"The mission of the Iron County Children’s Justice Center is to provide a comfortable, neutral, child-friendly atmosphere for children to receive coordinated services during the child abuse investigative process"
The Iron County Children’s Justice Center is dedicated to helping our local community respond to allegations of child abuse in ways that are effective, efficient, and that minimize trauma for the child. A Children’s Justice Center (known as children’s advocacy centers in other states) is a child-focused, facility-based program in which representatives from law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, mental health, medical services, and victim advocacy work together to conduct interviews and make team decisions about investigation, prosecution, and treatment of child abuse cases.
The Iron County Children’s Justice Center believes that the combined professional wisdom and skill of the multidisciplinary team approach results in a more complete understanding of case issues and the most effective child and family focused system response possible.
Our Team
Wendy Jessen, Director
Wendy Jessen is a survivor of childhood abuse and through her own healing process, she discovered her life’s passion in advocating for others who have similarly suffered. Wendy authored a book about recovering from sexual abuse, and is a recipient of the Sexual Assault Awareness Month Award from the Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault. Wendy is a graduate of Southern Utah University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, and will soon complete her Master of Arts in Professional Communication.
As a mother of six children, Wendy understands the need for protecting and standing up for children. Prior to becoming the director of the Iron County Children's Justice Center, Wendy worked with local law enforcement as a victim advocate, providing support and advocacy for victims of crime, specializing in child abuse cases. She strongly believes that providing a safe space for children and teens to tell their story while giving them access to advocacy, support, and resources is the best way to help kids find hope and healing.
Wendy loves writing, reading, teaching, yoga, toe socks, double dates with her husband and friends, and spending time with her family.
Brenda Valle: Victim Services Coordinator
Adelyn Abbott, Forensic Interviewer
Adelyn “Addy” Abbott is a Forensic Interviewer who has been working with kids in some capacity since 2009. Addy has worked in child psychiatric facilities, residential treatment centers and group homes in Utah, Arizona, and North Carolina. Addy worked as a Child Protective Services Investigator for Davis County, Utah as well as a supervisor with the Division of Child and Family Services, for a total of 6 years. Addy also worked as an Investigator in Fort Worth, Texas on the sexual abuse, physical abuse, and fatality team for CPS. Addy started her career of forensically interviewing victims and witnesses of abuse and crimes as a CPS investigator and in 2022 began as a dedicated forensic interviewer for Salt Lake County CJC. In November of 2023 she made the leap to Iron County where she began as a forensic interviewer at the Iron County Children’s Justice Center. Addy has received advanced training in forensic interviewing such as interviewing children with disabilities, nonverbal children, victims of human trafficking, and more.
Addy grew up in West Valley, Utah where she enjoyed being a ballerina and playing the flute. Addy attended Hunter High school where she was a cheerleader and particularly enjoyed competing at nationals. Addy graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Behavioral Science, with an emphasis in Psychology, from Utah Valley University.
Addy enjoys being outdoors and going on adventures with her family. She also won’t ever turn down a movie night with popcorn, candy, and a cozy blanket.
Jessica Brindley: Victim Services Specialist
Jody Miller, FNP-C, APRN
Jody was born and raised in Cedar City, UT, attended Cedar High School and completed her undergraduate studies at Southern Utah University where she was a member of the SUU gymnastics team from 1995 to 1998. She received her associate degree in nursing from Weber State University in 2000 and began her nursing career at Valley View Medical Center which is now known as Cedar City Hospital.
Over her 20-year career with Cedar City Hospital she has worked in a variety of settings including the Medical Surgical Unit, Intensive Care Unit, Same Day Surgery, Recovery Room, Endoscopy, IV Therapy and the Imaging Department. Jody was graciously awarded the 2006, 2016, and 2018 Nurse Excellence Award, and was named the 2007 Employee of the Year as well as recognized with the Southern Utah Nursing Award for Outstanding Small Hospitalist Nursing Practice in 2011. Jody has achieved several certifications including Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Advanced Life Support, PICC (IV) certification, and pediatric sedation provider certification.
Jody also helped to create the first Imaging Nurse position at Cedar City Hospital and implemented the use of Nitrous Oxide for both pediatric and adult patients to aid in reducing procedural anxiety for patients. Jody obtained both her Bachelor of Nursing degree and Master of Nursing degree in Advanced Practice Nursing and Post Graduate Nurse Educator Certificate from Graceland University in Iowa. She was certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioner’s in 2018 and is currently pursuing her Doctorate degree in Advance Practice Nursing with anticipation to graduate in 2021.
Prior to joining the Iron County CJC Jody worked at a private pediatric practice providing primary care to pediatric patients. Jody is also concurrently working with Four Points Health Community Center providing primary care to patients in the Southern Utah area.
She currently lives in Cedar City with her husband and is a mother to four boys and a very proud grandma to an adorable little girl. Jody also enjoys spending time with her family and their five dogs.
Hours and Contact
- Wendy Jessen, DirectorCJC
- 545 S 225 E Cedar City, UT 84720
- Monday - Friday 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M
- 435-867-4275