Executive Director

Rebekah Paredes, MS

For Rebekah, work is more than a profession, it is a deep commitment rooted in the belief that every child and family deserves safety, dignity, and the opportunity to heal.

For more than 26 years, she has dedicated her career to the nonprofit and community services sector, working alongside survivors, families, and community partners to build systems of support that are compassionate, accessible, and effective.

Rebekah recently relocated from Maine to North Carolina to lead SAFEchild and further its mission to protect children and strengthen families. She previously served as Executive Director of New Hope Midcoast, the regional domestic violence resource center serving four counties.

Her leadership is grounded in collaboration, strategic vision, and a commitment to centering the voices and needs of those served. Rebekah brings expertise in strategic planning, program growth, and communications, and she is especially passionate about building strong community partnerships that create lasting change for children and families.

Meet Rebekah

Development Director

Anna Jackson

Anna Jackson joined SAFEchild in 2017 and serves as Director of Development, leading fundraising, partnerships, and board engagement in support of Wake County’s only accredited Children’s Advocacy Center.

With nearly two decades of nonprofit fundraising experience, Anna is known for her direct, relationship-driven approach and her ability to build momentum when it matters most. She is focused on strengthening revenue, deepening community investment, and ensuring SAFEchild has the resources to meet a growing demand for services.

She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and was a North Carolina Teaching Fellow. Fun fact: Anna once worked as a tour guide in the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador!

Finance and Operations Director

Mary Poole, MA

Mary Poole joined SAFEchild in November 2022 with over 30 years of leadership experience in the non-profit, cultural and health/wellness industries. She was the President & CEO of Artspace in Raleigh for 19 years where she provided the executive direction and oversaw all aspects of the organization, including strategic planning, budgeting, financial planning, fundraising, board governance and marketing communications.

As Finance & Operations Director at SAFEchild, Mary is responsible for planning, implementing, and managing the organization’s financial and operational activities.

Mary received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA and a Master of Arts in Arts Administration from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. In 2012, she received an Executive Education Certificate from the Harvard Kennedy School for Performance Measurement for Effective Management of Nonprofit Organizations.

Program Director

Amirah Saintyl, MSW, LCSW

Amirah arrived at SAFEchild in March 2024 with over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit, public, and private sectors. She most recently served as a facilitator for Wake County Department of Health & Human Services and as a clinician with Carolina Outreach.

As Program Director at SAFEchild NC, Amirah oversees programs that strengthen community connections, provide prevention and intervention services, and create sustainable, positive outcomes for children and families. Her leadership is grounded in collaboration, open communication, psychological safety, and a commitment to fairness and accessibility. She is passionate about developing strong teams, encouraging innovation, and building environments where staff feel supported and empowered.

Amirah earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology with a concentration in criminal justice from William Paterson University, a Master of Science in justice and security from the University of Phoenix, and a Master of Social Work from North Carolina State University. She is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in North Carolina.

SAFEchild Advocacy Center Director

Nakisha Biglow

Nakisha Biglow joined SAFEchild in September 2025 with over 16 years of experience in child advocacy and multidisciplinary team leadership. She most recently served as Director of Partner Relations at the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, where she oversaw collaboration among law enforcement, child protection, medical, prosecutorial partners and the advocacy center to ensure children and families received comprehensive services.

As Advocacy Center Director at SAFEchild, Nakisha leads programs that strengthen partnerships, support families, and protect children. Her leadership is rooted in collaboration, transparency, and a servant-leader approach that empowers staff and partners to provide the highest quality services.

Nakisha earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Lamar University and began her career as a Child Protective Services investigator before transitioning to forensic interviewing and leadership roles in multidisciplinary team coordination.