Ruhani Amin

I am the Digital Evaluator and Organizer on the prevention team.  I support education and awareness efforts around paid parental leave and safe leave to make workplaces more trauma-informed and supportive to survivors of domestic violence.

I have a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from Montana State University.  I completed one year of medical school at the University of Washington School of Medicine before withdrawing to focus on family. I was a stay-at-home mother for nine years. During that time, I founded an e-commerce business while working in the margins of time as a full-time mother of three.  These experiences have inspired my interest in graphic design and data visualization to tell stories and spark action in the anti-oppression movement.

I bring my lived experiences with intimate partner violence and professional accomplishments to advance NCCADV’s mission to dismantle social norms that allow offenders to perpetrate violence against marginalized individuals.

When not at work, you’ll probably find me cultivating friendships with my neighbors or cooking Bangladeshi curries with my three children.

Olivia Bass

I am the Director of African, Black, Caribbean (ABC) Services and the co-director of the Culturally Specific and Youth Services (CSYS) Team.

ABC Services addresses the barriers that prevent ABC survivors from seeking formal services. We work with community members to raise awareness about intimate partner violence. I also co-lead language access and provide support to teen programming.

I have my Master of Social Work degree from UNC Chapel Hill. When not at work, you can find me watching television and eating good food. When I need to move my body, I dance and hike.

Marcella (Mars) Camara

I am a Liberian-American artist, cultural organizer, and public health worker. I have a passion for reproductive justice and birth work. At NCCADV, I strengthen partnerships between health care systems and domestic violence agencies. My goal in this work is to provide trauma-informed care to survivors of intimate partner violence throughout North Carolina.

I earned my B.S. in Public Health Studies with a concentration in Community Health from ECU. After college I worked as a field organizer for political campaigns. They focused on anti-racism, voter suppression, and community wellness in North Carolina. I also worked with Triangle-based teen centers and Parks and Recreation. There, I spent over two years in youth advocacy and programming. I also researched Reproductive Health outcomes and studied birth work. This work had a specific focus on black women, femmes, and mothers of color. My career has centered arts, culture, and anti-oppression to support public wellness. I bring over 7 years of experience working within health systems.

I came to NCCADV to continue the work of creating equitable and dynamic public health standards. My work centers the diversity in experiences in the lives of women, femmes, and the most marginalized in my beloved hometown of Durham.

Beth Chartrand

My current work focuses on grant oversight including writing, managing, and reporting. Before NCCADV, I worked for the NC Department of Public Safety in crime victim services at the NCSAVAN program. I was also a Grants Management Specialist there. I have direct service experience in juvenile justice and child protective services in North Carolina and Pennsylvania. I also did a cold case review project for the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C. I have a B.S. in Psychology from Kutztown University, and an M.A. in Forensic Psychology with a Juvenile Justice focus from Marymount University.

I lived in Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Virginia before moving to North Carolina. I enjoy sports, concerts, and theater. I also like trying new craft projects and spending time with my family.

Carianne Fisher

I view my role as helping to ensure the work of the Coalition and our members is amplified and funded so that every survivor receives non-judgmental support and resources whether they turn to a shelter, a therapist, the courts, law enforcement, or a friend for help.

I received both a B.A. in English Literature and an MSW from Washington University in St Louis. I began my social work career as a weekend advocate at a domestic violence shelter in St. Louis. I then worked for over 16 years at a private child welfare agency in Illinois. I began as a Family Counselor in a program serving youth who ran away from home in Southern Illinois and later served in the roles of Training Coordinator, Director of Professional Education and Training, and Director of Human Resources and Training.

I was also the Human Resources Manager for a skilled nursing facility, a Field Consultant for the University of Chicago, and the Director of Training at a juvenile detention center. I served as the first Executive Director of Therapet, an animal-assisted therapy nonprofit in Tyler, TX, for 4 years before joining NCCADV in November 2019.

I enjoy hiking, kayaking, trivia nights, and watching television on the couch with my partner and our three dogs.

