Michael Arnot, MPA – Vice President of Programs and Operations
Michael Arnot joined the Child Abuse Prevention Center team in 2011 as Vice President of Programs and Operations. In this role, Michael is responsible for managing all program services and maintaining and developing the Center’s operations. Michael brings over 20 years of experience working in non-profits including serving as Executive Director of two different organizations focused on mental health, substance abuse, and at-risk families, as Director of Planning for Phoenix Houses of California and, most recently, as a Senior Program Officer for First 5 LA. His experience also includes government affairs work on the behalf of state governments and private sector in Washington, DC, where he received his Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from The George Washington University.
Valerie Brauks, MA, FAPA – Director of Clinical Operations
Prior to joining the Child Abuse Prevention Center in January 2003, Valerie Kim Brauks gained essential and indispensable experience working in prevention and early intervention services in community mental health for seventeen years. Valerie currently serves as the Director of Clinical Operations for the Prevention Center. She provides clinical and administrative management to over 14 programs overseeing a team of supervisors and managers. Collaboration within the community allows Valerie the ability to support and partner with outreach and taskforce programs to enable more access to our early prevention programs for at-risk families in Orange County.
Valerie has a long standing affiliation with the American Psychotherapy Association as a Diplomate/Fellow and belongs to several prevention task forces and advisory councils. Valerie also works as an adjunct professor at California State University, Fullerton and California State University, Los Angeles, as well as the University of Phoenix, teaching courses in Adolescent Pregnancy and Parenting, Intimate Relationships in a Diversified Society, Theories and Techniques in Counseling, and Advocacy and Mediation.
Valerie holds a Masters of Arts in Clinical Psychology from the University of Tulsa.
Barbara Casserly – Director of Community Development
As Director of Community Development Barbara Casserly plans, implements, and assesses comprehensive fund development strategies to support the daily operation and long-term sustainability of the Child Abuse Prevention Center. Barbara comes to the Child Abuse Prevention Center with over 25 years of business experience in sales, marketing, program management and contract administration. Barbara has led volunteer organizations to support youth and has advocated for appropriate facilities to support student success.
Her professional career includes work at Procter & Gamble, USG Corporation and Jewel Companies. As Contract Administrator (2008-2010) at TriMark Raygal Barbara helped to implement a Food Service renovation program at over 64 school sites. As National Programs Director (2005-2008) at the Parent Relocation Council Barbara developed programs to ensure that relocating parents recognize and embrace the significant benefits available to them by working with PRC Local Partners™. She has a passion for public service and volunteerism and has served her community in many ways including establishing an education foundation. Her talents have also benefited various advocacy and outreach projects to support youth. Barbara led the effort to identify and secure funds for the construction of a new science building at the local middle school, and a new 455-seat Performing Arts Center at Capistrano Valley High School.
Her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management was earned from Providence College in 1981. Barbara has also earned certificates in grant writing and administration and volunteer management.
Allison Holtkamp, PsyD – Director of Mental Health Programs
Allison Holtkamp, PsyD brings over a decade of experience in providing mental health services to at-risk children and adolescents to the Child Abuse Prevention Center. She received her M.A. and Psy.D from the California School of Professional Psychology- Los Angeles with an emphasis in child and adolescent therapy. Prior to her role at the Child Abuse Prevention Center, Allison worked with youth who were exposed to abuse and neglect while working at Olive Crest in the group home division. She next worked as a Court Evaluation and Guidance Unit (CEGU) therapist at Orangewood Children’s Home providing assessment, treatment and aftercare services. Further, for over five years she was a Program Director at Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services in Los Angeles overseeing a site that expanded to include in home and school based mental health services. As the new Director of Mental Health Services, Allison aspires to expand and make more accessible the mental health services provide by the Child Abuse Prevention Center. She is delighted to return to Orange County and serve the at-risk populations in the area in which she grew up and increase accessibility to the mental health services for the families of Orange County.
