Julie R. Thayer attended an advisement hearing on charges of child abuse and assault via web cam in Phillips County Court on Thursday, Oct. 7. The 40-year-old former childcare director appeared via Webex software in front of Judge Kimbra L. Killin in Holyoke.

Thayer and her lawyer, Justie Nicol, waived her rights to formal advisement. After doing so, Judge Killin issued protective orders for the two victims in the case, both minors, which prohibits Thayer from being around or having any contact with throughout the duration of the case.

Charges against Thayer, stemming from an incident at the H...