Alexana Garcia

I have extensive experience in the nonprofit sector. In my current role I handle the Coalition’s facilities & office management, information technology systems, and human resources.

I received my B.A. from UCLA and MPA from UNCG. Before joining NCCADV, I was first a Program Director and then the Executive Director of a tutoring program. I also have previous experience at a community-based adult literacy nonprofit. Before that, I worked in the human resources department of a community college in my hometown of San Diego, California.

I enjoy learning new things and have recently begun exploring painting and ceramics. When not trying to center on the wheel, you can find me talking to my mom on FaceTime or at home with my husband and our cats, Riri and Jojo.

Trishana Jones

In my role, I focus on work related to childhood exposure to domestic violence, access to language services, and ad hoc projects.

I have a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Clark Atlanta University and attained a Master of Social Work degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I have over 20 years of experience in the areas of domestic violence, child welfare, and child advocacy.

When I am not working, I enjoy traveling, creating natural skincare products, and being with family and friends.

Kathleen Lockwood

In my role as Policy Director, I oversee NCCADV’s Legislative Agenda. I also provide policy training and technical assistance to survivors and people who work with survivors across the state.

I am from Welcome, North Carolina and now live in Durham. I earned a degree in Women’s Studies and English from UNC Chapel Hill in 2011 and a law degree from UNC School of Law in 2015.  I have worked with survivors of domestic violence in many roles over the years, including work at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Crisis Intervention Unit, Family Services of Davidson County, and the Children’s Law Center of Central North Carolina. I also used to represent survivors in domestic violence court as a Staff Attorney at NCCADV. I worked as a Clean Slate Project Attorney at the Southern Coalition for Social Justice before coming to NCCADV.

When not working, I enjoy spending time with loved ones and baking.

Jenny Lor

At NCCADV, I help with grant reporting and data collection. I also manage the agency contracts and assist with general operations and finance duties. I have been with NCCADV since 2020.

I have extensive direct service experience in providing services to domestic violence and sexual assault survivors. I have worked for a national interstate custody training and technical assistance organization. I also staffed and managed local and national hotlines for domestic violence and crime victim support in Washington, D.C. I have previous experience as a legal advocate at a rape crisis center and as a shelter advocate in an all-gender domestic violence shelter. I have my bachelor’s degree from Portland State University.

I am the queer daughter of Hmong refugees. I love creating pottery and am working to be fluent in my first language.

Bonnie Louthan

I currently maintain the processing of accounts payable invoices and creating checks for invoice payments.  Along with this process, I also manage the staff credit card charges and reimbursements.  In my position I am responsible for maintenance of vendor files, processing invoices and check payments, along with posting expense allocations and miscellaneous tasks as necessary.

Originally from Massachusetts, I was raised in a military family.  I lived in numerous cities, states, and countries before making Durham home.  I made the move to NCCADV in 2012 from the Charlotte, NC area.  Prior to moving to Durham, I worked in administration and accounting for a Water Treatment Contractor and Manufacturer for many years.

After many years working in administration, I attended Piedmont Community College to study accounting to be able to assist the company accountant in the day-to-day financial obligations.

When not working, I enjoy reading, spending time with family and friends, and going to plays and concerts.  I have a favorite artist who I have seen over 40 times. When not at work, you can find me cheering on my 4 Grand Children (better known as Grand Prizes) in their school and sports activities.

Molly McCambridge

At NCCADV, I work to support workplaces across the state in becoming more trauma-informed. I do this through a focus on employee wellness and organizational policy, procedure, and culture.

Prior to my work at NCCADV, I worked in domestic and sexual violence response as a crisis advocate and child sexual abuse prevention programming facilitator in preK – 5th Grade classrooms. I have also provided behavioral support to preschool classrooms as well as therapeutic care to children and teens in inpatient treatment for eating disorders.

In addition to my work with NCCADV, I am a Partner Abuse Intervention group facilitator. I have a passion for bringing transformative justice into all my work. When not at work, you can find me cooking, playing games, going to the movies, and dancing the night (or day) away!

