Meet The Team

Executive Director

Sarah Bariya

As Executive Director of The Sexual Trauma and Abuse CARE Center, Sarah Bariya, LLB, leads with a survivor-centered approach, a commitment to justice, and a deep belief in the power of advocacy to transform lives.

Sarah brings nearly a decade of leadership experience in the anti-violence movement. She oversees the strategic direction of the organization, ensures the delivery of trauma-informed services, and fosters a culture of compassion, accountability, and equity. Her core strengths include developing effective programs, building resilient teams, and expanding access to care for survivors of sexual and domestic violence.

Data & Grant Manager

Jessica Moyer

Jessica Moyer is the Grant & Data Manager at the CARE Center, where she supports the team through behind the scenes work that helps strengthen services for survivors in our community and surrounding areas. . She is passionate about connecting people with community and has intentionally followed work that aligns with these values. She studied psychology at Kansas State University, where she deepened her interest in understanding people and what helps them thrive. Jessica believes the best way to support individuals is by layering tools, resources, and access. Coming from a nonprofit background, Jessica is proud to support the CARE Center’s mission by managing grants and ensuring the systems behind the work run smoothly.

Associate Director

Christina Gentry

Christina Gentry brings over 15 years of dedicated experience as an educator, where they championed the implementation and development of dynamic STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) curricula, fostering innovation and critical thinking in students. Beyond the classroom, they have actively contributed to public service, lending their expertise to various city and county boards, demonstrating a strong commitment to community development and civic engagement.

Currently, Christina serves as the Associate Director the CARE Center, focused on providing vital support and resources to survivors of sexual violence. In this role, they leverage their leadership and strategic planning skills to ensure comprehensive services and advocate for positive change within the community.

Lead Advocate

Siena Vance

My name is Siena, and I am the Lead Advocate here at The CARE Center. I joined CARE nearly two years ago as a volunteer and have remained committed to supporting survivors with compassion and integrity ever since. I am pursuing a degree in Social Welfare with a minor in Criminal Justice, with hopes of building a future in restorative justice. I do this work because it makes a difference. I do this work because people deserve to be seen. I do this work because I CARE :)

Volunteer Coordinator & Advocate

Cade Dennis

Cade Dennis is the Volunteer Coordinator Advocate, working to expand the reach of the CARE Center in collaboration with community members.

Prior to the CARE Center, he spent several years preserving public lands and interpreting cultural resources in northeast Kansas, delivering resources from the historical struggle for equity to those continuing the struggle today.

Cade recruits and manages the volunteer network vital to the CARE Center's mission of supporting survivors of sexual violence.

Volunteers lend their time in support of the advocate team's direct support of survivors and in engagement with the community directly at events in Douglas, Franklin, and Jefferson County.

Rural Advocate

Alize Johnson

Alize Johnson is a dedicated rural and underserved advocate for sexual abuse and trauma survivors, eager to expand her already existing experience of advocacy to include those most in need of support for sexual violence. With 8 years in health-focused direct service; she's worked hands-on with neurodivergent children and others alike facing physical and mental disabilities, honing empathy and problem-solving skills. She thrives on collaboration and turning ideas into action. She is passionate about supporting those in need, turning care into real impact every day.

Campus Response Liaison

Vincent Hampton

Hello, my name is Vincent Hampton and I use they/he pronouns. I am the Campus Response Liaison for the Sexual Trauma and Abuse CARE Center. After getting my bachelor's in social work and minor in women gender and sexuality studies, I am ready to get out in the community and serve. I am particularly passionate about working with trans or disabled survivors, and love to work in campus environments.

Therapist

Hanna Hawley-Gomez

My name is Hanna Hawley-Gomez and I am the part time therapist here at the Sexual Trauma and Abuse CARE Center. I am incredibly passionate about sexual violence advocacy and have been working in this field for over 10 years. I hope to bring comfort and strength to those suffering from sexual violence.

Therapist

Maddie Backus

Maddie Backus brings four years of social work experience to her role as a therapist for the Sexual Trauma and Abuse CARE Center. With a background in suicide prevention, crisis intervention, youth services, and community mental health care Maddie’s approach to therapy is dynamic and relational, grounded in a humanistic perspective that centers her clients lived experience to foster growth, healing, and real connection.

As a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Maddie strives to create spaces of support and healing for primary and secondary survivors of sexual trauma and abuse. Drawing from CBT, DBT, and strength-based approaches, she helps clients deepen self-understanding, develop effective coping tools, and foster resilience and confidence to move forward with hope and dignity

Education Specialist

Zach Newby

Zach Newby is excited to take on the role of Education Specialist here at STA CARE Center. They will be doing all things related to prevention education in Douglas County, Franklin County and Jefferson County. Their aim is to provide education, facilitate opportunities and support folks that are experiencing harm or addressing sexual violence in their communities through an intersectional and primary prevention lens. They are the current chair of the LiveWell Sexual Violence Prevention Workgroup. Zach made their way to the CARE Center after working in health education and restorative justice at the University of Kansas. They got their associate's degree in emergency medical services from Northern Virginia Community College and their bachelors in Community Health at the University of Kansas.

Office Manager

Amy Hope

Amy Hope found her calling in public service over 20 years ago and has remained committed to mission driven work, ever since. Her roles, whether as a volunteer or staff member, have encompassed direct service to administrative and managerial positions. While attending college in Boulder, CO, she was involved in tracking data, community outreach and fundraising for a local AIDS Project; later moving to Lawrence, KS in 2003 to continue her service as a volunteer at the Douglas County AIDS Project. Amy became an AmeriCorps Fellow in 2011 and was invited to become the first staff member for a grassroots 501c3 focused on the keeping elders in their home throughout the aging process. She believes in building supportive communities, empowering the individual, and helping to shape better futures for all. Amy is the Office Manager at the CARE Center, where she lends her knowledge and skill set in areas of organization, communication, coordination of services and management of systems. She is proud to be a member of the dedicated staff who aim to offer a safe space for healing, advocacy and justice to survivors of sexual violence, abuse and trauma.

We are a team of passionate, highly trained professionals dedicated to providing specialized, compassionate, 24/7 care for survivors. Watch our featured video below to learn more about our approach, meet our dedicated team members, and hear about our commitment to your comprehensive care. You are not alone—we are here for you 24/7.