Karla Ward is the Chief Executive Officer of New Beginnings and is responsible for guiding the organization while overseeing its clinical, advocacy and educational programs of the agency as well as grant writing and fundraising.

She is past President of the Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs that make up the 13 rape crisis centers in the state and serves on numerous committees that provides oversight to the centers and currently serves as Member at Large. She is part of Impact 100 and past President of Kiwanis of Owensboro.  Karla sits on the board of directors for Audubon Area Community Care Clinic and became Vice Chair in April 2025.  She is a 2020 graduate of Leadership Owensboro, a member of the Kentucky Colonels, and the 2022 Athena Award winner.

Karla has been with New Beginnings since 1998 when she joined the organization as Community Educator.

Karla earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Education from Western Kentucky University in 1994.

Julie Campbell is the Chief Financial Officer for New Beginnings and is responsible for managing the business and accounting functions of the agency. In addition, she presents community education programs and covers the crisis line when the need arises.

She is a member of the Institute of Management Accountants and a member of the Tri-State Payroll Association.

Julie has been with New Beginnings since 1999 and has twice briefly served as interim director for the organization.

Julie earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Murray State University in 1995 and a Masters of Business Administration from Murray State University in 1997.

Ronda Howard is the Prevention Coordinator for New Beginnings and is responsible for educating high schools and the community on violence prevention, as well as guide the prevention education programs for elementary and middle schools.

She is a member of the of the Program Implementation Committee that oversees the statewide initiative of the Green Dot Program and is the Chair of the Daviess and Henderson County Community Prevention Teams that plan community level activities for high school students.

Ronda has been with New Beginnings since 2007, having spent the previous years as an elementary school teacher. Ronda earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Western Kentucky University in 1994.

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Rebecca Roby is a Clinical Coordinator for New Beginnings and is responsible for overseeing the clinical program which includes individualized clinical supervision and support. She contributes her knowledge base from lived experiences, training, and previous job placements such as Girls Inc., and River Valley Behavioral Health Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital. Rebecca earned a Bachelor of Social Work from Brescia University in 2005 and a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Louisville in 2006. She earned a Certified Social Work License in 2006 and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in 2011, and an LCSW supervisor in 2015. She was the 2023 recipient of the Fonetta A. Elam Award for excellence in clinical supervision.

Rebecca is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TBCB-T), Child-Centered Play Therapy, Neurofeedback, and the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP).

Rebecca has been with New Beginnings since 2009 when she joined the organization as a clinical therapist.

Tara Gann is a Clinical Therapist for New Beginnings and is responsible for providing therapy services for clients of all ages in Henderson, Union & Webster counties.  In addition, she provides medical & legal advocacy to survivors of sexual assault and conducts crisis, educational & family sessions.

Tara has been with New Beginnings since 2007.  She earned a Bachelor of Social Work from Brescia University in 2004 and a Master of Science in Social work from the University of Louisville in 2005.  She became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2011.  Tara has been trained in EMDR and utilizes CBT & child-centered play therapy for individualized treatment of clients.

Emalee Hedges is a Clinical Therapist for New Beginnings and provides therapy services for children and adults in need in Henderson, Union and Webster Counties. She provides crisis intervention, trauma treatment, education, and as-needed services for secondary survivors (family/partners, etc.). Emalee uses a variety of prescriptive techniques suited to each individual and is trained in EMDR, NARM, SSP, Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Child-Centered Play Therapy as well as a variety of other techniques proven to be effective with trauma recovery.

Emalee is also a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (2018) and often offers yoga practices as an additional tool for recovery as this has been proven to be highly effective in helping survivors reach their goals and improve their quality of life and wellbeing.

Emalee obtained her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern Indiana in 2008. She became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2013. She has been at New Beginnings since 2011.

Crystal Wall is the Prevention Educator for New Beginnings.  She is responsible for the Play It Safe program and Internet Safety program for elementary schools.

Crystal earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Western Kentucky University in 2002.  She has been with New Beginnings since 2016.

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Marcie Vooris is a Clinical Therapist for New Beginnings and is responsible for providing educational and individual therapy to those affected by sexual victimization in Daviess, Hancock, and McLean counties. In addition, she provides medical and legal advocacy to survivors of sexual assault. Marcie has been trained in EMDR and utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy and child centered play therapy for individualized treatment of clients.

Marcie has been with New Beginnings since 2019.

