Learn what we’re working on in each state and how you can add your voice to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves—making an impact from the statehouse to the White House.
Advocacy In Action
Grassroots Action
Add Your Voice for the Voiceless
Our Elected Officials & Policy Advisory Board
Childhelp's leaders work tirelessly to ensure that the organization continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by child abuse, driving positive change and fostering a brighter future for children in need.
Michael Medoro is a passionate and people-minded leader with a profound commitment to serving communities and driving positive change. As a nationally recognized leader in philanthropy, Michael has led global initiatives for a number of national and multi-national organizations, including Project C.U.R.E. and Easter Seals.
As the Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Staff for Childhelp, Michael plays an integral role in developing and executing strategic initiatives, optimizing organizational processes, and fostering cross-functional collaborations to bring national awareness and financial resources toward the mission of Childhelp. Under the direction of Childhelp’s National Board of Directors, he is responsible for guiding the strategic direction of the organization, cultivating strong community relationships and initiating strategic partnerships nationwide. Michael brings more than 25 years of public and private professional experience to the leadership of Childhelp.
Born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in San Jose, California, Michael graduated from Bellarine College Preparatory, and as a first-generation college student, attended Seattle Pacific University, earning bachelor degrees in Psychology and Communications. With an MBA and master’s in Digital Education, Michael will earn his Doctorate in Education in the spring of 2026.
Stephen Tucker brings nearly three decades of distinguished financial leadership to Childhelp. His career is marked by a proven ability to drive growth, optimize operations and craft strategic financial plans that yield measurable results.
As Childhelp’s Chief Financial Officer, Stephen will oversee all financial activities, including budgeting, accounting and financial reporting. He is responsible for ensuring that financial resources are used efficiently to advance Childhelp’s mission and sustain its operations.
Before joining Childhelp, Stephen excelled in leadership roles at top-tier companies, such as Capital One, Marriott International and Circuit City. He also demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit by founding and successfully managing a consulting firm. In 2012, Stephen made a purposeful shift to the nonprofit sector, holding various leadership roles at Prison Fellowship Ministries.
Stephen is deeply committed to using his financial expertise to advance Childhelp’s vital mission of protecting vulnerable children.
As General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer for Childhelp, Sarah De Oliveira brings a wealth of experience and a deep, personal commitment to the welfare of children and families. Growing up in Boston, Sarah pursued a path in law at Suffolk University Law School.
Upon graduating from law school, Sarah dedicated her practice to providing affordable legal services in civil and criminal defense, representing children and families involved in the child welfare system, individuals facing mental health commitment proceedings and adults in guardianship cases. This foundation laid the groundwork for a career deeply intertwined with advocacy and justice for vulnerable populations.
In 2014, Sarah moved to Arizona, where she continued to champion the rights of children and families as an Assistant Attorney General in the Protective Service Section, representing the Department of Child Safety. Her passion for child welfare advocacy grew through her work with the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community where she served as a Civil Attorney and Guardian Ad Litem, representing children in foster care and adults in guardianships, and then at the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation as Assistant General Counsel.
Sarah is driven by the belief that investing in our children is the key to building a society enriched by capable, compassionate leaders. Her approach to legal advocacy is altruistic and practical, grounded in the understanding that the prosperity of our society hinges on our ability to foster environments where every child can thrive.
John Hopkins is an accomplished executive specializing in information technology and compliance. As Childhelp’s Chief Information Officer and HIPAA Privacy and Security Officer, John leads the strategic management of IT initiatives while ensuring the organization’s adherence to all applicable laws, regulations and best practices.
With more than 38 years of experience in information technology, John has spearheaded transformative projects to enhance data security, optimize IT infrastructure, and implement innovative solutions that drive operational efficiency. His expertise extends to cybersecurity, data privacy and risk management, ensuring that sensitive information is safeguarded and compliance requirements are met.
Prior to joining Childhelp, John was President of Interaction Information Technology, where he led software product development projects, including healthcare solutions in the private, government, and nonprofit sectors, and corporate development projects focused on integrating, streamlining and securing information systems.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems and an MBA, and is certified as a HIPAA Privacy and Security Expert, HIPAA Professional, Document Imaging Architect, and Cybersecurity Awareness Professional. Through Childhelp, John channels his passion into meaningful work that directly benefits the lives of children and families in need.
