Catie Ladas joined the Office of Victim Assistance as the CU Boulder Police (CUPD) Embedded* Victim Advocate in July 2023. Originally from the DC area, Catie received her BA in Criminal Justice and Criminology with minors in Global Terrorism Studies and Law & Society from the University of Maryland College Park. While living in the DC area, Catie worked alongside local and federal law enforcement where she found her passion in the intersection between law enforcement and social work. Catie is currently working towards her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Widener University. Before moving to Colorado, Catie worked as a Forensic Interviewer where she had neutral, trauma-informed conversations with children and vulnerable adults regarding allegations of abuse as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Catie prioritizes a welcoming space and the promotion of empowerment and education when speaking with others.Ìý In her free time, Catie runs, readsÌýand is trying her best to be a good cook.
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*The Embedded CUPD Victim Advocate position is a collaboration between OVA and CU Police Department (CUPD) that started in June 2021. Catie works at CUPD and co-respond with officers, support detectives doing investigations and outreach on police reports to support victims of crime as they interact with CU police.ÌýContact with Catie is after something has already been reported to CU Police. The goal of this position is to help victims know their rights and options, support with criminal process and to be a bridge to other resources. For ongoing, confidential advocacy and/or counseling Catie will refer victims/survivors to OVA’s Advocate Counselors who are confidential.Ìý