Who We Are

Founded in 1975, NOVA is the oldest national victim assistance organization of its type in the United States and is the recognized leader in victim advocacy, education and credentialing.

Who We Are

Founded in 1975, NOVA is the oldest national victim assistance organization of its type in the United States and is the recognized leader in victim advocacy, education and credentialing.

Who We Are

Founded in 1975, NOVA is the oldest national victim assistance organization of its type in the United States and is the recognized leader in victim advocacy, education and credentialing.

Who We Are

Founded in 1975, NOVA is the oldest national victim assistance organization of its type in the United States and is the recognized leader in victim advocacy, education and credentialing.

Who We Are

Founded in 1975, NOVA is the oldest national victim assistance organization of its type in the United States and is the recognized leader in victim advocacy, education and credentialing.

Our mission is to champion dignity and compassion for those harmed by crime and crisis.

  • OUR WORK

    assist

    We advocate for victims by connecting them with services and resources.

    train

    We provide skill-based training to victim advocates and crisis responders.

    credential

    We ensure the highest standards and professional core competencies are met and maintained by those working directly with crime victims through credentialing programs.

    promote

    We promote public policy initiatives that protect the rights of crime victims and serve as the national voice for victims.

  • OUR VALUES

    compassion

    We care about and respond to the plight of people and one another.

    accountability

    Excellence in our work and justice in our cause means we honor our commitments.

    collaboration

    Teamwork and partnerships are crucial to the work we do.

    passion

    We are driven by the hope that the work we do change lives.

Executive Staff

  • Claire Ponder Selib
    Interim Executive Director
    ClairePonderSelib@trynova.org

    Claire Ponder Selib has worked in sexual assault and domestic violence prevention for the past 20 years.  As NOVA’s Deputy Director, Claire leads NOVA’s National Advocacy Leadership Center (NALC), including the NOVA Victim Assistance Academy (NVAA), the NOVA Campus Advocacy Training (NCAT) and our monthly continuing education webinar series. From 2013-14, Claire was instrumental in working with the Department of Defense (DoD) to stand up the DoD Sexual Assault Advocate Certification Program (D-SAACP), an innovative program to train and certify all military sexual assault victim advocates.

    Prior to joining NOVA, Claire served for over five years as the Project Manager for the Army’s Victim Advocacy and Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Contract; managing a staff of 164 Victim Advocates at 56 Army installations around the world. Claire has extensive experience developing policies, anti-violence campaigns, training curricula and facilitating national trainings for military and civilian audiences.  She has managed state and national anti-violence programs at the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence (MNADV) and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).  Additionally, Claire provided on-call advocacy, individual counseling, and psychoeducational groups to survivors of sexual assault/abuse and domestic violence while working at Prince George’s Hospital Center, Children’s National Medical Center and Women Empowered Against Violence.

    Claire holds a BA in English from Columbia University and a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from the University of Pennsylvania.

  • Deborah Adams
    Senior Director of Finance and Operational Services
    deborah@trynova.org

    Deborah began her victim advocacy career at a local rape crisis program and soon after came to NOVA to work at the national level with the desire to advance the cause of fair treatment and comprehensive services for victims of crime.  NOVA’s mission was and is a good fit – 30+ years later.  Deborah has served in many capacities for NOVA that include grant management, event planning, crisis response, and project coordination.

    In recent years, she serves as NOVA financial officer, developing and overseeing NOVA’s budget, managing the day-to-day financial operations, monitoring internal controls, and assisting in strategic planning.  Deborah is a Credentialed Advocate with Advanced Standing with the National Advocate Credentialing Program (NACP) and also serves as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).  These days, Deborah boasts about her adorable new grandchild and has no shame admitting that her lovable two cats have nearly as many pictures on her phone.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Roger Roberts
    Director of Crisis Response Services
    RogerRoberts@trynova.org

    Roger Roberts, Director of Crisis Response Services and Training, is the primary trainer for the NOVA Crisis Response Team Training®. He also administers the National Credentialed Crisis Responder Program and coordinates NOVA’s National Response to Crisis.

