April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time when organizations and communities work together to support families and children. With nearly 600,000 children experiencing abuse or neglect each year in the U.S. and an estimate that over 90% of child neglect, abuse, and sexual abuse can be prevented through education, awareness, and communal programs that strengthen families, the Child Protection Center (CPC) is emphasizing the importance of our community in stopping abuse before it starts.

As our fellow advocates and partners at the National Children's Alliance say: "Child abuse prevention is not a code we cannot crack – to the contrary, we have the tools and the means by which to do it. We just can’t do it alone. That’s why we’re asking you to join us – in April, and every month. We can protect our children and make our communities better and safer, but we need your help." 

It is you, the people, who make change and healing possible. It's up to each of us to take a stand in this fight.

Every April, CPC celebrates the many positive changes that are happening in the fight against child abuse, the hope we hold for building a safer community, and the transformational healing that has been made possible for survivors. This Child Abuse Prevention Month, we are honored to highlight CPC’s Lead Therapist, Heidi Ryan, and commemorate her incredible milestone of serving 300 clients.

In her almost 12 years here at CPC, Heidi has worked diligently to bring healing to each of her clients, offering her compassion and expertise to change their lives for the better after enduring the traumas of child abuse. For 300 clients, she has been a safe haven. For 300 clients, she has taught healthy coping skills. For 300 clients, she has been a source of hope, healing, and comfort. Thank you, Heidi, for your tremendous dedication to our children and our mission.

Q & A With Heidi Ryan, LMHC, NCC, QS:

Q: When you think of 300 clients- what does that mean to you? 

A: I feel incredibly fortunate and honored to have had the privilege of walking alongside 300 clients on their paths to healing. Each of these individuals entrusted me with their stories, and I gave my best to ensure they had a meaningful therapeutic experience. These 300 stories—each unique, each impactful—have been a privilege to hold, and they continue to inspire and shape my approach to therapy every day.

Q: What is something you’d like to tell parents about protecting children?

A: It is never too early to begin teaching children about body awareness and safety. There are a variety of age-appropriate resources available to help parents and caregivers address these important topics. Educating children about their bodies, establishing the "Touching Rule," and discussing boundaries are proactive steps that can significantly reduce future risks. By fostering an open, informed dialogue, we empower children to understand their rights to their bodies, personal space, and safety, all of which lays a foundation for healthier, more confident relationships as they grow.

Q: Do you have a wish or goal you’d like to accomplish or for your clients to achieve?

A: My primary goal is to continue providing evidence-based treatment to my clients, ensuring that they have a positive and impactful therapeutic experience. By doing so, I hope to foster an environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered. Ultimately, my aim is to help individuals build the skills and resilience they need to navigate life's challenges and prioritize their mental health over the long term. As I continue on this journey, I look forward to the possibility of reaching a milestone of 500 clients served—a testament to the profound impact that therapy can have on individuals and our community. 

I am equally dedicated to training and mentoring new clinicians, sharing the knowledge and skills that have helped me build meaningful connections with clients over the past 12 years. Through structured mentorship, I aim to equip them with practical skills, clinical insight, and ethical frameworks essential for effective therapy, empowering them to positively impact clients' lives.

Q: What is something that you would like to tell a survivor who may be reading this?

A: First and foremost, I want you to know that what happened to you was not your fault. The abuse you endured does not define who you are or your worth as a person. It’s okay to feel however you feel—there’s no right or wrong way to respond to trauma. Healing is not linear, and it’s important to be gentle with yourself through this process.

You are incredibly strong, even if it doesn’t always feel that way. It takes courage to face the pain of your past and work through the challenges that come with it. Healing often involves rediscovering your voice, your sense of safety, and your power. It’s okay to take your time, and it’s okay to ask for help along the way.

Please remember that you don’t have to do this alone. There are professionals, support groups, and loved ones who can walk alongside you. It's okay to lean on others and seek the support you need as you reclaim your strength and find peace. You are worthy of love, respect, and healing, and your journey toward recovery is uniquely yours.

Take things one step at a time and be proud of yourself for taking those steps. Healing is possible, and it begins with recognizing your own resilience.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like the community to know?

A: At CPC, our therapy programs are designed to offer specialized support for children and adults impacted by abuse. We provide services to children who have experienced physical and sexual abuse, those exhibiting problematic sexual behaviors, and non-offending caregivers and siblings. We also serve adult survivors of childhood abuse.

Our mission is simple but profound: to help survivors rebuild their lives, empowering them to live in a place of healing and resilience after experiencing the most unimaginable trauma. Through compassionate, evidence-based therapy, we guide survivors on their journey to restore a sense of safety, dignity, and well-being.

What sets CPC apart is that we are the only provider in Sarasota County offering this critical service free of charge. No one should face the aftermath of abuse alone, and through our specialized programs, we strive to ensure that every survivor receives the care and support they deserve, no matter their financial situation.

We are deeply committed to fostering healing and providing a path forward for those who have suffered in silence. Our therapy services are a vital resource in our community, one that is not just a treatment, but a lifeline to a brighter, more hopeful future.

Resources, Safety Information, and How You Can Make a Difference for Vulnerable Kids:

• Book a FREE educational workshop. 20+ topics are available, including Internet Safety, Anti-Bullying, Sexual Abuse Prevention, and Empathy Training. This is a great option for your staff, your own children/family, parents at your next playdate, after school activities/youth groups/camps, or anyone who wants to learn. Contact [email protected] to book. 
• Support CPC’s services by donating or volunteering to assist children and families in need. Donations can be made at www.cpcsarasota.org
• Discover resources, personal safety information, social media graphics, a pinwheel coloring page, guidance for practicing boundaries, coping and regulation strategies, additional advocacy opportunities, and so much more, all available in our 2025 Advocacy Toolkit and on the Child Abuse Prevention Month page of our website at www.cpcsarasota.org/capm
• Plant a blue pinwheel garden, a national child abuse prevention and awareness campaign.
• Learn the signs of abuse and report concerns to the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873.