Victim Services Branch: Meet the Team

Diamond Vann has over 20 years of experience serving youth, families, and crime victims in the District. She specializes in victim assistance, criminal and juvenile justice, and community advocacy, with extensive work in trauma-informed services and program development. Her background includes roles in forensic interviewing, corrections‑based victim services, and compliance monitoring for juvenile detention standards. As Director of Victim Services, she oversees daily operations and leads MPD’s Victim Services Branch. She is deeply committed to victims’ rights and transformational leadership.

Lavender Stevens is a Staff Assistant with the Metropolitan Police Department’s Victim Services Branch and has over 11 years of administrative experience. She manages key administrative tasks for the Branch Director and staff. She monitors CVCP referrals, handles sensitive records, updates spreadsheets, coordinates reproduction requests, and supports community outreach. Currently earning her bachelor’s in criminal justice, she also serves as Secretary of her university’s Pre-Law Club, emphasizing professionalism, confidentiality, and victim-centered service.

Sharon Daugherty strengthens community relationships by promoting safety, awareness, and victim services resources across the District. She leads outreach initiatives, violence‑prevention efforts, and agency collaborations to support victims and survivors. Sharon is a certified Green Dot trainer and frequently presents on victim‑focused topics. She also founded a dance‑theater program for survivors of sexual assault, reflecting her long‑standing commitment to healing and advocacy.

Carla Okonkwo has more than 22 years of supervisory experience in MPD’s Family Liaison Specialists Unit, where she helped establish the department’s first victim‑centered services for families of homicide victims. She began her career over 35 years ago in the Houston Police Department’s Family Violence Unit. Her experience spans victim‑focused initiatives, parole and probation support, and correctional mental health services. Carla has dedicated her career to helping families impacted by violent crime.

Marlene Castro has been a bilingual Victim Specialist with MPD since 2004, providing trauma‑informed support to victims and their families. Her background includes mediation, EEO counseling, and language certification, enhancing her ability to serve diverse communities. She is an active NOVA member and is passionate about outreach and supporting underserved populations in the District.

Edward Mayo has five years of experience with MPD’s Victim Services Branch, helping individuals impacted by crime navigate available District resources. His background includes seven years with DYRS and three with ONSE, where he supported at‑risk youth and families through conflict resolution, case management, and violence‑recovery services. Edward is dedicated to guiding victims and communities through crisis and healing.

With over 17 years of experience in MPD’s Homicide Branch, Megan Riley provides trauma‑informed support to victims and families affected by violent crime. She began her career as a forensic psychology intern and has collaborated with crisis response and grief support organizations throughout the District. Megan is committed to building trust between law enforcement and communities and also supports officers through coaching during difficult transitions. Her work focuses on authentic connection and long‑term healing.

Ashley McHenry brings nearly two decades of experience in victim services and has spent close to 10 years serving victims at MPD. She is a NOVA‑certified advocate, a graduate of Georgetown’s Police for Tomorrow fellowship, and a recipient of the Chief’s Commendation Award. Now a Victim Specialist Supervisor, she leads with compassion and uses her criminal justice background to support crime victims. Her work is grounded in trauma‑informed care and empowerment.

Ludemar Carrion is a bilingual specialist with more than 15 years of experience supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other violent crimes. She has spent eight years with MPD, providing trauma‑informed services to diverse victims. Her background also includes child advocacy work with survivors of sexual abuse. She brings expertise in community development and clinical social work to her role.

Dawn Christie has over 20 years of experience supporting victims of crime and trauma, including more than 15 years as a Senior Victim Specialist with MPD. She provides expert crisis intervention, safety planning, court accompaniment, and case management. Her prior roles in District agencies strengthened service delivery systems for vulnerable populations. Dawn is a certified advanced victim advocate and a recognized subject‑matter expert in victim services.

Crystal Perry has over 15 years of experience supporting victims and offenders in the District, specializing in trauma‑informed, victim‑centered care. She works closely with law enforcement and community partners to assist vulnerable and underserved populations. Her expertise includes supporting victims through complex legal processes and identifying patterns of exploitation. Crystal’s forensic psychology background strengthens her ability to assess victim needs and enhance prevention efforts.

Beyshinah Woods has over 13 years of experience as a Victim Specialist with MPD, grounded in her social work expertise. She is committed to supporting victims across the District and has strengthened collaboration with mental health crisis teams to better serve individuals with complex needs. Beyshinah previously served as an ANC Commissioner and has led initiatives such as securing donated cell phones for domestic violence victims. Her work emphasizes safety, access, and community support.