This training initiative is designed for a diverse array of professionals, including Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) Members, representatives from non-profit agencies, law enforcement officials, court administrators, school social workers, counselors, therapists, students pursuing related fields, and all individuals dedicated to providing support to survivors of sexual assault.
This event is free and open to all -- including staff, partner agencies, law enforcement, community representatives, survivors, board members, students, and others working in the victim services field.
Free continental breakfast, hot lunch and vegan/vegetarian options will be provided.
Jennifer Elkins is an associate professor at UGA School of Social Work where she also currently serves as the Master of Social Work (MSW) program director. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison and her doctoral degree from Columbia University School of Social Work. Jennifer brings over 25 years of clinical practice, teaching, research, service, and leadership expertise centered around two overarching areas: (1) understanding trauma and trauma-informed care in historically marginalized, disenfranchised, and under-served individuals, families, and communities; and (2) addressing trauma through culturally-sustaining, anti-oppressive, trauma-informed approaches that promote holistic well-being. Since joining the faculty at UGA in 2011, Jennifer has taken a leading role in bringing state-of-the-art knowledge about trauma and trauma-informed care locally and statewide through projects on trauma and trauma-informed care in schools, libraries, courtrooms, organizations, and communities. As a community-centered scholar and award-winning educator, she is passionate about preparing future generations of social workers and social change agents to advance social justice and address our most urgent real-world challenges. In addition to giving dozens of community presentations, trainings, and workshops, she’s volunteered her time with numerous local and statewide organizations working to prevent, reduce and treat trauma, violence, and abuse.
Tim Melton is currently the Curriculum Development Specialist at Georgia P.O.S.T. Council. He received his BA in Social Science: Adult Education and has formalized training in Health and Wellness and developing resiliency within the law enforcement community. Mr. Melton conducts training with all levels of expertise on the five wellness domains: Mental (behavioral), Physical, Social, Spiritual, and Financial. His methods center around the idea that healthy officers are better public servants, better family members, and better citizens.
Dottie Stafford is the Statewide Advocacy Director for the Georgia Network to End Sexual Assault (GNESA) where she oversees development, execution, and technical support for Georgia’s Sexual Assault Centers. Additionally, Dottie provides training to sexual assault center staff on how to best serve survivors. She has worked with victims of sexual assault and domestic violence for over 26 years. Her experience has included working as the Sexual Assault Advocacy Director at Crisis Line & Safe House of Central Georgia and several positions at Hodac, Inc. in Warner Robins. Those positions included serving as the Interim Executive Director, the Director of Gateway Cottage, a residential treatment facility for substance abuse and the Director of the Victim Services Program. She studied at Georgia College and is certified in crisis intervention through the National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA).
Sarah Pederson (BSN, RN, SANE-A, SANE-P) currently serves as the Georgia Statewide Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Coordinator. In this role, Ms. Pederson coordinates and supports new and existing SANE programs throughout the state. Her goal is to promote a consistent, professional, and patient-centered medical response for, and treatment of, sexual assault victims throughout Georgia. She also develops and coordinates continuing education training opportunities for SANEs and other disciplines within the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART).
Andrea Elam is a dedicated member of the Education and Training team for the Amerigroup Georgia Families 360 program, where she excels as a clinical trainer and engagement specialist. Her role allows her to connect with communities, schools, and families across Georgia, promoting meaningful interactions and education.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Georgia and a Certified Professional Clinical Supervisor, Andrea brings a wealth of expertise to her work. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Clark Atlanta University and went on to obtain a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, LA, with a specialization in the Rehabilitation of Ethnic Minorities.
With 20 years of experience in the field of psychology, Andrea has dedicated her career to supporting at-risk children, adolescents, and their families from diverse backgrounds. Her roles have included serving as an individual therapist, community support individual, and behavioral health assessor. Andrea finds immense fulfillment in listening to people’s stories and making a difference in their lives.
Looking ahead, Andrea aims to leverage her deep understanding of psychology to advance her career as a clinical trainer, supporting interns and students working toward licensure, teaching in higher education, and advocating for victims of commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). Her passion and commitment to her field continue to guide her in making a lasting impact.
