How did you first get involved with SCAN?

I first became involved with SCAN in May 2013, when I was hired as a Case Manager with Richmond CASA. At the time, I was looking for a way to continue working in child welfare while exploring a different role within the field. I had no idea then that SCAN would become such an important part of my professional journey!

What has your life/work experience been that brought you to SCAN? What is your current role?

I received my bachelor's degree in social work from Longwood University. Before joining SCAN, I worked at a local DSS agency, where I held positions as a CPS worker and a VIEW/Childcare Subsidy social worker. I really enjoyed working in child welfare and knew I wanted to continue supporting children and families, but I was interested in exploring other ways to make a difference. That led me to the Case Manager position with Richmond CASA. While working at CASA, I returned to school and earned my master's degree in social work, with a focus on clinical social work. After 13 years at CASA, I was excited when the FSP Therapist position was created. I applied, got the position, and began a new chapter of my career! Thanks to a grant from the Virginia Health Care Foundation (VHCF), SCAN is now able to provide individual therapy services to parents and caregivers. I started in this position part-time while wrapping up my work with CASA in February 2026 and transitioned to full-time in March. I have really enjoyed helping grow this program and see it as a huge opportunity to make mental health services more accessible to parents and caregivers. We currently have openings for new clients, and I’m excited about the opportunity to continue building this program and reaching more families.

What inspires you to stay involved with your work at SCAN?

The people are what inspires me most—both my colleagues and the clients and families we serve. I have always found my work at SCAN to be incredibly rewarding and worth the time and energy it requires. This work can certainly be challenging, especially when there are so many factors outside of our control. But even on the difficult days, I am reminded that the work we do is meaningful and necessary. Knowing that I have the opportunity to support children, parents, and families during some of the most difficult periods of their lives continues to motivate me.

Is there anything you wish other people knew about SCAN?

I wish more people knew about the incredible breadth of high-quality services SCAN provides to children, families, and the community. There are so many different ways SCAN supports families, and I think people would be surprised by just how much happens within the organization. I also think there is something really special about the people who make up SCAN. The passion and commitment of our staff, volunteers, and community partners are a huge part of what makes SCAN so impactful.

What has been the best experience with SCAN so far?

There have truly been so many great experiences over the years that it is hard to choose just one! I especially enjoy staff retreats and any opportunity to connect with other staff, volunteers, and board members. Those moments provide a chance to step away from our day-to-day work, learn from one another, and remember that we are all part of something much bigger than ourselves. And I would be remiss if I didn’t give the CASA team a HUGE shoutout! They truly made my time there so special, and I’m incredibly grateful for all of the support, friendships, laughs, and memories.

What are any challenges you have faced in your work with SCAN?

One of the biggest challenges I have seen throughout my time with SCAN is the ongoing need for CASA volunteers. There are so many children in our community who would benefit from having a consistent, caring advocate in their corner. Being a CASA volunteer is such an incredible opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact in a child’s life. I hope more people will consider volunteering and discover how rewarding the experience can be.

Do you have any goals or hopes for the next year with SCAN? Is there anything coming up/happening in your work that you are excited about or want to share?

I am excited to continue building the caregiver therapy program and increasing my client caseload. I also want to continue spreading the word about this wonderful opportunity to provide accessible mental health services to parents and caregivers. I’m especially excited about seeing where the program goes as we continue to learn, grow, and find new ways to meet the needs of the families we serve. I really believe there is a great need for this type of service, and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to be part of building it.

Are you involved with any other community organizations, hobbies, or activities?

Outside of work, I enjoy running, listening to podcasts, reading, and spending time with family and friends. I also enjoy spending time with my pets—my dogs, cat, and bearded dragon—who keep life entertaining!

What might someone be surprised to learn about you?

I love amusement parks and riding roller coasters! I’m always up for a good roller coaster and probably enjoy them a lot more than people would expect. It’s definitely one of my favorite ways to have fun!

A CASA Child Needs You!

Now Recruiting for Fall CASA Training Class

A CASA Child Needs You!

