Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Languages
Activities
Timeline
Generic

Felicia Papafio

chicago

Summary

Senior Investigator and Title IX professional with over 8 years of experience conducting complex, high-stakes sexual misconduct and child abuse investigations within Chicago Public Schools and Chicagoland Children’s Advocacy Center multidisciplinary systems. Proven leader with extensive experience supervising staff, directing investigative strategy, prioritizing caseloads, and coordinating with legal, law enforcement, and child-advocacy partners. Recognized for sound judgment, trauma-informed investigative practice, and the ability to manage matters of exceptional sensitivity involving student safety and Title IX compliance.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Investigator / Title IX

Chicago Public Schools
Chicago
02.2020 - Current
  • Lead and conduct complex Title IX and sexual misconduct investigations involving allegations of sexual abuse and sexual harassment of CPS students.
  • Interview child victims, complainants, witnesses, and CPS‑affiliated adults using trauma‑informed and developmentally appropriate investigative techniques.
  • Author comprehensive investigative reports analyzing complex factual records, credibility assessments, and investigative findings.
  • Assess complaints to determine investigative jurisdiction, scope, and appropriate assignment.
  • Coordinate closely with CPS Law Department, Safety and Security, Office of Student Protections and Title IX, and external law enforcement agencies to ensure student safety and service delivery.
  • Conduct site visits, collect documentary and physical evidence, and analyze records including video, digital media, and written statements.
  • Maintain detailed case files and manage investigative data to ensure accuracy, confidentiality, and timely case completion.

Leadership & Supervisory Functions

  • Served as Interim Supervisor for Intake for a six-month period, overseeing initial assessment and triage of sexual misconduct complaints to determine jurisdiction, risk level, and investigative assignment.
  • Reviewed and assessed incoming allegations to identify sexual misconduct matters and recommend appropriate investigative action.
  • Provided guidance and mentorship to investigative staff on interview strategy, evidence evaluation, and trauma-informed practices.
  • Advised investigators on complex witness interviews, credibility issues, and investigative methodology.
  • Trained newly hired investigators on trauma-informed interviewing of students, investigative best practices, Title IX requirements, and evidence-gathering techniques.
  • Assisted leadership in prioritizing caseloads, monitoring investigative timelines, and ensuring timely resolution of matters.
  • Frequently consulted on highly sensitive or high-risk cases requiring advanced judgment and discretion.

Forensic Interviewer

Chicago Children's Advocacy Center
Chicago
05.2018 - 03.2021
  • Conducted investigations and developmentally appropriate and legally defensible forensic interviews of children and adolescents alleging sexual and / or physical abuse or other victims of crime utilizing approved interviewing protocol
  • Worked collaboratively with Chicago CAC's multidisciplinary team members in an investigation such as, Chicago Police Department, Department of Children and, , Federal Bureau of Investigations, and Cook County State's Attorney's Office
  • Facilitated pre/post-interview multidisciplinary case staffing
  • Entered forensic interview data into ETO in a timely manner
  • Operated recording equipment (onsite)
  • Participated in monthly Multidisciplinary Team Case Review Participate in meetings, trainings, and supervision as requested
  • Served as an expert witness in court proceedings when necessary by presenting testimony regarding interview findings or providing additional insight into the case at hand.
  • Available for on-call emergency forensic interviews and scheduled interviews
  • Trained Chicago Public Schools employees on protecting students and report sexual abuse allegations.
  • Attended and participated in supervision, peer review, and other professional development activities, such as webinars, education calls and literature review, that are relevant to forensic interviewing
  • Interviewed witnesses and persons of interest to gather statements for use in criminal investigations.
  • Trained new staff on effective interviewing techniques and child sensitivity.
  • Utilized specialized interviewing techniques such as cognitive interviewing methods to elicit more comprehensive responses from individuals being interviewed.

Assistant Director/Administrator

The Salvation Army
Oak Park
07.2011 - 04.2018
  • Supervised, hired, trained, evaluated, and coached multidisciplinary staff in a residential and social services environment.
  • Managed staff schedules, workload distribution, performance evaluations, and corrective action.
  • Developed and enforced program policies, procedures, and compliance standards.
  • Provided leadership in resolving complex client welfare, safety, and operational issues.
  • Coordinated with local law enforcement and the FBI on Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) investigations involving program clients.
  • Managed payroll, budgeting, and financial reporting functions.
  • Ensured compliance with DCFS regulations and national internal audit requirements.
  • Delivered community presentations and trainings on program services and mental health resources.

Housing Specialist

CVR Associates/Chicago Housing Authority
Chicago
09.2010 - 07.2011
  • Assist low-income families and individuals, including the elderly and disabled, to secure affordable housing and improve living conditions with the goal of an improved quality of life and self-sufficiency
  • Completed the ongoing and annual reexaminations interviews for the Housing Choice Voucher Program participants
  • Conducted briefings with tenants to explain HUD, and administrative plan guidelines.
  • Maintained accurate records and documented families data in company databases.
  • Maintained residential tenancy agreements for renewal or termination following program guidelines.
  • Verified assets and income for applicants.
  • Answered questions and responded to inquiries to deliver high level of service to families

Case Manager Supervisor

Brand New Beginning
Chicago
03.2008 - 09.2010
  • Oversaw job development, counseling, and case management for up to 30 clients simultaneously.
  • Supervised case management team to ensure quality client support.
  • Developed training programs for new case managers to enhance skills.
  • Monitored compliance with regulatory standards in client services.
  • Facilitated life skills and therapeutic groups, including parenting and anger management.
  • Implemented crisis intervention plans to support residents effectively.
  • Supervised, trained and evaluated Case Managers in the delivery of services to clients.
  • Collaborated with social service teams to develop tailored case and service plans.
  • Gathered and analyzed comprehensive reports on services provided to residents.
  • Acted as a resource for medical referrals and ancillary service provider contacts.
  • Received promotion within six months due to exceptional performance and dedication.

Education

Master in Public Administration -

University of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL
05-2007

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science, Speech Communications

Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville
12.2002

Skills

  • Sexual Misconduct & Child Abuse Investigations
  • Title IX Compliance (PreK‑12)
  • Investigative Strategy & Case Prioritization
  • Staff Supervision & Performance Management
  • Trauma‑Informed & Forensic Interviewing
  • Report Writing & Evidence Analysis
  • Interagency & Multidisciplinary Coordination
  • Conflict Resolution & Critical Thinking
  • Data Management & Case Tracking Systems

References

References Available Upon Request

Languages

  • GA, Native/ Bilingual
  • French, Limited

Activities

  • Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated
  • CPR Crisis Intervention
  • Member of the Association of Inspectors General
  • ATIXA: PreK-12 Title IX Administrator Course Protecting Chicago's Children training
  • Mandated Reporter EOCO: Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Training
  • FBI Human Trafficking Training and Sextortion

Timeline

Senior Investigator / Title IX

Chicago Public Schools
02.2020 - Current

Forensic Interviewer

Chicago Children's Advocacy Center
05.2018 - 03.2021

Assistant Director/Administrator

The Salvation Army
07.2011 - 04.2018

Housing Specialist

CVR Associates/Chicago Housing Authority
09.2010 - 07.2011

Case Manager Supervisor

Brand New Beginning
03.2008 - 09.2010

Master in Public Administration -

University of Illinois At Chicago

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science, Speech Communications

Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville
Felicia Papafio