TEAM

Greg has been the executive director of North Star Child Advocacy Center since March of 2021. He is a 1988 graduate of Calhoun County High School and a 2007 graduate of Glenville State College.

Greg retired from the Parkersburg Police Department in April of 2021 as a lieutenant, commander in charge of the Investigation Division. He began his law enforcement career in corrections as an officer for the Central Regional Jail in Flatwoods, West Virginia in 1997. In 1998, he began working for the Parkersburg Police Department and served in a variety of roles before retirement, including, as a detective specializing in child abuse, narcotics investigator, SWAT operator, firearms instructor, and training and public relations. In addition to being PPD investigations commander, Greg served as commander of two different uniform shifts, and SWAT. Greg was also appointed Commander of the multi-jurisdictional Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force. Greg also served as a helicopter pilot for the Wood County Sheriffs Office.

Greg was voted Officer of the Year on two occasions and was also awarded the C. Scott Durig Award for Excellence in Criminal Justice in 2011, voted on by all law enforcement agencies in Wood County.

Greg was nominated to attend the FBI National Academy. He attended FBINA Session #274 from October to December in 2018. The FBINA is the premiere law enforcement leadership school in the country and is attended by law enforcement leaders from around the world.

In July of 2023, Greg was selected as a member of the West Virginia Child Advocacy Network Board of Directors.

Contact Greg at 304-917-4437 ext. 100 or g.collins@northstarcac.org

Julie has been employed by North Star Child Advocacy Center since March of 2016 and is currently the Assistant Director and Prevention Program Coordinator. She is a 1987 graduate of Warren High School in Vincent, Ohio. She obtained certification in early childhood development through Penn Foster College in 1996.

Julie worked as a Community Living Instructor teaching young adults, diagnosed with autism, everyday living skills. In 1996 Julie opened a state-licensed childcare facility which included a certified preschool program and summer camp program. In 2003, she opened a second center, enrolling a total of 119 children. After fourteen years of childcare, Julie moved on to her next endeavor. She and a family member opened a children’s clothing store. She was owner/manager at the store until coming to North Star CAC which has been her passion ever since.

Julie was voted Director of the Year in 2008 and received the One with Courage Award from West Virginia Child Advocacy Network in 2022.

Contact Julie at 304-917-4437 ext. 110 or j.nutter@northstarcac.org

Candice received an associates degree in Social Work from Washington State Community College. She began her career at Washington County Children’s Services directly after graduating from WSCC, where she worked in the visitation department for two years and the Foster Care/Adoption Unit as a Case Manager for four years. Candice moved on to begin working at North Star CAC as a Family Advocate and Forensic Interviewer, where she currently has been employed since 2018. Candice is the coordinator for all of North Star CACs forensic interviews and family advocacy.

Candice is passionate about her career and working with children and families. Candice feels that although the career path she chose is difficult, it has and continues to be very rewarding. She feels there is nothing better than a child trusting her with their story and allowing her to help them in their healing journey.

Contact Candice at 304-917-4437 ext. 120 or c.gabriel@northstarcac.org

Abby is a 2002 graduate of Parkersburg South High School and a 2008 graduate of West Virginia University at Parkersburg.

Abby has been working at North Star CAC as a Forensic Interviewer and Family Advocate since February 2020. In addition, she serves as the organization’s Medical Liaison and is Special Events Co-coordinator.

Prior to joining the North Star team, she worked in the oil and gas industry for over a decade. Eventually, she found herself yearning for a more fulfilling and impactful career, making a difference in the lives of others. During her time at North Star CAC, Abby has headed up several community events including the Flock It Forward fundraiser, which raised money for children in kinship care at Christmas, and the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive. In 2022, Abby was awarded the Pennie McLain “Half Unit of the Year Award,” which is voted on by the Fraternal Order of Police, for their support and dedication to the law enforcement profession.

Moving forward, Abby is working towards expanding her position to include educating school-aged children about body safety and sexual abuse prevention.

Contact Abby at 304-917-4437 ext. 150 or a.pifer@northstarcac.org

Della has been with North Star CAC since July 2021 as a forensic interviewer and family advocate. Della was born and raised in Wood County and enjoys her work in the field of child advocacy and investigation of crimes against children. Della comes to North Star CAC from the Wood County Sheriff’s Office where she was a sergeant. Della investigated crimes against children, among many other things, in her role as a deputy sheriff. In addition, Della serves as the Law Enforcement Liaison for North Star CAC as well as the Special Events Co-coordinator.

Contact Della at 304-917-4437 ext. 130 or d.matheny@northstarcac.org

Alexa is a graduate from Ravenswood High School’s class of 2016. After graduating high school, Alexa attended West Virginia University at Parkersburg where she specialized in Criminal Justice and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in applied science. This led her to work for the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources where she found a passion for social work. Alexa joined us here at North Star CAC in July of 2022. Alexa is currently a forensic interviewer and family advocate for North Star CAC.

Contact Alexa at 304-917-4437 ext. 170 or a.barker@northstarcac.org

Natalie is a 2018 graduate of Parkersburg South High School and a 2021 graduate of Fairmont State University where she completed a double Bachelor’s in Psychology and Sociology in just three years. Natalie’s focus during college was on mental health and understanding an individual’s background and demographic when it comes to mental health outreach. This led her to complete qualitative research for her Senior Capstone regarding individuals in the US who are more likely to seek professional help for their mental health and if/how demographics play a role. During her year-long research utilizing the US census, Natalie found an interest in lower-income families and the mental health of children.

After working two years in a children’s shelter as a Treatment and Behavioral Health Specialist, Natalie came to the CAC in April of 2023 as a Forensic Interviewer and Family Advocate.

Though the job is challenging, Natalie finds her role rewarding in those seen at the CAC. She hopes to continue helping children who go through abuse and bring light to others regarding the mental health crisis across the US.

Contact Natalie at 304-917-4437 extension 140 or at n.tanner@northstarcac.org

Contact Shelby at 304-917-4437 extension 160 or at s.anderson@northstarcac.org