    Roger is a graduate of the Wright State University where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Social Work.  Roger served as the emergency preparedness coordinator for the London City-Madison County Health District for 6 years before becoming the Director of Emergency Management for Madison County.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Lindsy Gundrum
    Director, D-SAACP
    LindsyGundrum@trynova.org

    Lindsy Gundrum is the Director for the Department of Defense’s Sexual Assault Advocate Certification Program (D-SAACP). Since 2016, she has worked closely with DoD’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO), the Military Services, and the D-SAACP Review committee to successfully direct efforts to credential military sexual assault victim advocates through this congressionally-mandated program, and ensures appropriate continuing education efforts are implemented. Lindsy also serves as the program manager to ensure the contract deliverables are met.

    Prior to working at NOVA, Lindsy worked on the DoD Safe Helpline serving the DoD community affected by sexual assault worldwide at the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN). Lindsy also worked with Service members and Veterans at the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) corresponding directly with members on legislative issues.  Lindsy has a broad background serving at-risk populations including the elderly, juveniles who have been adjudicated, people with mental illness, and sexual assault survivors.

    Lindsy holds a Bachelor’s degree in social work from George Mason University.

    Outside of NOVA, Lindsy spends time with her wife and 2 pups snuggling on the couch.

  • August Mann
    Credentialing Coordinator DSAACP

    August Mann is the DSAACP Coordinator for NOVA.  She ensures receipt, analysis and processing of D-SAACP applications with a turnaround goal of 120 days for certification dissemination and in preparation for quarterly review by the D-SAACP Certification Review Committee. She also, assist as needed, in scheduling, organizing and facilitating the quarterly meetings of the D-SAACP Certification Review Committee, documentation of decisions & justifications.

    In her past employment August is a Civilian Retiree from Department of Defense (DoD) at the Human Resource Center with 30 years of service working in the areas of Physical Disability, Wounded Warrior Soldiers, Exception Family Member Program, Remission of Cancellation of Indebtedness and ending in the position of Enlisted Background Screening (EBSS) for all Army members attempting to acquire a background clearance to operate in a sensitive duty position. Sensitive duty position as a Recruiter, Drill Sergeant, Equal Opportunity Advisor, Enlisted Aide to the General, Command Sergeant Major and Soldier of the Year.

    August has an Associate Degree in Human Resource from the University of Maryland University College (UMUC). She also holds a certificate of achievement with NOVA for Basic and Advance Crisis Response Team Training.

    In her spare time August like to relax with friends and family and shop.

  • Mariel Branagan
    D-SAACP Deputy Program Manager
    MarielBranagan@trynova.org
  • Sharon McCown
    Administrative Coordinator
    SharonMcCown@trynova.org

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Ashley Fletcher
    Project Coordinator, NACP
    ashleyfletcher@trynova.org

    Ashley Fletcher serves as both the Coordinator for the National Advocate Credentialing Program (NACP)®, as well as manages all of NOVA’s marketing, communications and social media.

    Ashley is a graduate from the University of Mississippi where she received a Bachelors of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications with a minor in Business Administration, Journalism and Public Relations.  Ashley came to NOVA 3 years ago, upon graduation.

    In her free time Ashley likes to travel with friends and family.

  • Danielle Kitchen
    CRT Training Coordinator

Board of Directors

NOVA’s Board of Directors is comprised of up to fifteen elected members committed to its mission.

