The Golden Halo Awards were created in 2008 to recognize and honor outstanding contributions to the cause of child abuse prevention, intervention and advocacy in the Roanoke and New River Valleys. Since then, Children’s Trust has expanded the awards to encompass its growing service area, shining the spotlight on the commitment of local workers and volunteers who serve the Children’s Trust mission. Winners have distinguished themselves in one of the following categories:
    • Health & Human Services (2)
    • Law Enforcement
    • Legal/Judicial
    • Judge Phil Trumpeter Award – CASA
    • The Clarine Spetzler Guardian Angel award is presented to individuals who have made a significant contribution in raising awareness of child abuse.
In 2020 the Golden Halo Awards were postponed due to the pandemic. Children’s Trust is pleased to announce the return of the Golden Halo Awards Celebration on October 25, 2024. A luncheon will be held at Roanoke City Market’s Charter Hall from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Purchase tickets here! Donate here!

The 2023 winners:

Clarine Spetzler Guardian Angel Award – Emily Simpson & Jennifer Jones

Judge Philip Trompeter CASA Award – Laurie Gunn

Health & Human Services Award – Lisa Wade

Health & Human Services Award – Samara Lott

Law Enforcement Award – Sheriff Antonio Hash

Legal Professional Award – Cristina Agee

Our 2024 Golden Halo Sponsors

Want to see your organizations logo here for the 2024 Golden Halo Awards Celebration? Contact Executive Director Shawna Franklin at shawna.franklin@roact.org, or call (540) 344-3579 for more information!
  • Physicians to Children
  • Extra Ordinary Living
  • Joseph Davidson Inc
  • Life Center of Galax
  • Anderson, Desimone & Green
  • Carilion Children’s
  • Brown Insurance
  • Centra
  • Freedom First
  • John T. Morgan Roofing
  • J.M. Ford Associates
  • Roanoke VAlley Center for Sight/Vistar
  • First Citizens
  • Ridgeview Bank
  • Oakey’s Funeral Home
  • RBC Foundation
  • ES Interiors
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The 2024 Golden Halo Committee:
  • Ruth Cassell
  • Diane Kelly
  • Vickie Clarke
  • Kaitlyn Van Buskirk
  • Allison Oakey
  • Janet Crawford
  • Maureen “Mo” McClanahan
  • Julie Holt
  • Brian Powell
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Golden Halo Alums

