What is an Early Intervention Advocate?
Early Intervention Advocates (EIAs) are college-educated, credentialed professionals appointed by Hamilton County Superior Court 1, uniquely qualified to support and guide at-risk youth and their families. Employed by Hamilton County, EIAs work within the Hamilton County Youth Assistance Program (HCYAP) and serve six school districts: Carmel, Fishers, Hamilton Heights, Sheridan, Noblesville, and Westfield. Under the leadership of HCYAP Director Tricia Akers, these advocates collaborate closely with local partners to provide tailored, community-centered support for youth facing challenging life circumstances.
Each EIA is deeply embedded in their respective community, drawing on their extensive training and expertise to build relationships and design individualized support plans for at-risk youth. They work directly with families to address specific challenges and help young people develop strengths, skills, and resilience. EIAs take a strengths-based, compassionate approach, developing plans that are voluntary, confidential, and entirely free to families.
Youth are referred to an EIA through local sources such as school counselors, the Prosecutor’s Office, law enforcement, the Department of Child Services (DCS), therapists, and pediatricians, as well as self-referrals from families. For referrals that come through the Prosecutor’s Office, often for minor offenses like truancy or incorrigibility, EIAs may introduce behavior contracts to help youth avoid further involvement in the legal system. By connecting families with essential resources and providing ongoing support, EIAs help youth achieve lasting, positive change. If a family declines or a plan is unsuccessful, the case may be returned to the Prosecutor’s Office as a last resort.
Beyond individual support, EIAs play a critical role in maintaining and strengthening partnerships with local organizations—schools, businesses, volunteers, donors, and service agencies. These connections allow EIAs to provide youth with a robust support network and essential services, often creating new resources when necessary. Their efforts are guided by the principle of “whatever it takes” to ensure youth and families receive the support they need to succeed.
As appointed Hamilton County employees, EIAs bring their specialized training and expertise to the role, with a commitment to helping youth thrive. They are equipped with the knowledge, experience, and dedication needed to make a real impact on the lives of Hamilton County’s young people. By working alongside families and empowering them to take ownership of their progress, EIAs build stronger, more resilient communities and create pathways for brighter futures.
Early Intervention Advocates
Megan Contreras
Languages: English, Spanish
About Megan:
I moved to Westfield with my family in 1994, graduated from Westfield HS and completed my BA at Butler, Master’s at Marian & was also able to attend a Mexican university and lived in Mexico for about 2 years in my younger years.
My first job out of college was as a contractor with US Customs & Border Protection and while I learned a lot, I’ve always loved working with youth and my background is education; prior to this role, I taught Spanish at the middle school and high school levels.
I learned about WYAP in 2017, and I wasn’t expecting to come across such a dynamic program that works holistically with the youth and their families; I was so pleased that I could serve the families in my own community including the Latinx population of Westfield! I love what I get to do. I wish every community had this program, and I’m so lucky to be able to serve under a program model that works!
Carla Hipskind
Languages: English, Portuguese, and Spanish
About CARLA:
Originally from Brazil, I earned my Bachelor of Science degree before moving to Indianapolis to learn English and explore new opportunities for growth. Portuguese is my first language, and through my professional experiences I also became fluent in Spanish. This ability to connect across languages has allowed me to build meaningful relationships with families from diverse backgrounds, especially within the Latino community. I have always had a heart for serving others, particularly those who, like me, have experienced the challenges of adapting to a new culture and learning a new language. I understand firsthand the courage it takes to start over in a new place and the importance of feeling supported and understood along the way.
As an Early Intervention Advocate at Westfield Youth Program, I am passionate about creating safe and welcoming spaces where children and families can thrive. I believe that early support and strong community connections can make a lasting difference in a child’s life. My goal is to help families feel empowered, valued, and confident as they navigate each step of their journey.
Amy Prater
Languages: English
About Amy:
I graduated from Hamilton Heights HS and completed my BS at Ball State University in Criminal Justice and Criminology. While in college, I started working as a juvenile corrections officer, at the Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Center. It was there that my passion grew for helping youth in need and changing lives.
After graduating from Ball State University in 2006, I began working with youth in our community who were struggling behaviorally, emotionally and mentally. My role as a Hamilton County juvenile probation officer went beyond the perception of a punitive figure in the justice system. I became a part of the support system helping my clients learn new skills, find resources, reach their goals, and fostered positive decision-making.
My passion to serve others and to advocate for youth and families in need led me to the Westfield Youth Assistance Program as an Early Intervention Advocate in 2022. I love being able to serve the Westfield Community and I feel privileged to work alongside our youth and families!
Amy Westrich
Languages: English
About Amy:
I am honored to join a mission-driven team that advocates for youth and their families facing challenging life circumstances. Educationally, I received my undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from Ball State University in 2006. I began my Master’s in Social Work at IUPUI years later and midway through, switched to a Master’s in School Counseling. I will graduate with an M.Ed. in School Counseling from Liberty University in August 2026. My professional journey as a Juvenile Probation Officer and a School Counselor (on a provisional license) has given me the opportunity to support young people and their families at many different stages — from prevention and early intervention to more formal systems involvement. These experiences have strengthened my belief that when we invest in prevention, build strong relationships, and collaborate with families and community partners, we create real opportunities for growth and healthy development.
I am deeply committed to supporting youth and their caregivers, helping them recognize their strengths, build resilience, and access community resources. As a parent raising three boys in this community, advocacy work is not just a professional passion — it is also personal. I am dedicated to partnering with families and utilizing our community’s diverse talents, services, and supports to help youth succeed.