In this episode of Ramblings of a Restless Mind, co-hosts Jen and Dejah welcome Melanie Shekita, an assistant district attorney in Wake County with nearly 28 years at the DA’s office and team leader of the Special Victims Unit, longtime SafeChild partner, and former volunteer firefighter. Melanie shares how she became involved with SafeChild, the growth of the organization and its Child Advocacy Center, and why a nonprofit-based, child-friendly forensic interview model matters for reducing retraumatization and improving accountability. The conversation covers the far-reaching impact of sexual abuse on families, the need for CAC services across counties, and the realities of secondary trauma for prosecutors and investigators, along with Melanie’s coping outlets like cycling and her rescue dogs. They end with lighter listener questions and opinions on everyday debates.
00:00 Bravery and Healing
00:36 Show Intro and Jingle
01:37 Meet Melanie Shekita
03:35 Bio and Firefighter Life
04:41 Belichick Side Rant
06:19 SafeChild Gala Story
08:08 One in Four Kids
11:46 DA Path to SVU
13:57 Building the Advocacy Center
17:02 New SafeChild Facility
18:41 Fundraising and Foster Care
24:12 Volunteer Firefighting Origin
26:14 Coping With Trauma
34:10 Remote Testimony for Kids
35:28 Safe Child Forensic Interviews
36:44 Expanding CAC Services
39:38 Hot Dog Sandwich Debate
41:03 Song Stuck on Repeat
42:05 AI Fears and Regulation
46:48 Voicemail Petty Hills
52:36 Cancel Culture and Comments
57:00 Wrap Up and Dog Talk