A powerful reflection on child advocacy, compassion, and resilience from someone who transformed personal struggles into purposeful work supporting vulnerable families in rural Appalachia.
Her Story
About Hannah
Hannah Brooks is a dedicated professional in the nonprofit child advocacy and child abuse response field. After five years in cosmetology, she transitioned into the sector approximately four years ago, motivated by her experience as a kinship caregiver. Since then, she has built a career centered on trauma-informed, family-centered service delivery and multidisciplinary collaboration. She is a highly versatile professional with a proven ability to succeed across diverse industries and functions.
She currently serves as the Child and Family Services Program Manager and Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Facilitator at the Guernsey County Children’s Advocacy Center. In this role, she oversees all case management operations, personally manages every case that enters the CAC, and ensures families receive consistent communication, coordinated services, and compassionate, dignity-centered support from intake through case closure. She facilitates monthly MDT case review meetings, bringing together law enforcement, child protective services, prosecution, medical providers, and mental health professionals to support a unified, solution-focused response. Her work emphasizes collaboration, accountability, accurate documentation, and consistent follow-through to improve outcomes for children and families.
Brooks is trained in forensic interviewing through the National Children’s Advocacy Center (NCAC) and is qualified to conduct interviews; however, she has not yet begun conducting them independently. Her training has strengthened her ability to build rapport, use non-leading questioning techniques, and support children in sharing their experiences in a safe, trauma-informed environment. She is prepared to apply these skills in coordination with multidisciplinary team members as she continues to grow in this area.
In addition to direct service and MDT coordination, she manages the CAC’s child and family services program, oversees NCAtrak documentation and compliance, and supports program development and service coordination across internal and external partners. She also leads outreach and communication efforts, including managing the organization’s website and social media presence, developing educational materials, and representing the CAC at community events and prevention initiatives. Her role includes strengthening partnerships, improving system navigation, and addressing barriers that impact access to services for children and caregivers.
Brooks recently completed her Bachelor’s degree from Tiffin University, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA. Her academic coursework included criminal law, criminal procedures, agency management, research design, ethics in criminal justice, and behavioral science, which directly support her applied work in child advocacy, systems coordination, and program leadership. She previously attended Ohio Valley University on a theater and costume design scholarship, where she served as Head of Theatre and Costume Design, participated in Student Parliament, and was involved in Delta Psi Omega, developing strong communication, leadership, and creative problem-solving skills.
Her professional background spans multiple industries and includes extensive experience in kinship, adoption, and at-risk youth navigation, where she managed complex caseloads across rural Appalachian communities, coordinated services with public agencies, and advocated for children experiencing instability and systemic barriers. She supported families across 27 counties throughout southern Ohio, providing critical navigation and advocacy in challenging circumstances.
Brooks also has diverse experience outside of child advocacy. At The Wilds, she led public safari and horseback tours across 10,000 acres, educating guests on endangered species, wildlife conservation, and the ecological and cultural history of reclaimed mining land. She delivered engaging, educational experiences to diverse audiences while combining public engagement with hands-on animal care and facility operations. Her responsibilities included administering and documenting animal care routines such as feeding, enrichment, training, and medication in alignment with AZA standards, maintaining detailed records, supporting barn operations, and ensuring health, safety, and regulatory compliance. She also operated a range of vehicles, including buses, trucks, and utility vehicles, safely transporting guests and staff across challenging terrain. In addition, she covered shifts in the Rhino barn and other areas as needed and maintained daily care of the horses, further demonstrating her adaptability and reliability across multiple operational areas.
Her background also includes banking and high-volume customer service experience, including technical support and fraud-prevention-related work, where she developed strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage sensitive information under pressure. Earlier in her career, she worked as a bartender and server in McConnelsville, Ohio, where she strengthened her interpersonal communication, multitasking ability, and customer service skills in fast-paced environments.
Brooks is actively engaged in her community and serves on the OhioKAN Regional Advisory Council and the ONCAC Prevention Coalition. She is a member of the Ohio Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers, the Cambridge Area Chamber of Commerce, and GuernseyCARES, and previously served on the Morgan County Family and Children First Council, multiple Morgan Local School District Care Teams, the Morgan Behavioral Health Round Table, and the Suicide Prevention Coalition. She has also participated in several county and regional collaborative groups focused on child welfare, family stability, and cross-system coordination. She was recognized statewide as an OhioKAN navigator and featured in OhioKAN’s Navigator Spotlight series three times for excellence in practice, advocacy, and family engagement.
