Whether you’re a Family or a Community Partner, this section contains additional information about Project CONTACT.
Project CONTACT
Project CONTACT (Community Operations Network for Treatment After Childhood Trauma) is a five-year $2M grant awarded to the Children’s Advocacy Services of Greater Saint Louis (CASGSL) by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The goal of the project is for the CASGSL to partner with community agencies to increase participation in our Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention (CFTSI).
Children’s Advocacy Services of Greater St. Louis (CASGSL)
Children’s Advocacy Services of Greater St. Louis is a University-based, multidisciplinary center that provides trauma-focused services to youth, families, and the community.
Our therapists are trained in evidence-based models that have been shown to help children who have experienced trauma. We serve children impacted by all types of traumatic events including childhood sexual abuse, physical abuse, and neglect. We also serve witnesses of domestic abuse and violent crime and children who have suffered accidents, natural disasters, and traumatic bereavement.
In addition to therapeutic services, CAC also has active undergraduate and professional education programs. The CAC is also St. Louis’ accredited advocacy center, and as such, conducts forensic interviews for children who have disclosed experiencing a traumatic event.
We have three locations:
- UMSL Campus
- Kirkwood
- Central West End
Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention (CFTSI)
CFTSI is a brief (5-8 session), evidence-based intervention developed by the Yale Child Study Center. It is designed to reduce the effects of children’s exposure to a traumatic event and support them when they are struggling to cope. CFTSI helps families by providing education about trauma and trauma symptoms, and increasing communication between children and their caregivers.
We offer CFTSI sessions during normal business hours and offer both caregivers and children letters of excuse for their work and school.
Project CONTACT Staff
Family Engagement Specialists
Catherine Boyd
Catherine Boyd is a Family Engagement Specialist at CASGSL with a background in legal studies and experience working in family law and crisis intervention. She has been a valuable member of our administrative team since 2014 serving in various capacities.
As part of CASGSL’s FES staff, Catherine works to support children and families who have experienced traumatic events. Her primary focus is to remove any barriers to treatment, assist in completing forms, and connect families with essential community resources. Catherine’s expertise and compassionate approach enable her to provide exceptional support to families.
Catherine is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work degree to further enhance her knowledge and skills to assist area families.
Gracie Kinder
Gracie Rose Kinder is a Family Engagement Specialist at CASGSL. She earned her Bachelor’s in Applied Psychology in Child Advocacy Studies with a Minor in Psychology at the University of Missouri – St. Louis. As a member of CASGSL’s FES staff, Gracie’s role is to help children and families who have undergone traumatic events. Her main objective is to eliminate any obstacles to treatment, help in filling out forms, and link families with important local resources. Gracie’s ability to provide support to families is facilitated by her proficiency and compassionate approach. Her experience coupled with her empathetic demeanor, enables her to deliver comprehensive aid to families in need.
Clinicians
Charlotte Hechler
Charlotte Hechler, MSW, LCSW, is a clinician at CASGSL’s location in the Central West End. Charlotte received her master’s degree in social work from Washington University in St. Louis. She has experience in providing intensive community-based therapy to youth and families in crisis. At CASGSL, Charlotte serves children and families using Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention, and Integrated Treatment for Complex Trauma. She also implements Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools.
Jessica Mantia
Jessica Mantia, MEd, CIT, is a clinician based out of CASGSL’s UMSL location. Jessie received her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from UMSL and has a certificate in Child Advocacy Studies. She has experience working in and with the child welfare system. She provides Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Integrative Treatment of Complex Trauma, and the Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention. Jessie also cofacilitates the Adolescents with Inappropriate/Illegal Sexual Behaviors treatment program.
Noga Melnick
Noga Melnick, MSW, LMSW, is a clinician who serves children, youth and families impacted by traumatic events. Noga earned her Master’s of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis. Based at CASGSL’s UMSL office, Noga provides evidence-based therapies including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Integrative Treatment for Complex Trauma, and the Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention. Noga also facilitates the Problematic Sexual Behavior – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy group for school-age children and their caregivers. Noga is a dedicated member of CASGSL’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Change Force.
Hannah Paul
Hannah Paul, MSW, LMSW, serves children, adolescents, and caregivers impacted by traumatic events. Hannah obtained her master’s degree in social work from Washington University in St. Louis. She currently provides a variety of trauma-focused therapies at the agency’s Kirkwood office, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Integrative Treatment for Complex Trauma, Child Parent Psychotherapy, and the Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention. Hannah also serves as a member of CASGSL’s school-based team, facilitating trauma-focused treatment groups in schools.
