Leadership
Lindsey’s passion for advocating for those treated unfairly stems from her own childhood experience. That passion led her to join Traffick911’s grassroots team of volunteer pioneers in 2010 and ultimately to leave her job in corporate America in 2012 to serve full time.
Traffick911’s unique response to trafficking victims, the Voice & Choice Survivor Empowerment Program, was written and implemented by Lindsey in 2017 as a response to what she learned from working with heroes in the anti-trafficking field and building long-lasting relationships with trafficked youth.
Lindsey has trained thousands of professionals on sex trafficking across the state of Texas and serves on coalitions and multidisciplinary teams strategizing anti-trafficking policies and serving victims every day. After serving in the anti-trafficking field for a decade, one of her favorite topics to discuss is ‘free people free people’ - the discovery of our own brokenness, shared humanity, and stories as we walk alongside others seeking freedom.
Lindsey holds a bachelors from Texas A&M University, is TBRI-trained, is certified to assist victims of crime through the Texas Victim Assistance Training Academy and is a Certified Praesidium Guardian. In her free time, she loves finding hole-in-the-wall local coffee shops, kayaking, golfing, playing the piano and gardening.
Lindsey Speed • Executive Director
Cheryl Brasuell • Executive Vice President
Cristy brings a wealth of experience serving families processing victimization and trauma. Her passion for serving high-risk populations led her to earn a Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of North Texas at Dallas, and has served in various capacities to support survivors of trauma on their journeys of healing, including interning with teens at Hickory Trails Behavioral Health Hospital, serving domestic violence victims for years at Genesis Women’s Shelter and homeless youth at Promise House. Before joining the Traffick911 team, Cristy served families experiencing violence as a bilingual counselor at The Family Place.
Cristy, MA • Program Director
cristy@traffick911.com
Courtney, LMSW • Program Director
courtney@traffick911.com
Lauren's heart for serving sex-trafficked youth stems from her undergraduate internship working with exploited and trafficked girls in a residential treatment home. She strived to be a light in their lives that were full of so much darkness. She believes that each youth deserves to use their voice and have a network of support encouraging them along their journey.
She graduated with her Bachelor's in Criminology & Criminal Justice and Social Science from Portland State University and, following God's call, relocated her family to the DFW area the day after graduation. Lauren finds balance in life by kayaking, simple embroidery, exploring new places with her loved ones, and being an active member of her church.
Lauren • Operations & Human Resources Director
lauren@traffick911.com
Morgan is passionate about mental health and improving the overall well-being of individuals and her community. She served with Traffick911 as an intern before coming onto the staff part time, then ultimately full-time to provide data and analytic support to the Programs team so they can focus their impact in the field. She is dedicated to affirming, supporting, and empowering the people around her toward wellness.
Morgan, LMSW • Program Administrator
morgan@traffick911.com
After interning and graduating with her Masters in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington, Stephanie served youth and young adults aging out of the foster care system at CitySquare TRAC for 3 years. While becoming involved in her church, Social Dallas, Stephanie experienced healing and grace while doing life in community. Because of her love for community and after many prayers over her next assignment, Stephanie felt called to serve sex trafficking victims. She hopes to demonstrate the same grace, love, and friendship she found in community to her youth.
Stephanie, MSW • Program Supervisor
stephanie@traffick911.com
Madi served a missionary in Vietnam, serving alongside a local Vietnamese Church for six years. While in Southeast Asia she served in slum communities and orphanages throughout Vietnam and Cambodia through teaching English and coaching soccer for children in the community. During her time there, her eyes were opened to the issue of human trafficking through a young Vietnamese girl. Madi felt a deep burden for her safety and well-being and as their friendship grew, she was able to advocate and care for this young girl and her family. This relationship in Madi’s life ignited a passion for serving the vulnerable. She began volunteering at a safe house working with young survivors of sex trafficking and leaning into the reality of trafficking here in the United States.
