, and the provision of compliance training for local Children's Advocacy Centers.
Shelly Kidd
Finance Manager
The Finance Manager is responsible for the activities and functions of CAC Kentucky’s finances while ensuring compliance and execution of financial policies. The Finance Manager is charged with the oversight of all pass-through funding to the state’s 15 CACs.
Jackie Kuryla
Multidisciplinary Enhancement Project Manager
The Multidisciplinary Enhancement Program Manager oversees all Multidisciplinary Enhancement Program and MDT activities. This includes programmatic technical assistance, site visits, desk review, case review observation, data tracking, and the creation of relevant training content for local Children’s Advocacy Centers.
Candice Humphrey
Communications & Outreach Coordinator
The Communications & Outreach Coordinator is responsible for developing communications strategies and initiatives. This includes the design of assets that promote, educate, and bring awareness to CAC Kentucky’s mission to provide the best possible response to child abuse.
Jacqueline Sugarman, MD, FAAP
Medical Director
Jacqueline M Sugarman, MD, FAAP, currently serves as the statewide medical director for the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Kentucky, the medical provider/director for the Children’s Advocacy Center of the Bluegrass, as well as Associate Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Pediatric Forensic Medicine in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Kentucky.
Governing Board
The governing Board of Directors for Children's Advocacy Centers of Kentucky bring a variety of vital professional expertise and experience to the organization.
Brady Dunnigan, President
Stites & Harbison, PLLC
Winn Stephens, Secretary
Children's Advocacy Centers of the Bluegrass
Renee Shepard
Energy Insurance
Rick Shields, CPA, CFE, Treasurer
Blue & Co., LLC
Catherine Robinette, DMD
Dentistry for Children
Amy Wickliffe
McCarthy Strategic Solutions
Jason Sauer
Churchill Downs, Inc.
Janine Webb
Yum Brands, Inc.
Carolina Weatherford
Mountain Top Media
Jillian Carden, Psy.D.
Silverleaf Sexual Trauma Recovery Services
To report child abuse or neglect in Kentucky please call: 877. 597. 2331 or 877.KYSAFE1.
For more information about reporting abuse in Kentucky visit: Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
CAC Kentucky does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.