CARES Staff
Fax Number
Laneah Snyder, MD – Medical Director
Dr. Snyder’s journey with CARES began in 2011 as a CARES Medical Examiner. She became CARES Medical Director in 2016. Graduating with a Medical Degree with Distinction in Research from Stony Brook University in New York, she honed her skills through a rigorous family medicine residency at Cascade East Family Medicine Clinic in Klamath Falls. Her ongoing pursuit of knowledge and mastery in the field has positioned her as a respected authority in child maltreatment. Beyond her role at CARES, Laneah serves as a primary care physician at a rural medicine clinic in Northern California. Her advocacy for the well-being of children extends beyond the walls of her medical practice, as she provides education to the community and medical providers in child maltreatment prevention and intervention. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family and working in her garden.
Christina Harvey-Brunswick, FNP-C – Medical Examiner
Christina has been a dedicated member of our team since 2023, sharing her years of expertise in healthcare with our patients. Christina’s journey in healthcare began with a Bachelor of Science from Oregon Health Science University, where she embarked on her career as a registered nurse in 2005. Her experience spans various domains, from emergency medicine and critical care transport to labor and delivery and pediatrics. Passionate about addressing sensitive issues, Christina served as a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) in the emergency department of Sky Lakes Medical Center for several years, providing compassionate care to survivors. Committed to advancing her knowledge and skills, she obtained her degree as a family nurse practitioner from Gonzaga University in 2022 and applied her skills in the field of cardiology. At our Child Advocacy Center, Christina extends her expertise beyond cardiology, focusing on child maltreatment. Continuously expanding her understanding and skills in this critical area, she remains dedicated to providing comprehensive care and support to our community’s most vulnerable members.
Samantha Fenner, MS – Clinical Manager & Child Forensic Interviewer
Samantha joined CARES in 2006 as a forensic interviewer and rose to the position of clinical manager in 2022. In addition to managing the operations of CARES and coordinating MDTs in both Klamath and Lake Counties, she continues to interview children. With over 1000 interviews under her belt, she brings extensive experience and compassion to her role. Her academic journey includes an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice, a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies (with minors in Health Studies and Criminology), a Master of Science in Psychology and a Healthcare Leadership Certificate from Oregon State University. Samantha is a faculty member of the OCAS forensic interviewer training team who trains forensic interviewers and first responders across Oregon. She is also a contributing author to the Oregon Interviewing Guidelines (5th). She’s an active member of American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC), Oregon Child Abuse Solutions (OCAS), and the National Children’s Alliance (NCA). Beyond her professional commitments, Sam coaches youth volleyball, embodying her dedication to empowering young individuals.
Linda Harris – Intake/Operations Manager
Linda Harris is the cornerstone of the Child Advocacy Center as the Intake/Operations Manager. With an unwavering dedication since 2006, Linda’s journey began as the compassionate Intake Coordinator, serving as the first point of contact for non-offending families navigating the CARES process. Her role extends beyond mere coordination; Linda embodies empathy, providing solace and guidance during what can be tumultuous times. Beyond her pivotal role in direct client support, Linda is instrumental in fostering seamless collaboration among multidisciplinary agencies, ensuring a comprehensive approach to each case. Her meticulous attention to detail ensures that every piece of client information is handled with the utmost care and confidentiality. Yet, Linda’s impact transcends the immediate. She is a driving force behind the development and implementation of organizational strategies, policies, and practices. Her vision and expertise shape CARES into a beacon of hope and support for vulnerable children and families, guiding them towards healing and justice. Linda’s commitment to excellence and tireless advocacy make her an indispensable asset to the Child Advocacy Center and the community it serves.
Andrea “Annie” Mitchell – Child Forensic Interviewer
Annie’s journey with CARES began in 2015 when she joined as a forensic interviewer. Her passion for child welfare was ignited during her tenure as a child welfare specialist for the Klamath Tribes in Chiloquin. There, she tirelessly advocated for the rights of children enrolled or eligible for tribal enrollment, whose families were navigating the complexities of the Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Welfare Program. Before her time with the Klamath Tribes, Annie spent six impactful years as a Social Services Specialist 1/Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Liaison with DHS Child Welfare in Albany, Oregon. In this role, she was a steadfast ally for vulnerable families, working tirelessly to ensure that federally recognized tribes across the United States were actively engaged in ICWA cases. Her dedication extended beyond paperwork; she was committed to ensuring that active efforts were not just a legal formality, but a tangible support system for families, applied thoughtfully in court proceedings. Annie’s academic journey laid a strong foundation for her advocacy work. She earned her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Western Oregon University, equipping her with a holistic understanding of the interconnected issues facing children and families in need. Today, Annie continues to bring her expertise and compassion to CARES, where she remains dedicated to championing the rights and well-being of every child she serves.
Paula Martin – Family Advocate and Volunteer Coordinator
Paula joined CARES in 2015, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and experience in advocacy and mentorship gained from her dedicated work with non-profit organizations such as Friends of the Children and the Klamath Advocacy Center. Her journey in supporting children’s well-being extends further as she worked closely with children with disabilities within the Klamath Falls City Schools. While pursuing her education at Truckee Meadows Community College, Paula remains committed to enhancing her expertise in child and family mental health, education, and social services through ongoing coursework. Her profound passion for humanity and dedication to working with diverse populations radiate through both her professional endeavors at CARES and her personal efforts in making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.
Paul Ocon – Director of Maternal and Child Health
Paul Ocon, a seasoned healthcare leader with a passion for pediatric care, joined the Sky Lakes Family in April 2022 as the Maternal and Child Director. With a wealth of experience garnered from serving in various pediatric hospitals across the United States, Paul brings a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of maternal and child healthcare. In his role at Sky Lakes Medical Center, Paul oversees the comprehensive spectrum of maternal and child services, including the CARES Child Advocacy Center, a vital resource for Klamath and Lake Counties as well as Northern California. His dedication to ensuring the well-being of families is evident in his commitment to providing optimal care and support. Throughout his career, Paul has demonstrated his versatility and proficiency in numerous patient care settings, including Maternal Fetal Units, Neonatal Intensive Care Units, Surgical departments (Maternal/Fetal & Pediatric), Emergency departments, Intensive Care units (Pediatric and Adult), and Infusion therapy services. His diverse experience equips him with a holistic perspective on healthcare delivery, enabling him to navigate complex challenges with skill and compassion. Paul holds a master’s degree in public administration and is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives, reflecting his dedication to professional excellence and continuous learning in the healthcare field. Paul Ocon embodies Sky Lakes Medical Center’s mission to provide exceptional care and support to families, ensuring they receive the highest quality services tailored to their unique needs. Through his leadership and dedication, he continues to make a profound impact on the health and welfare of the community he serves.