Her professional development reflects a strong commitment to continuous learning and includes specialized training in forensic interviewing, child trafficking, vicarious trauma, child torture, suicide prevention, and case management systems. She consistently applies evidence-based, trauma-informed practices to strengthen service delivery, enhance multidisciplinary collaboration, and improve outcomes for children and families.
Brooks is also known for rebuilding the case management program at her current position, strengthening systems, improving documentation and tracking processes, and creating more consistent, coordinated, and family-centered service delivery. She is recognized for her ability to navigate complex systems, build and maintain effective interagency relationships, and perform in high-stakes, fast-paced environments. She brings a balanced approach of empathy, structure, and accountability to her work, with a consistent focus on advancing child and family outcomes and strengthening the systems that support them.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Hannah
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success is rooted in a combination of a strong support system, personal resilience, and an unshakable willingness to keep moving forward, even when the path is unclear. I have been fortunate to have friends, family, and coworkers who believed in me, encouraged me, and challenged me to grow. Their support gave me the confidence to take risks, but what carried me through was my own determination to show up, keep learning, and refuse to step back when things felt difficult.
I have never been someone who waited for perfect circumstances or the “right” qualifications on paper. Instead, I have built my career by stepping into opportunities before I felt fully ready, trusting that I could rise to meet the challenge. There were times when I did not have the traditional credentials, like a bachelor’s degree, but I never let that stop me from pursuing growth. I asked for the opportunities anyway, took initiative, and proved through action that I could deliver results. Each role became a stepping stone, shaped by hard work, adaptability, and a willingness to learn quickly and deeply.
What defines my journey is not just persistence, but a mindset of advocacy and accountability. I advocate for myself, for the families I serve, and for the work that matters, even when the answer might be no. I have learned that progress often comes from asking the question, taking the chance, and showing up consistently, even when it is uncomfortable. That willingness to push forward, combined with a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence, has allowed me to grow across multiple industries and roles.
Ultimately, my success comes from embracing challenges rather than avoiding them, building on every experience, and staying grounded in purpose. I do not see obstacles as limitations, but as opportunities to prove what is possible. Every step I have taken has reinforced my belief that with determination, integrity, and the right support, you can create your own path and exceed expectations along the way.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is that you do not have to wait for permission to start building the life and career you want. I have carried that with me through every stage of my professional growth. I did not follow a traditional or linear path, and I often stepped into roles without having every qualification on paper. But I learned that initiative, persistence, and a willingness to take chances matter just as much as credentials. That advice pushed me to raise my hand, ask for the opportunity, and trust that I could rise to meet the challenge. It is the reason I have been able to grow across multiple industries and build a career I am proud of. This has enabled me to take on anything that is thrown my way.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give to young women entering my industry is this: protect your heart as much as you protect your career.
This work is powerful, but it is also heavy. You will hear stories that stay with you long after the day is over, and you will carry pieces of other people’s pain in ways you never expected. That is why you have to be intentional about permitting yourself to step away. Find what brings you back to yourself, whether that is nature, quiet moments, laughter with people you trust, or simply sitting in stillness and breathing. Those moments are not selfish; they are what allow you to keep showing up for others with compassion and strength.
Never underestimate the importance of your support system. The people in your life should not only cheer for your success, but also know how to hold you when the work feels overwhelming. Be honest with them about what you are carrying. Let them support you in the same way you support others. You are not meant to do this alone, and the right people will not let you.
And finally, do not be afraid to ask. Ask for help. Ask for opportunities. Ask questions. Speak up even when your voice shakes. The worst thing someone can say is no, but more often than not, asking leads to something greater than you imagined. Every opportunity I have ever had came from a moment where I chose to take a chance on myself, even when I did not feel fully ready.
You do not need to be perfect to belong here. You just need to be willing to care deeply, to keep learning, and to keep going. Let your compassion be your strength, your boundaries be your protection, and your courage be what carries you forward.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is not just the systems we work within, but the way experience is sometimes measured and recognized. Child advocacy and multidisciplinary work require skill, judgment, and maturity, yet there are still moments where perception does not always match capability. Being young but experienced has meant that I have had to work harder to earn trust, to be heard, and to be seen as someone who belongs in the room. There have been times when I have walked into spaces and felt the weight of not being immediately taken seriously. Where I knew I had the knowledge, the training, and the ability to contribute, but still had to prove it before my voice carried the same weight as others. I have had to fight for a seat at the table, not because I was unqualified, but because I did not fit the picture some people expected. That experience has pushed me to be intentional, prepared, and consistent, and to let my work speak in a way that could not be dismissed.
