Children’s Safe Harbor Names Kari Prihoda as Executive Director

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Children’s Safe Harbor has named Kari Prihoda as Executive Director following the retirement of Dr. Victoria J. Constance, who led the nationally accredited children’s advocacy center for 27 years that serves abused children and their families.

Prihoda brings more than 20 years of experience, including seventeen years in leadership roles of increasing responsibility at Children’s Safe Harbor. Kari has served as Program Director, overseeing forensic interviewing, family advocacy, multi-disciplinary team coordination, and client service operations in addition to supporting the organization in the transition to the new facility. Before joining the organization, she worked in child welfare and mental health services, experiences that deepened her commitment to protecting vulnerable children and supporting families in crisis.

As a respected leader in the field of child abuse response, Prihoda has personally conducted more than 4,000 forensic interviews of children, adolescents, and adults with intellectual disabilities. She is a member of the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas. She has served on its Forensic Interviewer Faculty team since 2013, providing initial and ongoing training to new forensic interviewers across Texas.

Prihoda earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology with a minor in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University. Before joining Children’s Safe Harbor, she worked in the child welfare and mental health services, experiences that strengthened her commitment to protecting vulnerable children and supporting families in crisis.

“I am honored to lead this incredible organization alongside a dedicated team of professionals whose compassion, expertise, and commitment enhance the lives of children and families every day,” said Prihoda. “Together, we will continue strengthening the community’s response to child abuse while fostering healing, resilience, and hope.”

Dr. Constance added, “It has been an honor to steward and lead this remarkable children’s advocacy center for nearly thirty years. Many milestones have been accomplished, and it couldn’t have been achieved without the support and investment from the staff and the community. As Kari steps into this role, I know that the mission of Children’s Safe Harbor is in good hands with her vision and leadership.”

Children’s Safe Harbor is a nationally accredited and recognized leader in the response to severe child abuse, sexual assault and exploitation, child sex trafficking, trauma, and neglect by providing a safe, child-focused environment where investigative partners, mental health professionals, and advocates work together to provide justice, healing, and hope. In 2025, 2,444 children were interviewed for abuse at Children’s Safe Harbor. It serves the counties of Montgomery, Walker, and San Jacinto, and all services are provided at no cost to the victims and their families.

Children’s Safe Harbor is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. For more information, visit www.ChildrensSafeHarbor.org.