The executive director of Mount Nittany Health Children’s Advocacy Center received the Blue Ribbon Champion for Safe Kids Award Tuesday in Harrisburg.

Kimberly Saltsman was one of four people to receive this year’s award from the Pa. Family Support Alliance. The award is given annually to those “who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to support and protect Pennsylvania’s children,” according to a news release.

Saltsman has been with the CAC since it opened in 2014, first serving as a forensic interviewer before being named executive director in October 2023. The CAC provides evidence-based forensic interviewing and medical examinations, coordinating case tracking and expert witness testimony in child abuse cases.

“Kimberly has a passion for helping children and families through their healing processes,” Angela Liddle, president and CEO of PFSA said in a written statement. “She has a heart for children and being a confidant to them when they are ready to talk about the experiences. She embodies how community members can make a difference in the lives of others, and children and families in Centre County benefit from her service and passion.”

As a forensic interviewer, Saltsman conducted an average of at least 260 forensic interviews with children annually.

“It’s an honor to receive this recognition from the PA Family Support Alliance,” Saltsman said in a written statement. “I’d also like to acknowledge the rest of the dedicated team at the CAC. They help to create a safe and supportive environment for children who have experienced trauma. I am so proud of the work done by the CAC to serve children who may have been victims of abuse or witnesses of other crimes.”

She and the other recipients were honored Tuesday in a ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda, in front of state lawmakers and Secretary Valerie Arkoosh of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

From Aol, April 3, 2024