Hi there! My name is Cindy Hartley and I hold a Bachelor's of Science in Child Development (Birth through Kindergarten), with a Concentration in Family & Consumer Sciences from Appalachian State University. I have been serving Wilkes County since 2009 and have been with Safe Spot since 2017. I am a trained Child Forensic Interview in RADAR (Recognizing Abuse Disclosures And Responding) Models, as well as RADAR Jr. which allows me to interview children ages 3-18.
I'm passionate about this work because I believe that children deserve a place that is safe for them to tell their stories. I believe that our multi-disciplinary partners deserve a team who is committed to the goal of ensuring that victims of crime move toward hope and healing. I believe that our community needs an agency that strives to educate about child abuse, and that is committed to the target of safe and healthy children.
In my free time, you might find me jogging on the trails or riding my mountain bike on the greenway. I have two sweet cats, Merry & Pippin, who are sisters. I am also an unashamed Backstreet Boys fan and a Barbie girl at heart. My main goal is to give back to our community with integrity and authenticity. I also really love a good, clean, cheesy joke!
I came to this work through a series of interesting events: I responded too late to a training opportunity that only barely aligned with my role at the time. I was introduced to ACEs and my life was changed. When the position of Program Director of Safe Spot Child Advocacy Center became available and a friend encouraged me to apply, I never thought I'd be chosen. I started this work knowing next to nothing except that I wanted to make a difference. I have learned an incredible amount over the last 5 years and met some amazing people. It is my great honor to be the Executive Director of Safe Spot Child Advocacy Center of Wilkes.
Child and Family Advocate, Jeremy Parks
Hey! My name is Jeremy Parks and I have worked in a child-serving capacity since 2015 in Wilkes County, NC! I received my Bachelor's of Science in Human Services from Gardner-Webb University. I am a certified Victim Services Practitioner. I do this work because serving kids has always been a passion of mine. It is important that children of all ages and backgrounds can have a voice and share their story with a team that believes in supporting their healing journey. I love learning about Jesus, exercising, being a father to my wonderful son, and spending time with my family and friends.
Forensic Interviewer, Sierra Watson
Howdy! My name is Sierra Watson and I have been serving Wilkes families since 2020. I hold a Master's of Public Administration as well as a Graduate Certificate in Not-For-Profit management from Appalachian State University. I am also a trained Child Forensic Interviewer using RADAR (Recognizing Abuse Disclosures And Responding) Models for children 5-18 years old. I am passionate about our work because I know Child Advocacy Centers are community-based, child-friendly, and uses a trauma informed approach to serving child abuse victims. CACs provide a safe, neutral environment for children and their families where the child’s well-being is a priority. I love being part of a community who supports children's health and safety! In my free time, you may find me tending to my garden, traveling abroad, listening to a true-crime podcast, or hanging out with my two Great Danes, Bumi & Birdie.