2026 Legendary Partners

Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) of Kentucky recognized 17 individuals on March 25 at the Kentucky Historical Society in Frankfort for their invaluable work with child victims of abuse. “We are honored to name these individuals as our Legendary Partners of 2026,” said Natalie Pasquenza, CEO of Children’s Advocacy Centers of Kentucky. “These individuals are heroes of their communities and the state of Kentucky. They go above and beyond for the those they serve, and their work is vital to the future of our children.”

This year’s 17 Legendary Partners are:
Children’s Advocacy Centers of Kentucky Coalition: Representative Samara Heavrin

Barren River Area Children’s Advocacy Center: Ashley Dejarnette, APRN | Bowling Green

Buffalo Trace Children’s Advocacy Center: Honorable Stockton Wood | Maysville

Care Cottage – Kentucky River Child Advocacy Center: Detective Chadd Daniels | Hazard

Children’s Advocacy Centers of the Bluegrass: Anna Stark | Lexington

Children’s Advocacy Center of Green River District: Bobby D. Murray | Henderson

Cumberland Valley Children’s Advocacy Center: Jackie Steele | London

Family and Children’s Place: Detective Anthony Morris | Louisville

Gateway Children’s Advocacy Center: Lori Fries | Morehead

Hope’s Place Children’s Advocacy Center: Commonwealth’s Attorney Rhese McKenzie and Victim’s Advocate Danielle Lively | Ashland

Judi’s Place for Kids: Heather Damron | Pikeville

Lake Cumberland Children’s Advocacy Center: Kevin S. Shearer | Jamestown

Lotus Sexual Violence Recovery Center: Lieutenant David Dick | Paducah

Northern Kentucky Children’s Advocacy Center: Jaclyn M. Anderson, M.D. | Florence

Pennyrile Children’s Advocacy Center: Tina Newby | Hopkinsville

Silverleaf Sexual Trauma Recovery Services: Detective Eric Williamson | Elizabethtown

Children’s Advocacy Centers of Kentucky is the statewide coalition leading the movement to help every child impacted by abuse. Serving every geographic area in the state, Kentucky’s 15 Children’s Advocacy Centers provide direct forensic and supportive services to children and non-offending caregivers impacted by child sexual abuse, physical abuse, and other forms of maltreatment. CACs streamline the systemic response to child abuse by offering forensic interviews, victim support, advocacy, medical evaluations, and mental health services at a single child-friendly location.