Forgotten Victims: The Forensic Interview

How does trauma affect memory—and why does it matter when working with victims?

In this episode of Forgotten Victims, Staci is joined by MCG Senior Consultant Dermot Whelan, Police Sgt., Retired., for an insightful conversation about the science of memory, how our memories are formed, and what happens to memory when someone experiences a traumatic event.

Understanding the impact of trauma on memory can help professionals move b...

What’s the difference between a forensic interview and a forensic evaluation—and why does it matter?

In this episode of Forgotten Victims, Geoff Sidoli breaks down the distinct purposes of forensic interviews and forensic evaluations, explaining when each is appropriate and how they work together within investigations involving children. Geoff discusses the goals, methodologies, and outcomes of both processes, while high...

In this episode, Scott and Staci are joined by Sergeant Timothy F. X. Grant about the importance of working on a multi disciplinary team and collaborating with adult protective services. From his perspective in the field, Sergeant Grant discusses how multidisciplinary teamwork strengthens investigations, improves outcomes for vulnerable adults, and bridges the gap between protection and prosecution.

Sergeant Timothy F. X. Grantis a ...

In this episode, Staci Whitney, LMSW, is joined by Teresa Teeple, the Tennessee State Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Teresa brings her deep expertise and experience to address common misunderstandings about what an Ombudsman does. From advocating for residents’ rights to navigating complex long-term care systems, Teresa sheds light on this vital role. This episode highlights the importance of advocacy in long-term care settings an...

What is Facilitated Communication? In this episode, Scott and Staci unpack how this method—often described as assisted typing for individuals with disabilities—has sparked debate in clinical and legal settings.

CEO, Scott Modell, Ph.D. and Senior Director, Staci Whitney, LMSW, explore how this method is intended to support communication, but the lack of reliable data prove its ineffectiveness. They explore why it should ...

In this episode, Scott and Staci dive into the misconceptions surrounding autism spectrum disorder (ASD)—particularly as they relate to emotional expression and perception during forensic interviews and investigations.

CEO, Scott Modell, Ph.D. and Senior Director, Staci Whitney, LMSW explore how traditional assumptions can lead investigators to misread emotional cues or dismiss credible disclosures from individuals with autism...

In this episode, Staci Whitney, LMSW is joined by disability advocate, Megan Young. Megan shares her lived experiences as a woman with a disability and the incredible advocacy work she is doing at Project Everlast in Nebraska. Project Everlast is a statewide, youth-led initiative committed to providing resources, connections and support to young adults without family support. Their goal is to empower young adults to build successfu...

In this episode, Staci and MCG Senior Consultant, Dermot Whelan, Police Sgt., Retired, are joined by the newest MCG team member, Senior Consultant and Legal Advisor, Rachel Dunn, J.D. Drawing from her own experiences and expertise, Rachel describes things she has seen in investigations that have been useful for her as a prosecutor when building a strong case.

Rachel Dunn is a Senior Consultant and the Legal Advisor for Modell Consu...

In this episode, Scott Modell, Ph.D. and Staci Whitney, LMSW, are joined by retired Assistant District Attorney for the City and County of San Francisco, Candace J. Heisler, J.D. More recently Candace's work has been a consultant and trainer regarding elder abuse, domestic violence, and abuse in later life. She also worked with MCG to develop our suite of SAFE trainings for interviewing older adults who are alleged victims of crime...

In this episode, Staci Whitney, LMSW and MCG Senior Consultant Kate Homan, MS are joined by the Chair of the Forensic Psychology Department at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Dr. Diana Orem, Ph.D., MS. Drawing from her own experiences, Diana explains her shift to working with individuals with disabilities and vulnerable populations. She developed a training protocol for Law Enforcement and First Responders in Yavapai County, ...

In this episode, Staci Whitney, LMSW and MCG Senior Consultant, Kate Homan MS are joined by Program Director for the Children's Advocacy Centers of Michigan, Joshua Bissell. Josh shares his experience working on a project that works to improve the forensic interview system for marginalized and vulnerable communities. Over the last two years, his team created a training that explains why forensic interviewers need to focus on bias a...

In this episode, Scott Modell, Ph.D. and Staci Whitney, LMSW are joined by Executive Director of the Adult Advocacy Centers, Katherine Yoder, MS, CFI. Katherine shares her experience as an individual with Autism and also discusses emerging trends she's recognized in the disability field.

Katherine Yoder is a certified forensic interviewer and a person with disabilities herself. For more than 20 years she has worked with people with ...

In this episode, Staci and Senior Consultant, Kate Homan MS are joined by Linda Cordisco-Steele M.Ed., LPC to discuss her experience as the Director of Forensic Interview Training and Services at the National Children's Advocacy Center. As an experienced forensic interviewer, Linda discusses what keeps her motivated to continue this great work and how continued learning is essential for interviewers in the field.

Linda is a child fo...

In this episode, Staci and Senior Consultant, Kate Homan MS are joined by Julie Kenniston, MSW to discuss her experience as a forensic interviewer and trainer. Julie talks about what she observes during trainings that would be helpful for interviewers and investigators as we think about the multi-disciplinary approach.

Julie Kenniston, MSW, LISW is a Program Manager for the National Criminal Justice Training Center of Fox Valley Tec...