Madi, BS • Program Supervisor
madi@traffick911.com
Christina became passionate about serving and supporting survivors of sexual trauma at an early age, and this led her to getting her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Master’s in Social Work. Christina began working with high-risk youth in a residential treatment facility for female juvenile offenders where she educated them on the reality of human trafficking. She went on to complete her graduate practicum with Shared Hope International’s policy team in Washington, DC to gain knowledge and experience surrounding the need for reform in legislature across the country regarding sex trafficking. Christina has specialized in serving youth with a history of sexual trauma as a Mental Health Therapist and eventually Assistant Coordinator in a children’s psychiatric hospital. In this role, she began to truly value being a supportive role model to youth and their families and seeing how intentionality in a child’s life can help change their entire trajectory. She joined Traffick911’s advocacy team to live out her calling and passion.
Christina, LMSW • Program Supervisor
christinaj@traffick911.com
Program Staff
Jo, MA, MMFT, LPC Associate (Supervised by Cassie Reid, Ph.D, LPC) • Counselor
joinga@traffick911.com
Genesis’ passion for empowering victims of sex trafficking was sparked while she served in a girls’ home in Africa. When she returned to the U.S., she earned a Master’s degree in social work from the University of Texas at Arlington in order to more effectively pursue justice and healing alongside victims of trauma in her own city. Genesis’ experience walking alongside abused kids includes serving at CASA of Denton County as well as the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County.
Genesis, LMSW • Intake Coordinator
intake@traffick911.com
LaSonja’s heart for people comes from a line of women empowering women. Her grandmother and her mom instilled in her, from a young age, the values of advocating for people who are unseen. Her experience serving in prisons and mental health facilities sparked her desire to come alongside people experiencing hardship and marginalization. LaSonja has a Master’s of Social Work and recently obtained a Juris Doctor from Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Her passion is to advocate for the whole person in front of her, regardless of what they are going through.
LaSonja, JD • Sr. Voice & Choice Advocate
lasonja@traffick911.com
After graduating from UT Austin with a B.A. in Sociology and minor in American Sign Language, Ari decided to pour back out to the city that poured into her. She stayed in Austin doing college ministry, youth ministry, and non-profit work. Doing ministry helped her develop a heart for vulnerable populations and healing through mercy. Working with ages 5-21 from all walks of life and mental health backgrounds, Ari knew she wanted to be used wherever there was any need. She, then, transitioned to the non-profit sector as a Bilingual Community Outreach Specialist where she specialized in prevention work amongst Austin's marginalized youth and families. After 6 years, she moved back to her home in Dallas and began her journey to search where she could fill a need. Serving sex trafficking victims became the place where she knew fit exactly what she was looking for. Ari’s goal is to become an instrument of justice, empowerment, and hope as she navigates through a broken world.
Ari • Intake Coordinator
ariacna@traffick911.com
Jacie has always had a heart for serving others. Her passion for helping marginalized youth began when her parents opened their home and became a foster family when she was 15. From there, she began to learn more about her local foster care system and the need for people who genuinely care for the youth in their care. When she went to college, she knew that her heart was no longer in the medical field, which was always her plan; it was now in social work and advocacy. Once Jacie graduated with her Bachelor of Social Work, she became a Guardian Ad Litem volunteer, working specifically with teen girls at a CSEC placement. After working with this trafficked youth population, she knew this was her passion. She began her Master’s program, where she partnered with many professors to learn more about what it means to work in the anti-trafficking sector. Jacie found her passion through her volunteer work and case management through the RESET program. Jacie now serves as a Voice & Choice Advocate. In her free time, Jacie enjoys reading a psychological thriller, writing, listening to music, and spending time with her best friends and family.
Jacie, BSW • Voice & Choice Advocate
jacie@traffick911.com
Sierra’s passion for the social service and mental health fields originated from her love for her Hispanic culture and community, which shaped her since she was a little girl. She heard of misconceptions surrounding mental health and was determined to be the advocate that she did not get to experience growing up. After graduating with her undergraduate degree in Psychology, Sierra started her journey working with the Latino community at non-profits to educate families on mental health and education. Sierra’s passion led her through graduate school, studying child development and children with disabilities, where she went on to conduct behavior therapy for children with various intellectual and developmental delays and provide case management services for families to connect them to resources that could better their future. Sierra hopes to continue assisting and advocating for others in her community and celebrating her love for her culture through the work she does through Traffick911.
