Executive Director & Child Forensic Interview Specialist
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Jana Zuelzke serves as the Executive Director and Child Forensic Interview Specialist at Butterfly Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Sciences from Faulkner University and a Master of Science in Psychology from Auburn University at Montgomery. Jana has worked in the victim services field since 2002 and was instrumental in establishing the child advocacy center in Chilton County. She has served as Executive Director of Butterfly Bridge CAC since its inception in 2012.

In addition to her leadership role, Jana continues to conduct forensic interviews with children and adolescents in Chilton County in cases of alleged abuse. She began her work in the CAC field in Montgomery, Alabama, in 2004. Over the course of her career, she has conducted thousands of forensic interviews, counseled hundreds of abused children, helped train hundreds of new forensic interviewers, and has provided expert testimony in criminal court over 60 times.

Jana is passionate about serving her community and building lasting partnerships to sustain vital services for children and families. She and her husband, Scott, live in Clanton and enjoy boating, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Assistant Director & Child Forensic Interview Specialist

Emily has worked in the child advocacy center field since 2006 and brings tons of experience to Butterfly Bridge CAC from her many years working in victim services. Emily has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Auburn University and a Masters of Education in Counseling from Auburn University Montgomery. She began working as a Forensic Interviewer and Therapist at the Children’s Advocacy Center in Montgomery in 2006 and provided leadership in establishing the child advocacy center satellite offices in Elmore and Autauga counties in 2016. She joined the Butterfly Bridge CAC team in 2017 and serves as the Assistant Director and Child Forensic Interview Specialist. Emily primarily serves in our Autauga and Elmore county satellite offices where she conducts most of the forensic interviews in cases of alleged physical or sexual abuse. In her time working in the field, she has interviewed thousands of children in reported cases of abuse, counseled hundreds, and provided expert testimony in criminal court. She lives in Prattville and serves as an Ambassador with the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce and attends First Baptist Church in Prattville. She is married to Matt and they have two daughters. Emily is a huge Auburn fan, enjoys running, spending time with her family, and being involved in her community.

Events & Development Coordinator, Community Outreach Advocate

Brittani began working with Butterfly Bridge as volunteer in 2015 and quickly became very passionate about the mission of the center. She served as a board member for one year and is now enjoying her role as the Events and Development Coordinator. She attended Troy and graduated from Huntingdon College with a Bachelors degree in Business Management. Brittani and her husband Ryan, a native of Chilton County, have two children. They enjoy spending time with family and staying active in the community.

Therapist & Forensic Interviewer

Ashley is an Associate Licensed Counselor (ALC) in our Chilton County office and holds a Master of Science in Counseling from Faulkner University. Ashley is TF-CBT Certified and has completed numerous hours of training in the areas of trauma, attachment, and play therapy. Ashley is a licensed foster parent and leads our Foster Parent Support Group in Clanton. Ashley has a heart for those impacted by trauma and finds joy in championing hope and bright futures for those young people who are victimized or impacted by difficult situations. She and her husband, Chris, live in Clanton and have five children.

Lead Family Advocate

Ashton serves as our Lead Family Advocate and works in the Chilton County office. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Development and Family Life Education from Samford University and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Alabama. She is currently working to become a licensed master social worker. Ashton was first introduced to Butterfly Bridge during her time at Samford and returned as a graduate student to intern at the agency. She was thrilled to begin her work as part of the Butterfly Bridge staff in July 2021 as the Family Advocate. Ashton believes that each family she works with possesses a unique set of strengths and resilience, and she makes it her goal to help them uncover those abilities in their healing journey. She is passionate about meeting families where they are, helping them navigate their experiences as they heal, and being a constant source of support for them. In her free time, Ashton enjoys spending time with her family and pets, finding ways to engage in creativity, and working hard to fine-tune her green thumb.

Therapist

Courtney earned both her Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with a minor in Sociology, and her Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Montevallo. During her graduate studies, she worked at Central Alabama Wellness, where she supported children and adolescents through case management and in-home therapy services. This experience deepened her passion for working with young populations, which was further solidified during her internship at Butterfly Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center.

Courtney takes a holistic approach to therapy, utilizing the bio-psycho-social-spiritual model to help clients gain insight into the various aspects of their lives and how these elements are interconnected. Her therapeutic framework draws on evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT). She has completed Level One Theraplay training, emphasizing her focus on attachment-based interventions, and is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).

