Our Team

Roberta has been the Executive Director of the Child Advocacy Center since November 2009. She has a BS in Medical Technology and a MA in Health Services Management and a Certificate in Non-Profit Management from Duke University. Prior to assuming the role of Executive Director for the CAC she was the Director of Resource Development for the United Way of Cumberland County and prior to that the Executive Director of Better Health. She has over 20 years of non-profit management experience. Originally from New Jersey she has lived in Pennsylvania, California, Washington State, Texas and Maryland prior to moving to Fayetteville, NC in 1993.

Melissa began working as a child Forensic interview and Victim advocate in 2015 and has experience interviewing over 300 children. She completed her training in Child First at the Georgia Public Safety Training center in Forsyth Georgia and later completed Advanced Child First training in Athens. She joined the team at the Child Advocacy Center of Fayetteville in February of 2022 and currently works as a Victim Advocate, Forensic Interviewer, and Case manager. Melissa believes that every child has a voice and feels honored each time a child trusts her enough to use that voice to share their stories.

Amy is a graduate of Coker University, where she obtained her BA in Psychology and Criminology. She graduated with a Master’s in Forensic Psychology in 2012 from Marymount University. Amy has 10 years of experience working with adolescents with behavior concerns, mental health diagnosis and crisis situations. Before moving to the Fayetteville area, Amy conducted court ordered psychosocial evaluations for six years in South Carolina. In her spare time, Amy enjoys working out, scrap booking and spending time with her family. She is the mother of two beautiful boys and one giant Great Dane fur baby. Amy feels it is a privilege to be in a position to assist children share their story that can lead to finding healing and hope.

Amirah Claiborne has 15 years of experience between the Department of Social Services and the Department of Public Health with the state of Georgia, as well as North Carolina. Amirah has held several positions, which include, but are not limited to: Social Worker, Developmental Specialist and Family Independence Case Manager, just to name a few. Amirah has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Services from Brewton-Parker College and a Master of Science degree in Forensic Psychology from Northcentral University. Amirah has 11 years of experience in interviewing and case management. Prior to accepting her current role of Victim Family Advocate/Case Manager position, Amirah worked as a Social Worker with Cumberland County Department of Social Services in foster care. Amirah’s love and compassion for at-risk youth continues to expand day-by-day with every child she advocates for. “Behavior is a language of trauma.” “Children will show you before they tell you that they are in distress” (quote by: Micere Keels)

Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Fayetteville State University, child advocacy had always been in my repertoire, as my very first job after college was to educate the care givers of young preschool children about appropriate discipline, positive reinforcement, and responsible parenting. Having raised 5 children through military sponsorship, I’ve had a diverse list of experiences and opportunities to guide them through their challenges and equally share in their triumphs. I’ve also spent countless hours at the schools of my children in a volunteer capacity to assist with their transition as newcomers. I worked as a foster care social worker for 5 years and also substituted in middle and elementary schools during my travel abroad as a military dependent. I also have several years of experience counseling persons with mental health challenges. Of all these jobs I’ve had, the most rewarding was to experience the joy of being a grandparent. I enjoy traveling, cooking, crosswords and other word-related games, roller-skating, listening to music and singing along to my favorite tunes.

Faith began her career at the CAC as the Volunteer Coordinator. As she coordinated volunteer opportunities, that often crossed over into prevention and awareness of child abuse, she saw her passion for educating professionals as well as the community about the impact of child abuse. She is a certified facilitator and instructor for Stewards of Children, a sexual abuse curriculum produced by Darkness to Light out of Charleston. In addition, she is an Ambassador for Shared Hope International who focuses on human trafficking. She also facilitates, Protective Factors…Bringing the Framework to Life in Your Workplace through the Children’s Trust Fund Alliance. She has been with the CAC since January of 2009.

Renee retired from Cumberland County Government with 32 years of service to the Cumberland County Library system. Renee held various positions, including administrative and supervisory positions, and served as President of the NC Library Paraprofessional Association. While working with NC State Planning Dept. as an Administrative Assistant, she helped design a statewide statistical reporting system. Renee joined the Child Advocacy Center as one of two part-time Program Assistants at Child Advocacy Center as a Program Assistant. She greets and assists clients, staff, and other administrative duties.

Latisha Culbreth-Robinson is a wife and mother of four, one princess and three princes. She has been employed with the Child Advocacy Center since 2016 after being named a Champion for Children for Volunteers. Latisha is a Program Assistant that works with Prevention and Counseling. Coming from the Cumberland County School System has given her an advantage with lots of great ideas that enhance what the CAC already does. The love and compassion that she has for children makes her an amazing addition to the center.

Oretha Harris is a Licensed Professional Clinical Mental Health Counselor-Supervisor with 20 years of experience. In 2015, she began her journey with the Child Advocacy Center as an employee of Cape Fear Valley Health. In 2020 she became the CAC full time contracted therapist through her private practice, Across Milestones Support Services which provides individual, group and family therapy. She is trained and certified in 4 primary trauma focused approaches TF-CBT, AF-CBT, EMDR and Voices. In 2015, she created the beloved Butterfly Tree that is a representation of all of the youth who complete trauma- focused therapy at the Child Advocacy Center.