Independent Review Board
Kathy Fincham
Former Assistant Prosecuting Attorney of Jackson County, former Assistant U.S. Attorney
Bachelor of Arts in History, Georgetown University; law degree from Kent College of Law in Chicago
(1982-1995) Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, led what was then called the Sex Crimes Unit
(1995-2015) U.S. Attorney’s Office, first in General Crimes Unit and the Narcotics Unit before moving to the Computer Crimes and Child Exploitation Unit. From 2001 until her retirement in 2015, Fincham prosecuted the most serious child exploitation cases in the Western District of Missouri.
IRB member since Dec. 2018/Jan. 2019
“Over the course of investigation and prosecution, I have listened to and consoled victims and their families. I’ve seen the damage done through the eyes of the victimized. I have gained appreciation for the damage and longevity of that damae from sexual and physical abuse.”
“I’ve become sensitive to victims, their rights and their problems,” Fincham continued. “I have an enhanced appreciation of the victims’ rights.”
Amy M. Dublinske
Medical Pediatric Therapist—Children’s Mercy Hospital
Master of Science in Clinical and Counseling Psychology (University of Central Missouri), Missouri License in Professional Counseling
Married for 20 years to Neil, three children; enjoys swimming, running & scrapbooking; recipient of the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance Volunteer of the Year award (2007)
IRB member since 2014
“I’ve always been an advocate for children… providing a voice for those without the ability to advocate for themselves. For over twenty years, I have worked with children in the child protection system, conducting child abuse investigations with the state of Missouri and now working with pediatric patients at Children’s Mercy Hospital. I also help with the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA) here in Kansas City, and am a member of the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children.”
Joyce Estes
Former Executive Director—Northwest Missouri Children’s Advocacy Center
Bachelor of Science in Education, Master of Education and Counseling, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Three children and ten grandchildren; enjoys reading, traveling, woodworking and playing games with friends; recipient of the Leona Rivers Jewell Award in Recognition of Exemplary Service to Child Victims of Sexual Abuse (1994 & 2014); Optimist Club Respect for Law (2012)
IRB Member since 2014
“I have worked with abused children for thirty years, counseling both children and adults who had been sexually abused. I am currently on the Governor’s Task Force for Child Abuse, and have worked with Missouri Kids First to advocate for children. Over the past twelve years, I have also served as director of the Children’s Advocacy Center. Most of my life’s work has been to prevent child sexual abuse and bring healing to child victims.”
Sr. Suzanne Fitzmaurice, OSB
Associate Director—Keeler Women’s Center
Bachelor of Arts in Education and Ministry (Creighton University), Master of Theology Studies (Franciscan School of Theology)
Religious sister with the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica, Atchison, KS; enjoys training, watching movies and listening to music; worked at the Child Saving Institute (Omaha, NE)
IRB member since 2012
“Working with young people the last 30 years, I have seen the traumatic effects of not only abuse but of the lack of response on the part of various church officials. It is important that we not only have systems in place to protect our young people, but also that when something does occur we respond appropriately.”
