The Children’s Advocacy Center of SWFL (CAC) welcomes Melissa Bonner as its Chief Operations Officer. In this role, Bonner will oversee the daily operations of the Child Protection Team, Family Alliance and Advocacy programs, and the Prevention Department, CAC’s core programs to advance the center’s mission of protecting and advocating for children.
Melissa Bonner brings over two decades of dedicated service in the non-profit sector, specializing in child welfare and social services. Her extensive background includes her role as Chief Executive Officer at Dr. Piper Center in Fort Myers, FL, where she worked closely with the Board of Directors to shape the organization’s vision, enhance operational systems, and secure diverse funding sources. Melissa is highly skilled in developing policies, ensuring compliance with regulations, and fostering relationships with community organizations.
Before her tenure at Dr. Piper Center, Melissa dedicated 17 years to the Children’s Network of Southwest Florida, rising to the position of Quality Management Supervisor. In this role, she oversaw the adoptions program, ensured contract compliance, and managed quality systems across a five-county circuit. Her leadership also extended to training staff, interpreting policies, and spearheading adoption initiatives for special needs children and teens.
“Melissa brings a wealth of experience in child welfare and operational management, which will significantly enhance our team and strengthen the services we provide to at-risk children and their families to prevent child abuse,” said Alicia Shannon, CEO for the Children’s Advocacy Center of SWFL. “Her expertise will be a tremendous asset to our organization, and we are thrilled to welcome her aboard.”
More about the Children’s Advocacy Center
Founded in 1981, the mission of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida (CAC) is to provide a coordinated response to child victims of abuse and neglect; and improve the lives of at-risk children and their families through prevention services. At CAC, we assess and treat children believed to have been physically or sexually abused or to be at-risk of such abuse and provide a safe place for them to come and be heard. We offer abuse determination services as well as therapeutic counseling, pet therapy, parenting education and prevention programs in Lee, Hendry, Glades, and Charlotte Counties. We are one of the largest children’s advocacy centers in the state of Florida and the only one in the four-county area. CAC is accredited by the National Children’s Alliance. Visit us at www.cac-swfl.org for more information or to find out how to make a donation.
