TOMS RIVER – The modest brick ranch at 7 Hadley Avenue may look like any other house, but inside, it holds the whispered fears and quiet bravery of children who have endured the unthinkable. An integral part of the Office of the Ocean County Prosecutor, Tina’s House is a nationally accredited Child Advocacy Center (CAC). It’s designed to be a place where young survivors feel safe enough to speak, where their pain is met with warmth instead of cold interrogation rooms.
Capt. Colleen M. Lynch, who leads the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit, said Tina’s House was named in 2014 in loving memory of Detective Tina Rambo. Rambo, a devoted member of the unit, tragically lost her life in a car accident in 2011 while on her way to work.
Tina’s House on Hadley Avenue is used by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office to provide a welcoming place to interview children. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
Tina’s House offers children a safe place to speak openly and receive the support of those dedicated to seeking justice for them. Corey Micciolo, a six-year-old boy who died four years ago, never had the chance to share his story within its walls. His voice, silenced by unspeakable abuse, was carried instead by the prosecutors and detectives who fought on his behalf.
Corey’s story gained international attention, largely due to his family’s relentless pursuit of justice. One of the most widely seen pieces of evidence was a video showing Corey being abused on a treadmill at the clubhouse in the Barnegat community where his father lived. However, his death was determined to be unrelated to that specific incident.
On May 31, 2024, Corey’s father, Christopher Gregor, was convicted of child endangerment and aggravated manslaughter. He was subsequently sentenced to 20 years for his son’s death and an additional 5 years for the endangerment charges. Gregor is currently incarcerated at New Jersey State Prison.
Corey Micciolo’s little sister Eliana never got to meet him but wears a necklace with his picture around her neck. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
For Breanna Micciolo, Corey’s mother and Rebecca, his maternal grandmother, the conviction and sentencing were a moment of hard-won justice, but the pain of their loss remains ever-present.
“It hasn’t been easy,” Rebecca said, her voice thick with emotion. “Corey’s voice mattered. We will keep his memory alive.”
Breanna, just 16 when she became pregnant with Corey, battled to protect her son from a father she alleges sexually assaulted her when he was 21. Gregor has never been formally charged with the assault.
Amid her fight for justice for Corey, Breanna found support in a loving relationship. She describes the father of her two-year-old daughter, Eliana, as someone who would have loved Corey as his own. Eliana, with her big dark eyes and a wisdom beyond her years, knows her brother only through pictures and visits to his grave. There, she plays with toys left by family, friends, and even strangers who continue to honor Corey’s memory.
Tom Hourigan of the Friends of the CAC and Capt. Colleen Lynch of the Special Victims Unit. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
Honoring Corey’s Voice And Those Who Told His Story
Breanna, Rebecca, and Corey’s aunts, Nicole and Sadie, arrived at Tina’s House with a special delivery recently. They brought with them a collection of toys and snacks, gathered through their organization, “Justice for Corey,” hoping to ease the pain of those who walk through the center’s doors.
“We wanted to show our appreciation,” Breanna explained. “Corey was kind to everyone he met. He would have given up his own toys to make someone else happy.”
The entry room of Tina’s House is a carefully curated space, designed to put children at ease. Brightly painted walls, cheerful murals, and an abundance of toys create a sense of normalcy at a time where normalcy is often shattered. Eliana was with her family when they visited and brought a touch of innocence to the room. She paused at an interactive touchscreen table, her eyes drawn to a bird matching game.
“Does Corey know the answer?” Rebecca asked, watching Eliana smile at a picture of her brother on a necklace she wore.
Ocean County Assistant Prosecutors Christine Lento and Jamie L. Schron tried the case that brought the jury verdict against Corey’s father. Lento was in court when the Micciolos came to drop off the donations. However, Schron was there and instantly connected with the smiling toddler.
Breanna Micciolo, Corey’s mother and Rebecca, his maternal grandmother express their gratitude to Denis Mitchell the detective who worked on their case and Assistant Prosecutor Jamie L. Schron who prosecuted the case with Assistant Prosecutor Christine Lento. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
Detective Denis Mitchell, who earned the respect of the Micciolo family through his dedication, was also present, his involvement leaving a lasting impact on their lives.
“No matter what I said to him, he never lost his professionalism,” Rebecca said of Mitchell. “He always had so much compassion.”
Other members of the prosecutor’s office were also on hand to meet with the Micciolo family. Corey’s passing had made an impact on them all, including Deb Giordano of the Victims Advocate office who was present as well.
The Role Of Tina’s House
Lynch, who has dedicated her career to protecting vulnerable children, emphasized the importance of creating a safe and welcoming environment at Tina’s House.
“It’s important for us to have this,” she said, speaking of the child-centric atmosphere. “When children walk in, they’re telling us some of the worst stories that anybody could ever hear. We want to be as comfortable as they can be – that’s what adds to our success.”
The Friends of the Ocean County Child Advocacy Center, a dedicated group of volunteers, works tirelessly to support the center’s mission. Tom Hourigan of the Friends of the CAC thanked the family for bringing some brightness into the center from a very difficult situation.
The center’s staff, a team of dedicated professionals, works in collaboration with law enforcement, child protection services, and mental health providers, ensuring that children receive comprehensive care.
“We handle any case involving physical or sexual abuse of children throughout Ocean County,” Captain Lynch explained. “We are nationally recognized through the National Children’s Alliance, and we strive to create an environment where children feel safe and supported.”
Referrals to Tina’s House often come from various sources, including the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P) and law enforcement agencies. A forensic interviewer meets with caregivers to explain the process and answer any questions. While the child is being interviewed, an advocate may provide the caregiver with emotional support, information about the justice system, and referrals for counseling and other services.
The Micciolo family gave donations to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office for their work with children. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
The interview takes place in a comfortable, child-friendly room designed to minimize stress and help the child feel at ease. Forensic interviewers receive specialized training to conduct conversations in a non-threatening, non-suggestive, and developmentally appropriate manner. Their experience allows them to gather accurate information while prioritizing the child’s well-being.
“We normally dress casually when children are coming in,” said Lynch. “We don’t want them to feel like they’re in a law firm or meeting with police. We want them to feel comfortable.”
“From the moment they enter the door and until they walk out, we focus on child centered advocacy,” Lynch added.
Suspects are also interviewed at Tina’s House but never while a victim is in the building. Tina’s House also accommodates courtesy interviews for children who were sexually assaulted or physically assaulted out of state. They also work with other law enforcement agencies including the FBI and Homeland Security.
“We are an open door to whoever needs to interview a child,” shared Lynch. “Whether they want us to do the interview or they just need the facility, we allow them to use it.”
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