2027 SVN Speaker Biographies

Merina Cameron, MSW, is the Program Manager at Florida State University’s Institute for Trauma and Resilience Studies, where she develops research-based training programs for multidisciplinary professionals, including those working across child welfare and family-serving systems. 

She also serves as Project Coordinator for the Florida Clearinghouse on Supervised Visitation. Her work focuses on trauma-informed care, resilience, and the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on children, families, and the professionals who support them. 

Her training and curriculum development work includes topics such as trauma-informed practice, posttraumatic growth, resilience, neuro-affirming care, and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Lindsey Dula began her career in 2000 as a CPS investigator working in a specialized child sexual abuse unit, then a specialized CPS unit at a Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) involved in the most severe allegations of sexual and physical abuse/neglect, and child fatalities. She became the unit supervisor in 2005 and in 2007, transitioned to the CAC as a dedicated Forensic Interviewer and has forensically interviewed over 7,500 children in her 25+ year career regarding allegations of child sexual abuse, physical abuse, medical child abuse, witnesses to violent crime, traffi cking, arson, drug endangered children, sexual assault, domestic violence, & homicides. 

For over 13 years she oversaw various CAC programs, including establishing the MDT Coordination Program, and oversight for the Client Relations Specialist, Family Advocate, and Forensic Interviewing Programs. She founded NFIN in 2024 and currently works to further training, specialized services, and technical support for CAC/CJCs, crisis centers/FJCs, and MDTs. She also develops specialized training and services for MDTs and organizations serving victims of child abuse and violent crime. 

She is a proud TCU Alumna with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and Psychology and has her Master’s degree in Social Work from University of Texas in Arlington.

Alison Feigh, MS, is the Director of Jacob Wetterling Resource Center, a program of Zero Abuse Project. In her 20+ years of missing children advocacy, she works with students, parents, youth workers, faith leaders, law enforcement and the media to help prevent childhood abuse and abductions. 

Alison’s work also includes writing curriculum for youth-serving organizations, training professionals about online challenges kids face and advocating for families of the missing. She is the author of two children’s books and co-author of a textbook, “Sex Crimes and Offenders: Exploring Questions of Character and Culture.” 

She was awarded the 2024 Visionary Voice Award from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. Ms. Feigh was also awarded the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. 

Chrystal Fischer is dedicated to strengthening families, reducing conflict, and protecting children through trauma-informed, child-centered services. Chrystal is a phenomenal community changemaker and advocate working throughout Wright county and larger parts of Minnesota bringing education, safety, and leadership to the community.

Under her leadership, Parenting with Grace has grown into a comprehensive family support organization offering co-parenting education and coaching, parenting skills classes, youth emotional skills development, and prevention programming including the Not a Number human trafficking prevention program for teens, along with supervised parenting time and safe exchange services.

Chrystal brings a strong background in business management, human resources, and team leadership, combined with extensive specialized training in supervised visitation and trauma-informed family services. She is a certified Divorce Coach through the Divorce Coach Academy, author of Protected & Connected™, and provides co-parent coaching and education with a focus on supporting families navigating high-conflict and court-involved situations.

She serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors for SVN and is actively involved in both the Legislative & Advocacy Committee and the Governance & Nominating Committee, contributing to national standards, leadership development, and policy efforts within the field. Chrystal is also a Board Member of the Academy of Court-Appointed Neutrals (ACAN) and serves as Co-Chair of the Training & Mentoring Committee, supporting the development and growth of neutrals across the United States. In addition, she is a member of the Legislative and Public Policy Committee for the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC), contributing to efforts that improve family law systems and outcomes for families.

A dynamic and purpose-driven leader, Chrystal is deeply committed to advancing equitable, accessible, and trauma-informed services that support the well-being of children and families across all backgrounds. Her work is rooted in the belief that when parents are given the right tools, education, and support, they can create safe, stable, and meaningful connections with their children—even in the most challenging circumstances.

Michelle joined CornerHouse in 2016 as a Trainer and Forensic Interviewer at CornerHouse, where she facilitates training for professionals on forensic interviewing and related topics. 

She holds a Master’s Degree in Human Services: Child Protection with an emphasis in Psychology of Child Advocacy and is certified as a Diplomat Child Forensic Interviewer through the National Association of Certified Child Forensic Interviewers. 

Michelle has conducted over 1,200 forensic interviews at Children’s Advocacy Centers. She also has extensive experience in community outreach, crisis intervention, child abuse assessment, fact and expert witness testimony, and prevention activities.

Sgt Tad Hoeschen has 28 years of law enforcement experience in Kansas and Minnesota and has been employed since 2000 with the St Cloud Police Department.  Sgt Hoeschen has been a patrol officer, field training officer, school resource officer, investigator, member of the St Cloud SWAT Team, served on the Community Crime Impact Team, has been an instructor in forearms, defensive tactics, active threat response, and mobile field force.  