Sean Martin is a results-oriented executive with more than a decade of experience leading high-impact fundraising initiatives for national and international nonprofits. As Childhelp’s National Vice President of Philanthropy, Sean leads strategic fundraising initiatives, cultivates major donor relationships and oversees national development programs to support the organization’s mission. His strategies have been instrumental in advancing substantial organizational expansion, marked by notable enhancements in mid- and major gift revenue.
Sean holds a Certified Fund Raising Executive designation and is deeply committed to affecting positive change on a global scale. Prior to joining Childhelp, Sean served as a Senior Development Officer at Christ in Youth, overseeing all aspects of the organization’s philanthropic efforts. He also brings valuable leadership experience from his time as a senior pastor, where he cultivated strong community engagement and support.
As a foster-adoptive parent of three children, Sean’s commitment to Childhelp’s mission is deeply personal. His professional expertise and personal passion fuel his lifelong dedication to protecting and empowering vulnerable children.
Dr. Stacy Vaughan, Childhelp’s Vice President of Growth and Prevention, brings more than two decades of expertise in protecting children and leading programmatic and operational initiatives. She supports all Childhelp programs, focusing on expanding prevention efforts and strengthening communities’ ability to safeguard children from abuse.
Stacy’s career includes roles, such as Prevention and Outreach Manager at the Child Advocacy Center in Fayetteville, NC, Vice President of Programs at the Monique Burr Foundation for Children, and Director of Programs and Impact at the Center for Violence Prevention Research. She also founded a consulting firm, advising schools, child advocacy centers, and nonprofits nationwide. As a co-founder and Executive Director of Connect to Protect Kids, Stacy helped pioneer innovative approaches to preventing sexual, peer, and online violence against children.
A recognized thought leader, Stacy has authored national prevention education programs and co-authored the Prevent Together Coalition’s National Plan to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation. She mentors future prevention leaders as an adjunct professor and delivers professional trainings at national and international conferences.
Stacy holds a Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Alabama and dual master’s degrees in Social Work and Academic Psychology from East Carolina University. She is a Certified Master Social Worker, a member of the APSAC Prevention Advisory Commitee and President-Elect of Prevent Together – The National Coalition to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation.
Ken Bender is a seasoned executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience. As the Executive Director of Programs at Childhelp, Ken oversees a diverse portfolio of initiatives aimed at preventing, interrupting and treating child abuse. His strategic vision and commitment to excellence have significantly advanced the organization’s mission.
With a master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University, Ken has more than 30 years of experience in child welfare and mental health, serving as a consultant to nonprofits and holding various leadership roles at Boys Town, most recently Vice President of Youth Care Operations.
He has worked with state and community leaders and acted as a leading advocate in the passage of legislation that raised standards in residential quality care across Florida. Ken has advocated for children and families through assisting in the writing of state policy and the formulation of rules governing the implementation of the Family First Prevention Act. Ken has published two articles about quality residential care and currently serves on the board of directors for the Tennessee Alliance for Children and Families.
Ken’s expertise, passion and dedication embody the core values of Childhelp and inspire all those who work with him.
Kenneth McKinley brings more than 20 years of dedicated service and leadership to the field of child welfare and advocacy. As Director of the Childhelp Children’s Center of Arizona, Kenneth is committed to providing a safe, supportive and nurturing environment for children and their families, ensuring they receive the comprehensive care, love and assistance they need to heal and thrive.
His extensive background spans child welfare, runaway and homeless youth services, human trafficking prevention and juvenile justice alternatives — all integral to child abuse prevention, intervention and treatment. Kenneth’s leadership is characterized by his dedication to positive youth development and trauma-informed care. He has been pivotal in incorporating evidence-based practices into the programs he oversees, ensuring they are both effective and compassionate.
Kenneth holds a master’s degree in Marriage, Family and Child Therapy, underscoring his belief in the interconnectedness of individual well-being and family support networks. His academic and professional journey reflect Kenneth’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of young people and their families.
With a rich background in talent and digital media, Lauren Goveo brings a wealth of experience to lead Childhelp’s corporate partnerships division. Having collaborated with world-class talent and household brands, Lauren has honed her skills in crafting omnichannel marketing campaigns for renowned brands such as Henkel, Microsoft and more.
With a keen understanding of effective branding and strategic marketing, Lauren is building multifaceted strategic campaigns with national brands to elevate the lifesaving programs at Childhelp. Through these partnerships, Lauren is committed to raising both awareness and revenue to support Childhelp’s noble mission to eradicate child abuse.
She lives in Scottsdale, Az with her husband and two children.