SUMMARY:

In this episode of TLC Connections, Julie Knudsen sits down with Mary Anders of the Montgomery County Child Advocacy Project (MCAP) for a powerful conversation about what it means to truly advocate for children facing abuse, neglect, and the legal system.

The conversation explores the full scope of MCAP’s work, from representing children in protection from abuse cases to helping navigate adoption, foster care, and complex family dynamics. Mary also highlights the importance of partnerships with law enforcement, child welfare agencies, and community organizations to provide comprehensive support.

A particularly powerful part of the discussion focuses on MCAP’s use of a trained therapy dog, Nutmeg, who helps children regulate anxiety and trauma during court proceedings. Mary also reflects on her own career shift—from investigating crimes to walking alongside children and families through the healing process—and emphasizes a central message: children need to be listened to, believed, and supported.

GUEST BIO:

Mary Anders is the Deputy Executive Director of the Montgomery County Child Advocacy Project (MCAP), where she oversees daily operations and supports the organization’s mission of ensuring that children involved in abuse and neglect cases have a voice in the legal system.

Mary brings decades of experience in child protection and investigation. She began her career with the Montgomery County Detective Bureau, where she investigated major crimes, including child abuse cases, and later led the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. She also worked in higher education, leading Title IX investigations and campus safety efforts.

Since joining MCAP, Mary has shifted from investigation to advocacy—helping coordinate legal representation, partnerships, and services that support children from the beginning of a case through its resolution and beyond. She is passionate about ensuring that children are heard, supported, and connected to the resources they need to heal and move forward.

Learn more about MCAP: https://www.mcapkids.org/maryanders

Connect with Mary on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-anders-303509a7/

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Montgomery County Child Advocacy Project (MCAP) https://www.mcapkids.org
• The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth https://thelincolncenter.com
• Pennsylvania Child Welfare Information https://www.keepkidssafe.pa.gov
• Victim Services Center of Montgomery County https://www.victimservicescenter.org
• Mary Anders – LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-anders-303509a7/

SPONSOR:

The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth (TLC) is a social enterprise company based in the Greater Philadelphia Area. Founded in 1970 by a behavioral health hospital, TLC is an entrepreneurial nonprofit providing innovative education, coaching, and counseling services to individuals and families, as well as grant writing and management services for school districts and universities.