Center Staff:  The Center is blessed to have a dedicated staff of employed, contractual and volunteer professionals to respond to the needs of child victims and their non-offending family members and/or caregivers every day, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Dawn E. Long, Executive Director
As the founding director of the Center, Dawn has been with the program since its inception in the fall of 1998.  She spent over eight years in child protection and investigations in social services in the U.S. Army, serving in the United States and in Europe.  She has lived in Bowling Green since 1996 and holds a bachelors degree in social work from Western Kentucky University.  She is very excited with the Center’s progress since its opening in January 2001, and looks forward to its continued growth and ability to expand services to children and families in the Barren River Area.

Lacy Chapman, Crisis Intervention Counselor
Lacy’s arrival in November 2005 marked a huge development milestone for the Center.  Born and raised in Bowling Green, Lacy volunteered at the Center for nearly three years before graduating from Western Kentucky University with a degree in psychology and sociology in May 2005.  As the Center’s second full-time Crisis Intervention Counselor, she is using her experience and compassion to advocate for children and families living in the Barren River Area.  Lacy is the primary CIC assigned for Hart, Logan, Monroe & Warren Counties.

Natalie Riggs, Crisis Intervention Counselor
Natalie joined the Center in November 2006. She was born and raised in Bowling Green and graduated with a degree in education from Western Kentucky University in May 2005.  Natalie has enjoyed working with children and families within an educational setting and has quickly become a dedicated member of the BRACAC Team.  Natalie is the primary CIC assigned to Allen & Simpson, Butler & Edmonson and Barren & Metcalfe Counties.

La’Tonya R. Hocker, CSW, Forensic Interviewer   
La’Tonya joined the BRACAC team in September 2006 as its first full time forensic interviewer.  She graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2000 with a Masters degree in social work.  She worked as the primary full-time interviewer for over a year at the Gingerbread House CAC in Shreveport, LA before returning to Kentucky in 2006, so she brings a wealth of experience and skill with her to her new position with our Center.  After a brief break, La’Tonya returned to the Center in July 2009.

Cathy G. Schutte, Office Coordinator
Arriving in July 2006, Cathy became the first Office Coordinator in the Center’s history.  Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, she has made her home in Bowling Green since 1996.  With her friendly smile and helpful nature, she is already an asset to the Center’s mission.

Development & Education Coordinator - Vacant

Kathy Roepke, LMFT, Therapist
Kathy joined the Center in September 2008 as the Center’s primary therapist.  She has worked in the mental health field for the last 23 years in a variety of settings, including inpatient psychiatric hospitals for children and teens, community mental health centers, and private practice, all with a special focus on children and teens.  She received her Master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from Western KY University in 1990, her Doctor of Ministries degree in counseling from Central Christian University in 1996, and has been a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist since 1995.  Kathy and her family have lived in Bowling Green since 1987. 

 

  October 1, 2009