Who We Are

Description of the CLC

The Children's Law Center of Central North Carolina (CLC) was founded as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization in November 2005 by attorneys Amy Kuhlman and Penelope Spry. Both attorneys had extensive experience working with the Child Advocacy Project of the Legal Aid Society of Northwest North Carolina. Legal Aid honored Mrs. Kuhlman's efforts on behalf of the Child Advocacy Project naming her volunteer of the year in 2003-2004. Because over 50% of the cases involving children at the Child Advocacy Project at the Legal Aid Society were regularly conflicted out because Legal Aid had previously served one of the parents of the child, Mrs. Kuhlman and Mrs. Spry started the Children's Law Center of Central North Carolina. The mission of the CLC is to provide quality legal representation and advocacy for children in legal and administrative proceedings and to promote improvement and understanding of those processes. Our ultimate goal is to enable children to become emotionally healthy adults leading productive lives.

The CLC has accomplished a great deal in its six years of existence. The CLC remains the only non-profit legal entity in the state of North Carolina which represents the "best interests" of children in domestic violence. The Winston Salem Foundation honored Executive Director, Penny Spry and Director of Operations, Amy Kuhlman with its highest award for their child advocacy efforts in 2008.

The CLC is also particularly proud of its collaboration with the Wake Forest University School of Law. The partnership began in fall 2008 with an externship program and course entitled “Children and Domestic Violence.” In August 2010, the CLC became home to the WFU School of Law Child Advocacy Clinic. The CLC also partners with a number of trained pro-bono attorneys who donated more than $200,000 in billable hours assisting our clients in 2010. We have cultivated relationships by maintaining the highest professional standards as we advocate for children. Judges, attorneys and students respect our commitment to providing the highest quality advocacy of the best interests of children caught in difficult and often dangerous circumstances.

Since 2005, the CLC has served more than 600 children. The benefits of our service may not be evident for generations, but it is our hope that intervention will result in safer communities and home environments.

Children's Law Center is only possible due to the generosity and passion of all of the wonderful people and organizations that support us.

Ms. Iris Sunshine, JD - Executive Director

Iris received her JD from Wake Forest University School of Law. She worked as an assistant District Attorney for Forsyth County for over seven years where she prosecuted child physical and sexual abuse cases. Iris joined the CLC in 2008. Prior to becoming Executive Director, Iris was the lead attorney for Chapter 50B domestic violence cases and the Director of the Wake Forest University Child Advocacy Clinic.

Ms. Amy K. Kuhlman, JD - Director of Operations

Amy worked pro bono at the Legal Aid Society of Northwest NC in its Child Advocacy Project for four years prior to co-founding the CLC. She received her JD from the New England School of Law. In 2004, she was awarded the "WXII 12 Those Who Care" Award for her volunteer work at the Legal Aid Society.

Paige Bernston, JD - Child Advocate

Paige received her JD from the University of Minnesota School of Law. Prior to joining the CLC, Paige worked for the Children's Law Center of Minnesota and for Family and Children's Service in Minnesota. Paige joined our team in April, 2011

Amanda Kelley, Staff Attorney

Mandy received her JD from Louisiana State University School of Law. She began her career as a corporate defense litigator in New Orleans. In 2004, she moved to NC and began working for a small commercial real estate law firm. She started work for the Children’s Law Center in August, 2010. Mandy is enjoying her new career as a child advocate and is learning something new every day. Mandy is involved in her children’s school programs and is Treasurer of the Forsyth County Women Attorney’s Association.

Shannon Heck, Director of Development

Shannon received her BA from Wake Forest University and a MAT from Washington University. She is an active community volunteer and began volunteering at the CLC in 2009. The CLC received a grant from the Winston Salem Foundation in fall, 2010 to fund her position as a part-time director of development. She handles all grant writing and fund campaigns.