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 child forensic interview specialist at SafeSpot Children’s Advocacy Center. She holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology degree from James Madison University and is virtually completing her Master’s in Forensic Psychology at the University of North Dakota. Hannah is trained in APSAC and has written several literature reviews about forensic interviewing topics such as interviewing children with autism spectrum disorder and child forensic interviewing best practices. With over ten years’ experience with children 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.

Karina C. Pilinko is a Bilingual Family Advocate at SafeSpot. She completed her master’s degree in psychology with a concentration in Forensics at Southern New Hampshire University and earned her BSW from Arizona State University. Karina has over six years of experience working with children, families, and survivors of domestic violence. Prior to SafeSpot Karina has worked with the police department in Nevada, women’s shelter in Georgia, and the Department of Child Safety in Arizona. Karina is passionate about seeking justice for families and providing services to children and families to help them succeed in their future.

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.

Zoë is a Family Advocate at SafeSport Children’s Advocacy Center. She received her Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary studies from Portland State University and minored in both English and Women’s Studies. Building on this foundation, she pursued a Master of Social Work from Arizona State University where she specialized in Child Welfare and Gender-Based Violence. She also received certifications to administer intimate partner violence fatality risk assessments during her studies. Zoë has over 4 years of experience working with vulnerable children and families. She has served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for Children within Arizona’s Juvenile Court system and worked for the Arizona Department of Child Safety where she investigated allegations of child abuse and provided support and resources to help strengthen families and ensure child safety. Additionally, Zoë is passionate about social justice and advocating for marginalized populations who have experienced socioeconomic, political, legal, cultural, and/or institutional oppression. In her current position she aspires to create a nurturing and secure environment where families can access the essential emotional and physical support necessary to begin their healing journeys.

Leannah Farbotko, MSW 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. Currently, Leannah is working towards her License in Clinical Social Work and registration in play therapy. She will be training to become a TF-CBT provider. Previously, she served as a CAC Family Advocate, Education, and Support Specialist working collaboratively with children and families who experienced domestic and/or sexual violence.  At SafeSpot, Leannah strives to provide children with a safe environment to empower them to overcome challenges and discover their inner strength.

Angela Niblett, MSW 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 is currently working towards her Clinical Social Work license and is training to become a TF-CBT certified provider.  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, MSW, Supervisee in Social Work, 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. Emily is currently working towards becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and is training to become a certified TF-CBT provider. Previously, she interned at the Arlington County Child Advocacy Center where she served as a Therapist and Family Advocate. She has six years of experience working with the Spanish speaking immigrant community in Northern Virginia. Emily 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.