top of page

CALICO CENTER & CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY CENTERS OF CALIFORNIA STAFF

Kristy Picture_110222_edited_edited.avif

Kristy Brodeur Dermody

Senior Forensic Interviewer/Training Director

Kristy joined CALICO in 1997 and works as a Forensic Interviewer and CALICO’s Training Coordinator. Since 2015, Kristy has also been the statewide training coordinator for the Children’s Advocacy Center of California (CACC) program. Kristy has conducted trainings throughout California and the US. Before CALICO, she was part of an MDT that went to Zambia to train their national police force and Zambian prosecutors on child forensic interviewing. Kristy is a tenured faculty member at John F Kennedy University. In 2012, Kristy received the National Children’s Advocacy Center’s award for Outstanding Service Award.

 

Favorite Childhood Book: The Little Mermaid - Hans Christian Andersen

Favorite Childhood Game or Activity: Horseback riding on my giant, Billy

Current Hobby: Avid bike rider, but hates hills!

IMG_6791_Bertha_edited_edited_edited.avif

Bertha Nevárez

Senior Forensic Interviewer/Program Manager

Bertha started working at CALICO in January 1999. Since her start, Bertha has conducted almost 6,500 forensic interviews! Bertha works closely with all of our partner agencies and answers all of CALICO’s after-hours and weekend pages. In addition, Bertha facilitates Spanish peer reviews for Spanish-speaking forensic interviewers throughout the state. Before CALICO, Bertha worked for Alameda Alliance providing psycho-social case management to HIV+ clients. She also was the HIV Testing Coordinator for two hospitals and five clinics and an HIV Outreach Coordinator.

Favorite Childhood Book: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl

Favorite Childhood Game or Activity: Riding my bike around the neighborhood for hours

Current hobby: Traveling around the world and her current favorite place is anywhere!

IMG_4962_edited.jpg

Christi Waybright

Forensic Interviewer

Christi joined CALICO in May of 2026. Prior to joining the team, Christi worked as a Detective with the
Newark Police Department and a Crime Analyst for the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office. She holds a
Master of Science in Administration of Justice and Security, and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Administration from the University of Phoenix.

Favorite Childhood Book: Green Eggs and Ham – Dr. Seuss

Favorite Childhood Game or Activity: Playing Soccer!

Current hobby: Golfing and performing in musicals

IMG_4791_edited.jpg

Yeti

Registered Service Dog

Yeti joined CALICO in May of 2026. Prior to joining the team, Yeti worked with his handler at the San
Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office. Yeti is a registered service animal, specifically trained to alert his handler
when triggers occur.

Favorite Childhood Book: Where’s Spot? – Eric Hill

Favorite Childhood Game or Activity: Playing chase with my brother and cousin!

Current hobby: Going on walks to the park and playing with new friends

Bianca Pic Website_edited_edited.avif

Bianca Peralta

Family Advocate

Bianca joined CALICO in September 2024. Prior to joining the team, she worked in customer service and volunteered with Fresh Lifelines for Youth (FLY), supporting system-involved youth through mentorship and resource navigation. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, East Bay.

 

Favorite Childhood Book: Sideways Stories from Wayside School - Louis Sachar

Favorite Childhood Activity: Pool days with my siblings and playing the Wii

Current Hobbies: Going to the GYM!

FullSizeRender.jpeg

Jesse Schultz

Family Advocate

Jesse joined Calico in May of 2026. Prior to this, Jesse worked as a Victim Advocate with the District Attorney's Office in Ventura County supporting victims of violent crime. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Tulane University. Jesse's role at Calico as a Family Advocate is to provide direct support and services to non-offending caregivers.

 

Favorite Childhood Book: Goodnight Moon and The Berenstain Bears

Favorite Childhood Activity: Playing Candyland

Current Hobbies: Dancing and hiking

d6e85c_ac50364c1d1d46d0913e603ad3917b1a~mv2.avif

Mara Brainerd

Office Manager/Intake Coordinator

Mara joined CALICO in September 2024. Prior to that, she worked as an office manager at a nonprofit foster family agency, where she facilitated a support group for teen girls. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University, East Bay. In her role at CALICO, Mara helps maintain a warm and welcoming environment for clients, partners, and staff.

 

Favorite Childhood Book: The Velveteen Rabbit - Margery Williams

Favorite Childhood Game or Activity: Swimming

Current Hobby: Cooking, traveling, being outdoors

Fleming Pic_edited_edited_edited_edited_edited (1).avif

Holly Fleming

CACC Program Director

Holly Fleming is the Program Director for CALICO’s Children’s Advocacy Centers of California (CACC) program. She joined CALICO in 2014 as a Forensic Interviewer. Before that, Holly worked in a community clinic as an MFT trainee providing counseling to adults, children, and families. Holly holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. Some of her recent accomplishments include completing a Trauma Justice Fellowship with the Women’s Policy Institute and sitting on the Equity Advisory Group for the All Children Thrive – California Initiative.

 

​Favorite Childhood Book: Stellaluna - Janell Cannon

Favorite Childhood Activity: Playing with Barbies

Current Hobbies: Reading, surfing, skiing, and seeing live music

bottom of page