2018 Celebration Winners
    • Angie Wooten ~ DSS
    • Elizabeth (Liz) Mortlock ~ CASA Volunteer
    • Karen & Josh Philips ~ Foster Parent
    • Michael Weiss ~ LE
    • Kelli Boyer ~ Legal/Judicial (Tie)
    • Holly Peters ~ Legal/Judicial (Tie)
    • Felicity Adams-Vanke ~ Medical
    • Angie Mitchell ~ Mental Health
    • Mary Dykstra ~ Guardian Angel
2019 Celebration Winners
    • Jenny Alexander ~ DSS
    • Jeanne Clerc ~ CASA
    • Sylvia & Dean Horton ~ Foster Parent
    • Adam Grubb, Michael Harmony, Edward Harmony ~ LE
    • Nate Griffith ~ Legal/Judicial (Tie)
    • Jenn Wells ~ Medical
    • Susan Muhoro, Lavinia Garbee ~ Mental Health
    • Frank Rogers ~ Guardian Angel
2017 Celebration Winners
    • Carol Haas ~ CASA Volunteer
    • Danita Tucker ~ CPS
    • Hayley Poland ~ Educator
    • Eric & Chastity Labiosa ~ Foster Parents
    • Leah Russell ~ Guardian Angel
    • Trista Wallace ~ LE
    • Sarah Akers Campbell ~ Legal/Judicial
    • Amy Kageals ~ Medical
    • Jennifer Nolley ~ Mental Health
2016 Celebration Winners
    • Dodi Lawson ~ CASA Volunteer
    • Marty Harmon ~ CPS
    • Lisa Denny ~ Educator
    • Jim & Lisa Agnes ~ Foster Parents
    • WDBJ Childhood Lost Team ~ Guardian Angel
    • Carla Cross ~ LE
    • Alice Ekirch ~ Legal/Judicial
    • Alice Ackerman ~ Medical
    • Jennifer Thomas ~ Mental Health
2015 Celebration Winners
    • Mary Ellen Dykstra ~ Community Volunteer
    • Grace McCown ~ CPS
    • Decca Knight ~ Educator
    • Bob & Carol Cornish ~ Foster Parents
    • Joseph Clarke ~ Guardian Angel
    • Eric Snow ~ LE
    • Chris Rehak ~ Legal/Judicial
    • Camron Johnson ~ Medical
    • Pat Davidson ~ Mental Health
2014 Celebration Winners
    • Judy Barger ~ Community Volunteer
    • Shannon Brabham ~ CPS
    • Rita Bishop ~ Educator
    • Michael & Shirley Bryant ~ Foster Parents
    • Ellen Weinman ~ Guardian Angel
    • Brian Holohan ~ LE
    • Eric Woods ~ Legal/Judicial
    • April Bennett ~ Medical
    • Susan Owens ~ Mental Health
2013 Celebration Winners
    • Robin Salo ~ Child Protective Services
    • Asst. Chief, Terrell L. Holbrook ~ Law Enforcement
    • Heather P. Ferguson ~ Legal/Judicial
    • Dr. Amy M. Tharp ~ Medical Professional
    • Rebecca L. Farrell, Ph.D. ~ Mental Health Professional
    • Elizabeth Gray ~ Community Volunteer
    • Jimmy & Norma Powers ~ Foster Parents
    • Tasha Eaton ~ Foster Parent
    • Karen Pendleton ~ Educator
    • Judge Philip Trompeter ~ Guardian Angel ~ Special Award
2012 Celebration Winners
    • Tony Pearman ~ Guardian Angel/Special Award
    • Michele Dowdy ~ Educator
    • Mary Ellen Verdu ~ Community Volunteer
    • David & Stephanie Jones ~ Foster Parents
    • Diane Kelly ~ Mental Health Professional
    • Dr. Don Kees ~ Medical Professional
    • Katrina Johnson ~ Legal/Judicial
    • Robin Freeman ~ Child Protective Services
    • Det. Neil Gardner ~ Law Enforcement
2011 Celebration Winners
    • Susan Goad ~ Child Protective Services
    • Sgt. Stacey Sheppard ~ Law Enforcement
    • Alice Ekirch ~ Legal/Judicial
    • Vanessa Freville, CPNP ~ Medical Professional
    • Stephanie Pratola, PH.D. ~ Mental Health Professional
    • Fenton (Spike) Harrison ~ Community Volunteer
    • Rick Ramsuer ~ Foster Parent
    • Lisa Childress ~ Educator
    • Clarine Spetzler ~ Guardian Angel/Special Award
2010 Celebration Winners
    • Amy Ferguson ~ Child Protective Services
    • Det. April McCadden & Det. Holly Willoughby ~ Law Enforcement Team
    • Heather Ferguson, Esq. ~ Legal/Judicial
    • Candice Carroll ~ Medical Professional
    • Karen Bailey ~ Mental Health Professional
    • In Memory of Sarah Ellis Floyd ~ Community Volunteer
    • Jenny Basham ~ Educator
    • Michelle Yopp ~ Foster Parent
2009 Celebration Winners
    • Lynette Jobe ~ Child Protective Services
    • Det. Adam Thompson ~ Law Enforcement
    • Robin Dearing, Esq. ~ Legal/Judicial
    • Melissa Harper ~ Medical Professional
    • Pat Davidson, LCSW ~ Mental Health Professional
    • Helen Dean ~ Community Volunteer
    • Todd Marcum & Tony Pearman ~ Special Award