Our Multi-Disciplinary Team
The Child & Youth Advocacy Center Simcoe Muskoka relies on a robust Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) approach tailored to the needs of children, youth, and their families. The MDT team is comprised of community partners that include child welfare, police services, medical care, mental health services, victim services and justice partners, with specialized skills and expertise crucial for effective intervention and support. In the 2023-2024 year 400 individuals received services.
At CYACSM, our multidisciplinary team operates as a community of care, a village of dedicated professionals working together to provide comprehensive, wraparound support to vulnerable children and youth. Recognizing that healing from abuse, exploitation, or violence requires more than a single intervention, our team—comprising police, child protection workers, medical professionals, mental health specialists, and victim services advocates—ensures that no child or family navigates the aftermath of trauma alone.
Crystal Pottruff, RSSW
Child & Youth Advocate
crystal@cyacsimcoemuskoka.ca
Mackenzie Taylor
Indigenous Child &
Youth Advocate
mackenziet@cyacsimcoemuskoka.ca
Annelise Mota, MSW, RSW
Counsellor
annelise@cyacsimcoemuskoka.caa
Youth Ambassador
Valeria
The CYAC Youth Ambassador Program is designed to engage and empower survivors of abuse by incorporating their voices in the creation, facilitation, and evaluation of our programs, procedures, and policies. By becoming Youth Ambassadors, survivors will not only contribute to shaping CYAC’s initiatives but will also emerge as community leaders advocating for issues important to young people.
Findings from a report by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection highlight the transformative effects of public advocacy for survivors of child sexual abuse, including increased self-esteem, confidence, and quality of life. This program aims to replicate these positive outcomes by training Youth Ambassadors to represent CYAC at community events, co-facilitate youth groups, provide strategic input, and attend quarterly meetings.
By coordinating forensic interviews, medical assessments, advocacy, and mental health support within a safe, child-friendly space, we reduce the burden on young survivors, minimizing the need for them to repeatedly recount their experiences. Each team member brings unique expertise and a shared commitment to ensuring that every child and youth receives the empathy and resources they need to heal and thrive. Through early intervention, seamless access to services, and service navigation we work collectively to break cycles of trauma and create pathways to resilience, ensuring that children and families feel supported at every step of their journey.