SCAN currently has many children on the waitlist in need of a CASA volunteer.

Each of these children deserves to have an advocate and

we need volunteers like you to help fill this critical need.

CASA Volunteers make sure the child’s needs are heard – in the community and in the courtroom – and serve as a caring, consistent adult in a child’s life. CASA volunteers are individuals from all walks of life who are willing to dedicate their time to advocate for a child’s best interests.

CASA strives to build a community of volunteers that reflects the diversity of the children we serve. Men, LGBTQ+ individuals and individuals who reflect the racial, ethnic, economic and linguistic diversity of Richmond City and Petersburg are strongly encouraged to apply.

Apply now to join the Fall 2026 training class, which will begin September 16. More details about becoming a CASA can be found on the CASA website.

For more information about applying email our

Volunteer Coordinator, Pilar Ortiz-Waters.

Congratulations Circle Preschool Program Graduates!

Congratulations to our Circle Preschool Program graduates. Circle Preschool Program staff and families celebrated all of our 25-26 graduates earlier this month.

A special thank you to the many individuals that helped by purchasing items from the Circle Preschool Program wishlist. These gifts will make an impact as our students begin the 26-27 year this month.

Learn more about Circle Preschool on our website.



For questions about enrollment, Email CPP Clinical Coordinator, Jessica Brickey.

Veil Forever Summer Fest

Thank you to all of the volunteers who came out on July 25 to support Forever Summer Fest at Main Street Train Station. We are so grateful for your energy, kindness, patience, and willingness to represent Greater Richmond SCAN in such a vibrant community space.

Greater Richmond SCAN benefited from the proceeds of this event, and we are hugely grateful to The Veil Brewing Co. for their support!

Back to School - Prevention Resources

A Safer School Year Starts With Prepared Adults. As children return to classrooms, sports, programs, and after-school activities, they will spend more time with trusted adults across their communities. Most of these experiences are positive, but child sexual abuse can happen in any community, and prevention cannot rest on children alone.

Adults need the knowledge and confidence to recognize concerning behaviors, reduce opportunities for abuse, and respond when a child needs help.

Find more Back to School Safety resources from our National Partners at Darkness to Light here.

Did you know Greater Richmond SCAN provides the Darkness to Light Stewards of Children Child Sexual Abuse Prevention training locally in the Richmond region?

Check our training schedule for public offerings or reach out to request a Stewards of Children training for your school, organization,

business, book club, or other group.

Thank you to Altria for their recent grant through their Altria Give Together program to support SCAN's treatment services for caregivers and children.

We are grateful to Bon Secours for their ongoing partnership and their recent grant to support SCAN's Community Programs.



Thank you to The Cameron Foundation for their ongoing support and recent grant to support SCAN's Child Advocacy Center work and Petersburg CASA program.

We want you to join the 'Staches for SCAN growing team this year!

Get your office, team, or friend group involved in raising funds to support children right here in Richmond this November by joining ‘Staches for SCAN as part of the Mustaches 4 Kids Richmond growing season.

Stay tuned for more details. Reach out to Sarah Mersereau for more info or if you are interested in joining our team this year.

Upcoming Trainings & Screenings

Find the full list of upcoming SCAN trainings and register to attend HERE

August 27, 2026 | Resilience Film Screening

1-2:30pm ET via Zoom 

Resilience is a one-hour documentary that delves into the science of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the birth of a new movement to treat and prevent toxic stress.

View the official trailer here.

September 1, 2026 | Importance of Long-Lasting Relationships on the Road to Self-Sustainability

1-2pm ET via Zoom

Join Greater Richmond SCAN's Community Engagement Specialist, Tamika Daniel, for an interactive conversation based on her life experience with building the types of relationships that are supportive in accomplishing goals. The conversation will include challenges and barriers to supportive relationships and offer ways to overcome these.

