About the Children’s Advocacy Alliance
Providing hope, healing, and a voice for justice
Who We Are
The Children’s Advocacy Alliance (CAA) is a Conway, Arkansas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to protecting children and empowering families across Central Arkansas. Since 2000, CAA has grown from a small group of volunteers advocating for children in court into a comprehensive organization serving thousands of children each year.
Through our two core programs, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of the 20th Judicial District and the Central Arkansas CAC (Children's Advocacy Center), we ensure children who have experienced abuse or neglect are heard, protected, and supported.
Every child deserves hope, healing, and a voice for justice. That's the mission that drives us every single day.
Our Vision
We believe in a community where every child is safe, supported, and free to thrive. By bringing together professionals, partners, and volunteers, CAA works to:
Give Every Child a Voice
Through the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program, we ensure every child in foster care has a consistent advocate speaking up for their best interests. CASA volunteers provide stability, guidance, and a trusted voice during times of uncertainty.
Support Families on Their Path to Healing
At the Central Arkansas CAC, families receive compassionate care and coordinated services after abuse or trauma. From forensic interviews and crisis intervention to therapy referrals and advocacy, we help children and caregivers begin to heal together.
Build Stronger Futures Across Central Arkansas
Serving Faulkner, Conway, Perry, Van Buren, and Searcy Counties, CAA unites communities to strengthen local support systems, promote prevention, and create safer environments for every child to grow and thrive.
MEET OUR TEAM
Behind every program and service is a team of dedicated professionals and volunteers who believe in creating change for children in Central Arkansas. From staff advocates to trained CASA volunteers, our team works hand-in-hand to ensure children are supported every step of the way.
Carrie Curtis
Executive Director
Carrie serves as Executive Director of the CASA program at Children’s Advocacy Alliance, where she advocates for children who have experienced abuse and neglect. With nearly seven years in this role, she leads a team that recruits, trains, and supports volunteer advocates who provide a consistent voice for children in the court system. Prior to CASA, Carrie spent 18 years working in domestic violence and sexual assault programs, building a strong foundation in advocacy and support. A graduate of the University of Central Arkansas, she has lived in Conway since 1995. Carrie remains deeply committed to ensuring every child has a voice, a safe environment, and the opportunity to thrive.
Crystal Dendy
Community Engagement & Program Dev. Specialist
Crystal brings over a decade of experience in child welfare, including serving as a foster and adoptive parent and training families across the state. In her role as CASA Community Engagement & Program Development Specialist, she combines both personal and professional passion to support the mission of CAA.
A Central Arkansas native, Crystal earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Central Arkansas. She has lived in Conway since 2005 with her husband and four children. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, thrifting, and going to concerts.
Mykele Pilgrim
Advocate Supervisor
Mykele is a dedicated child advocate and community leader based in Conway, Arkansas. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences from the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) and has spent more than 20
years working with children and families. Throughout her career, Mykele has remained committed to strengthening communities by supporting and advocating for the well-
being of young people.
Paula Bramlett
Teen Specialist
Paula brings over 14 years of experience working with children, youth, and families across educational and supportive service settings. As the Teen Specialist, she focuses on building meaningful connections with adolescents, advocating for their needs, and providing life skills training.
Her background includes work with the Department of Children and Family Services, along with experience in substance abuse, mental health, and family support programs. Paula is dedicated to empowering youth, supporting families, and ensuring every child has a voice.
Kennedy Holleman
Executive Director
Kennedy, originally from Springdale, Arkansas, moved to Conway to attend the University of Central Arkansas, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 2020. From a young age, she felt called to work with children and advocate for those who need a voice.
She is passionate about creating safe, supportive environments and believes in the importance of education, prevention, and community awareness. Kennedy is committed to helping others recognize and respond when a child may be in need. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, reading, and spending time with her husband and their dogs.
“As difficult and uncomfortable as conversations surrounding child abuse and neglect may be, they are essential. Avoiding them only limits our ability to protect and support the children who need us most.”
Michelle Marquez
Forensic Interviewer
Michelle, originally from Southern Arkansas, moved to Conway to attend the University of Central Arkansas, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2022. Her passion for working with children deepened during her time as a caseworker with the Department of Children and Family Services, where she saw firsthand the impact of abuse.
Now serving as a Forensic Interviewer, Michelle is dedicated to ensuring every child is heard. In her spare time, she enjoys going to the movies, swimming, and spending time with her fiancé.
Hope Crawford
Family Advocate
Hope Crawford is a Family Advocate at the Central Arkansas Children’s Advocacy Center. She holds a degree in Community and Family Services, which supports her work connecting children and their families with valuable local resources. Hope is
dedicated to helping every child have the opportunity to succeed and is passionate about creating a safe, supportive environment for the families she serves. She has called Faulkner County home for many years and loves exploring the state as her family searches for new restaurants to enjoy, parks to play in, and stores that
inspire.
Jamie Clark
Family Advocate
Jamie, a Hattieville, Arkansas native, joined the U.S. Navy after high school, where her passion for community support grew through work with the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program. After transitioning out of the military, she earned a B.S. in Business Administration and a M.S. in Human Services with a focus on Family and Community Services.
She began her career in Virginia as a Sexual Assault Advocate before returning to Conway County with her family following her husband’s retirement. As a Family Advocate, Jamie is dedicated to connecting families with resources and helping individuals find their voice. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her husband and daughter, being outdoors, and reading.