Kimberly Young is a nonprofit executive, advocate, and statewide leader who has dedicated more than 20 years to strengthening services for children, families, and survivors of abuse throughout Louisiana. Throughout her career, she has focused on building stronger systems of care by bringing together law enforcement, child protection, healthcare, prosecutors, legislators, and community organizations to ensure victims receive compassionate, coordinated services.
Kimberly currently serves as Executive Director of the Louisiana Alliance of Children's Advocacy Centers (LACAC), where she provides statewide leadership to Louisiana's network of Children's Advocacy Centers. She works alongside member centers to strengthen multidisciplinary teams, advance public policy, support implementation of statewide initiatives, improve access to quality services, and equip professionals with the resources they need to serve children and families effectively.
Previously, Kimberly served as Executive Director of Hearts of Hope in Lafayette, where she led the organization through significant growth by expanding services across eight parishes, opening rural satellite offices, maintaining national accreditation, and securing millions of dollars in federal, state, and private grant funding. She is a founding board member of LACAC and serves on the Louisiana Sexual Assault Oversight Commission, where she continues to help shape statewide policy and strengthen collaborative responses for children and survivors.
Known for her collaborative leadership and unwavering commitment to problem-solving, Kimberly believes meaningful change happens by investing in people, building strong partnerships, and creating sustainable systems that improve outcomes for children and families. She is passionate about strengthening Louisiana's Children's Advocacy Center network and advancing innovative solutions that ensure every child has access to coordinated, high-quality services.
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Kourtneii Henderson serves as the Director of Care Coordination for the Louisiana Alliance of Children's Advocacy Centers (LACAC), where she leads Louisiana's statewide Care Coordination Program. She oversees implementation of care coordination services across the state's Children's Advocacy Centers, provides leadership and support to Regional Care Coordinators, develops statewide policies and training initiatives, and collaborates with multidisciplinary partners to strengthen services for child victims of abuse, neglect, and human trafficking.
Throughout her career, Kourtneii has built a reputation as a collaborative leader and trusted resource. Whether developing new programs, solving complex challenges, or connecting partners across systems, she approaches every opportunity with determination, humility, and a solutions-focused mindset. Her colleagues know her as someone who "knows a person" for nearly every challenge and who is always willing to share her knowledge, resources, and expertise to improve outcomes for children and families.
Prior to joining LACAC, Kourtneii served as the Regional Child and Youth Trafficking Care Coordinator at Hearts of Hope Children's Advocacy Center, where she established a regional Human Trafficking Care Coordination Team serving an eight-parish area. She previously worked as a Forensic Interviewer, Family Advocate, and led the expansion of victim services into St. Mary Parish. Earlier in her career, she also served with the Judicial District Court Adult Drug Court Program, gaining valuable experience supporting individuals involved in the justice system.
Kourtneii holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. She is passionate about advancing trauma-informed, victim-centered practices and strengthening multidisciplinary collaboration to improve outcomes for children across Louisiana. Her expertise in care coordination and child trafficking response continues to shape Louisiana's statewide response to some of its most vulnerable children.
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Lacey Pitre is the Member Support Specialist for the Louisiana Alliance of Children's Advocacy Centers, where she has the privilege of supporting Children's Advocacy Centers across Louisiana as they serve children and families impacted by abuse. She is passionate about building strong relationships, solving problems, and equipping CAC teams with the tools and support they need to provide exceptional services in their communities.
With more than a decade of experience in the Children's Advocacy Center movement, Lacey has served in multiple roles, including victim advocacy, forensic interviewing, program leadership, and multidisciplinary team coordination. Her hands-on experience gives her a practical understanding of the day-to-day realities CAC professionals face, allowing her to connect with members in an authentic and meaningful way. Although her role has shifted from direct services to statewide support, she remains committed to maintaining her forensic interviewing credentials and continuing to grow professionally within the field.
Known for her bold personality and servant's heart, Lacey believes the best work happens through collaboration, honest conversations, and a willingness to think outside the box. She enjoys helping teams navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and find practical solutions that strengthen services for children and families across Louisiana.
Lacey is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at Louisiana State University. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, growing in her faith, practicing Pilates, and spending time outdoors.
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Jodie Chain serves as the Intake and Data Specialist for the Louisiana Alliance of Children’s Advocacy Centers, leveraging her extensive knowledge and experience. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana. With 15 years of dedicated service in the non-profit sector, Jodie’s expertise significantly enhances our mission.
Originally from Hammond, Jodie began her career at Delgado Community College’s Maritime, Fire, and Industrial Training Center, where she effectively managed office and training operations. She then refined her skills at Southeastern Louisiana University, focusing on database management, research, and scholarship administration.
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Kristen Laragy serves as Project Coordinator for the Louisiana Alliance of Children's Advocacy Centers (LACAC), where she supports statewide initiatives, coordinates professional development opportunities, and helps ensure Louisiana's Children's Advocacy Centers have the resources and support they need to serve children and families. Her background includes administrative coordination, customer service, inventory management, and operations, giving her a unique ability to keep projects organized while building meaningful relationships.
Before joining LACAC, Kristen dedicated many years to raising her three children while making service to her community a priority. Whether volunteering, supporting civic organizations, or stepping in wherever help was needed, she built a reputation for bringing people together and getting things done with enthusiasm and compassion.
Kristen never meets a stranger. Her positive attitude, genuine kindness, and infectious energy make people feel welcome from the moment they meet her. She approaches every challenge with determination, patience, and a smile, refusing to quit until the job is done. Known for her encouraging spirit and unwavering optimism, Kristen brings joy, creativity, and heart to everything she does. She believes that meaningful work is built on strong relationships, and she is passionate about supporting Louisiana's Children's Advocacy Centers as they provide hope and healing to children across the state.
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Lily Craig serves as Communications & Member Engagement Specialist for the Louisiana Alliance of Children's Advocacy Centers, where she leads statewide communications efforts that highlight the impact of LACAC. She manages social media, develops engaging content, shares stories from member centers across the state, and helps strengthen connections throughout LACAC's network. Through thoughtful storytelling and creative outreach, Lily works to increase awareness of the vital services Children's Advocacy Centers provide to children and families.
With a background in graphic design, visual communications, and community engagement, Lily has supported numerous organizations through event planning, branding, content creation, and creative projects. Her passion for design and strategic communication allows her to transform meaningful work into compelling stories that educate, inspire, and connect communities.
Lily believes that every story has the power to make a difference. She is passionate about using creativity to amplify the voices of Louisiana's Children's Advocacy Centers, celebrate the work of multidisciplinary teams, and help build stronger support for children and families across the state. She is proud to contribute to LACAC's mission of promoting hope, healing, and justice for every child.
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