Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) - 1518

Tonight's special guest is Kiesa Kay, a returning NAASCA family member who now resides in North Carolina. She's a forensic interviewer and author of numerous works including the play "Sky Eyes" and her new book, "Tornado Alley," available though Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com. "The first one is a play I wrote that helped me heal my relationship with my mother," Kiesa says, "and the scond one is a first person narrative about my experiences of abuse in the USA as a child and part of the healing journey in France as an adult." She wants to talk about survivor issues for the holidays and will describe what it's like to be a forensic interviewer, talking to children and teens when they've witnessed violent crimes, like murder, and listening to them when allegations of abuse and neglect arise. Her work is groundbreaking. In the past, Kiesha spent her work days interviewing children and teens who'd experienced rape, abuse, and neglect, and who'd witnessed violent crimes. When allegations arose, Kiesa listened, helping bring truth to light. She also facilitated a support group for non-offending caregivers. For a decade, Kiesa criss-crossed the country giving workshops on twice exceptional learners, specifically, children who have strong abilities and learning disabilities. Before that, she worked with survivors of incest and domestic violence, and volunteered on a crisis line. She'll tell you she's guided by three principles: (1) Create meaning in every facet of life, (2) Stop the suffering of all sentient beings, and (3) Be kind to whoever crosses your path. Kiesa specializes in workshops on ending child abuse, powerful parenting and creative writing. She's also engaged in family advocacy, and home school consultations.