Staff

Tory DeCaire

Executive Director

tory.decaire@oswegocac.org

Tory joined the CAC after a long career with the Oswego Police Department. Tory spent 22 years with the Oswego Police Department most recently as the Chief of Police. His years of public service and experience in law enforcement provide direction and leadership to staff as well as our multi-disciplinary team approach here at the CAC.

Carol Gazitano, LMFT

Senior Program Director

carol.gazitano@oswegocac.org

Carol obtained her master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Syracuse University in 2011. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a certification in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and the Circle of Security Parenting Program. Carol was previously a staff therapist at the CAC for over five years, and now rejoins the team as the senior program director.

Justin Rudgick

Development Finance Director

justin.rudgick@oswegocac.org

Justin is responsible for the management of grant funding and finances for the CAC. He brings 15 years of professional experiences with identifying grants, strategies and solutions in different professional capacities in the area of Nonprofit Management and Community & Economic Development. Justin holds graduate degrees in Public Administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs at Syracuse University.

Sarah Weigelt

Fund Development Manager

sarah.weigelt@oswegocac.org

Sarah holds an Associates Degree in Business Administration from Cayuga Community College. Sarah has extensive experience in managerial and administrative roles serving previously as the Director of Springside, an affiliate of Oswego Health. In her role here at the CAC, Sarah manages our development activities and programs as well as our fundraising campaigns and events.

Melanie Smith, LMHC

Clinical Supervisor

melanie.smith@oswegocac.org

Melanie supervises the clinical program at the CAC and was previously a CAC therapist for several years. Melanie graduated from SUNY Oswego’s Mental Health Counseling program in 2011, during which she also interned at the CAC. Melanie is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and the Circle of Security Parenting Program. Melanie also has experience working with children with problematic sexual behaviors.

Olivia Sokolic

Advocate Supervisor & MDT Coordinator

olivia.sokolic@oswegocac.org

Olivia is a graduate of Cazenovia College, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Human Services and graduated at the top of her class. During her undergraduate studies, Olivia was afforded multiple opportunities to work with diverse populations. Upon graduating, Olivia served as an Advocate/Educator for Oswego County Opportunities Inc., Services to Aid Families (SAF) Program. She uses the knowledge and experience she gained in her previous position to assist children and families through the investigation, prosecution, and recovery processes in her current position as a Family Advocate for the Child Advocacy Center of Oswego County.

Aimee May

Forensic Interviewer

aimee.may@oswegocac.org

Aimee is a Combat Veteran of the Armed Services and a retired Sergeant with the Fulton Police Department. Aimee has extensive knowledge and sensitivity to family systems and child victimization. She has vast knowledge and experience in the overall Child Protection and Legal systems. Aimee holds an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Criminal Justice. She has successfully completed both Child First Forensic Interview Training and Forensic Interviewing Best Practices.

Taylor Hart

CSEC Family Advocate

taylor.hart@oswegocac.org

Taylor Hart joins us with a Bachelor's in Communication & Social Interaction from SUNY Oswego as well as an Associate's in Communication & Media Studies from Monroe Community College. Before joining the CAC Taylor worked most recently with Oswego County Opportunities Inc., Services to Aid Families (SAF) program as a School Based Advocate/Educator for the Hannibal School District. Taylor provided advocacy, education and emotional support to youth experiencing unhealthy relationships, domestic violence, and sexual assault. Priorly, Taylor also worked as a Therapy Aide for Oswego Hospital Behavioral Health Services where she became familiar with many barriers our communities face. Taylor uses her experience with a trauma informed approach to support and assist children and families here at the CAC.

Kelley O'Hora

Family Advocate

kelley.ohora@oswegocac.org

Kelley joins us with a Bachelor's degree in Applied Psychology, Summa Cum Laude, from SUNY Canton as well a minor in Sociology and CASAC-T. Kelley also holds an Associate's degree in Social Sciences from Herkimer Community College. She is currently enrolled in Syracuse University's Master of Social Work program. Before joining the CAC Kelley worked most recently with Oswego County Opportunities Inc., Arbor House program, as a Primary substance abuse counselor. Kelley provided individual counseling, along with therapy groups for men with substance and alcohol related issues. Prior to that, Kelley also worked as a skill builder for Cayuga Counseling where she became familiar with working with families and providing them with the skills to cope with trauma. Kelley uses her experience with a trauma informed approach to support and assist children and families here at the CAC.

Jessica Westberry

Outreach & Prevention Educator

jessica.westberry@oswegocac.org

Before joining the Child Advocacy Center, Jessica was a Skill Builder at Hillside Children’s Center's Youth and Families Come First Program for three years. Prior to Hillside, Jessica worked as a Head Preschool Teacher at The Children’s Center of Oswego for seven years. She has also done various work with the Circle of Security Program around Oswego County. As the Outreach and Prevention Educator, Jessica is the community liaison and trainer for child abuse and exploitation prevention and intervention strategies in Oswego County. In her role as the Outreach and Prevention Educator, Jessica works within the community to educate agencies and schools on the importance of child sexual abuse and prevention. As the Child Fatality Review Team Coordinator, she educates peers to help prevent child deaths in the future through an educational comprehensive approach. As the Safe Harbour Coordinator, Jessica coordinates and facilitates meetings, provides trainings, and gives guidance to agencies or programs that respond to human trafficking.

Sara Dopp

Advocate Case Manager

sara.dopp@oswegocac.org

Sara has a strong background in providing services and advocacy for disadvantaged populations. Sara worked with CNYDSO for over ten years where she provided clients with residential, habilitative and vocational services. Here at CAC, Sara coordinates client needs with outreach of community resources to better assist victims with challenges while also empowering them to rebuild their lives.