Staff
Mariah Stidham Wineski, Executive Director
Mariah Stidham Wineski has 20 years of experience working throughout the United States and internationally on social change campaigns, violence prevention, and curriculum development.
She is the immediate past chair of the Louisiana Domestic Violence Prevention Commission and previously served on the board of directors for Boulder Sister Cities. She also serves on the Victim Services Advisory Board of the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and the advisory board of the Louisiana Violent Death Reporting System.
Ms. Wineski has coordinated legislative policy, public affairs, and media relations for regional and national women’s health organizations and has managed several regional gang violence prevention initiatives. She has provided international consultation on educational policy and curriculum development. She has a B.A. in Sociology and Women’s and Gender Studies and an M.S. in Sociology.
Crystal Scrantz, Director of Program Development
Crystal Scrantz has worked in the domestic violence movement for over 15 years. Her experience includes providing direct services to adults and children affected by domestic violence, program development, HUD housing programs, navigating civil and criminal court systems, database management, supervision, and training.
She was the founding chair of the Lafayette Domestic Violence Council and the founding Director of the Family Justice Center of Acadiana. Ms. Scrantz has worked on many community-based domestic violence projects including a High Risk Response Team, Fatality Review Panel and VOICES of Acadiana. She has conducted trainings regionally, statewide, and nationally on issues affecting survivors of domestic violence.
She is passionate about survivor safety and is committed to ensuring that high quality, trauma-informed services are provided to survivors of domestic violence in Louisiana.
Russell Bonewitz, Finance Manager
Russell Bonewitz first served with LCADV from 2010-2018 and rejoined the team in May of 2023. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance and an Accounting Minor from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, La.
Mr. Bonewitz has over 30 years accounting experience in the private, state, & corporate sectors, ranging from controller to office manager to small business owner with firms including Union National Life Insurance Company, St. James Stevedoring, LSU Dining/Concessions, Southern Oaks Athletic Club, MVR Publishing and Bonewitz Accounting Solutions.
Mr. Bonewitz has played a key role in revamping and streamlining LCADV’s accounting policies and procedures to align with grant requirements, and has been an important part of monitoring grant spending, filing grant reports, creating budgets, reviewing grant applications, and organizing the accounting records for smooth annual audit preparations.
Donna Lavigne, Operations Administrative Assistant
Donna Lavigne provides administrative support to the LCADV staff. Ms. Lavigne retired from the Department of Transportation and Development with over 30 years of service, directing all transit programs funded by the Federal Transit Administration.
Her experience includes administering, managing, and monitoring the Federal Transit Programs statewide and developing the annual operation budget. She served on numerous committees, associations, and commissions.
Ms. Lavigne has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education/Administration from Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA.
Chelsee Green, Staff Attorney
Chelsee Green earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from Southern University and her Juris Doctorate from Southern University Law Center. Ms. Green began her career as a Law Clerk for the Honorable Alvin Batiste, Jr. in the 18th Judicial District Court then moved on to work as an associate attorney in private practice.
As Immigration Staff Attorney at Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge for over two years, she conducted Know Your Rights presentations at detention facilities across Louisiana, identified and provided services for pro bono detainees, and prepared immigration law cases including VAWA, U-Visa, and family-based cases.
Ms. Green was appointed as Administrative Law Judge for the Louisiana Workforce Commission, where she conducted hearings related to unemployment insurance benefits, taking testimony, considering evidence, ruling on motions, compiling records, and rendering decisions.
Nicolette Joseph, Children’s Advocacy Coordinator
Ms. Joseph is an experienced social service professional with over 15 years of experience in working directly with clients who have experienced crisis-related trauma. She was formerly a Forensic Interviewer at Hearts of Hope: A Children’s Advocacy Center in Lafayette, La., where she conducted non-leading forensic interviews in criminal investigations relating to sexual abuse, physical abuse, severe neglect, and/or violent crime.
Ms. Joseph has additional experience in specialty court settings, including drug court programs, and has also provided school- and home-based counseling services to youth suffering from emotional, mental, and behavioral issues.
Ms. Joseph holds a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Studies from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Hatari Washington, Housing Advocacy Coordinator
Hatari Washington brings more than 15 years experience in the housing industry to her work with LCADV. She is certified as a property manager and housing specialist and has extensive frontline housing experience as an Intake Specialist, being the first point of contact with the Housing Choice Voucher program and various other special housing programs for veterans and domestic violence survivors.
