Victim Advocates

Kelsey Ragone is a native of Nicholasville, Kentucky. She obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Kentucky and acquired a Certificate for Diversity and Inclusion Awareness. While in pursuit of her degree, she interned at The Well of Lexington, a program that services survivors of human trafficking and at Central Christian Church, which provides services to community members in need and the homeless population. These internships equipped her to adequately advocate for an array of victims she will encounter in practice but also will aid her in understanding the community resources and partnerships that are available locally. Outside of victim advocacy she has a passion for giving back to her community by participating in Seedleaf’s community gardens. She believes that her work for the community does not stop after she leaves the office. Kelsey specializes in Elder/Vulnerable Adult Abuse, Robbery, Arson, and Assault cases.

Whitney Turner grew up in Cynthiana Kentucky, graduating from Harrison County High School and attended Maysville Community and Technical College. She joined our team in February of 2022 and wore many different hats before landing the role as the office’s Strangulation Advocate in 2023. As a domestic violence survivor herself, Whitney works passionately with victims and survivors throughout the entirety of their court case.

La’Yvonne Sensabaugh is from Lexington, Kentucky. She graduated from the University of Kentucky, with distinction, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work in 1993. She attended graduate school at Eastern Kentucky University, studying Criminal Justice and Juvenile Services. She is a Licensed Social Worker in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. La’Yvonne retired from the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government in 2023, where she worked as a Social Worker in the Division of Youth Services for over 27 years. During that role, she primarily worked with youth and their families involved with the court system due to status offenses. She also worked with the Lexington Division of Police as a Social Worker in the Family Abuse Unit. As a Crime Victim Advocate, La’Yvonne specializes in cases involving child victims, vehicular homicide, and wanton endangerment.

Ja’Meeca Alexander is a dedicated advocate and justice professional from Lexington, KY. A 2005 graduate of Henry Clay High School, she holds an Associate degree in Liberal Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, both earned with honors from Kentucky State University. Currently pursuing her Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice at Eastern Kentucky University, Ja’Meeca is also a certified paralegal and a certified criminal justice specialist.

Her commitment to justice extends beyond academics, with accomplishments including completion of the Minority Pre-Law Program at Dinsmore Law and service as a Sworn CASA Advocate. In 2025, Ja’Meeca joined the Commonwealth as a Crime Victim Advocate, specializing in cases involving arson, wanton endangerment, and burglary. Driven by a passion for advocacy, Ja’Meeca is committed to making a difference in the lives of those affected by crime.

Joy joined the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office in 2025 as the Director of Victim Services. A graduate of Morehead State University, she holds a Master of Arts in Counseling and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Kentucky. Joy has an extensive background in juvenile justice, providing supervision to offenders in both community and residential settings. She brings with her a deep understanding of the court system, trauma-informed care, and the services available to address the potential lifelong consequences of victimization. Joy is committed to seeking justice for victims through empowerment, support, and education about their rights.

Joe Burch was raised in Versailles, Kentucky, before relocating with his family to Lexington. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a concentration in International Relations from the University of South Florida in 2024. During his undergraduate studies, Joe began working as a Clerk for the United States Attorney’s Office in Tampa, FL, where he primarily supported the Violent Crimes & Narcotics and Special Victims sections.

After graduating, he joined the office of U.S. Senator John Cornyn in Dallas, TX, serving as a Liaison. Joe brings a strong background in government affairs, with a focus on advocating for individuals navigating both the judicial and legislative systems. As a Crime Victim Advocate, Joe is dedicated to ensuring that every person affected by crime feels empowered to rebuild their life with dignity and strength.