Sgt Hoeschen currently supervises the Community Crisis Intervention Team which is made up of the Crime Prevention Unit, Housing and Redevelopment Authority Officer, Threat Liaison Unit, and the Mental Health Response Unit.

Sgt Hoeschen holds a BA in Communication Studies from South Dakota State University and MA from Concordia University, St Paul in Criminal Justice Leadership. 

Carrie Jensen is the Director of Operations for the National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children (National DEC). She has over 20 years of experience in child abuse prevention education, curriculum research and development and providing trainings and technical assistance. 

Prior to joining National DEC she worked for the Utah Attorney General’s Office in the Children’s Justice Center Program (nationally known as Children’s Advocacy Centers) and prior to that worked at Prevent Child Abuse Utah where she spent the majority of her time teaching children in classrooms how to recognize and report child abuse. 

Carrie has served on many boards, coalitions and Task Forces most recently as a member of the Utah Opioid Task Force and the Utah Trafficking in Persons Task Force. Carrie has a Bachelor’s of Integrated Studies with emphasis in Social Work, Child and Family Studies and English and holds a Social Service Worker License.

Madeline Kiger, MSSW, is the Program Director at Kymari House, where she oversees client services, staff, program development, and quality assurance while supporting the organization’s grant writing, community outreach, and referral partnerships. 

She joined Kymari House as Program Coordinator and has played an integral role in the organization’s growth from an approximately $110,000 operation to an annual budget exceeding $500,000, helping build the programs, partnerships, fundraising efforts, and systems needed to sustain that expansion. 

Prior to Kymari House, Madeline worked with the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services in both assessment and severe abuse investigations, bringing extensive experience in child safety, family engagement, and high-risk situations to her work. 

She holds a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and a Bachelor of Social Work with a minor in Spanish from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga

Amy Kinney is a dedicated community leader, advocate, pastor, and professional committed to serving individuals and families throughout Fostoria and the surrounding communities. She currently serves as the Executive Director of First Step, a domestic violence advocacy and support organization, where she works to strengthen services, expand community awareness, and create pathways toward safety, healing, and empowerment for survivors.

Amy has a diverse professional background spanning healthcare, higher education, leadership, ministry, and nonprofit advocacy. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management, a Master of Science in Leadership, and a Master of Practical Theology. Her combination of professional experience, education, and ministry has shaped a leadership approach grounded in compassion, collaboration, accountability, and service.

In addition to her work with First Step, Amy serves as Pastor of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Fostoria. Her ministry and community work reflect her passion for supporting people through difficult seasons while encouraging hope, dignity, and personal empowerment.

Amy has been actively involved with First Step for many years, including serving as Board President before becoming Executive Director in 2023. She is passionate about educating communities about domestic violence, addressing the barriers that keep survivors from safety, and building strong partnerships among agencies, churches, professionals, and community members.

Known for her commitment to service and advocacy, Amy believes meaningful change happens when communities come together to listen, educate, support, and act. Through her leadership, she continues to work toward a community where every person can live free from violence and with the opportunity to build a safe and healthy future.

Marrisa Orzechowski is a dedicated victim-services professional and advocate serving Northwest Ohio, with a career focused on supporting survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and other forms of victimization. She currently serves as Criminal Justice Liaison with First Step Domestic Violence Services, where she works to strengthen collaboration between survivors, law enforcement, prosecutors, and community partners.

Marrisa began her involvement with First Step in 2023 as Vice President of its Board of Directors before joining the organization professionally in 2024. Throughout her career, she has held roles in victim advocacy, case management, community outreach, and anti-human-trafficking services. Her previous work includes positions with organizations serving survivors in Bowling Green, Findlay, and Tiffin.

She holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Bowling Green State University, specializing in victims and offenders, as well as a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.

Known for her commitment to survivor-centered advocacy and community collaboration, Marrisa brings both professional expertise and a passion for helping individuals navigate complex systems and move toward safety, stability, and empowerment. Her work reflects a strong commitment to raising awareness, strengthening community partnerships, and ensuring that survivors have meaningful support throughout their journey.

Judge Victor Reyes served as a District Judge from January 1999, through December 31, 2014 in the 10th Judicial District located in Pueblo, Colorado. He has presided over, Criminal, Civil, County Court Appeals, Probate, Domestic, Restraining Order, Juvenile and Dependency and Neglect matters. Judge Reyes was also served as the judicial liaison on the Colorado Domestic Violence Offender Management Board and the Colorado Supreme Court Criminal Rules Committee. 