She hopes to radiate positivity, happiness and empowerment through her work and life. Sierra loves spending time with her family and friends, enjoying great food and finding new places and sites to visit and experience with loved ones.
Sierra, MS • Program Support Data Assistant
sierra@traffick911.com
Gabby’s passion for young people started at an early age. Helping her mom with her in-home daycare, she saw how kids responded to genuine love and care. After obtaining a BS in Business Administration and Human Relationships and gaining seven years of work experience in the medical field, Gabby knew it was time to step out on faith and sought to begin working within her purpose, which is serving young people. Gabby has worked as a Youth Enrichment Specialist at Jonathan’s Place—RESET program, leading and facilitating support and prevention group sessions for youth survivors of sex trafficking. Her time at Jonathan’s place allowed her to experience first-hand what liberation and joy looks like from the perspective of the young people she served when they were accepted and loved right where they were at that point in their lives.
Gabby, BS • Voice & Choice Advocate
gabby@traffick911.com
Tia has had the privilege of working with children and families for five years. After receiving her undergraduate degree in Child and Family Studies at Baylor University, she completed her Masters in Psychology with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Development at SNHU. Tia’s "why" has a foundation in creating safe spaces for youth to be authentically themselves mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Through work experiences and educational backgrounds, she has developed interpersonal and practical skills that meet people where they are and find unique ways to convey information. Working in foster care and adoption helped shape her work ethic, improved her knowledge of trauma-informed care, and grew her passion for serving youth who may be in difficult situations. In her free time, Tia likes to play volleyball, be with family and friends, and watch movies.
Tia, MS • Voice & Choice Advocate
tia@traffick911.com
Gaby knew at an early age that she was given a servant heart and began exploring places where she could begin her journey to serve. Growing up, she saw the adversity, trauma, and daily struggles other children in her community were facing. This led her to pursue education in the criminal justice field and obtained her Bachelor of Science in Victim Studies, and minors in Human Services and Homeland Security at Sam Houston State University. Throughout her career she’s been able to create a safe space to hear the societal and familial struggles such as being victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking. Gaby’s passion is to serve the most vulnerable. She strives to see God in everyone and appreciate the beauty every soul has in this world.
Gabriella, BS • Voice & Choice Advocate
gaby@traffick911.com
Talitha Harrison is a retired Captain from the New York City Department of Correction at Rikers Island. While working there, her parents opened their home to foster and adopt children and their families to keep siblings from being separated. Post-retirement, she relocated to South Carolina to help raise her younger brother and sisters. There, she served for a decade as a Victim Advocate in the Solicitor’s Office, known as the District Attorney’s Office in other states. In addition to her professional service, Talitha actively volunteered and worked along with the YWCA with survivors of domestic violence, Parents of Murdered Children, and Sexual Trauma agencies as a Crisis Hotline Counselor and as an on-call sexual abuse advocate. Talitha’s passion for helping others is undeniable and has placed her on many platforms in the political arena to address the heartbreaking reality and concerns of the community. She has coached, empowered, and mentored many of all ages, from youth to adults. Her love for God and people and the love that her parents extended to so many make it easy for Talitha to continue to advocate for those who seemingly feel voiceless.
Talitha • Family Support Advocate
talitha@traffick911.com
Lynita was taught to love God and people at a young age by her mother, and this has remained with her throughout her life. She chose to pursue a career in the helping professions due to her upbringing. Lynita’s mother used to open their home to young women and families who were going through financial struggles or were in neglectful and abusive family relationships. This inspired her to obtain her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Bradley University. Since then, she has dedicated her career to advocating for those often overlooked and unheard. For over six years, Lynita has been working with youth and families in the child welfare and justice system. She is passionate about inspiring others to pursue their dreams, especially with the help of a relationship with Christ. She is passionate about God, family, mental health, love, and justice. Recently, she relocated to Dallas from Chicago and believes that every experience she has had has led her to this moment where her purpose meets her profession.
