Alaka Ayres, BA

Alaka began her career in Child Welfare as a Child Protective Services Social Worker. In 2005, she transitioned to working with Child Advocacy Centers as a forensic interviewer. There, she collaborated closely with community partners to develop Community Response Guidelines aimed at enhancing investigations involving children and was instrumental in establishing the Children’s Advocacy Center which opened its doors in 2005.

For 15 years, Alaka served as the primary Forensic Interviewer, coordinated Forensic Interview Peer Reviews, provided training and support to new Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) partners, and supervised emerging forensic interviewers. Alaka has conducted over 2,000 forensic interviews and has served as an expert witness throughout North Carolina.

In 2020, Alaka joined Children’s Advocacy Center of Charlotte as a Forensic Interviewer and Intake Specialist. She quickly advanced to the role of Multidisciplinary Team Coordinator and, in October 2024, was promoted to Director of Multidisciplinary Partnerships. Passionate about child protection, Alaka strongly advocates for the MDT approach to addressing child abuse and exploitation. In her leadership position, she actively collaborates with MDT partners, ensuring they have the necessary resources, support, and training to effectively address child abuse cases. Alaka is dedicated to achieving positive outcomes and implementing best practices for children and teens impacted by sexual abuse, physical abuse, child sexual exploitation, and violence. She continuously engages MDT partners at all levels to strengthen key relationships and enhance collaborative efforts.