Helping families become all they can possibly be
Serving Allen, DeKalb, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben and Whitley Counties
Stay in touch
Indiana Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline
1-800-800-5556
MEET THE TEAM
OUR LEADERSHIP
Executive Director
Cathy Parks
Our Executive Director comes to us with 20 years of Healthy Families experience. She is a member of the Healthy Families America National Advisory Board, representing the state of Indiana. She attended Huntington College pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and followed that with a Master of Organizational Leadership from the University of St. Francis. She is Dare to Lead trained and looks forward to building the capacity of our organization and growing strong leaders to help reduce the instances of child abuse and neglect in the 5 counties we serve.
Healthy Families Director
Meggan Testin
Meggan has a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Ball State University. For the past 16 years, she has worked with the Healthy Families program starting as a home visitor, then moving into assessments before becoming a supervisor. Meggan likes how Healthy Families affords families to share their unique story in a way that feels safe for the family. Meggan has been teaching yoga for the past eight years and is also a Certified Lactation Specialist.
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HOME Supervisor
Bonita Byman
Bonita has worked in the HOME program for 26 years. She was a home-based family support worker with families until March of 2022 when she became supervisor for the program. Bonita has also taught Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention classes to area schools and agencies for almost 10 years. Bonita has a Bachelor of Social Work degree, along with a Criminal Justice major from Ball State University. Bonita works closely with the Department of Child Services and other partnering agencies to ensure families and children receive the best support and services possible.
Healthy Families Supervisor
Christina Haver
Christina is a Supervisor for Healthy Families here at Children First Center. Christina possesses a Double BA in Health & Human Services and Child Development with a Minor in Psychology and brings with her extensive knowledge & first-hand experience in the field of social work, mental health, & behavior modification. Christina has approximately 5-6 years of supervisory, management, & mentor experience and has worked with Child Protective Services and partnered with Department of Child Services to coordinate a variety of intensive & non-intensive services for diverse communities of clientele.
HOME Supervisor / FSW
Rachel Morrison
Rachel graduated from Purdue University with a BA in Elementary Education. She's working towards her Masters in Mental Health Counseling. She is the mother of 2 children. She has been with Children First Center since 2008 and started as a Family Support Worker. She fell in love with her job after working with a few clients. She enjoys helping families and the variety each day brings.
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Clinical Staff
Susan Geels LMHCA
Dawn Scott MSW, LSW
Carrie Langin MSW, LSW
Our licensed Master's level therapists have extensive experience treating children and families in a multitude of mental health issues including substance abuse, sexual abuse, domestic violence, trauma, LGBTQ, grief and loss.
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Family Support/Research Specialists
Melinda Bowley
Lorie Bishop
Samantha Lavin
Michelle Dempsey
Karen Surfus
Gabi Aguirre
Kris Friend
Our Family Support Specialists and Family Research Specialists are travel across northeast Indiana to provide .....
HOME Family Support Workers
Erin Oldenburg
Deborah Griebel
Kali Quackenbush
Kevin Romero
Rachel Morrison
Lisa Inlow
Our HOME program's FSWs bring a wealth of .....
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ADMINISTRATION
HOME Administration
Doreen Brown
Doreen has been supporting our HOME program for over 10 years. As a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Information Technology, Doreen manages HOME’s billing with the Indiana Department of Child Services and SCAN (Stop Child Abuse and Neglect). She is also the liaison with our database software developer, ensuring that service documentation and records are properly maintained.
Having 17 years of experience in the non-profit sector, Doreen enjoys working for an organization that makes a positive impact in our communities by assisting families throughout their life’s journey.
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Healthy Families Administration / HR
Sandy Proud
Sandy is a graduate of Tri-State University and has lived in DeKalb County for 39 years. She loves the focus of our organization by providing education, resources and support to families in need or whomever just needs some extra support. Having a child who benefited from Children First Center’s programs years ago, when it was the Preschool for the Handicapped, she knows how impactful the organization's services are. Even though times have changed, CFC continues to give to families in whatever manner they can.
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Receptionist
Steve Pierzchala
Steve has worked in the social services and medical fields as an administrative assistant for over 20 years. His calling and talents are in serving staff, management, and clients in most any capacity. “Helping people’s tasks to be easier to do and/or accomplish” is the goal of his work.
“I wish everyone would themselves and have their friends contact Children First Center for all their children’s needs. In our current crazy culture, all of us, even we old geezers, need help. People with children can use a helping hand and we are here to provide it. Let us surprise you with our level of care, compassion, and services,” declares Steve.
Financial Coordinator
Lisa Treace
Lisa has been with the Children First Center since May 2020. She has 35 years of Financial and Office Management experience. She is a certified payroll professional and a Public Notary. She received her Business Administration degree from the Indiana Institute of Technology. She is passionate about the work she does for Children First Center and making sure our agency is properly funded to provide the needed services.