  • EXECUTIVE BOARD
  • Andrew Yurick, President (2nd Term expires 2020)
    Attorney, Woodbury, NJ
  • Jeannette Adkins, MEd, LPC, CA, Vice-President (2nd Term expires 2023)
    Retired – Executive Director, Michael’s House Child Advocacy Center/Greene Co. Prosecutor’s Office
  • Rosie Martinez, Board Treasurer (1st Term expires 2021)
    Victims Unit Director, Hidalgo County Criminal District Attorney- Victims Unit
    Edinburg, Texas
  • Jennifer Radder, Secretary (1st Term expires 2020)
    Family Ministries Director at Destiny Community Church
    Newberry, FL
  • REMAINING ELECTED BOARD
  • Orvie B. Baker, Jr. (1st Term expires 2023)
    SAPR Program Manager, 127th Wing Air National Guard
  • Paul B. Freeman (M.S., L.P.C.), (1st Term expires 2020)
    Retired – Victim Specialist Federal Bureau of Investigation,
    Victim Services – Consulting, Training and Trauma Response
    Atlanta, GA
  • Dr. Mamie Futrell, DSW, LMSW  (1st Term expires 2021)
    Civilian Victim Advocate for the USAF (Full time)
    Charleston, South Carolina
  • John W. Gillis, (1st term ends 2022)
    Gillis Consulting Group LLC
  • Bette M. Stebbins Inch (1st Term ends 2023)
  • Patricia A. Payne, (1st Term expires 2019)
    Retired – Executive Director of Northwest Victim Services
    Willow Grove, PA
  • Elizabeth (Beth) Rossman, (1st Term expires 2019)
    Retired – Director Office of the State Attorney 18th Judicial Circuit, Florida
    Titusville, FL
  • Brenda J. Muhammad, (1st term ends 2022)

Honorary Board of Directors

Our Honorary Board Members offer additional expertise to the Board of Directors.

  • Rhonda S. Barner, Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office Victim/Witness Division
    Palm Coast, FL
  • Katie Beers, Abduction & Abuse Survivor/Motivational Speaker
    Central Pennsylvania
  • Hon. Collene Thompson Campbell
    San Juan Capistrano, CA
  • Hon. Lois Haight, Judge of Superior Court
    Martinez, CA
  • Michaelene O’Neill McCann, Retired – Attorney ADA and Chief Victim Witness Services
    Essex MA District Attorney’s Office
  • Hon. Bill Montgomery, County Attorney
    Maricopa County, Phoenix, AZ
  • Joseph Myers, Executive Director
    National Indian Justice Center,
    Santa Rosa, CA
  • Hon. Ricardo Rodriguez, Jr.
    Hidalgo County Criminal District Attorney, TX
  • D. Michael Sheline, Assistant Section Chief
    Chief-Crime Victims Section, Office of Ohio Attorney General
  • David Thomas, Program Manager II
    International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP),
    Alexandria, VA
  • Sarah Tueting, Executive Coach, Gold & Silver Olympic Medalist, Writer
    Park City, UT
  • John Vanderzon, Director of Technology and Sales
    Sun Management, McLean, VA

lifelock_logo

In 2008, NOVA teamed up with LifeLock to address the growing need for identity theft victim assistance and remediation. Based in Tempe, Arizona, the company has been recognized with numerous awards and honors.

As partners, we provided educational programs about identity theft to tens of thousands of consumers, victim advocates and allied professionals as well as crime prevention specialists. The one-day trainings addressed a range of identity theft issues, including laws, new technologies, awareness and protection strategies and assistance tools to aid victims of identity theft.

Visit LifeLock’s website for more information on training options.

National Advocacy Leadership Center Partners

In collaboration with our partners, NALC seeks to promote and advance the professionalization and care quality of victim advocacy. View a list of our partners

International Reach

While NOVA’s core sphere of influence and expertise has been North America, NOVA also has international relationships that provide opportunities for multinational consultation and collaboration.

 

We stock a variety of NOVA merchandise in limited quantities. Our most popular resource is a series of publications related to victim advocacy and child victims.

icon_books

Materials

Download Form

icon_crt_training

CRT Training Manual

Download Form

Become a NOVA Member

We are so grateful to our members! Our members are the backbone of the NOVA network. Each membership is an investment in providing high quality training, victim advocacy, crisis response, and enhanced services for victims and survivors of crime and crisis.

Join our growing and diverse network of NOVA Members today! NOVA offers two membership plans – NOVA Basic Membership and NOVA Premier Membership – to give you more benefits and choices. Select the NOVA Membership Plan that’s right for you!