Sarah Murray

I am in charge of collaboratively creating the annual training calendar. I am also here to support all staff who do any sort of training at NCCADV. I am new to the Coalition as of July 2023 and am excited to work with so many amazing people across the state.

Before working at NCCADV, I was on the staff of the North Carolina Coalition to End Homelessness (NCCEH). Before that, I had almost 10 years of experience in direct practice including as an LGBTQ specific DV advocate.

When not at work, I like to spend time resting but I don’t actually get to because my partner and I have a toddler

Taylour Neal

As the Director of Campus Services, I assist campuses across the state in crisis intervention, education, prevention and advocacy for students, policy creation and revision, facilitating faculty/staff, Title IX and student trainings about the issues of sexual violence, domestic/dating violence, and stalking.

My passion for victim advocacy stems from my experience creating space for social justice, equity and healing others through motivation to be their authentic selves. I received my Master of Science from UNC Greensboro in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am currently a Nationally Certified Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA). My professional goals include helping local, regional, and national initiatives acknowledge the intersectionality of race and gender-based violence while promoting the importance of mental health.

I also identify as a mother, wife, and dog mom who loves to binge movies and television!

adé Oni

I manage the economic advocacy arm of the Survivor-Wellbeing Program. Intimate partner violence can create economic hardships that last for years and lifetimes. We create low-barrier access to money and other financial resources that help survivors recover from financial abuse.

Before NCCADV, I worked as staff and lead consultant in a range of community health and economic justice-centered projects between D.C. and Durham.

I bring expertise and experience in Financial Education, Solidarity Economics, Embodied Adult Learning, Healing and Ecological Justice, Media Literacy, Conflict Transformation, Story-based Strategy.

When not at work, you can find me butterflying between music production, visual and textile arts, and the local riverways.

Bria Pearson

As the Director of Teen Services, I develop and implement all aspects of our Teen services. This includes the Teen Advisory Board, Teen Dating Violence (TDV) Training, and providing technical assistance to professionals and community members who want to support teens. As a member of the Culturally Specific and Youth Services Team at NCCADV, I also support the African, Black, and Caribbean Survivors Program and the CASE Project.

My enthusiasm for empowering teens to have healthy relationships stems from over seven years of experience working with youth and in the DV field. Prior to joining NCCADV, I worked at the local domestic violence and sexual assault agency of Wake County in North Carolina. While at the local DV/SA agency, I was a prevention education specialist and an outreach case manager. My experiences included teaching students about TDV and healthy relationships, managing crisis lines, and supporting the domestic violence survivor support group. My experience with youth work also includes the Alexander YMCA, Southeast Raleigh Promise, and other teen-serving non-profits in the Triangle.

I received my bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from North Carolina State University (NCSU) in Raleigh, North Carolina. It was during my time at NC State that I began volunteering at the NC State Women’s Center and eventually joined their first cohort of peer educators with The Movement, NC State’s group of trained interpersonal violence peer educators. I am passionate about supporting teens navigating teen dating violence and empowering them to have healthy relationships to end the cycle of domestic violence.

Jessica Perkins

As Director of TA, I support domestic violence service providers and allied professionals to better serve survivors of domestic violence. I provide direct problem-solving and program guidance, resources, and best practices to members.

Before joining NCCADV, I worked in community-based domestic and sexual violence organizations in North Carolina and Washington state. I have developed and implemented LGBTQ services programs; worked in domestic violence advocate roles; provided training and technical assistance to local and national anti-violence agencies; and written curricula on preventing violence in LGBTQ communities.

I earned my B.A. in International Studies from Spelman College and my Master of Social Work Degree from the University of Southern California. I have expertise in serving LGBTQ survivors and survivors in rural communities. When not at work I like to spend time with my family, sing karaoke, and travel.

Natalie Pickett

I enjoy connecting members to the various programs and resources that we offer. I also create opportunities for members to connect with and learn from each other.

I have worked for community-based non-profits in North Carolina, Louisiana, and Tennessee. I have experience in parenting services, homeless outreach, housing advocacy, and youth enrichment. I earned my B.S. in Child and Family Studies from LSU and my Master of Social Work degree from App State.