September 2, 2026 | Responding to Challenging Behaviors in Early Childhood 

1-2pm ET via Zoom

This workshop will help participants understand that challenging behaviors often stem from unmet needs. We will discuss the importance of strong adult-child relationships in preventing challenging behaviors as well as a three-step framework that can be used to respond to challenging behaviors in early childhood.

September 9, 2026 | Trauma-Informed Supervision

10am-12pm ET via Zoom *CEUs Available

This training will provide a discussion of six trauma-informed principles and how each can be applied to the practice of supervision. The principles include creating physical & psychological safety, building trust, creating collaborative and empowering spaces, utilizing peer support, and practicing humility & responsiveness. Supervisors will learn about the importance of addressing secondary traumatic stress in themselves as well as those they supervise.

September 14, 2026 | Mindful Monday: Micro Mindfulness & Self-Care

12-12:30pm ET via Zoom

This week, we will discuss and practice quick 30-second to 2-minute micro mindfulness and self-care practices that can be integrated into our days. Using these quick practices makes them easier to implement and sustain!  

September 15, 2026 | Introduction to Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care

12-2pm ET via Zoom *CEUs Available

This training provides a foundational learning experience around the topics of trauma and trauma-informed care. We will define trauma, discuss the many types of trauma/adversity, explore the impact of trauma on the brain and behavior, introduce resilience, and discuss SAMHSA’s 4 Rs of trauma-informed care. Throughout the presentation, we will share useful tools and techniques.

September 16, 2026 | Power of Play in Parenting

1-2pm ET via Zoom

Play is the language of children and as parents we can increase our connection with children by joining them in it. Children of all ages experience greater confidence, fewer behavioral issues, and improved mental health when caregivers use the power of play in their daily interactions with them. Learn more about the importance of play and how to incorporate it in your interactions with children in this workshop.

September 22, 2026 | TI Technique Tuesday: Screening Youth for Trauma/PTSD in Primary Care

12-12:30pm ET via Zoom

This week, we will be exploring a resource created by the Virginia Mental Health Access Program that provides a framework for primary care doctors related to screening youth for trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

September 23, 2026 | Children, Screens & Well-Being

9-11:30pm ET via Zoom

This training will explore what current evidence tells us about the impact of digital media on infants, children, and adolescents, examined through developmental, relational, and safety lenses. Participants will learn how screen use can influence brain development, mental health, behavior, peer relationships, and the parent–child relationship, while also considering protective factors and healthy uses of technology. Participants will leave with concrete tools, including guidance for boundary-setting and family media planning.  

September 24, 2026 | Impact of Trauma Exposure on Professionals

2-3:30pm ET via Zoom

This training will help participants identify symptoms and warning signs of traumatic stress as well as learn the differences between three common trauma exposure responses: secondary traumatic stress, compassion fatigue, and burnout. We will discuss strategies for responding to trauma exposure and provide resources that professionals can use to mitigate the impact of trauma exposure and improve wellness.

September 28, 2026 | Mindful Monday: Guided Imagery      

11:30-12pm ET via Zoom

This week, we will engage in a guided imagery meditation called Leaves on a Stream to help observe our thoughts and bring a sense of calm and peace.

September 29, 2026 | Playing for Keeps Screening

2-3:30pm ET via Zoom

Playing for Keeps: The Upside of Downtime examines the value of play through a health lens. We feature high-performing individuals who prioritize play as essential to a happier life. We witness how play is a particularly powerful antidote to those subjected to stress and danger on the job, while highlighting the power of a playful approach to our daily lives, regardless of our circumstance.

September 30, 2026 | Trauma-Informed De-Escalation

1-3pm ET via Zoom *CEUs Available

This training will begin by providing an overview of relevant topics related to trauma-informed care that highlight the necessity of providing de-escalation in a trauma-informed way. We will then discuss verbal & non-verbal strategies for regulation and de-escalation of self and others. The training will conclude with time to practice these skills in small groups.

Find the full list of SCAN Trainings and register to attend HERE

 *Some of these trainings are eligible for Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) from the National Association of Social Workers. Check SCAN's training page for details.