Staff

Artemis Silva is SafeSpot’s bilingual Program Coordinator. Mx. Silva studied in the University of North Texas and the University of Puerto Rico, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Arts and Education. They have worked in Mentorship and Foster Care programs serving unaccompanied immigrant children and other disadvantaged populations. Working in a myriad of these nonprofit programs has helped Artemis gain the knowledge and tools to aid children in need that come from a multitude of backgrounds. Mx. Silva has dedicated themself to help stop injustices targeted towards children, one child at a time.

Carla is SafeSpot’s Bilingual Senior Forensic Interviewer. She has a Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology from George Washington University and has been trained in two nationally recognized, evidence-based forensic interviewing protocols. Carla started working in Children’s Advocacy Centers in 2018 and has completed over a thousand forensic interviews of children and individuals of varying cultures, languages and abilities since then. She has received advanced training specializing in forensic interviewing of individuals with different disabilities, cultural backgrounds and complex trauma. Carla is very passionate about diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) education and strives to provide empathetic and culturally competent services to help vulnerable populations feel safe when talking about their experiences.

Hannah is a forensic interviewer at SafeSpot Children’s Advocacy Center. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a Legal Spanish minor from James Madison University and a Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology from the University of North Dakota. Hannah is trained in two nationally recognized, evidence-based forensic interviewing protocols. Since starting at SafeSpot in 2023, she has conducted hundreds of forensic interviews. Hannah further shows her dedication to the field by attending advanced trainings which gives her the skillset needed to interview at-risk and high-risk populations. With over ten years’ experience interacting with youth of all ages, Hannah is driven to give children a voice and an opportunity to be heard.

Alexandra fulfills dual roles as a Child Forensic Interview Specialist and Family Advocate at SafeSpot Children’s Advocacy Center. Alexandra’s comprehensive academic and professional background supports her daily work. She earned a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology from The George Washington University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Grand Valley State University.

With extensive experience across multidisciplinary domains, Alexandra has collaborated with multiple law enforcement agencies in Virginia and Michigan, contributing to her profound understanding of investigative and advocacy processes. Her four-year tenure at a Children’s Advocacy Center in Michigan played a pivotal role in cultivating her expertise in forensic interviewing and family advocacy, areas that reflect her deep vocational dedication. Alexandra’s professional practice encompasses working with children across all developmental stages and engaging effectively with individuals from a wide array of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.

Driven by an unwavering commitment to justice, Alexandra advocates for the empowerment of children and their families and the protection of their rights. Her efforts exemplify a steadfast dedication to advancing equitable outcomes within the framework of multidisciplinary child advocacy and forensic practice.

Isabel Dungas Simmerman is a Family Advocate at SafeSport Children’s Advocacy Center. Transitioning from a career as a corporate attorney, Isabel earned a Master’s in Forensic and Legal Psychology, focusing on child protection and juvenile justice. Her recent work managing youth and family services at the YMCA highlights her commitment to empowering vulnerable populations. As a Family Advocate at SafeSpot Children’s Advocacy Center, Isabel hopes to bring her advocacy skills and compassionate approach to creating positive outcomes for children and their families.

Chelsea Watkins fulfils the role of Senior Family Advocate at SafeSpot Children’s Advocacy Center. Her knowledge of family dynamics and crisis intervention comes, not only from her experience working at the domestic abuse treatment center LAWS; but also working with Fairfax County’s pets in need. As a lifelong resident of Fairfax County, Ms. Watkins is a well of information when it comes to local non-profit organizations. She understands the importance of family harmony, and the need for direct social services for those in crisis. For the last five years of her career, her focus has been on advocating for children and families who are affected by abuse. And as a graduate of a master’s in forensic psychology, and an expert in child advocacy; she makes a great middle woman to investigators and families.

Jacquelin is a Bilingual Family Advocate at SafeSpot with a degree in Human Services and a minor in Psychology from Old Dominion University. She has experience working with vulnerable populations, including caregivers and children who have experienced abuse at INOVA Health System, Fairfax County Government, and Mary’s Center.  She has worked with families, assessing their needs for resources, connecting them to community providers, and providing post placement services and comprehensive case management for unaccompanied minors, many of whom experienced abuse.  She is passionate about bridging the gap between families and the resources they need.

Leannah Farbotko, LCSW is a therapist at SafeSpot. She graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor’s in Social Work and received her Masters of Social Work from George Mason University. Leannah is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, certified as a TF-CBT provider, and has over 10 years of experience in providing services to child abuse victims and their families. Leannah specializes in offering support for traumatic grief cases, in which a child has lost a loved one to violent death. She describes her style as a mixture of fierce kindness, sprinkled with humor and fueled by coffee.  At SafeSpot, Leannah strives to create a safe and welcoming environment to empower children and their families to overcome challenges and discover their inner strength.

Angela Asta, MSW, LCSW, is a bilingual therapist at SafeSpot.  She graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelors Degree in Political Science and earned her Masters of Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. She has been trained in various trauma-focused interventions, including TF-CBT, EMDR, and CFTSI.  Previously, Angela worked with children and families in the school and community settings.  At SafeSpot, Angela enjoys working with children and families to support their healing journey.

Emily Perez-Clark, LCSW, is a bilingual therapist at SafeSpot. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Marymount University and her Masters of Social Work from George Mason University. She has years of experience working with the Spanish speaking immigrant community in Northern Virginia. Emily is trained in EMDR, CFTSI and TF-CBT. She is passionate about providing a supportive and compassionate space for children and families to begin the healing process and to find hope for the future.

Jharezee Villalba, MSW, is a Bilingual Therapist at Safespot. She has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology-Counseling and Human Development and a master’s degree in Human Services Counseling from Liberty University, and a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley. Jharezee has 5 plus years’ experience in the CAC world as she previously worked at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hidalgo & Starr Counties in Edinburg TX. She has worked as a family advocate and mental health liaison providing advocacy, crisis intervention, mental health screenings, training to staff, and resources to families. She is passionate about providing trauma informed psychoeducation and implementing an empathic approach when working with children and non-offending caregivers. Jharezee hopes to help families find healing and justice while also receiving support and resources from a trauma informed perspective.