about dr. stacy vAughan

I have spent two decades protecting children as a nonprofit executive, connector, and thought leader focusing on scale and impact. My leadership in organizational development, collaboration, and connecting research to practice fortifies organizations and amplifies the impact of evidence-based initiatives to better protect children from abuse and exploitation.

I have a broad network ranging from local to national organizations including practitioners, researchers, advocates, and survivors. I have developed alliances and supported initiatives with hundreds of schools, child advocacy centers, and nonprofits across the country. I love to leverage this network to connect people, share information, and relay opportunities. My ability to foster collaboration has led to my being known as a  notable connector in an often-siloed field, particularly with a focus on research-practice-community partnerships. I am frequently consulted as a trusted resource and thought leader in child safeguarding areas such as advocacy, outreach, communications, and content development. 

I was the primary author of a leading national youth-focused prevention education program and co-authored the Prevent Together Coalition’s National Plan to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation. I am also passionate about mentoring future prevention experts and leaders by serving as an adjunct university professor and frequently providing professional trainings and presentations on abuse and exploitation prevention issues at national and international conferences.

I earned my Doctorate in Social Work at the University of Alabama and two master’s degrees from East Carolina University (Social Work and Academic Psychology). I am a Certified Master Social Worker, a member of the National Association of Social Workers, the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, and have served as a proposal reviewer for the National Children’s Alliance. I am also a board member of Prevent Together – The National Coalition to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation, where I served as Secretary for six years and am currently serving as Operations Manager.