Our Team

John received a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Secondary Education from Campbell University John began his career as a Social Worker at Harnett County Department of Social Services, soon becoming a Child Protective Services Investigator. His career path led him to a supervisory position at Wake County Human Services in Child Protective Services. He then took a position at the Administrative Office of the Courts Guardian ad Litem Program where he managed the program for a three county Judicial District. His final position before joining the Child Advocacy Center was as the Child Welfare Program Manager of Permanency Planning and Adoptions for Johnston County Department of Social Services. John has training in Interaction Management, Family/Custody Mediation, Facilitation, Recruitment/Marketing, Supervision for Managers and Professionals and Forensic Interviewing.

When not at work John is an Elder, Sunday School Teacher and official Board member at Hickory Grove Advent Christian Church. He is also a referee and umpire for school and community basketball, softball, and baseball. John is married with two adult children and is an accomplished pianist.

When asked about assuming the role of Executive Director of the Center, he stated, ““I am truly honored to be named to this position and I feel it is a position that will be a good match for me as my experience has offered me unique vantage points in the child welfare arena, having worked at two DSS agencies as well as for the Guardian ad litem program. I’m looking forward to making lots of solid connections in the Cumberland County area and helping to lead the CAC as it continues to grow in the years to come.”

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.

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.

Lynnelle Brands, a May 2023 graduate of Western Illinois University with a double major in Forensic Psychology and Law Enforcement/Justice Administration, has recently joined the CAC team. During her time at WIU, she actively participated in the school’s Hotline, offering guidance and resources to fellow students. With six years of experience working with children, Lynnelle began her journey with the CAC in October 2023, following a move to Fayetteville with her husband and daughter due to military obligations. Her commitment to supporting children and extending a helping hand to those in need is evident in her role as an advocating voice for families at the CAC, a responsibility she considers a privilege.

Elizabeth Dorn, an 8-year Army veteran, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Southern New Hampshire University. Originally from Massachusetts, she became a Cumberland County resident in 2018 due to her military service. With a background spanning law enforcement, human resources supervision, and administrative assistance, Elizabeth brings a wealth of experience to her role. Motivated by her son’s influence, she has developed a deep passion for children’s advocacy. Elizabeth is committed to ensuring that the children and families served by the CAC experience love and acceptance, embodying these principles in her dedicated efforts.

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 the Program Assistants. She greets and assists clients, staff, and other administrative duties.

After retiring as the Executive Director of the Child Advocacy Center in June 2023, Roberta transitioned into a part time position of financial manager for the CAC allowing her to enjoy her retirement while still being active in supporting the organization she helped facilitate for 14 years.

She has over 20 years of non-profit management experience having been the Director of Resource Development for United Way of Cumberland County and Executive Director of Better Health of Cumberland County prior to joining the CAC in 2009.  She graduated from Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA with a BS in Medical Technology and received her Master of Arts Degree in Health Services Management from Webster University and a Certificate in Non-Profit Management from Duke University. 

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.

Born and raised in Santa Ana, CA, retired from the military in 2017 from Fort Bragg, NC, after serving 24 years. Initially, four years were served in the U.S. Navy and the remaining 20 years in the U.S. Army. Sammy and Tonya Soza will be married for 30 years this coming July. They have two children: Anadosia, 25, pursuing her Bachelor's in Nursing from the University of Central Oklahoma, and Miles, 22, is pursuing a Dual Bachelor's degree in Game Stimulation and Design and Interactive Gaming from William Peace University. Sammy and Tonya are also grandparents to two grandchildren, Kiaro, 4, and Rhya, 2. Sammy completed his Bachelor's Degree in Psychology at the University of Upper Iowa in 2015 and his Dual Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling at Walden University in 2024. Currently, he is a therapist at the Carter Clinic, P.A. in Fayetteville. However, Sammy is no stranger to the Child Advocacy Center; he interned and volunteered there from 2022 to 2023. Sammy has joined Across Milestones as a part-time therapist. Whenever Sammy has free time, he likes to spend quality time with his family, enjoys playing paintball with his son, going to the gun range, playing the drums, putting together puzzles, and playing his Xbox.