At the same time, I see that as both a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge is navigating those moments and earning respect in environments where it is not always freely given. But the opportunity is what it has taught me, and what it allows me to bring into this field. It has shaped me into someone who does not wait to be validated before showing up fully. Someone who understands how to hold calm, confidence, and compassion even when I am being underestimated. It has also made me more aware of how important it is to create spaces where people feel heard the first time, not the tenth. Where respect is not tied to age, title, or appearance, but to the value someone brings and the impact they make. I carry that awareness into my work every day, especially in how I advocate for families and collaborate with partners across systems.
Even with these challenges, I see incredible opportunity in the field right now. There is a growing shift toward trauma-informed, collaborative, and child-centered approaches, and a deeper understanding of the importance of coordination and connection. My experience has shown me that when you combine that shift with persistence and heart, you can begin to change not only outcomes for families, but the way people are seen and supported within the system itself. In many ways, my journey reflects that larger opportunity. It is about proving that value is not always obvious at first glance, but it is always there. And when you keep showing up, keep doing the work, and keep speaking up, it becomes undeniable.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me most in both my work and personal life are compassion, integrity, resilience, and advocacy.
Compassion is at the center of everything I do. In my work, I often meet people in some of the hardest moments of their lives, and I believe every child and caregiver deserves to feel seen, heard, and treated with dignity. I try to lead with empathy, not just in what I say, but in how I show up for people when they need support the most.
Integrity is something I hold closely, even when no one is watching. This field requires trust, and I take that seriously. I want the families I serve, my team, and my community to know that I will follow through, be honest, and do what is right, even when it is not easy or convenient.
Resilience is a value I have learned through experience. Life and work have both taught me how to keep going when things are heavy, uncertain, or challenging. There have been moments where I had to show up when I did not feel fully ready, or when I had to prove myself before being taken seriously. Those experiences shaped me, but they also strengthened my ability to stay grounded, keep learning, and continue moving forward with purpose.
Advocacy is deeply personal to me. I understand what it means to feel overlooked or underestimated, which is why I am committed to using my voice to speak up for others, especially children and families who may not have one. I believe in asking questions, pushing for answers, and not being afraid to take up space when it matters. In my personal life, these same values carry through. I try to stay grounded, take care of myself so I can continue to show up for others, and surround myself with people who encourage growth and honesty. I have learned that you cannot pour from an empty cup, and that strength is not just about pushing through, but also about knowing when to pause and reconnect.
At the core, I value showing up with purpose, treating people with respect, and doing work that makes a real difference. I want to leave things better than I found them, whether that is a system, a conversation, or someone’s day.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Hannah
Finding My Voice in the Room
Finding Strength in the Unseen: A Journey Through Child Advocacy and Personal Resilience
There are moments in this work that I will never forget.
I can still see the way a caregiver's hands shake as they try so hard to hold everything together. The way their voice changes when they finally say what they have been carrying alone for far too long. The pause before they speak-not because they do not know what to say, but because they are not used to being the one who is truly listened to.
And then, sometimes, there is a moment of stillness.
Not because everything is fixed.
But because, for the first time, they are no longer facing it alone.
Those moments have shaped me more than anything else.
Before I ever stepped into this field
Before I ever stepped into this field, I spent five years in cosmetology. I did not realize it then, but I was learning how to see people in a way that mattered-how to notice the small things no one says out loud, and how to create a space where someone could exhale, even if only for a little while.
Those early lessons became the foundation of the work I do today.
About four years ago, I transitioned into child advocacy, carrying something deeply personal with me.
I had been a kinship caregiver.
I know what it feels like to love a child and suddenly find yourself trying to navigate systems that were never explained to you. I know what it feels like to sit in the middle of a crisis and still be expected to figure everything out-to keep going, to stay strong-even when you are quietly overwhelmed.
There were days I did not feel strong.
But I showed up anyway.
The work I do today
Today, I serve as the Child and Family Services Program Manager and Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Facilitator at the Guernsey County Children's Advocacy Center. I oversee all case management operations and personally manage every case that comes through our CAC. I walk alongside families through some of the hardest moments of their lives, making sure they are not simply processed through a system but genuinely supported throughout it.
I also facilitate monthly MDT case review meetings, where law enforcement, child protective services, prosecutors, medical providers, and mental health professionals come together.
In those rooms, I carry a responsibility that is bigger than me.
