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 several 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.

Aimee May

Advocate Supervisor & 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.

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 & 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.

Tara Keough

Advocate Outreach & Prevention

tara.keough@oswegocac.org

Tara is a graduate of Siena College where she obtained Bachelor Degrees in American Studies and History. Tara went on to work directly with youth struggling with complexities of trauma, emotional difficulties, and mental health challenges within a residential treatment environment. Following many years in Albany, NY, Tara moved back to her hometown in Syracuse, NY where she continued to provide youth-driven support and services to childhood as a children’s care manager. Tara is currently in graduate school at the University at Buffalo’s School of Social Work, where she concentrates specifically trauma-informed practices and human rights perspective.

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.

Melinda Fatiga, LPMHC

Therapist

melinda.fatiga@oswegocac.org

Melinda obtained her Master’s of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Counseling Services (School Counseling) from SUNY Oswego. Before joining the CAC as a full time counselor, Melinda worked as a Mental Health Counseling intern for over a year at the CAC. Melinda also has worked as a counseling intern in multiple schools and settings in the county. She is currently a Permit Holder in Mental Health Counseling.

Leeann Swager, LPMFT, MSW

Therapist

leeann.swager@oswegocac.org

LeeAnn Swager is a graduate of Syracuse University, with a Masters in Marriage & Family Therapy and a Masters in Social Work. She also holds a Bachelors in English and a Bachelors in Psychology from the University of South Carolina. She was a marriage & family therapy intern at the Child Advocacy Center of Oswego County from 2018-2019. She has an extensive background of working in child welfare, rape crisis, domestic violence, disability advocacy, disordered eating, with LGBTQIA+ populations, and couples and family counseling.

Jessica Frank, LPH-MHC

Therapist

jessica.frank@oswegocac.org

Jessica is a graduate of SUNY Oswego, where she received her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. She also holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology from SUNY Cortland. Before joining CAC as a therapist, Jessica completed her counseling program internship at a private practice, where she provided individual counseling to clients from various populations. She is currently a Permit Holder and is working towards her license in Mental Health Counseling.

Sarah Weigelt

Fund Development Specialist

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 the day to day operations of the office as well as assisting with Fund Development.

Brittany King

Client Services Representative

brittany.king@oswegocac.org

Brittany is a 2013 graduate of SUNY Oswego, earning a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Anthropology with a minor in Forensic Science. Brittany is our current Client Service Representative, ready to greet clients, help with insurance issues, and provide a nice atmosphere to the front office. Previously, she worked for St. Joseph's Imaging Associates as the Fulton office manager, for the last 6 years, completing daily overview tasks of the offices, greeting patients, and exam billing.