
We believe healthy families make healthy children
CAA believes that by providing the right services at the right time, vulnerable families can be supported, child abuse and neglect can be prevented, and the effects of trauma and harm can be reduced.
CAA advocates for a paradigm shift in public perception: from “save the child” to “save the family.” This approach emphasizes the critical need to provide help and services at the beginning of the cycle through preventive steps and measures, rather than at the end of the cycle, most often associated with children entering the foster care system.
Our work drives community, data,
education, and advocacy
Concentric Convener
CAA will engage organizations, agencies, families, and stakeholders to address issues, barriers, challenges, and opportunities regarding support for children's well-being.
Education & Outreach
CAA will lead public education and outreach campaigns on behalf of service providers advancing families' and children's wellbeing.
Data Driver
CAA will be a data-driven policy advocacy group that will highlight issues and advance evidence based policies and practices in Nevada.
Policy Advocate
CAA will serve as an independent voice to advocate on behalf of Nevada’s children and families, as well as those providing services on their behalf, regarding policy changes, resources, and crucial community support necessary to ensure safe, stable, and healthy families.
Meet the Team
Dr. Tiffany Tyler-Garner’s personal and professional achievements reveal a visionary leader committed to transforming the conditions that impact children and families. Currently serving as the executive director of Children’s Advocacy Alliance, a 23+ year child policy advocacy organization, Dr. Tyler’s professional journey includes serving as a member of the Nevada Governor’s cabinet, CEO of an affiliate of the nation’s largest dropout prevention organization and the COO of a White House-recognized workforce development nonprofit organization. Moreover, Dr. Tyler-Garner is a published researcher, psychologist, and veteran nonprofit leader specializing in human services, program development and evaluation, grants and project management, research, and grant writing. Dr. Tyler’s commendations include Humanitarian of the Year, Alumna of the Year, and Workforce Development Champion of the Year. Dr. Tyler holds a Doctorate in Educational Psychology for the University of Nevada- Las Vegas, a Master of Science in Counseling from California State University- Northridge, and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Southern California.
As a foster care alumnus, DaShun has a true passion for improving the child welfare systems and being a voice for those whose voice is often silenced. DaShun has served on several local, state and national councils all focused on improving the lives of young people, changing the foster care system and empowering and encouraging youth and young adults to stand up and use their voice. DaShun is a co-creator of the Nevada’s Foster Care Bill of Rights which passed in 2011. DaShun has served as a policy intern with the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI), where he worked in Washington, D.C and was able to develop policy recommendations and work in former Senator Harry Reid’s Senate Diversity Initiative Office. DaShun has also served as an intern with FosterClub Inc. in Seaside, Or. where he was able to travel and work with policy and community leaders and young people from across the country on ways to improve the outcomes for youth in care. He currently sits on several boards locally and nationally. In 2019 DaShun was awarded the Youth Advocate of the Year Award by the North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC). DaShun has earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from UNLV.
Anna Villatoro spearheads communications at the Children's Advocacy Alliance, a nonpartisan independent children's policy advocacy organization dedicated to improving conditions for children in the areas of child welfare, economic well being, healthcare, and school readiness.
As a strategist, Anna routinely leads efforts to amplify voices and raise awareness of the issues impacting all Nevada's children. Recently, Ms. Villatoro's efforts have included a strong focus on ensuring every Nevadan is counted in the census by highlighting the power in representation.
Priscilla Acosta joins the CAA team with a passion for early childhood equity in underserved communities. She has worked determinedly to become a leader in the early care and development field. She thrives on being a vocal advocate for children and families not only in Nevada, but and on a national and global level as well.
Priscilla knows the significant impact high-quality early childhood education plays in life and works to eliminate the lack of access and utilization of services in Nevada, with extensive professional experience in Native American Communities. In addition to her work with the tribal CCDBG programs, Priscilla has expertise with family and community engagement.
Priscilla received a certificate in Non-Profit Management and Digital Marketing. In 2019, she completed the Nevada Leadership for Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Fellowship and was selected as a Global Leader for Young Children, to represent the United States at the World Forum in Macau, China.
Prior to joining CAA, Priscilla served as the Chair of the National Indian Child Care Association, the Vice-Chair of Nevada’s Indian Education Advisory Committee, a member of the Indigenous People’s Action Group, T.E.A.C.H Advisory Council, a Tribal Representative for Nevada’s Quality Rating Improvement System, Nevada’s Early Childhood Advisory Council and was most recently awarded the Young Alumni of the Year Award from the University of Nevada, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s of degree in Community Health Science.
Dr. Kelly Bumgarner has a background in Public Health and strongly believes accessible, high-quality healthcare is a critical children's issue. Before joining the Children's Advocacy Alliance, she served as the Wellness Coordinator for a Las Vegas nonprofit focused on sustainability and fair housing. Dr. Bumgarner holds a PhD and Master's of Public Health and a Master's of Science degree in Exercise Physiology. Her publications focus on health, wellness, and safety in underserved communities and populations. In addition to her nonprofit work, Dr. Bumgarner served as a college professor for over a decade.
Annette Dawson Owens is a lifelong education advocate who believes in equity and access to an excellent education for all students. She has worked in both district and charter schools and has studied high performing schools and leaders across the country. She has seen first hand, quality outcomes that are possible with effective school design. Annette serves on many community and education advisory boards.