Before From October of 2021 through January of 2023, Judge Reyes served as the Judge in Residence for the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ). From 1984 to 1998 he served as a Deputy State Public Defender for the State of Colorado where he also served as an Office Head, Senior Attorney and provided training. 

 Since 2002, Judge Reyes has facilitated international and nationwide trainings to a variety of groups and organizations on issues related to mindfulness, every aspect related to domestic violence, the effects of vicarious trauma on judicial officers, and compassionate judicial leadership. He provided the training on domestic violence for Colorado Judges, Judges from almost every state and Puerto Rico, and members of the community both in Pueblo and around the country.  He has testified before both houses of the Colorado Legislature on DV related legislation. He has served as faculty for the NCJFCJ, the National Judicial College and the National Judicial Institute on Domestic Violence. Also Judge Reyes has trained Judges from the Ukraine on the issue of Domestic Violence.

He has participated in judicial well-being and judicial integrity webinars sponsored by the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime. Judge Reyes has trained judges from Costa Rica, South Korea, South Africa, the United States Army, The United States Immigration Judges and across the United States on the issue of Judicial well-being and more specifically, tools to increase resilience. Judge Reyes has facilitated well-being webinars along with leading wellness sessions on movement and breath at conferences and facilitated a judicial retreat held in California. Judge Reyes also participates in nationwide training, developing curriculum, and writing on all aspects of the law that impacts children, their families, and victims of domestic violence. He has written presentations on Compassionate Leadership, Engaged Justice, and Implied Bias.

Judge Reyes facilitates discussions on issues related to self-respect and self-compassion at the Youth Offender System, facilitates a weekly life skills session for incarcerated people and yoga at La Vista Correctional Facility-Colorado Department of Corrections. Judge Reyes also leads yoga/mindfulness classes and the Federal Bureau of Prisons-Camp, STAGES Program at United States Penitentiary in Florence and ADMAX(Supermax) as well as several venues in Pueblo. He has provided Mindfulness training for the Nevada Dental Association, the Pueblo Fire Department and the City of Pueblo. Judge Reyes is certified in Life Coaching and Master Life Coaching. He also has a substitute teacher license and facilitates groups at elementary schools in Pueblo, Colorado. He is a graduate of Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia and Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C. Judge Reyes serves on the boards of the Prison Yoga Project, the Supervised Visitation Network and the Siddhartha School Project.

Nikki Romer is the Director of Training and Alliance Development for National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children (National DEC). She is responsible for coordination, development and delivery of trainings, as well as overseeing and expanding partnerships and relationships at the state, tribal, and local levels. 

Prior to joining National DEC, Nikki served as the lead forensic interviewer interviewing children who were victims of maltreatment or witnesses to crimes. She formed a multidisciplinary team (MDT) to help identify, respond to, and serve children who are victims of severe neglect, and she spearheaded efforts to address the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). 

In addition to her fieldwork, she has served as an adjunct professor in the criminal justice department, teaching courses that bridged academic learning with real-world practice. Nikki also worked as a Victim Service Specialist with the Iowa Attorney General’s Crime Victim Assistance Division and served for six years as a certified peace officer, where she was a patrol officer, hostage negotiator, and field training officer. Nikki earned her master’s degree in social work from the University of Iowa in 2013 and is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in the state of Iowa.

Tamela brings nearly four decades of experience in the human services field, dedicating her career to improving outcomes for individuals and families facing a wide range of social, behavioral, medical, and life challenges. Her work has included supporting children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, individuals who are medically fragile, people receiving substance use treatment services, children and families involved in foster care, survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, and others navigating complex circumstances, trauma, and major life transitions.

Tamela’s career reflects a unique blend of frontline experience and executive leadership. As Chief Executive Officer of MillarRich, she leads a multifaceted organization that provides a broad continuum of community-based services, including support for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, family preservation and reunification services, supervised visitation and safe exchange, parenting education, behavioral and clinical supports, workforce development initiatives, and programs designed to strengthen individuals, families, and communities.

Tamela believes that trauma, whether acute, chronic, or cumulative, shapes the experiences we bring into every environment, including the workplace. Throughout her leadership at MillarRich, she has championed trauma-informed practices, organizational resilience, and a culture of belonging where every person is treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. She is passionate about creating workplaces and service systems where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to bring their authentic selves forward, fostering environments where healing, connection, and meaningful growth can flourish.

Michael Saini is a Professor and holds the endowed Chair of Law and Social Work at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto. He is the Co-Director of the Combined JD and MSW Program with the Faculty of Law at the University of Toronto and the Corse Director of the 48-hour Foundations of Custody Evaluations Program. 

