About us

Our Story

Child Watch was established in 1984 to address the growing problem of child abuse and neglect in our community. 

Reports of maltreatment were rapidly increasing and at the time no agency existed to support child victims.  A group of community professionals and concerned citizens saw the need to form an organization designed to prevent child abuse and help abuse victims heal and took action.

The organization was dedicated to providing services in a non-threatening, child-friendly atmosphere where the healing process for children and their families could begin. Initially the organization offered a 24-hour crisis intervention line for information and referral services for child victims, their families and concerned individuals.

In 1985 we initiated child abuse prevention education programming for area schools, while mental health therapy services began in 1987. In 1988 CASA of McCracken County was formed and accredited by the National CASA Association, and we began providing court advocacy services for children removed from their home due to abuse and neglect.

Today, the need for our services still remains, with Kentucky leading the nation in substantiated cases of abuse and neglect. Education, advocacy and treatment remain our priorities and all services are always provided free of charge.

We are a 501(c)(3) agency funded by grants and corporate and individual donors.  We provide educational programming in elementary schools in 13 counties, therapy services are available in our Paducah and Benton locations and CASA of McCracken County is now CASA of West Kentucky, covering McCracken, Ballard, Livingston and Lyon counties.

our Team
Administration

Janie Criner

Executive Director

Stephanie Steele

Administrative Manager

Therapy

Kimberly Hines, LPA

Therapist, Clinical Coordinator

Michelle Hawkins, MSW, LCSW

Therapist

Lucy Carabelle

Therapy Dog

CASA

Stephanie Moss

CASA Program Director

Liz Hansen

CASA Volunteer Coordinator

Jen Doom

CASA Advocate Supervisor

Education and Outreach

Jill Niesen

Education and Outreach Coordinator

Support Staff

Gale Neel

Therapy Assistant

Our Board

KACEY CLANAHAN

Paducah Shooters Supply, Owner/Manager

KATIE COLGAN

TARA CRUMBLE

Mercy Family Medicine, Family Nurse Practitioner

JESSICA FINN

Paper Pieces, Owner

ROBERT HERNANDEZ

The Rock Shop, Co-owner

Retired Social Services Director and Educator

SARAH JUDD, J.D.

PEGGY MERIEDETH

Mayor of Barlow, KY

Retired Social Worker and Educator

DANIEL MILLER

Whitlow, Roberts, Houston & Straub, PLLC

Director of HR and Finance

CRAIG NEWBERN, JR.

Assistant McCracken County Attorney

CLINT ROBERTS

FNB Bank, Securities Officer

TARA SAWVEL

Lilly USA, Inc., Pharmaceutical Sales

ASEER SCOTT

Ace Academy, Owner

NIKKI SMITH

The EPIC Group, eXp Realty, Realtor

BLAKE SUMMARELL

Edward Jones, Financial Advisor

JULIE TENNYSON

Marcum Tennyson, Attorney

NICOLE TURNBO

Healthworks Family Medicine, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner