The mission of the Indiana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse & Suicide is clear - to prevent youth abuse and save lives. Our team is dedicated to creating awareness that 95% of abuse is preventable and providing critical resources necessary to give hope to those who have lost their way. We will work with our communities to make sure that evidence-based curriculum is in place, so both youth and adults, can be empowered to protect, prevent, and create a personal mission to end abuse, once and for all. 

Our team may be small, but the difference we make is huge. Each of us has made it our personal mission to prevent abuse and suicide among our youth. We believe education is the key, and by empowering both young people and adults, we are working toward a future where abuse no longer exists.

This isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. We have seen firsthand the life-changing impact of prevention programs in schools, sports teams, churches, and homes. We understand how vital open, honest conversations are in breaking down stigmas, changing perceptions, and reducing fear around these critical topics.

We know that through education, awareness, and action, we can stop abuse before it starts and save lives.. 

  • Lauren Ayers

  • Megan Banet

    Director of Programs

    megan@indianaprevention.org

  • Erin Leraris

    Lead Education Specialist

    erin@indianaprevention.org

  • Beth Mitchell-McCoy

    Lead Education Specialist

    beth@indianaprevention.org

  • Melissa Peregrin

    Executive Director

    melissa@indianaprevention.org


Child Safety Specialists

Desi Ash
Levi Bolinger
Lindsey Brown

Faron Luce
Kelli Mariutto
Reema Rammaha

Social Media Coordinator

Colleen O’Malia Stine

Chaucie Quillen was born on September 3, 1974, in Carmel, where she excelled academically and athletically. However, beneath this seemingly idyllic life lay a painful truth: she endured sexual abuse from her father starting at the age of 10. In a courageous act, Chaucie reported the abuse when she turned 18. Her father faced prosecution, but after a two-week trial, the jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict. The case was ultimately resolved through plea negotiations, resulting in a conviction for sexual battery but leaving Chaucie feeling unheard and unsupported by the legal system. Tragically, on December 26, 1995, the weight of her experiences led Chaucie to take her own life.

The aftermath of Chaucie's case prompted reflection among those involved, sparking a collective desire to prevent similar tragedies for other victims of abuse in Hamilton County. This effort culminated in the establishment of Chaucie’s Place on April 30, 2001, focusing on the prevention of abuse and suicide. Through an evidence-based curriculum, the organization educates and empowers both youth and adults, making a significant impact on thousands of children in the community.

In recent years, new legislation has opened doors to expand the organization's reach across Indiana. In 2019, Chaucie’s Place became the Indiana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse & Suicide to reflect this broader mission while continuing to emphasize the principles of courage, strength, and empowerment that define Chaucie's legacy. The commitment to preventing abuse and suicide remains steadfast, marked by an ongoing dedication to educational initiatives and partnerships within the community.

We will continue our mission of prevention.

We will continue our commitment to education.

We will never stop making a difference in the lives of the children and adults we serve.

Kristopher Luce, President - Martin Marietta
Kelly Kaufman, CFP®, CWS®,CDFA™, Vice President - Charles Schwab
Shara M. Eloms MSN, RN, NE-BC, Secretary - Adult Academic Health Center at Indiana University Health
Melissa Lorson, Treasurer – Helmer Scientific
Matt Clark- CE Solutions, Inc.
Brian Griffiths - Construct Connect
Elizabeth Linden, DNP, RN, NE-BC– Indiana University Health Methodist Hospital
Tom Linkmeyer
Toni Richins - Consort HR
Pat Riley - MacAllister Machinery Co., Inc.

Our Board of Directors

Dr. Judith Campbell
Charles Jeffras
Jon Kizer
Kim Lane
Beth Stickles McDaniel
Dave Schnase
Tom Shine
Dan Stevens

Honorary Board Members