Annette attended K-12 in the Clark County School District and went on to earn an undergraduate degree in Zoology, a Masters in Education from UNLV, and a Masters in Administration from Sierra Nevada College. She completed Georgetown's Executive Leadership through the Public Education Foundation and is grateful to be a current Jameson Fellow. In her free time she enjoys exploring the great outdoors.
Annette looks forward to working together with the community and improving outcomes for all students and families in the great state of Nevada.
Dr. Tara C. Raines is a licensed psychologist with a history of research promoting equity and access in the areas of education and mental health. She has spent the last decade implementing and supporting a number of grants to improve outcomes for youth at highest risk for mental health disorders. She has partnered with large school districts including Clark County School District to do this work. Tara has been active in the Las Vegas My Brother's Keeper Alliance and sits on the Board of Directors for Democracy Preparatory Academy. She believes in the value of using data to identify and implement supports for Nevada's most vulnerable youth.
Ben Douglas joined Children’s Advocacy Alliance the summer of 2020. With over a decade of experience with non-profits as a board member, serving as President and Treasurer, Mr. Douglas has finally been able to give back by assisting CAA as their Director of Finance and Operations. Ben comes with a great deal of experience from for-profit business serving as the executive in charge of finance, operations and administration. Mr. Douglas has spent the last 15 years facilitating accounting and management classes at the university. Ben loves helping students obtain their dreams by obtaining their bachelors and/or masters degree. Mr. Douglas graduated with his MBA in 2003 and then obtained his Masters of Science in Accountancy in 2010. Ben’s main joy is his family, including his wife of 25 years, three boys, one daughter-in-law and grandson. He is excited to continue fighting for the children of Nevada and beyond.
Incorporated in 2000, JK Belz & Associates provides a thoughtful tailored approach to governmental affairs. They have strong relationships with both sides of the legislative “aisle” to maximize opportunities for their clients. In support of this commitment, they work diligently to develop and nurture relationships with members of the legislature, both during legislative sessions as well as during the interim between sessions.
Several areas of their advocacy work cross over into children’s issues. Ensuring children have access to education and a path to a career they love; ensuring access to mental health care and behavioral health services; supporting healthy outcomes for moms and babies; researching and exposing gaps in children’s health through dedicated reports on child welfare; supporting literacy efforts; and ensuring children are safely riding in cars with seatbelts and car seats.
In 2019, JK Belz & Associates was successful in amending a bill to include a report on the number of children placed out of state for behavioral health services. This report has helped inform legislators on the need for residential placement and an expanded network of care in our state.
Incorporated in 2000, JK Belz & Associates provides a thoughtful tailored approach to governmental affairs. They have strong relationships with both sides of the legislative “aisle” to maximize opportunities for their clients. In support of this commitment, they work diligently to develop and nurture relationships with members of the legislature, both during legislative sessions as well as during the interim between sessions.
Several areas of their advocacy work cross over into children’s issues. Ensuring children have access to education and a path to a career they love; ensuring access to mental health care and behavioral health services; supporting healthy outcomes for moms and babies; researching and exposing gaps in children’s health through dedicated reports on child welfare; supporting literacy efforts; and ensuring children are safely riding in cars with seatbelts and car seats.
In 2019, JK Belz & Associates was successful in amending a bill to include a report on the number of children placed out of state for behavioral health services. This report has helped inform legislators on the need for residential placement and an expanded network of care in our state.
Incorporated in 2000, JK Belz & Associates provides a thoughtful tailored approach to governmental affairs. They have strong relationships with both sides of the legislative “aisle” to maximize opportunities for their clients. In support of this commitment, they work diligently to develop and nurture relationships with members of the legislature, both during legislative sessions as well as during the interim between sessions.
Several areas of their advocacy work cross over into children’s issues. Ensuring children have access to education and a path to a career they love; ensuring access to mental health care and behavioral health services; supporting healthy outcomes for moms and babies; researching and exposing gaps in children’s health through dedicated reports on child welfare; supporting literacy efforts; and ensuring children are safely riding in cars with seatbelts and car seats.
In 2019, JK Belz & Associates was successful in amending a bill to include a report on the number of children placed out of state for behavioral health services. This report has helped inform legislators on the need for residential placement and an expanded network of care in our state.
Incorporated in 2000, JK Belz & Associates provides a thoughtful tailored approach to governmental affairs. They have strong relationships with both sides of the legislative “aisle” to maximize opportunities for their clients. In support of this commitment, they work diligently to develop and nurture relationships with members of the legislature, both during legislative sessions as well as during the interim between sessions.
Several areas of their advocacy work cross over into children’s issues. Ensuring children have access to education and a path to a career they love; ensuring access to mental health care and behavioral health services; supporting healthy outcomes for moms and babies; researching and exposing gaps in children’s health through dedicated reports on child welfare; supporting literacy efforts; and ensuring children are safely riding in cars with seatbelts and car seats.
In 2019, JK Belz & Associates was successful in amending a bill to include a report on the number of children placed out of state for behavioral health services. This report has helped inform legislators on the need for residential placement and an expanded network of care in our state.
Our Board Members
The CAA is overseen by a diverse Board of Directors representing multiple
facets of the community who are dedicated to improving the lives of
children and families in Nevada.
Our Partners
Our Financials
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we publicly provide our financial reports as a way to hold ourselves to the highest professional standards and to ensure that every dollar you donate is put to good use.
Contact us
5258 S. Eastern Ave #151
Las Vegas, NV 89119
702.228.1869
639 Isbell Rd #460
Reno, NV 89509
775.440.1767