About Us
Programs and Services
The Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) is not an administrator of programs. Rather, the OCA monitors and evaluates public and private agencies that are charged with the protection of children, and reviews state agency policies and procedures to ensure they protect children's rights and promote their best interest. OCA helps to:
- advocate for children at risk;
- address public policy issues concerning juvenile justice, child care, foster care, and treatment.
- review individual cases and investigate complaints;
- educate and inform the public of laws and services affecting families and children who are placed under state supervision;
- coach families, concerned citizens, and agencies to "navigate" public service and information systems and advocate for children effectively;
- review facilities and procedures of public or private institutions or residences where juveniles are placed; and
- facilitate change by bringing different agencies together to find creative solutions to difficult problems.
Christina D. Ghio joined the Office of the Child Advocate in September 2022. As the Associate Child Advocate, Christina is responsible for overseeing and managing the child focused operations of the OCA, overseeing intakes and systemic investigations, and assisting with policy advocacy.
Prior to joining the OCA in 2022, Christina most recently worked as a solo attorney at the Law Office of Christina D. Ghio, LLC, where she represented parents in matters related to their children including special education, child abuse and neglect, and mental health. Prior to starting her law firm in 2010, Christina served as Assistant Child Advocate at Office of the Child Advocate, where she focused on policy advocacy and systemic investigations. Before joining OCA, Christina was the Director of the Child Abuse Project at the Center for Children’s Advocacy, a staff attorney at the Disability Rights Center in New Hampshire, and an attorney at the New Hampshire Public Defender. Christina has represented children in special education, disability discrimination, child abuse and neglect, and juvenile justice matters. Christina is a 1996 graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and is certified by the National Association of Council for Children as a child welfare law specialist.
Julie McKenna joined the Office of the Child Advocate as an Assistant Child Advocate in July 1999. Previously, she was employed by the State Department of Children and Families as a Children’s Services Worker at Riverview Hospital for Children and Youth. Julie serves as the lead responder for the OCA to the public when there are concerns regarding the provision of state funded services to children. She assists those who contact the office in understanding and navigating complex public systems, and assesses each concern for possible violations of policy, law or best practice standards.
Ms. McKenna is a graduate of the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.
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ASSISTANT CHILD ADVOCATE: HEATHER PANCIERA
Heather Panciera joined the Office of the Child Advocate in December 2001. Heather serves as the lead for OCA on matters related to children, youth and young adults in residential facilities and congregate care settings, including investigating concerns regarding the provision of state funded services and supports. She advocates both for the individual needs of children, youth and young adults, and for necessary systemic reforms to help these systems be more effective, efficient and accountable.
Prior to joining OCA, Heather worked for 10 years at the Department of Children and Families.
Heather holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Connecticut School of Family Studies.
STAFF ATTORNEY: VIRGINIA BROWN, JD
Virginia Brown joined the Office of the Child Advocate in June 2016. As OCA’s Staff Attorney, Virginia provides legal advice and guidance to the Child Advocate and staff on matters under review and/or investigation by the OCA. Prior to joining the OCA, she worked in various public and private legal settings, including as an associate with Day Pitney and more recently a hearing officer with the CT Freedom of Information Commission. Virginia is a graduate of the University of Connecticut School of Law.
ASSISTANT CHILD ADVOCATE: BRENDAN BURKE, MSW
Brendan Burke joined the Office of the Child Advocate in February 2022.
Brendan serves as the lead for the OCA on matters relating to child fatality review and prevention. He convenes the Connecticut Child Fatality Review Panel (CFRP) each month which reviews all unexpected and unexplained child deaths. Brendan is the Child Advocate's principal investigator on any in-depth child fatality investigation requested by the CFRP, the Governor, the General Assembly or conducted at the Child Advocate's discretion.
Child fatality reviews focus on the examination of systems and opportunities to improve policies and practices to prevent additional tragedies from occurring. Brendan represents the OCA on numerous statewide committees and national initiatives focused on prevention of child injury and death.
Prior to working at the OCA, Brendan worked for the CT Department of Children and Families for 20 years, serving multiple communities and developing systems to enhance child welfare practice statewide.
Brendan holds a Bachelor’s degree from Fairfield University and a Master of Social Work from Fordham University.
Assistant Child Advocate: Elizabeth Sitler, LPC
Elizabeth Sitler joined the Office of the Child Advocate in August 2024.
Elizabeth comes to the OCA with a clinical and trauma-informed background with a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Springfield College. Elizabeth has over 25 years of experience in the non-profit sector in a variety of settings, including residential treatment, school-based counseling and most recently therapeutic foster care. She is passionate about the needs of children and families in Connecticut and will take lead on intakes and citizen complaints, as well as collaborating to implement systemic change.