He conducts custody evaluations, assists children's counsel for the Office of the Children’s Lawyer, Ministry of the Attorney General in Ontario and he is a parent coach. He is also actively involved in family law related program evaluations. His publications have focused on high conflict, strained parent-child relationships, supervised visitation, virtual parenting time and parent competencies post separation and divorce. 

Tiffini Thrower is a dynamic educator, community leader, youth advocate, minister, and public servant whose life and career have been dedicated to strengthening families, empowering young people, and serving her community.

With more than 25 years of experience as an educator, Tiffini has spent much of her professional life helping children and young people recognize their potential, build confidence, and understand the importance of education, character, and perseverance. Her passion for young people extends beyond the classroom and into ministry, where she serves as a Youth Pastor, offering spiritual leadership, mentorship, and guidance to the next generation.

Tiffini currently serves as Program Director for the Family Connections Program at the YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester in White Plains, New York. In this role, she oversees services that support children and families navigating some of life's most challenging circumstances, including Supervised Visitation and Safe Exchange services and the Children's Centers located within the Westchester County courthouses — safe, supportive, child-centered environments during times of transition, conflict, and reunification.

Her commitment to service also led to her recent appointment as Chaplain of the Mount Vernon Auxiliary Police Department, where she brings together her heart for ministry and public service, offering spiritual and emotional support, encouragement, and a compassionate presence to members of the department and the community they serve. While much of Tiffini's work addresses serious issues affecting children, families, and communities, she also believes deeply in the healing power of laughter. As a stand-up comedian, she draws on humor, storytelling, and everyday observations to connect with audiences and remind people that even in life's most difficult seasons, there is still room for joy.

Whether standing behind a podium, teaching in a classroom, preaching from a pulpit, speaking into a microphone, or supporting and mentoring the people around her, Tiffini brings the same philosophy to everything she does: people deserve to be seen, supported, encouraged, and given the opportunity to thrive. Her journey as an educator, Youth Pastor, stand-up comedian, Chaplain, and Program Director reflects the many ways she has answered the call to serve. At the heart of each role lies the same mission — to bring hope, healing, laughter, faith, and connection wherever she goes.

Emilyn Wahl has over 20 years of experience in the supervised visitation field, beginning her career as a visitation monitor and advancing to her current role as Director of Parenting Time Centers. She oversees five Parenting Time Centers across West Central Minnesota, providing leadership and operational management to ensure high-quality, trauma-informed services for families.

Emilyn’s educational background includes studies at Minnesota State Community and Technical College, the University of Minnesota Moorhead, and graduating as a Paralegal from Penn Foster. She has previously served as President of the Worldwide Supervised Visitation Network (SVN), and is an active member of the Minnesota Supervised Visitation Committee, the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC), and the Early Childhood Initiative.

A passionate advocate for innovation and collaboration, Emilyn is known for bringing forward-thinking ideas to the field and fostering meaningful dialogue among professionals. Beyond her professional work, Emilyn is deeply committed to community impact. She has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity for over two decades, with a special focus on promoting affordable housing. In her free time, she enjoys hiking Minnesota’s scenic trails, cheering on her husband at the racetrack, tackling home improvement projects, and spending quality time with her family.

Shannon Wegner is the Executive Director of Arrows Family Services, a Minnesota nonprofit dedicated to strengthening children, individuals, and families through accessible, relationship-centered services.

Shannon has extensive experience developing and expanding programs across child welfare, supervised parenting time, parent education, in-home family support, and community-based services. Her work has expanded into the development of Community & Family Resource Centers in Morrison County and Todd County, Minnesota, creating accessible spaces where families can connect with resources, education, support, and one another. She is passionate about advancing supervised visitation practices that move beyond observation and compliance to strengthen parent-child relationships, build parental capacity, and support meaningful, sustainable change. Her approach emphasizes trauma-responsive practice, protective factors, collaboration, and meeting families where they are.

Shannon is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and brings additional training in neuroscience and attachment theory to her work. She is committed to challenging traditional service models, strengthening community partnerships, and developing innovative systems that empower families and create stronger, more connected communities.

Howard D. Yaffe, M.S.W., LICSW, is the Director of Domestic Violence Services at Riverside Community Care, Including Meeting Place, Child Access Servies, and continues as a seasoned psychotherapist in private practice. 

With more than four decades of clinical and administrative experience, Howard is a leading expert in domestic violence intervention, high-conflict divorce, custody concerns, and therapeutic supervised parenting time. He is a past President SVN and currently serves on the Massachusetts Governor’s Task Force on Domestic and Sexual Violence and the MA Chapter of AFCC.  

Howard holds a BS in Psychology from Boston University and an MSW degree from Simmons College, School of Social Work.  Howard regularly presents webinars and trainings on several topics including intimate partner violence, divorce and separation, cultural sensitivity, safe and positive family engagement and trauma informed supervised visitation practices.