NOVA Basic Membership

Along with the tremendous satisfaction of investing in a network of incredible professionals around the world, NOVA Basic Membership offers the following benefits:

  • Quarterly NOVA Member E-Newsletter
  • Reduced registration fee for the NOVA Annual Conference
  • Reduced training fees for NOVA’s Crisis Response and other training programs
  • Voting privileges to elect members of our Board of Directors
  • NOVA merchandise and publication discounts

Become a Basic NOVA Member by clicking HERE

If you do not wish to pay online please download the paper application HERE

NOVA Premier Membership

NOVA Premier Members enjoy all of the NOVA Basic Membership benefits PLUS full access to NOVA’s National Advocacy Leadership Center (NALC).
This includes:

  • NOVA’s Premier Members-Only Website
  • NALC’s Monthly and Quarterly CEU Trainings for Victim Advocates and Program Managers: Earn up to 24 CEU credits per year!
  • NALC’s Career Center: Career guidance, job listings and other essential information for victim assistance professionals
  • Networking Opportunities: On-line and in-person meet-ups
  • Professional Updates: Best practices, upcoming trainings and calls to action

Become a Premier NOVA Member by clicking HERE.

If you do not wish to pay online please download the paper application HERE

Annual Dues

Join the NOVA Family Today! Renew your Current NOVA Membership!

Annual membership dues are as follows:

  • NOVA Basic Membership$55
  • Senior/Student/U.S. Military/Volunteer Victim Advocate/ NVAA Alumni (20% Discount)$44
  • NOVA Premier Membership$100
  • Senior/Student/U.S. Military/Volunteer Victim Advocate/NVAA Alumni
    (20% Discount)    $80
  • Life Membership$750
  • Agency Head (limited to elected or appointed individuals)please call
  • Group Discounts (20% off 5 or more memberships from the same agency)please call

 Membership FAQs

Please expand for submission details:

> I currently have a basic membership. Can I upgrade to the Premier level?

You can upgrade your membership to a NOVA Premier Membership and receive full access to NOVA’s NALC at any point this year.

> What is a NOVA Life Membership?

A life membership allows you to join an exclusive cadre of NOVA members who receive NOVA member benefits year after year at no additional charge.

> What are the qualifications to receive a discounted membership?

We offer several discounted membership options:
Group membership – 5 or more individuals from the same agency
Senior membership – available to individuals 60+ years old
Student membership – available to current students at any educational level
Military membership – available to all active-duty, reservist, National Guard, and advocates employed by the DoD or DHS
Volunteer Victim Advocate – available to individuals volunteering their time as a victim advocate
NVAA Alum – Available to graduates of NOVA’s Victim Assistance Academy

> I have a NACP or D-SAACP victim advocacy certification – does that mean I am a NOVA member?

No, NACP and D-SAACP are separate programs from the NOVA membership.

> Does NOVA offer agency memberships?

Agency memberships are limited to elected or appointed individuals. Please contact us for more information: 703-535-6682 or membership@trynova.org.

> Does NOVA offer group discounts?

We are pleased to offer a group discount for 5 or more staff from the same agency. Please contact us for more information: 703-535-6682 or membership@trynova.org.

> I want to buy a NOVA Membership for each of my staff. How do I do this?

To purchase memberships for more than one person, you can either sign each person up online separately, or we would be happy to process a bulk payment if you contact our office at 703-535-6682 or membership@trynova.org.

Thank you for your support! If you have any additional questions, please contact us at 703-535-6682 or membership@trynova.org. 

The America’s Best Charities Seal of Excellence is awarded to charitable organizations that meet the highest standards of public accountability, program effectiveness, and cost effectiveness. Applicant charities must provide evidence of their program activities and demonstrate the benefit of their services. They must submit for review their most recent IRS tax returns with all schedules. Charities with annual revenues above $250,000 must also submit audited financial statements produced by an independent certified public accountant, including an auditor’s opinion letter stating the charity meets the generally accepted accounting standards in the United States.

Tracking address: marie-bjaicb@webc.trynova.org (do not email this address)