Jasie Landeros is the new executive director of the Child Advocacy Center.
According to a news release Monday, Landeros began her tenure July 1. She replaces Roberta Humphries, who retired June 30 after 14 years in the job.
Born and raised in Wade, Landeros is a Cape Fear High School graduate with strong ties to the military community. After earning a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education from UNC Wilmington, she taught elementary school for a number of years, including working in gifted education.
While Landeros’ spouse was stationed in Florida, Landeros ran the Prevention & Outreach Program for Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, where she focused on raising awareness of child abuse. That program spanned two counties, according to the news release.
When her family moved back to Fort Liberty, Landeros returned to teaching for Cumberland County Schools before accepting her new position.
Under Humphries’s leadership, the Child Advocacy Center effectively doubled its staff, the news release said.
“Roberta’s done great work paving the way for the CAC,” Landeros said. “And now, she’s passing the torch, which I plan to handle with love and care. Her dedication and devotion to the mission of the CAC has so obviously impacted the legacy she’s leaving behind.”
Landeros hopes to continue with the agency’s progress by connecting with community partners and agencies to boost advocacy of child abuse prevention.
On the heels of several successful initiatives for Internet Safety Awareness Month in June, the agency is in the throes of planning its annual Pinwheel Masquerade Ball & Auction fundraiser in October.
“Through our various community-focused efforts, I want to make child abuse a topic we openly talk about to children and adults — not something scary that we shy away from — and ensure everyone knows what the CAC is and what we do,” Landeros said.
“Ultimately, my focus is on increasing therapy services for children facing the healing process and on fostering key relationships and connections throughout Cumberland County via our schools, faith-based institutions, and more,” she added.
For information about the Child Advocacy Center, including how to get involved, go to the CAC website.