My partner and I live on a farmstead in Durham County. We enjoy taking care of our vegetable garden, chickens, pigs, and a very sophisticated farm cat.

MariSol Rivera

In my role, I prepare and submit the monthly cost/reimbursements reports to our grantors. I also maintain and update reimbursement records and more.

I relocated from New Jersey and bring over twenty-eight years of administrative experience to NCCADV. In New Jersey, I worked at a non-profit organization as the Administrative Assistant to the Director. The agency helped the local community with legal services, education, social services, and adult daycare for senior citizens.

I also worked in retail as an Administrative Assistant for twenty-five years in the logistics department, serving all the East Coast stores. I was responsible for billing, customer service, and reports. I attended Bergen Community College and obtained a Medical Billing License. I was also a volunteer in my church, teaching religious first grade classes for two years before moving to North Carolina.

I have enjoyed being a resident of North Carolina for the past eight years. When I’m not busy working, I enjoy cooking, gardening, and other outdoor activities. I love to spend time with my family.

Cassandra (Cassie) Rowe

In my role, I manage the Safe at Home rapid rehousing program for survivors. I have also directed our work to address the health impacts of intimate partner violence. I earned a Master of Public Health at UNC Chapel Hill and worked in global health prior to joining NCCADV in 2015. When not at work, I am spending time with my baby, making art, and laughing as much as possible.

Elizabeth Sager

I am the lead evaluator for the Prevention Team. I primarily evaluate program and policy prevention efforts for the Centers for Disease Control-funded DELTA AHEAD program. I also aid in evaluation projects across the agency.

I have 10 years of experience with local, statewide, and international IPV (intimate partner violence) prevention. At NCCADV, I have worked with both the Children’s Advocacy, Services, and Enhancement (CASE) and Healthcare programs. Internationally, I managed and evaluated youth violence prevention programs at Soccer Without Borders and Kids Play International. I earned my Master of Public Health (MPH) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

When not at work, you can find me coaching Fleet Feet runners or supporting local youth programs.

Kimani Smith

I am the Training Coordinator at NCCADV. In this role, I support the implementation of our Training Program. This includes scheduling and coordinating on-site, virtual, and specialized training. I also handle communicating with members and creating the quarterly Training Times newsletter.

Prior to working with the Coalition, I studied at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where I received my B.A. in Psychology with minors in Public Policy and Social and Economic Justice. While at Carolina, I worked as a Program Developer for the Carolina Women’s Center. I had the chance to curate events for students, staff, and faculty about health, social justice, and campus culture.

When I am not working, I am looking for new food or restaurants to try or watching terrible movies and random documentaries.

Rebecca Swofford

I am the program manager for the DELTA program. Delta is our state level prevention program. DELTA focuses on primary prevention strategies, including trauma-informed workplaces and positive community norms.

I have worked in the anti-domestic violence field for several years in many capacities. My experience includes campus bystander intervention, survivor advocacy, support groups, coordinated community response, and state-level campus policy research. Before joining the prevention team, I worked on the training team. In this role, I developed and facilitated trainings and ran the planning and logistics for the training program and conference.

I have a B.A. in Psychology with minors in Sociology and Dance from App State. I also have a Master of Social Work from UNC Chapel-Hill.

When not at work, you can find me sewing, wood working, crocheting, throwing pottery, hiking, and singing with my a cappella group. You can also find me hanging out with my dog Luna and my cat Idgie.

Nisha G. Williams

I have been a licensed NC attorney for over ten years. I have worked in family court and criminal court representing survivors of domestic violence. As the NCCADV Legal Director, I provide legal training and legal information to survivors, domestic violence services providers, and other stakeholders across the state.

I received my college degree from Southern Adventist University and my law degree from NCCU School of Law. Before joining NCCADV, I managed my own private law firm, Law Office of Nisha G. Williams PLLC.

I enjoy walking my two American Bullys Tookie and Deebo with my husband and son. When I am not outside walking, I am inside watching the latest British murder mystery.