TEAM
Meet Our Team
The Child and Youth Advocacy Center Team
Our staff of experienced professionals is dedicated to helping victims of abuse find hope and healing through high-quality, evidence-based treatment services.
Heather Hill
Community Outreach Coordinator
Heather Hill
Community Outreach Coordinator
Heather received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Sociology with a Minor in Dance from Radford University, and her Master’s Degree in Psychological Services from Marymount University. She is a licensed social worker, psychotherapist, Reiki Master, certified Yoga Instructor with a specialty in Yin. She currently serves on the ACE’s Coalition Board of Directors and joined the CYAC team in April, 2023. Heather looks forward to expanding the prevention education and outreach program, while being a voice for the unheard, providing awareness, empowering others, and advocating with empathy and compassion within the community.
Francesca Zarcone
Executive Director
Francesca Zarcone
Executive Director
Francesca joined the CYAC team in July of 2019 as the new Community Education Coordinator. Francesca graduated from Saint Louis University with a Master’s in Social Work, and her concentration was Non-Profit Administration. Through the development of a new prevention education program, she was able to offer child abuse prevention education training to the community, including but not limited to school staff, daycare staff, and school-aged children. She accepted the Executive Director position in May 2023.
Chloe Nelson
Forensic Interview Specialist
Chloe Nelson
Forensic Interview Specialist
Chloe is a Forensic Interview Specialist for the CYAC. Chloe joined the team in February 2023. She attended West Virginia Wesleyan College and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Born and raised in Greenbrier County, Chloe’s dedication to the future of her community is a driving force in her involvement in social service and child welfare. Chloe believes in fostering hope and healing for children through supporting their voices and advocating for their needs. Chloe will assist in the facilitation of MDIT meetings for Greenbrier, Monroe, and Pocahontas counties.
Susan Vlajk
Therapist
Susan Vlajk
Therapist
Susan is a founding member of the CYAC and has been with the organization since its beginning. She provides evidence-based, trauma-focused therapy to children and families and participates in the Greenbrier County Multidisciplinary Investigative Team. Susan has a wealth of knowledge and experience in helping children to recover from abuse. She trains other child welfare professionals at local, state, and national conferences.
Tonya Redden
Family Advocate
Tonya Redden
Family Advocate
Tonya joined the CYAC team in August 2017. She provides families with support and advocacy services in cases of child sexual abuse, physical abuse, and/or neglect. Tonya maintains contact with the family throughout the investigation and prosecution processes. She also works to connect families in need to community resources. Tonya graduated from New River Community & Technical College with a degree in Legal Assisting. Her previous jobs in the legal field and law enforcement have led her to her current position in advocacy. She is here not only to provide resources for families, but also to listen and inspire a positive change. Tonya believes that people can start to heal if they feel heard. A positive attitude can transform life, regardless of what one is going through. “Heal the mind and the rest will follow.”
Tonya also serves as the Greenbrier and Monroe County MDIT Coordinator.
Heather Hill
Community Outreach Coordinator
Heather received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Sociology with a Minor in Dance from Radford University, and her Master’s Degree in Psychological Services from Marymount University. She is a licensed social worker, psychotherapist, Reiki Master, certified Yoga Instructor with a specialty in Yin. She currently serves on the ACE’s Coalition Board of Directors and joined the CYAC team in April, 2023. Heather looks forward to expanding the prevention education and outreach program, while being a voice for the unheard, providing awareness, empowering others, and advocating with empathy and compassion within the community.
Francesca Zarcone
Executive Director
Francesca joined the CYAC team in July of 2019 as the new Community Education Coordinator. Francesca graduated from Saint Louis University with a Master’s in Social Work, and her concentration was Non-Profit Administration. Through the development of a new prevention education program, she was able to offer child abuse prevention education training to the community, including but not limited to school staff, daycare staff, and school-aged children. She accepted the Executive Director position in May 2023.
Chloe Nelson
Forensic Interview Specialist
Chloe is a Forensic Interview Specialist for the CYAC. Chloe joined the team in February 2023. She attended West Virginia Wesleyan College and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Born and raised in Greenbrier County, Chloe’s dedication to the future of her community is a driving force in her involvement in social service and child welfare. Chloe believes in fostering hope and healing for children through supporting their voices and advocating for their needs. Chloe will assist in the facilitation of MDIT meetings for Greenbrier, Monroe, and Pocahontas counties.
Susan Vlajk
Therapist
Susan is a founding member of the CYAC and has been with the organization since its beginning. She provides evidence-based, trauma-focused therapy to children and families and participates in the Greenbrier County Multidisciplinary Investigative Team. Susan has a wealth of knowledge and experience in helping children to recover from abuse. She trains other child welfare professionals at local, state, and national conferences.
Tonya Redden
Family Advocate
Tonya joined the CYAC team in August 2017. She provides families with support and advocacy services in cases of child sexual abuse, physical abuse, and/or neglect. Tonya maintains contact with the family throughout the investigation and prosecution processes. She also works to connect families in need to community resources. Tonya graduated from New River Community & Technical College with a degree in Legal Assisting. Her previous jobs in the legal field and law enforcement have led her to her current position in advocacy. She is here not only to provide resources for families, but also to listen and inspire a positive change. Tonya believes that people can start to heal if they feel heard. A positive attitude can transform life, regardless of what one is going through. “Heal the mind and the rest will follow.”
Tonya also serves as the Greenbrier and Monroe County MDIT Coordinator.