Lynita, BSW • Voice & Choice Advocate
lynita@traffick911.com
Ashley is originally from Indianapolis and relocated to Dallas in 2016 post-graduation. Since then, she has worked in a psychiatric hospital specializing in chemical dependency and mental illness in adults, in community case management, counseling, and skills development for children with levels of severe trauma, which then led her to her current role as an advocate with Traffick911. Driven by a passion for community service and personal growth, Ashley discovered the transformative power of horticultural therapy during her own healing journey. In 2020, she cultivated The Planted Seed with a clear mission: to help individuals understand their roots and support their healing journey by nurturing both themselves and their plants.
When she's not serving her community, she's growing and selling plants, exploring the outdoors with her husband and dog-child, and trying new plant-based restaurants in the area.
Ashley, BA • Voice & Choice Advocate
ashley@traffick911.com
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Rose has been passionate about working in the community her entire life. Working in Juvenile Institutions in the Forensic Juvenile Psychiatric Unit of the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation of Puerto Rico, her experience of working with youth gave her a perspecitve to find Proyecto Angel de Alas Amarillas Inc. where she used the arts as a means of prevention. Most recently, Rose worked in New York helping youth victims of sex trafficking. Rose is certified as a Substance Abuse Counselor CASAC from Molloy University in New York.
She is the proud mother of five amazing kids who are her greatest project and inspiration. She also loves cats and coffee!
Rose • Family Support Advocate
rose@traffick911.com
Hannah was raised by a missionary family in Central America, where she was graciously taught a heart of compassion and service. At a young age, Hannah began seeking opportunities to serve the hurting people in Belize, where her family served. When she moved to the U.S. for college, she decided to major in Criminal Justice at Dallas Baptist University and began her journey of advocacy at local help centers and youth organizations. Hannah has felt consistently drawn to populations whose rights have been typically overlooked or whose voices have often been unheard. She is passionate about reminding young women and men of their intrinsic value, worth, and dignity, regardless of their current circumstances or backgrounds.
Hannah, BA • Voice & Choice Advocate
hannahf@traffick911.com
From a young age, Graciela always has had a deep passion for serving her community. In 2015, She had the opportunity to go on a mission trip to Haiti, where she was confronted with the harsh realities of orphan trafficking. This experience deeply impacted Graciela, leading her to return the following year, driven by a desire to make a lasting difference. This journey opened her heart and solidified her decision to work full-time with survivors.
After conducting research into human trafficking in the United States, Graciela decided to attend Dallas Baptist University, pursuing a degree in Intercultural Studies with a minor in Sociology. Her goal was to deepen her understanding of the emotional and personal impact trauma has on individuals and better equip herself to address this critical issue. Her work initially focused on supporting adults and families who had survived trafficking, but she soon felt a strong pull towards working with children in this space. She discovered a profound passion for creating a safe environment and being a loving presence in the lives of young survivors, dedicating herself to helping them heal and find hope.
Graciela • Voice & Choice Advocate
graciela@traffick911.com
Kaylah’s passion for Jesus, people, and ministry has always been a driving force in her life. At 18, she moved to Sydney, Australia to study Christian Leadership, and it was there that she discovered her calling to help vulnerable populations. This calling led her to intern with A21, which is where she realized her true mission was to support children affected by trafficking. Since then, Kaylah has worked at various safe houses as a resident advocate and at ZOE International as a youth advocate, dedicating her career to helping survivors. She’s recently relocated to Dallas and is excited to join Traffick911, where she’s ready to continue making a meaningful impact through trust-based relationships. In her free time, Kaylah loves to go on walks, travel, try new restaurants, and spend time with friends and family!
Kaylah • Voice & Choice Advocate
kaylah@traffick911.com
Madison has always had a passion to help others, leading her to discover her interest in the mental health field. After graduating with her Bachelor's degree in Psychology, with minors in Criminal Justice Studies and Spanish, she decided to further her education to obtain her Master's degree in Forensic Psychology. Madison has had the opportunity to support victims of trauma in multiple settings, including interning with marginalized juveniles at the Victoria Regional Juvenile Justice Center and empowering trafficked and exploited teen girls at New Friends New Life. In these experiences, she found her calling to create safe and supportive relationships with high-risk populations, leading her to begin her career as a Voice & Choice Advocate. In her free time, Madison loves spending time with her friends and family, watching reality TV, and loving on her dog, Willow!
