Denver Children's Advocacy Center
In Collaboration with Project Pave Present

Presenter Biographies

 Dr. Gizane Indart
Gizane Indart is a bilingual and bicultural professional with over 20 years of experience working with traumatized children and their families. Gizane is a ChildTrauma fellow at the ChildTrauma Academy under the direction of Dr. Bruce Perry. She is a seasoned public speaker and trainer, presenting locally, nationally and internationally on the impact of abuse and neglect in early development, attachment difficulties in children exposed to maltreatment, and sexualized behaviors in children. Gizane is a contributing author to The Web of Meaning, by Gail Ryan and Associates (1999 Safer Society Press), writing on the short-term outcomes of sexual abuse.  Gizane has served on the Kempe Children's Center Perpetration Prevention Study Group since 1992; she is also a member of the International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, the Advisory Counsel for the Colorado Coalition of Adoptive Families and the Women's Foundation of Colorado Program Committee.

Courtney Holmes, Child and Family Therapist
Courtney Holmes is a master's level marriage and family therapist whose area of specialization is working with children that have developmental delays due to trauma or genetic factors.  She has extensive training in administering developmental assessments and in working with children who have sleep disturbances. Courtney also specializes in DIR-Floortime (Developmental, Individual-Difference, Relationship-Based, or "DIR® Floortime), which is particularly helpful in working with children who have developmental problems. Courtney previously worked as a parent education specialist, leading trainings for the California Office of Childcare on how to recognize the warning signs of abuse in families under stress.  

Carolyn Ajie, LCSW, Director of Education and Facilitator - Denver Adult Down Syndrome Clinic
An experienced therapist and advocate for individuals and families facing concerns about disabilities, learning delays and exceptional learning abilities.  Carolyn received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Denver.  In additional to developing the ALIVE! Program, Carolyn serves as the Children's Division Director for Roundup Fellowship.  Each summer she works at Adam's Camp, continuing the development of the Leadership program for young adults with disabilities.