Marcie earned a Master’s of Education from Lindsey Wilson College in 2014. She obtained full licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in 2017 and a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor in 2016.

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Megan Gaynor is the Advocacy Coordinator for New Beginnings, overseeing the advocacy programming of the agency and working directly with clients, assisting them throughout the legal process. Megan also provides training to community partners on issues related to sexual violence, conducts crisis and education sessions, and provides medical advocacy for assault survivors in the emergency room.

Megan earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with an emphasis on community, environment, and development from Western Kentucky University in 2018, is a 2021 graduate of Leadership Owensboro and serves on the Ohio County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. She has been with New Beginnings since January 2020.

Shannon has joined the agency as Victim Advocate.  Shannon is responsible for providing legal advocacy for our clients and community training for professionals. Shannon holds a Bachelor's degree in Criminology from Western Kentucky University.

Sheila Forrest, born and raised in Paducah retired from PCM after working for 27 years running their homeless shelter. She moved to Owensboro in May of 2024 for a fresh start. She has been working part time as the administrative support specialist. The main part of her job involves working with the volunteers, coordinating their hours and providing them with training opportunities. Sheila is also a part of our fund-raising activities, answers phones, and lends a hand anywhere she is needed.

Breanna Smith is the high school Green Dot Prevention Educator for New Beginnings and is responsible for providing Green Dot in our local high schools.

Breanna earned her Associate of Science degree in 2016 and was with New Beginnings for a year prior to re-joining the team in March of 2021.

Skye Khun is a Victim Advocate at New Beginnings. She is responsible for providing legal advocacy for our clients.

Skye earned her Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Brescia University in May 2023.

Skye has been with New Beginnings since August 2024.

Megan Jackson is the Systems Advocacy Specialist. In her role as systems advocacy specialist, Megan assists victims throughout the criminal justice process by attending court proceedings, providing information regarding court procedures, as well support for the victims. In addition to legal advocacy, Megan facilitates with local law enforcement agencies, court personnel, and health care providers to develop an integrated system of assistance for survivors. Megan received her undergraduate degree from Brescia University in 2014 and later obtained a Master’s in Social Work from Brescia University’s advanced standing program in 2017.

My name is Lauren Patterson. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Western Kentucky University in 2018. Before becoming to New Beginnings, I worked in the Mental Health field for 4 years before shifting my focus to foster care. I spent 6 years working in foster care with youth and foster parents. My next adventure is pursing my Master of Social Work. I’m very excited to begin my role as the Community Engagement Coordinator. Outreach plays such an important role when you are providing services to your community. I hope to build relationships in the community and network with other business/non-profits to continue providing care to survivors. In my free time I enjoy reading Psychological Thrillers. I love going on cruises. I also enjoy spending time with my husband and two children. We have two rescue dogs.

Kathy Fisher is a Counselor Intern with New Beginnings, providing therapeutic services to clients of all ages in Daviess and Ohio counties. She employs a person-centered, holistic approach to client care utilizing mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy, creative arts, and movement. Kathy emphasizes resilience, empowerment, and taking steps toward self-determined values. She also emphasizes techniques for developing self-awareness and responding to cues of safety and survival using Polyvagal Theory.

Kathy has a background in education and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 1994 from Indiana University and her Master’s Degree in Teaching in 1998 from Aurora University. She is currently completing her Master’s Degree in Education for Professional Counseling through Lindsey Wilson College. Kathy is a Registered Yoga Teacher 200 and a Registered Children’s Yoga Teacher.

Nicole is a Clinical Therapist at New Beginnings and provides therapy services for children and adults in need in Daviess and Ohio Counties. Nicole is compassionate and dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual assault through personalized, trauma-informed care. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work from Western Kentucky University. With years of experience supporting at-risk children and families in the foster care system and navigating the complexities of court involvement, Nicole brings a deep understanding of the lasting impact trauma can have on a person’s life.

Specializing in working with survivors of sexual assault, Nicole offers a safe, nonjudgemental space where healing begins with being heard and believed. Using a person-centered approach, she walks alongside each client at their own pace, tailoring each session to meet the client’s unique needs and goals. She integrates evidence based therapies such as  CBT and TF-CBT, is trained in EMDR, and is currently in the process of training in the Safe and Sound Protocol, an emerging intervention designed to support nervous system regulation and healing from trauma.

Healing from sexual assault is a deeply personal journey. Nicole is here to walk alongside you, offering empathy, understanding and unwavering support every step of the way.