Madison • Voice & Choice Advocate
madisonl@traffick911.com
Administrative & Development Staff
Hannah is fueled by having opportunities to listen to and learn from people’s stories. She discovered her greatest passion—people—throughout the pursuit of her B.A. in Graphic Design at Dallas Baptist University. After working in two design and marketing positions at her alma mater, she developed a love of the intricacies, complexities, and impact of storytelling in tandem with a love of design.
However, she had no idea what she was to do with these skills after college, until one day her eyes became fully open to the realities of human trafficking. Hearing heart-wrenching statistics, having her misconceptions debunked through awareness events and outreach training, as well as experiencing freedom from trauma in her own life led her to ask the Lord, “what can I do?”
Now, as a Mission Engagement Coordinator with a focus on design and marketing, Hannah has the privilege of stewarding the stories of survivors and an opportunity to champion a voice of hope and truth surrounding the issue of child sex trafficking.
Hannah • Mission Engagement Coordinator
hannah@traffick911.com
Michelle is motivated and thrives in initiating life-changing encounters. She has extensive experience in mission work for the marginalized communities of Dallas and other nations.
She graduated with a Bachelor's in Communications and a minor in Church Administration from Oral Roberts University. Shortly after graduating, she moved back home to DFW to work in full-time ministry as she unraveled her passion for being a bridge to connect people to visionary work.
Having experienced relational, spiritual, and physical healing in her own life, Michelle desires to see healing for others. She believes that healing is key to defining who we are and walking in true freedom. In her free time, she enjoys laughing and eating with friends, traveling, playing with her dog, and baking cheesecake.
Michelle hopes to reflect the love of God in a way that leads people to seek their life-changing encounter.
Michelle • Mission Engagement Coordinator
michelle@traffick911.com
Maria's journey has been one of a strong sense of purpose and growth. For eight years, she worked in print and digital media advertising, honing her skills while sensing the need to make a more profound impact. She felt compelled to transition into nonprofit work, blending her expertise with her innate desire to help others.
Her church introduced her to the issue of sex trafficking, igniting a passionate journey that eventually led her to Traffick911. Drawing from her personal healing journey, Maria merged her skills with a passion for serving others to drive impactful change.
At home, Maria finds fulfillment in spending time with her husband and daughter. She also enjoys reading, puzzles, and spending time with her family and friends.
Maria • Mission Engagement Coordinator
maria@traffick911.com
Board Members
Amber Kinney, MBA • Chair • Chief Financial Officer, Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Yolanda Jones, MPA • CEO, AIDS Interfaith Network
Jacob Johnson • Founder, Chief Executive Officer, Calyan Wax Co.
Robert Reid, MA • Minister, Pastoral Counselor, Spiritual Coach
Delia Johnson • CEO, The David M. Crowley Foundation
Cordelia Boone • Ex-Officio • Crystal Charity Ball
Lindsey Speed • Executive Director, Traffick911
Advisory Board
Yevette Christy, MDIV, Doctoral Candidate at Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University • Survivor Leader, Author, Speaker
Mike King • Vice President & Deputy General Counsel, Caterpillar (Traffick911 Legal Advisor)
Sherrie Jerke • Retired Director, Traffick911
Jeanette Sexton • Associate Director, Marketing Technology, Alcon
Alaina Johnson, MBA • Senior Executive Recruiter, Amazon
Vanessa Bouche, PhD • Social Entrepreneur; Nationally-recognized Human Trafficking Researcher; Co-Founder of Savhera; Speaker; Consultant
Sheri Winsper, RN, MSN, MSHA • Associate Vice President Quality Improvement, WellMed Medical Management
Nelda Yaw-Buckman • Founder and Chief Visionary of Nelda Studios
Dr. John McClay • Pediatric Otolaryngologist
J. Nick Pitts, PhD • Director of Communications, Atmos Energy
Corky Schalchlin • Executive Director, Texas Narcotic Officers Association, Retired Major, Texas Department of Public Safety, Narcotics & Human Trafficking Division