cward@ican-foundation.org
916-273-3603 x110

I began assisting victims of crime and advocating for victims’ rights over 25 years ago. My career in victim assistance/advocacy started in San Diego where I worked on the crisis hotline as a volunteer at the Center for Women Studies and Services (now Center for Community Solutions). Soon after, I began to provide accompaniment and support to sexual assault victims at evidentiary exams. The volunteer work was so rewarding, I realized that this was what I wanted to do as a profession.

My first job was for WEAVE in Sacramento, CA where I coordinated the volunteer program. I have since worked for centers across the county, developing and managing programs that assist victims of violent crime. I have had the opportunity to present at conferences and other training opportunities across the country on a variety of topics including victim support/assistance, victim advocacy, crime specific topics such as domestic violence, sexual assault, drug facilitated sexual assault, homicide, traumatic memory loss, as well as professional and personal development.

I have created outreach tools to improve awareness, and encourage activism, around issues pertaining to victims of crime, crime prevention and victims’ rights. I was the co-creator, with Jessica Heskin, of the internationally recognized Watch Your Drink – Watch Your Friends drug facilitated sexual assault educational program and have presented on this program across the US and Canada.

I have worked extensively with various law enforcement agencies, across the country, to improve communication with and assistance to victims of crime. I have been honored with awards and recognition for my work assisting victims of crime and in advancing victims’ rights.

I was honored with a special recognition award from the Trenton, New Jersey Police Department for service and dedication to victims of domestic violence and for providing training the Trenton Police Officers. I received the California Governor’s Crime Victim Advocacy Award for dedication to serving victims of violent crime, and I was presented with an award from the California District Attorneys Association for my commitment to assisting victims through the parole hearing process in California. In 2009 I was appointed by the Governor to the state Domestic Violence Program Advisory Council and was re-appointed to the Council in 2015.

As for my education, I started out with a focus on becoming a psychotherapist, however, I soon realized that my passion lies in advocating for victims and survivors. I hold a BA in psychology and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration with an emphasis on non-profit management. I began to work in this field because I am survivor of violent crime and understand the hurt and hardships that accompany surviving violence.

I have been mentored by some of the very best advocates in the field, and I am so grateful for their time and commitment to the field. I feel fortunate that my work is also my passion and am humbled daily by the amazing victims and survivors that I meet and work with; they continue to educate me on what is working and what needs to be improved in our criminal justice system.

rc@ican-foundation.org
916-273-3603 ext. 112
Se Habla Español

I was born and raised in Sacramento, California and attended California State University, Sacramento where I received my bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Since joining I-CAN in 2021, I have loved continuously learning more about victim rights and working among amazing women. Prior to working at I-CAN, I worked at an immigration law firm where I first encountered working with victims of crime. While working there, I realized my passion in life was to help others. I believe it is our responsibility as advocates to help victims protect their rights and support them in any way possible. Working with I-CAN has been a privilege and I am grateful to be a part of such a passionate team.

npadilla@ican-foundation.org
916-273-3603 ext. 104
Se Habla Español

I was born and raised in Sacramento, California and have been working with Non-profit organizations in the community for the last 15 years . I received my bachelor’s degree in Social Work in 2014 from California State University, Sacramento. I began my career with I-CAN in 2014 as a Community Outreach Coordinator bringing resources, creating awareness about the services available to victims of crime and created network opportunities with other local non-profit organizations to better serve Sacramento and surrounding area victims. Soon after beginning my career with I-CAN, I identified a need to bring resources and services to the Latinx community as I realized there were many barriers and challenges to accessing services for this population and since then have been steadfast in providing much needed assistance to the Latinx community who are largely underrepresented. From 2014 – 2019, I worked tirelessly to advocate for victims and created many partnerships in the community. I briefly left I-CAN in 2019 and returned in 2021 as the Victim Services Program manager. I currently help coordinate and attend parole hearings with victims and their next of kin and provide support, resources and help educate them about the process. I am very excited to continue serving the community and look forward to continue acquiring the knowledge needed to effectively advocate for victims’ rights. 

juliavsmft@gmail.com
916-273-3603 x103
Se Habla Español

I was privileged to work with a Marriage Family Therapist and the experience changed my life for the better.As a result, I was determined to give this support to others. I started my own journey attending and graduating from California State University Sacramento and became fully licensed in 2010. I work with children, families and individuals and have expertise in trauma, especially trauma resulting from domestic violence and sexual assault. I am PCIT (Parent Child Interaction Therapy) trainer of trainers and incorporate these skills in my work with families.I speak Spanish and am sensitive to the role culture has on individuals. I blend many modalities in order to best match the needs and goals of each client. I believe we all move toward healing and health and can do so by utilizing our particular strengths. I look forward to meeting and working together with you.