The amazing mural at VFC was created by staff member and art therapist, Autumn Heddy-Reed, ATR-BC. “It represents the number of kids we served here in 2019,” says Holloman.
In her role at Voices for Children Advocacy Center – a flagship CAC in the Mid-Michigan area – Claudnyse helps children and their families who have been victims of child abuse, neglect and human trafficking. A fierce supporter of the work of the Children’s Advocacy Center movement, she has worked to expand and increase services and laws for child survivors and is seen as a leading expert on child maltreatment issues, often being interviewed on radio and TV news. She serves on state and national committees and workgroups to elevate and ensure that child survivors receive necessary support.
Voices for Children has been a safe place in Genesee and Shiawassee counties for children and their families experiencing child sexual abuse, severe physical abuse, neglect, human trafficking and witness to violence. Claudnyse has been instrumental in developing statewide and county protocols and policies to assist survivors of human trafficking and child abuse, as well as legislative changes to ensure better processes for child survivors. A Governor appointee on the Michigan Juvenile Justice Committee, she is also current chair of the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Michigan, Genesee Community Health Center and the Genesee County Human Trafficking Task Force, among many other key roles in providing services for survivors of child abuse.
Formerly a private practice attorney, Claudnyse maintains an active role in the legal field. She not only represents children and families in family court proceedings, but she also serves as an advisor and counsel to numerous pastors throughout the state of Michigan. Her mission is to show every child, “I believe in you. I’m here for you. I will fight for you.”
We wanted to know a little bit more about Nyse – read on!
1. What’s something people would never guess about you?
I love to play board games! When kids come to the Center and they are nervous or having a bad day, a game of Chutes and Ladders, Candyland, Connect Four or Apples to Apples (kid’s version) is just what they need, and it brings me so much happiness to play. In my free time, I love to play board games with family and friends.
2. What place is at the top of your travel Bucket List?
My husband and I love to travel. The top places on our bucket list are Egypt and the Taj Mahal. I fondly recall reading about the Taj Mahal in elementary school. The massive beauty of the structure and its rich history have intrigued me ever since.
3. What’s a movie you can practically quote from start to finish?
“The Shawshank Redemption” – it is a movie about redemption and hope – Morgan Freeman is timeless in all of his movies. His character “Red” says, “Get busy livin’ or get busy dyin’.” Another character, “Andy” (played by Tim Robbins) says, “Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.” Those are just a couple of my faves.
4. What words best describe you?
The words that best describe me are: worshiper, tenacious, passionate, assiduous and I’m a strong type “D” on the DiSC assessment.
5. What types of music are you into?
I listen to Gospel, Christian, Neo-soul and some really good smooth Jazz; but on Friday afternoons I am usually jamming to ‘90s hits.
6. What is a work-related thing you hope to accomplish this year?
I am working on some powerful legislation to help survivors of child abuse, neglect and human trafficking. It is my goal to engage with our representatives in Lansing from all across the state to ensure they understand why this legislation is impactful and needed for Michigan, along with advocating for additional funding for our services. We provide free and critical services that last the lifetime of the case for children and their families.
7. What are you most excited about in your life right now?
The joy that kids bring to the world. At Voices, we do some really difficult work. When you get to see the joy restored in a child’s eyes and hear them laugh again after so long … It’s one of the greatest feelings in the world.
