Today we’d like to introduce you to Skylor Yeager.
Hi Skylor, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
For the past 13 years, I have worked in victim services, supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. I began my career at The Crisis Center in Manhattan, Kansas, where I worked directly with survivors of domestic and sexual violence. I later relocated to New Hampshire, where I spent more than five and a half years continuing this work with survivors of domestic and sexual violence and child victims.
I grew up in Ottawa, Kansas, and for many years I believed I would never return. However, as I started my family and reflected on where I wanted to put down roots, it became clear that Kansas—and ultimately Franklin County—was where I wanted to be. Upon returning, I quickly recognized how limited the local resources were for children and families experiencing abuse.
As I connected with professionals and community partners, I became increasingly concerned about how children in our area were navigating sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, and exposure to violent crime. Wanting to better understand the scope of the issue, I reached out to Children’s Advocacy Centers of Kansas to ask what services were available for children in Franklin County. The answer was simple and troubling: not enough.
That realization sparked action. Within a matter of months, Ad Astra Advocacy Center became a reality—built from the ground up to change how children and families experience the response to abuse. The name Ad Astra comes from the Kansas motto, “Ad Astra Per Aspera” — To the Stars Through Difficulties. This phrase reflects the courage and resilience of the children who walk through our doors and begin their healing journey.
What began as a seed in June grew into a fully operational advocacy center within six months. In that short time, Ad Astra Advocacy Center has already provided more than 20 forensic interviews, offering children a safe, supportive, and trauma-informed space to be heard. This rapid growth underscores both the urgent need in our community and the strength of the partnerships and commitment behind Ad Astra Advocacy Center.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
For the most part, the journey to establish Ad Astra Advocacy Center has been a smooth one. From the earliest conversations with multidisciplinary team (MDT) partners, it was clear that this vision was not mine alone. The need for a Child Advocacy Center was widely recognized, and the idea was met with strong support and shared commitment.
Ad Astra’s multidisciplinary team includes law enforcement, county attorney offices, the Kansas Department for Children and Families, medical providers, mental health professionals, victim advocates, and additional community partners. These professionals consistently acknowledged the limited resources available to children in our region and welcomed the opportunity to create a more coordinated, trauma-informed response to abuse and neglect.
Services were initially launched in Franklin County, with rapid expansion into Miami County as the need became evident. This growth was driven by both referral trends and strong collaboration among MDT partners who recognized the value of accessible, local services for children and families.
The most significant challenge throughout this process has been funding. In the early stages, the Center relied heavily on passion, commitment, and volunteer effort to bring the vision to life. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Ad Astra Advocacy Center depends on grants and private donations to sustain operations. A common challenge for new organizations is the expectation to demonstrate need and impact before consistent funding is available—an ongoing balancing act that requires perseverance and strategic growth.
Despite this challenge, the dedication of MDT partners, the commitment of staff and volunteers, and the support of the community have allowed Ad Astra Advocacy Center to continue moving forward. Each day, these collective efforts ensure that children and families receive the care, advocacy, and trauma-informed support they deserve.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Ad Astra Advocacy Center?
Ad Astra Advocacy Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing trauma-informed, coordinated support for children and adults with disabilities who have experienced abuse or neglect. We serve as a safe, child-focused space where individuals can share their experiences and access critical services without fear, pressure, or retraumatization.
We specialize in forensic interviews, family advocacy, multidisciplinary coordination, and referrals to medical and mental health services, all delivered through the nationally recognized Child Advocacy Center model. What makes our work unique is the way we bring together law enforcement, child protective services, prosecutors, medical providers, mental health professionals, and advocates to ensure that children and families only have to tell their story once, in an environment designed for safety, dignity, and healing.
Ad Astra Advocacy Center is known for filling a critical gap in rural and underserved communities. Prior to our establishment, many families had to travel long distances to access specialized services, often navigating fragmented systems with little support. We are proud to provide local, accessible services that reduce barriers, strengthen investigations, and center the needs of the child and family.
What truly sets Ad Astra apart is our commitment to serving the whole family. In addition to forensic interviews, we provide ongoing advocacy for non-offending caregivers, and assistance navigating complex systems such as law enforcement, child welfare, and the courts. We also coordinate services for children exhibiting problematic sexual behaviors and advocate for adults with disabilities who are particularly vulnerable to abuse and system barriers.
We want readers to know that Ad Astra Advocacy Center exists because children—and all victims of violent crime—deserve to be heard, believed, and supported close to home. Every service we offer is grounded in compassion, collaboration, and the belief that early, trauma-informed intervention helps children grow into healthy adults, strengthening our entire community.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned on this journey is that many people will believe they know what is best for you—but it’s essential to trust your own voice. While it’s important to appreciate others’ concerns and perspectives, there is a fine line between thoughtful guidance and being held back. Learning to recognize that balance, and having the confidence to advocate for yourself, has been invaluable
Contact Info:
- Website: https://aaac-ks.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adastraadvocacycenter
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skylor-yeager-53b4aa183/
