Championing Hope: Highland Woods Resident Melanie Pignotti
Since moving to Highland Woods in 2022, Melanie Pignotti and her family have embraced the warmth, beauty, and strong sense of community in the neighborhood. For Melanie, being part of a close-knit community extends beyond her personal life—it’s deeply embedded in her professional mission to protect and support children who have experienced trauma.
Melanie is the Chief Executive Officer of the Children’s Advocacy Center of North and Northwest Cook County (CAC), a nonprofit dedicated to providing critical services for young survivors of abuse and violence. With nearly three years leading the organization and a total of eight years with CAC, she has dedicated her career to advocating for the most vulnerable. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and trained Forensic Interviewer with 17 years of experience, Melanie plays an integral role in ensuring that children’s voices are heard, their safety is protected, and their healing is supported.
CAC serves 38 communities across the northern and northwestern suburbs, spanning from Evanston to Elgin and Buffalo Grove to Bartlett. The organization provides free, trauma-informed services in both English and Spanish, creating a safe space for children referred by law enforcement or the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). CAC’s expert forensic interviews, advocacy, and mental health services are designed to empower young survivors, strengthen families, and reduce the impact of trauma so children can reclaim their childhoods and move forward with confidence.
The work Melanie leads is essential, but it comes with emotional challenges. Supporting children who have endured violence can take a toll, leading to compassion fatigue and secondary trauma. However, through strong organizational support, professional development, and a commitment to self-care, Melanie ensures that CAC’s staff remains resilient and equipped to make a lasting difference. She prioritizes the mental health of her team, recognizing that their well-being directly influences the care and advocacy provided to children and families.
The impact of CAC’s programs is profound:
- Children feel empowered to share their experiences in a safe and supportive environment. One child shared, “The openness and ability to talk made me feel safe.”
- Families find hope, knowing they have expert support to navigate the crisis. A parent expressed, “I felt understood and was given guidance to help my daughter.”
- Communities are strengthened through CAC’s collaborative approach, which brings together law enforcement, DCFS, the State’s Attorney’s Office, and healthcare professionals to ensure the child’s well-being and reduce additional trauma.
- Clients receive expert counseling that improves their emotional and physical health, equipping them with coping mechanisms to prevent future Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). As one young client said, “Me da mucha confianza,” which translates to “It gives me a lot of confidence.”
CAC has hosted four major events to raise awareness and support for its mission:
- April was Child Abuse Prevention Month – Community members can show support by displaying CAC yard signs. Learn more at cachelps.org/capm-pinwheel-gardens.
- May 8: The Resilient Self Symposium – An all-day educational event for social service providers and first responders. Details at cachelps.org/symposium.
- May 15: WONDER Fundraiser – Held at NOW Arena, this signature event features vintage games, midway marvels, and carnival-style food to raise critical funds for CAC.
- June 21: The Root Beer Float Run – A family-friendly 5K and 10K event at the Bell Works campus in Hoffman Estates, with a 50-yard dash for kids.
With statistics showing that 1 in 5 adult women and 1 in 20 adult men experienced sexual violence as a child or teen, Melanie emphasizes that “everybody knows somebody” affected by this issue. By getting to know CAC and supporting its mission, the community can make a tangible difference in the lives of young survivors.
To learn more, volunteer, or donate, visit cachelps.org.