This month we are spotlighting one of our Multi-Disciplinary Team Members, Sue DeSantis.
Sue is the Director of the Victim Witness Division of the Medina County Prosecutor’s Office. The Victim Witness Division works one on one with victims and their families to communicate information about resources for victims of crime and coordinate services for them with various County and State Agencies.
Sue brings a wealth of experience and compassion to her role supporting and guiding child victims and their families through the judicial process and working with the prosecutor to prepare the child to testify in court.
We asked Sue DeSantis to share a little more about herself so that we could all get to know her a little better.
How did you learn about The Children’s Center of Medina County? How did you first become involved with The Center?
I have been with the Medina County Prosecutor’s Office Victim/Witness Division for 26 years, prior to the inception of The Children’s Center. I was involved in The Center from the beginning working with other Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Members to create a safe, caring place for child victims to share their story.
What is your current role? What do you do in that role?
I am the Director of the Victim Witness Division at the Prosecutor’s Office. In that role, I work with The Children’s Center by attending all MDT meetings where I provide updates on cases as they move through the court process. I also observe live interviews of victims and provide input during the interview process. If information is given during the interview where there will potentially be charges, I will meet with the family to explain our role and what the next step will be in the criminal justice process.
What are you most proud of in your work with The Children’s Center?
I am most proud of the collaborative effort between all agencies and that I was able to be a part of the process from the onset and watch The Center become what it is today.
What is the best compliment you were ever given?
The best compliments I have received are from victims that had to endure the trial process and were grateful that I was there to guide them through this extremely difficult process.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was a child, I wanted to be a federal agent of some sort. I am glad life led me to the position I now hold.
What is your favorite way to unwind?
My favorite way to unwind is doing yoga. It’s a stress reliever.
What season is your favorite?
My favorite season is summer. Love the hot weather, beaches, and the sun!
What does the community need to know about The Children’s Center?
The Children’s Center has created a safe place for victims to tell their story in a comfortable and neutral setting. They have a multitude of services and make referrals to relevant agencies. I am so proud to be a member of their team.