Ms. Washington is also experienced with HUD regulations, and is passionate and committed to helping individuals access housing and other related resources.
Shona Chavis, Health Partnerships Coordinator
Shona Chavis has worked over a decade in the field of Trauma Informed Care and is passionate about training first responders on how to help mitigate the issues of trauma. As a Trauma Educator and Certified Mental Health First Aider she has developed a unique skill set directly relevant to domestic violence and its effects on a person’s brain and body.
Ms. Chavis has worked with the Office of the Attorney General, the District Attorneys Association, DNA Crime Lab, along with schools, health care providers, nonprofits, religious organizations and state and local law enforcement offices in the equipping and training of trauma informed care. She facilitates Breaking the Cycle classes and workshops, with a focus on overcoming adversity and removing the layers.
Norah Khanfour, Program Development Coordinator
Norah Khanfour began her journey in community service as a manager of marketing and community engagement and housing case manager, fueled in her belief in the power of perseverance and kindness.
Her experience includes implementing programs focused on mental health wellness and community-building. She has coordinated community events and fundraising initiatives with local organizations to benefit underserved communities and overseen HUD-funded housing programs for young adults experiencing homelessness.
Ms. Khanfour is committed to fostering positive change and creating meaningful contributions to her community. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and an Associate degree in Interpersonal Communication.
Melissa Richard, Justice Systems Advocate
Melissa Richard has over 16 years of law enforcement experience. Throughout her multifaceted career she has held several positions including 911 Dispatcher, Patrol Officer, Hostage Negotiator, Evidence Officer, D.A.R.E. Officer and Detective. With extensive training, Ms. Richard spent most of her career as a Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault/Child Abuse Detective. She spent the last four years of her law enforcement career as the Director of the Assumption Youth Detention Center.
After leaving law enforcement she worked in project management at Nicholls State University. Ms. Richard attended Troy State University and Louisiana Technical College. She has a passion for serving the public and is dedicated to making a difference.
Sarah Anders, Fatality Records Abstractor
Sarah Anders began working in the public health field in 2004 as the Executive Director of SAFE KIDS Louisiana, where she focused on community education for child injury prevention. Ms. Anders collaborated with several local and state agencies to educate families on injury prevention for children and families, implementing programs addressing passenger safety, bicycle safety, and pedestrian safety for children 0-14 years old.
Continuing her passion for helping others, she then moved into the medical field, serving as a paramedic for East Baton Rouge Parish EMS. Ms. Anders holds a bachelor’s degree in Community Health and bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management.
Keshauna Murphy, Executive Administrative Assistant
Keshauna Murphy brings over 16 years of experience in executive administration, security management, and regulatory compliance to the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Her background in emergency management has equipped her with the skills to develop and implement emergency plans, organize responses during workplace crises, and ensure safe environments—a critical foundation for supporting communities affected by domestic violence. Ms. Murphy’s expertise in providing training and technical assistance, and handling sensitive information with confidentiality and integrity, directly supports the Coalition’s mission.
In addition to her professional expertise, Ms. Murphy is an active advocate and mentor to youth and young women in various community settings, where she empowers others to build resilience and pursue positive change. Her community involvement aligns deeply with the Coalition’s goals of creating social change, advocating for policy advancements, and driving efforts toward violence prevention.
She holds a Master of Arts degree in Political Science and Public Policy from Southern University and A&M College.
Nicole Southern, Rapid Rehousing Coordinator
Nicole Southern graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a minor in Women and Gender Studies. Following graduation, she began her career at a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing domestic violence. In her roles as an Outreach Advocate and Legal Advocate, Ms. Southern provided vital support to survivors, helping them navigate complex systems and access necessary resources. Prior to joining LCADV, she furthered her education by earning a master’s degree in teaching from Nicholls State University and taught middle school English for over ten years.
Erica Carriere, Rapid Rehousing Coordinator
Erica Carriere has extensive experience in case management and disaster relief services. With a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Southern University A&M College, Ms. Carriere has built a career focused on helping individuals and families navigate difficult life circumstances. Her work spans various roles, including case management for homeless individuals, disaster relief efforts, and housing support, where she has provided critical services to vulnerable populations.