SVAA Presenters
Leanne Graham, MA, CA
Victim Assistance Program (VAP), President and CEOLeanne Graham was named the successor of founding director, Dr. Robert Denton, in August of 2012. Leanne obtained a Bachelor of Sociology with a Certificate of Criminology and Law from Suffolk University and completed a Massachusetts Legislative Internship. Leanne then moved to Ohio, where she obtained a Master of Justice Studies from Kent State University. Throughout her career, she worked with victims of all types of crime and held numerous administrative positions with multiple victim service agencies. Leanne's experience allowed her to receive the highest victim advocate credentialing status, Comprehensive Crisis Intervention Specialist, from the National Accreditation Certification Program (NACP) of the National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA.) Leanne continues to use the knowledge and skills gained throughout her career to professionalize victim advocacy across the country, guides Summit County's response to victims' needs, and ensures the Victim Assistance Program successfully carries out its mission 24/7/365.
Christel Durbec, CA
VAP, Supervisor of Crisis ServicesChristel Durbec started her career as a Victim Advocate in September of 2019; became a credentialed advocate through NACP; and is currently a member of the Summit County Youth Suicide Prevention Subcommittee. In her new role as the Supervisor of Crisis Services, Christel oversees Victim Assistance Program’s Summit County Crisis Response Team Volunteers and all after-hours staff members. Christel also facilitates all Group Crisis Intervention responses for staff, faculty, and students within the local school systems of Summit County after the loss of a child or teacher.
Faythe Kupiec, BA, CA
VAP, Supervisor of InternsFaythe Kupiec started as a Victim Advocate Intern in January 2020, during her undergraduate work at Kent State University, and was hired full-time as a Victim Advocate in June 2020. Faythe holds a Bachelor of Human Development & Family Studies, is currently working on a Master of Social Work at the University of Akron, and is a credentialed advocate through the NACP. She prior held a position as the Stow Victim Advocate Coordinator and currently supervises 8 to 12 interns per semester. She is passionate about serving victims to the best of her ability and loves teaching interns and new staff how to succeed in the field.
Deneen-Marie Brant, BA, CA
VAP, Victim AdvocateDeneen-Marie Brant holds a Bachelor of Applied Conflict Management, a minor in Justice Studies, from Kent State University. She holds several certifications in the social service field that have increased her knowledge of serving victims of crime and trauma. Deneen has been with the Victim Assistance Program for over 5 years, holding multiple Victim Advocate roles in the agency.
Alexa Russell, MS, BA, CA
VAP, Stow Victim Advocate CoordinatorAlexa works in the Stow Municipal Court helping to build a bridge between victims and the criminal justice system with VAP partners of Northern Summit County. She has a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology, from Southern New Hampshire University and is a credentialed advocate through the NACP. Throughout her professional career, Alexa has held roles in direct service and case management capacity throughout Summit County. She continues to work as a fierce advocate for all she serves and prides herself on her patience and attention to needs when it comes to those she serves.
Charlie Phillips, CA
VAP, Victim AdvocateCharlie Phillips graduated from Kent State University with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a minor in sociology. He is an accredited advocate through the NACP and an advocate working at the Domestic Relations court. He is a member of various coalitions including ODVN's coalition for LGBTQ+ community and other organizations focusing on courtroom and legal advocacy for those experiencing victimizations of intimate partner violence and domestic violence.
Dana Zedak, LSW, CA
VAP, Essentials CoordinatorDana Zedak started her career during the anti-rape movement, in 1988, while attending the University of Akron, acquiring a Bachelor of Psychology. Dana’s proficiency in direct service for victims of trauma and administrative leadership roles, across Northeast Ohio, have allowed her to become a nationally credentialed advocate with advanced standing through the NACP. Dana also serves as a crisis response team (CRT) member, trainer for NOVA, and certified to present QPR: Gatekeeper. Dana, a licensed social worker, certified yoga instructor, and an expert witness for prosecuting domestic violence offenders, has provided education on victimization and trauma topics nationally, statewide, and locally for more than 35 years. She previously served as a leader for our education department and currently acts as a coordinator of the Victim Assistance Program's week-long course, The Essentials of Victim Advocacy.
Becky Cool, MSW, LSW, CA
VAP, Director of ServicesBecky Cool oversees a team of Supervisors, Victim Advocates, Interns, and Volunteers who provide 24/7 crisis intervention and advocacy services to victims of crime and trauma in Summit County. Becky holds a Master of Social Work from The University of Akron. Additionally, she is a licensed Social Worker (LSW) and holds the intermediate level as a credentialed advocate through the NACP. Throughout her career, Becky has held several roles in both direct services and administrative capacities in Summit and Cuyahoga Counties. Becky has dedicated her career to implementing the fundamentals of trauma-informed care not only in serving clients directly, but in program and policy development and execution, supervision, and leadership.
Zachary Gilgenbach, MCJ, CA
VAP, Supervisor of Advocacy ServicesZach Gilgenbach oversees the main office Victim Advocates who provide crisis intervention services on scene, court advocacy in the Akron Municipal Court, and coverage for the 24/7 hotline. Zach holds a Master of Criminal Justice, from Tiffin University, and is a credential advocate through the NACP. Throughout his career Zach has worked in municipal and county courts; worked in offender services; and spent a brief time working with the Summit County Medical Examiner. This has given Zach a widespread knowledge of the Criminal Justice System which allows him to share this knowledge with others.
Alexander Guht, MCJ, CA
VAP, Supervisor of Civil Court ServicesAlex Guht graduated with a Master of Criminal Justice with a Justice Administration concentration, from Tiffin University, holds a Bachelor of Political Science/Criminal Justice from the University of Akron, and is a credentialed advocate through the NACP. He is active in the profession and sits on several local coalitions. His prior experience working with defendants provided him with a deeper understanding of the court system and how it impacts all parties. He is a valuable part of VAP’s team, as he oversees our offices in the Summit County Domestic Relations court, including the Children Who Witness Violence program.
Rev. Sandra Selby, D Min, MBA, CCFP
External PresenterRev. Dr. Sandy Selby is Pastor of Furnace Street Mission and Consultant and Chaplain for Tough Work Outreach, which serves people in crisis and those who work with them. She served for twenty years as on-call chaplain at both Akron Children’s Hospital and Cleveland Clinic Akron General. Her doctoral research examined compassion fatigue and resilience in individuals who work with people in crisis. A graduate of Leadership Akron, Sandy received the Bernard Rosen Community Service Award from Victim Assistance Program, and the Women of Achievement Award from Women’s Network of Northeast Ohio. She is a member of the Summit County Social Services Advisory Board and serves on the Boards of Child Guidance and Family Solutions and the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