- I am there to make sure the child is not lost in the process.
- To make sure their story is handled with care.
- To make sure every decision is made with their best interests in mind.
But what matters most to me is not the structure of the work.
- It is the humanity within it.
- It is the caregiver who finally feels understood.
- It is the family that no longer has to carry the weight of everything alone.
- It is the quiet relief that settles over a room when someone realizes they are being helped-not judged.
Rebuilding the Child and Family Services program
One of the most meaningful accomplishments of my career has been rebuilding the Child and Family Services program at my current organization. I did not approach it as a systems project. I approached it as something deeply personal because I had once been the caregiver sitting in that chair, trying to figure out what came next.
I have seen the realities of rural Appalachian Ohio.
- Families who want to do the right thing but are limited by distance.
- By transportation they do not have.
- By services that are too far away.
- By waitlists that stretch longer than their ability to hold on.
I have seen what it looks like when a family is not failing-the system is.
And I could not ignore it.
So I rebuilt the intake process with those realities in mind.
I made it more than paperwork.
I made it a place that listens for the things that never get said. A place that gently but intentionally asks, "What might stand in your way?" and then stays long enough to help remove those barriers.
Because I have learned that the difference between a family receiving help and a family falling through the cracks is often not effort.
- It is access.
- It is timing.
- It is whether someone takes the time to make the path just a little less heavy.
The moment I work for
There is a moment I have come to recognize, and it stays with me every time.
It is the moment a caregiver realizes they do not have to do this alone anymore.
- You can see it in the way their shoulders relax.
- You can hear it in the way their voice softens.
- You can feel it in the room.
That is the moment I work for.
My own journey has not been easy
At the same time, my own journey has not been easy.
Being young but experienced has often meant fighting for my place in rooms where I already belonged. There have been moments when I walked into a space and felt it immediately-the unspoken assumptions, the hesitation before my voice was heard, the need to prove myself not once, but repeatedly, before I was taken seriously.
There is a quiet weight to that experience.
- Because you are not just trying to do the work.
- You are trying to be believed while you are doing it.
I have had to learn how to hold my ground without becoming hardened. How to speak with confidence even while being underestimated. How to continue showing up with clarity and purpose, even when I was not yet fully seen.
Over time, something changed.
The same rooms that once questioned me began to listen.
Not because I became louder.
But because I became steady.
Dare to Lead
I often think about Brené Brown's work, especially Dare to Lead. That book truly changed my life. It gave language to things I had long felt but could not fully explain. It taught me that vulnerability is not weakness, and that courage is not about fearless perfection. It is about showing up even when you know you might be misunderstood, overlooked, or doubted.
That lesson has stayed with me in every room where I have had to fight to be heard.
I also think about Theodore Roosevelt's words, which Brown frequently references in Dare to Lead through his famous "Man in the Arena" speech:
"It is not the critic who counts... but the one who is actually in the arena... who errs, who comes short again and again... because there is no effort without error and shortcoming."
Those words have reflected my own journey in many ways.
- I have been in the arena.
- I have kept going when I was not fully recognized.
- I have trusted that what I was building, what I was saying, and what I was doing mattered, even when it was not immediately affirmed.
And I have learned that it does.
If I could speak to other women
If I could speak to other women, especially those entering this field, I would say this:
- There will be days when you feel unseen.
- There will be rooms where you have to earn your voice.
- There will be moments when you wonder whether you are enough.
But you are.
- You do not have to shrink to belong.
- You do not have to wait to be chosen.
- You do not have to prove your worth to deserve a place.
Take care of yourself in this work.
Really take care of yourself.
Protect your heart.
Find what brings you back to yourself, and hold onto it tightly, because this work will ask a great deal of you.
You cannot give what you do not have.
Let people support you. Let them see you fully-not just the strong version of you, but the human one as well. The right people will not turn away from that. They will stand beside you through it.
And ask.
Even when it feels uncomfortable.
Even when your voice shakes.
- Ask for the opportunity.
- Ask for the help.
- Ask for the chance.
Because sometimes, the moment you choose to ask is the moment everything begins to change.
Showing up anyway
My success has never been about being perfect or having everything figured out.
- It has been about showing up anyway.
- About choosing to stay in the arena.
- About continuing to build, to grow, and to care-even when I was not yet fully seen.
And if there is one thing I hope other women carry with them, it is this:
- You are already worthy.
- You are already enough.
- And one day, the room will catch up to what you have known about yourself all along.
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