Philip Sher
Philip Sher, MSW, LCSW, serves as the project director of CONTACT. In this role, Philip works to build partnerships within local service systems to improve access to the Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention (CFTSI) for children and families who have experienced a recent traumatic event. He also oversees project operations, evaluation, and team coordination. Philip, who provides direct services at CASGSL’s UMSL office, implements CFTSI as well as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Integrated Treatment for Complex Trauma, Child-Parent Psychotherapy, and Alternatives for Families: A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Philip also leads a team of staff and students for the Adolescents with Inappropriate/Illegal Sexual Behaviors treatment program. As a field instructor and clinical licensure supervisor, Philip has a passion for student and staff development; he is the coordinator for master’s level training opportunities at CASGSL. Philip is also an active member of the agency’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Change Force, which promotes DEI initiatives for clients, staff, students, and the broader UMSL community.
Callie VanOstran
Callie VanOstran, MSW, LMSW, is a clinician at CASGSL’s Kirkwood location, where she offers evidence-based therapy to children and families impacted by traumatic events. Callie obtained her master’s degree in social work from Washington University in St. Louis. She currently provides Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Integrative Treatment of Complex Trauma for Children/Adolescents, and the Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention. Callie also serves as a member of CASGSL’s school-based team, facilitating trauma-focused treatment groups in schools.
Family Advocates
Jessica Constant
Jessica Constant is a family advocate at CASGSL’s West Pine location. She works to support the family on the day of the child’s forensic interview and to provide ongoing advocacy and support as the family moves through the forensic process. Jessica earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from Southeast Missouri State University. She is experienced in the field of child welfare, having worked as an investigator and supervisor at Missouri Children’s Division. Jessica is passionate about advocating for families who are navigating the child welfare system or involved with child abuse and neglect investigations.
Courtney Neff
Courtney Neff, MSW, is a family advocate at CASGSL’s UMSL location. She provides support, advocacy, and education to caregivers whose children are participating in forensic interviews. Courtney received her Master of Social Work degree from University of Missouri—St. Louis. Courtney is an experienced advocate for children and families; she also draws on her prior experience working with children and families in a behavioral health setting.
Intake Staff
Kerstyn Buehrig
Kerstyn is CASGSL’s clinical intake manager. In this role, Kerstyn works with caregivers to determine their needs and connect them with clinical services. She also manages CASGSL’s clinical waitlist and the schedules of more than 15 providers. An UMSL alumna and current student, Kerstyn is working toward a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and certificate in child advocacy studies. She is passionate about child trauma recovery and prevention, and supporting families who are navigating complex systems while experiencing challenges that often arise in the aftermath of traumatic events.
Official Video
Kids Video
Connecting Families to Trauma Treatment
Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention: Frequently Asked Questions
Intervención de Estrés Traumático Infantil y Familiar: Preguntas más frecuentes
Here is a link to our FAQ brochure
Family Engagement Specialists
Andrew Tash
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Tango Walker
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Clinicians
Evette Bean
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Michelle Clark
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Ben Gildehaus
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Charlotte Hechler
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Alejandra Martinez
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Manella, Allison
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Felecia Noguera
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Hannah Paul
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Clinicians
Family Engagement Specialists
Andrew Tash
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Tango Walker
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Clinicians
Family Engagement Specialists
Andrew Tash
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Tango Walker
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Clinicians
Andrew Tash
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Tango Walker
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Andrew Tash
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Tango Walker
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Clinicians
Andrew Tash
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Tango Walker
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Clinicians
Andrew Tash
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Tango Walker
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Clinicians
Family Engagement Specialists
Andrew Tash
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Tango Walker
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Clinicians
Our Video
Please check back soon(ish) to see the Project CONTACT video.
Contact Us
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Our Video
Please check back soon(ish) to see the Project CONTACT video.
Please check back soon(ish) to see our video
Project CONTACT Brochure: Information for Families
Project CONTACT Brochure: Information for Families
Project CONTACT Brochure: Information for Community Partners
Project CONTACT Brochure: Frequently Asked Questions
Connecting Families to Trauma Treatment
Connecting Families to Trauma Treatment
Connecting Families to Trauma Treatment
Information for Families Brochure
CFTSI Frequently Asked Questions
Information for Community Partners
Information for Families – Spanish
Information for Families Brochure