Melisa Harris
Sherman ,Texas
Summary
Forensic interviewer with extensive experience, specializing in legally defensible interviews and courtroom testimony. Proven ability in multidisciplinary collaboration and professional mentoring, ensuring adherence to best practice protocols. Committed to child welfare assessment and enhancing interview techniques through peer review and staff training.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Consultant
Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
Durant , OK
07.2023 - Current
- Conducted child-focused, legally defensible forensic interviews with potential abuse victims and crime witnesses.
- Utilized best practice standards in forensic interviewing, including ChildFirst protocol and National Children’s Alliance guidelines.
- Testified in criminal court proceedings as required by subpoena.
- Participated in monthly multidisciplinary case review meetings to discuss ongoing cases.
- Engaged in forensic interview peer review to enhance interviewing techniques.
- Mentored forensic interviewers and established a peer review process for continuous improvement.
- Provided training for staff on various requested topics related to forensic interviewing.
Forensic Interviewer
Grayson County Children's Advocacy Center
Sherman , TX
10.2018 - Current
- Conducted legally defensible forensic interviews with children alleged victims of abuse or crime.
- Applied best practice standards, CACTX protocol, Missouri ChildFirst protocol, and National Children’s Alliance guidelines.
- Testified in criminal court proceedings upon subpoena to support case integrity.
- Engaged in monthly multidisciplinary case review meetings to enhance collaborative efforts.
- Participated in peer review sessions for forensic interviews to ensure quality and adherence to protocols.
- Contributed to Grayson County Human Trafficking Coalition initiatives aligned with Governor’s Initiative on Child Sex Trafficking.
Forensic Interviewer
Children's Advocacy Center
Springfield, Missouri
04.2018 - 10.2018
- Conducted child-focused, legally defensible forensic interviews with victims and witnesses of abuse.
- Utilizing best practice standards, the Missouri ChildFirst protocol, and the National Children’s Alliance guidelines.
- Participated in monthly multidisciplinary case review meetings to enhance collaborative strategies.
- Engaged in peer reviews of forensic interviews.
Social Services/Child Protection Director
Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma
Perkins, OKl
08.2015 - 04.2018
- Oversaw Iowa Tribe Social Services Department, ensuring compliance and operational effectiveness.
- Investigated child abuse and neglect allegations to safeguard children's welfare.
- Conducted interviews with children, parents, and collateral references for thorough information gathering.
- Managed federal grants for Social Services Division to enhance funding utilization.
- Prepared documentation for federal audits, guaranteeing accuracy and compliance readiness.
- Provided supervision for additional departments to support overarching organizational objectives.
Indian Child Welfare Director
Pawnee Nation Of Oklahoma
Pawnee , OK
10.2015 - 08.2016
- Oversaw Pawnee Nation Indian Child Welfare Program, ensuring compliance and effective operations.
- Conducted thorough investigations of child abuse and neglect allegations.
- Interviewed children, parents, and relevant parties to gather critical information.
- Coordinated assessments with families and social service agencies to support case management.
- Evaluated children's safety, initiating court actions when necessary for protection.
- Completed assessments for Tribal Court Judge regarding guardianship matters.
- Executed timely assessments and investigations to meet program standards.
- Managed federal and state grants, optimizing resource allocation.
Children's Service Worker III
State Of Missouri Children's Division
Kansas City, Missouri
11.2013 - 08.2015
- Conducted thorough investigations into allegations of child abuse and neglect.
- Facilitated interviews with children, parents, and collateral references.
- Coordinated assessments with families and social service agencies to evaluate situations.
- Assessed child safety and determined necessary court actions for protection.
- Executed assessments and investigations efficiently within established timelines.
- Served as on-site Children’s Division investigator at Grandview Police Department.
- Trained and supervised new staff in child abuse investigations and courtroom procedures.
Forensic Interviewer
Sunflower House
Shawnee, KS
05.2012 - 11.2013
- Conducted child-focused forensic interviews, ensuring legal defensibility for abuse victims and crime witnesses.
