Speakers

Brittany DeCrease, BSN, RN, SANE-A is the West Virginia SANE Project Coordinator for WV Foundation for Rape Information and Services. After becoming an RN in 2011, Brittany found her passion in Emergency Medicine. It was during her time working in the Emergency Department that she recognized the importance and need for competent Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners.

Brittany became a member of the Marshall County Sexual Assault Response Team and assisted with trainings with WV FRIS from 2021 on. In 2024, Brittany accepted a full-time position as the West Virginia SANE Project Coordinator. In her position, Brittany develops training, educates, supports, and offers technical assistance to RNs seeking to practice as SANEs in West Virginia. Brittany received her BSN from Ohio University.

Erin Feazell is the Forensic Scientist Supervisor for the Toxicology Section of the West Virginia State Police Laboratory. With a passion for forensic science and a strong academic foundation, she has dedicated her career to advancing toxicological analysis and supporting law enforcement in combating drug-related offenses, impaired driving cases, and drug-facilitated sexual assaults.

She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Concord College, followed by a Master of Science in Forensic Science from Marshall University. Erin began her career in the Drug Identification section of the West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory, where she served as a Drug Chemist for nine years, including six years as the Technical Leader.

As part of a laboratory restructuring in 2011, Erin transitioned to the Toxicology Section, where she played a key role in validating new technology for Toxicology Drug Analysis. Committed to professional growth, she expanded her expertise by earning a certificate in Forensic Toxicology from the University of Florida in 2013.

Leah M. Forney is a trailblazer in sexual violence response & recovery, trauma-informed care, cultural sensitivity, and advocacy, driven by an unwavering commitment to empower survivors of sexual violence and transform communities. Soon to start her doctorate in public health, Forney is pioneering the development of a culturally responsive screening tool that assesses sexual violence trauma prior to diagnosing reproductive health conditions like fibroids and endometriosis.

Her impact is as profound as it is multifaceted: Forney is building a legacy of resilience, advocacy, and healing, empowering others to thrive in the face of adversity. Leah M. Forney is redefining resilience and transforming lives—one conversation, one community, and one courageous step at a time.

Jennifer Rada Herrald joined the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia in 2012. She currently serves as the Project Safe Childhood Coordinator, Human Trafficking Coordinator, and Appellate Chief and focuses on the prosecution of child exploitation and human trafficking offenses.

Ms. Herrald graduated from Amherst College and the University of Virginia School of Law. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Ms. Herrald was an associate attorney at Gibson Dunn in New York and clerked for the Honorable James E. Boasberg in Washington, D.C.

Bailey Hill is currently a DNA Scientist at the State Police Forensic Laboratory in South Charleston, West Virginia, where they serve as a level IV case-working scientist and Validation Officer for the Biology-DNA Section.

In this role, Ms. Hill leads research and testing of new technologies and methodologies before implementation for DNA casework. Additionally, Ms. Hill provides expert court testimony and participates in community education outreach. With over 11 years’ experience as a forensic scientist, and nearly 13 years of experience working in emergency medical services, Ms. Hill has a strong background working alongside law enforcement, health officials, and emergency management teams.

Bailey holds a B.S. in Biology from the University of Maine and an M.S. in Forensic and Investigative Science from West Virginia University.

Amy Jo Hutchison is a born and raised West Virginian. She began organizing in poor and marginalized communities across the state in 2017, using her lived experience of poverty to connect with people who share the same experience.

In February 2020, Amy Jo spoke to the United States House Committee on Oversight and Reform regarding the poverty level in Washington, D.C. Her testimony went viral and has provided her the opportunity to discuss poverty on a much broader stage. In October of 2021, she appeared in episode 3 of The Problem with Jon Stewart, “The Economy,” in which she discussed the issues affecting the working poor, and she returned to the show later in the season for a “pass the mic” conversation. More recently, Amy Jo was named the 2024 recipient of the T. Berry Brazelton Friend of Children Award by the board of directors for the Southern Early Childhood Association (SECA).

Matt Irvine is a retired police officer, detective, and detective supervisor. He began his career in the city of Glendale (Los Angeles County), where he started off as a patrol officer before being promoted to the Detective Bureau.

As a detective, Matt investigated sex crimes, child abuse, domestic violence, stalking, robbery, assault, and homicide. He finished his sworn career in San Francisco as co-supervisor of a Public Corruption Task Force run jointly by the District Attorney and the FBI. Matt retired at the rank of Lieutenant. After his sworn career, Matt had the privilege of spending five years investigating cold case sexual assaults in Portland, Oregon under the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative. The federal grant funded a position for a retired detective to work alongside Portland’s sworn personnel, advocates, forensic specialists, and prosecutors to seek justice for victims in historical cases.

Now re-retired and away from police work completely, Matt trains law enforcement officers in ethics, interviewing, and investigations. He has presented at conferences for End Violence Against Women International and the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative and has been a guest lecturer at the University of Southern California. He currently teaches in-service classes for the Portland Police Bureau, trains new officers at Oregon’s state police academy, and co-teaches a three-day police interviewing class in California, Oregon, Washington, and Utah.

Kevin Kalany is the Community Outreach Coordinator with the West Virginia Foundation for Rape Information and Services (WV FRIS), where he supports sexual assault response teams (SARTs) across the state by fostering interagency collaboration, promoting trauma-informed practices, and assisting with the creation of sexual assault forensic exam (SAFE) protocols.

Previously, Kevin served as a SART Coordinator and Prevention Educator at the Upper Ohio Valley Sexual Assault Help Center, Inc. A graduate of West Liberty University, he combines his passion for advocacy, education, and the arts with a background as a professional musician and music educator, bringing creativity and a unique perspective to his work.

Dr. Sanchez earned her doctorate in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology and Women’s Studies. Mandy specializes in domestic and sexual violence; the intersectionality of gender, sexualities, place, and trauma; and justice-involved women and children. Mandy is a trained facilitator and as the Program Coordinator for Culture Reframed, she focuses on expanding, developing, and ensuring high-quality, comprehensive, impactful programming for parents and professionals who are influential in children’s and teens’ lives.

Katie is a graduate of Shepherd University with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and of

WVU with a Master’s in Social Work. Katie has worked in victim services for 12 years, with

a focus on victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and stalking. She

is a member of the WV human trafficking task force, is co-chair of their training committee

and a steering committee member. Katie serves as a member of the WV Foundation for

Rape Information and services and currently serves as President of their board. Katie has

trained medical professionals, law enforcement, military members and community members about intervention and prevention of human trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual assault. 

Katie has been with Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center (EPEC) for 10 years and currently works as the Executive Director. EPEC is a dual program in the Eastern Panhandle of WV that serves victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking. Katie co-facilitates the statewide WV coalition against domestic violence’s advocates public policy team and is co-chair of their membership and board.

Gary Weaver retired from the Bridgeport Police Department as a Lt. Detective with 26 years of service and is currently a Detective with the Whitehall Police Department.

He has worked with the WV State Police Internet Crimes Against Children task force as an affiliate member since 2007. Gary was deputized with the WV State Police Internet Crimes Against Children task force in 2010 and with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Crimes Against Children and Human Trafficking task force in 2012.

He specializes in Crimes Against Children, including sexual exploitation and endangerment of children. He is a current member of Hero’s Haven Child Advocacy Center Board of Directors and the SHIELD Task Force Board of Directors.