Courtney is an Associate Licensed Counselor (ALC) and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), under the supervision of Hallie Keel, M.S., LPC-S, RPT-S. She is also pursuing certification in play therapy. At Butterfly Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center, Courtney’s goal is to create a safe, supportive environment for children and adolescents impacted by trauma. She is dedicated to empowering her clients, validating their experiences, and supporting them through their healing journey.

Outside of her professional work, Courtney enjoys spending time with her husband and their dog children, as well as hunting, shopping, and traveling. Courtney and her husband are also expecting two baby boys and are excited for their arrival.

Forensic Interviewer & Multi-disciplinary Team Coordinator

Hannah serves as a Forensic Interviewer and Multi-disciplinary Team coordinator primarily in our Chilton County office. She graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, with a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences. She is currently pursuing her Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Forensic Psychology through Liberty University. Hannah has supported children in a variety of settings and remains passionate about protecting and advocating for children and their families as they heal from different forms of trauma. She is married to her best friend, Mitchell, and together they rescued their golden doodle, Savannah. In her free time, Hannah enjoys dancing, reading, and spending time with friends over coffee.

Family Advocate & Multi-Disciplinary Team Coordinator

Alicia serves as our Family Advocate and Multi-disciplinary Team Coordinator at our Elmore County office. She has a Bachelor of Science in Counseling and a Master of Science in Counseling from Faulkner University. During her graduate internship, she got the opportunity to work with Butterfly Bridge and was grateful to be able to help victims and their families. She is dedicated to making a positive impact through advocacy for children. Alicia enjoys spending time with her two children, her family, and friends.

Family Advocate & Multi-Disciplinary Team Coordinator

Casey’s journey with Butterfly Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center began as an intern at the Autauga County office. A dedicated student at Faulkner University, Casey is completing her Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology, blending her academic focus with her deep commitment to helping others. With 11 years of experience as a law enforcement officer and time served as a school resource officer, Casey discovered her passion for supporting children and families. She felt compelled to take her impact further, dedicating herself to advocacy work to offer survivors and their loved ones guidance as they navigate through life after trauma. For Casey, advocacy provides an improved quality of healing for survivors and their families.

Medical Director

Kathleen is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner who has worked at Wetumpka Pediatrics since 2019. She received her Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees from the University of South Alabama with a primary focus in pediatrics and education. Kathleen also is the president and founder of Ivy’s Closet, a clothing/supply closet for children in foster care or DHR custody. She started with Butterfly Bridge on the Blue Ribbon Ambassador Group and is happy to move to the position of Medical Director. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Matthew, and they have 4 children. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities, watching the kids at various sporting events and crafting.

Contractor/Darkness to Light Facilitator/The Bridge Podcast

Anna graduated from the University of Montevallo with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies. She has worked with children and families in different capacities throughout her time in college and after graduating. She is excited to be a part of a team who is fighting for those who need an advocate. She has a heart for people and is passionate about seeing children and families heal, working past their traumas. Anna is married to her husband, Trea, and together they have two young children. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, thrift shopping, and coffee.

Tonya and Gallant serve Butterfly Bridge through Office of Prosecution Service's HERO program, funded by a grant reward through ADECA. Gallant is a service trained facility dog, trained by Canine Companions and placed to work with Tonya in August of 2025. Gallant utilizes his commands to mitigate the stress and anxiety a child may experience as a result from their trauma. Gallant works with the children during Forensic Interviews and Therapy sessions at Butterfly Bridge. If criminal charges are filed, Gallant accompanies the child to any court proceeding the child is required to attend and he is able to sit at the child's feet if the child is required to testify during any court proceeding.

Tamara and Yahini serve Butterfly Bridge through the Office of Prosecution Service's HERO program. The HERO (Help, Empower, Restore, Overcome) program is funded through a federal grant awarded by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA). Yahini was expertly trained by Canine Companions and placed with Tamara in May 2021. Yahini can perform over 40 commands designed to motivate and inspire the clients she works with. If criminal charges are filed, Yahini can accompany the client to any court proceeding that is required and sit quietly at the child's feet. A well-mannered and highly trained facility dog encourages feelings of calm and security for clients.

Kelly Taunton is a certified public accountant with a BS degree in Accounting from the University of Alabama. She worked in the public accounting field for 8 years and now works contract with two non-profits as their bookkeeper. Currently, she also provides bookkeeping services to the Alabama Network of Children’s Advocacy Center (ANCAC).