- Utilized best practice standards and protocols from Sunflower House and the National Children’s Alliance.
- Testified in criminal court and SRS Appeal proceedings as required by subpoena.
- Participated in monthly multidisciplinary case review meetings to enhance collaborative efforts.
- Engaged in peer review of forensic interviews to maintain high quality and consistency.
Children's Service Worker II
State Of Missouri Children's Division
Kansas Cit, Missouri
07.2011 - 05.2012
- Conducted timely assessments and investigations into allegations of child abuse and neglect.
- Coordinated assessments with families and social service agencies to ensure comprehensive evaluations.
- Performed interviews with children, parents, and collateral references for accurate information gathering.
- Evaluated child safety and determined when to initiate court action as necessary.
Academic Advisor
Chickasaw Foundation
Ada, OK
05.2009 - 09.2010
- Guided low-income, first-generation high school students in college preparation.
- Facilitated completion of financial aid and scholarship applications.
- Recruited eligible students for Upward Bound program participation.
- Created forms, flyers, agendas, and media presentations for programs and meetings.
- Advocated for student needs within local school systems and communities.
- Delivered weekly public presentations to groups of 45-50 on foundation programs.
Indian Child Welfare Specialist
Chickasaw Nation Department of Family Services
Ada, OK
01.2004 - 03.2008
- Advocated for Chickasaw children and families to ensure their rights and needs were met.
- Investigated allegations of child abuse and neglect within the tribal district.
- Conducted forensic interviews with children involved in abuse and neglect cases.
- Prepared and submitted reports to local state courts and tribal courts.
- Assessed child safety, leading to court actions when necessary.
- Provided evaluations assigned by the Tribal Court Judge in guardianship matters.
Education
Master of Arts - Early Intervention And Childhood Development
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Durant, OK08-2020
Master of Science - Native American Leadership
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Durant, OK05-2019
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Durant, OK01-1999
Skills
- Forensic interviewing
- Legal compliance
- Courtroom testimony
- Protocol adherence
- Case management
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Peer review
- Staff training
- Child welfare assessment
- Effective communication
- Emotional intelligence
- Professional mentoring
Affiliations
- Member of the Zero Abuse Project MDT Advisory Board
- Participating in the National Children's Advocacy Centers project for Forensic Interview Training Framework for Tribal Communities
- Certified as an expert witness in multiple jurisdictions on the topics of forensic interviewing, child development, trauma, and child sexual abuse.
- Accepted and participated in the Mentoring and Consulting Groups for Forensic Interviewers through the National Children's Advocacy Center.
- Member of the Chickasaw Nation.
Training and Experience
- Forensic Interviewing Specific - 450 hours of training.
- Child Development, trauma, investigations, and MDT's - 600 hrs. of training.
- Forensic Interviews Conducted: 2,694
- Peer Reviews: 90
- Expert testimony in tribal and state courts.
- Testimony in approximately 45 jury trials and 150 family court hearings.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Consultant
Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
07.2023 - Current
Forensic Interviewer
Grayson County Children's Advocacy Center
10.2018 - Current
Forensic Interviewer
Children's Advocacy Center
04.2018 - 10.2018
Indian Child Welfare Director
Pawnee Nation Of Oklahoma
10.2015 - 08.2016
Social Services/Child Protection Director
Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma
08.2015 - 04.2018
Children's Service Worker III
State Of Missouri Children's Division
11.2013 - 08.2015
Forensic Interviewer
Sunflower House
05.2012 - 11.2013
Children's Service Worker II
State Of Missouri Children's Division
07.2011 - 05.2012
Academic Advisor
Chickasaw Foundation
05.2009 - 09.2010
Indian Child Welfare Specialist
Chickasaw Nation Department of Family Services
01.2004 - 03.2008
Master of Arts - Early Intervention And Childhood Development
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Master of Science - Native American Leadership
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
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