Executive 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 has a deep passion for ensuring every person has a safe person in their life. Growing up surviving many adverse childhood experiences, she’s seen firsthand the devastating effects of trauma and the power that one safe person can bring. After serving in various administration, and leadership roles for over 20 years, Cheryl brought her passions to Traffick911 in 2015, first as a volunteer, and soon after as a full-time staff member.

Cheryl has served in almost every capacity at the organization, including being a part of the inaugural 24/7 crisis response and advocacy team where she gained invaluable experience walking alongside dozens of survivors and their families. Cheryl now serves as Executive Vice President at Traffick911 overseeing the organization’s services via the Voice & Choice program, law enforcement and multidisciplinary team partnerships across North Texas, and the overall operations of Traffick911. Cheryl represents Traffick911 on the North Texas Trafficking

Task Force led by Homeland Security Investigations and also serves on the Advisory Council for the Dallas, Denton, Tarrant, Ellis and Rockwall County Child Sex Trafficking Multi-disciplinary Team.

Cheryl Brasuell • Executive Vice President

 

Gina comes to us all the way from New York City. She made the move to Texas with her family in early 2019 in hopes of continuing her career with an organization that makes a significant difference in helping the community.

Gina’s passion for helping others began in college when she became a member of Omega Phi Beta Sorority Inc. in 2001. Their philanthropy is raising awareness of violence against women and it is a cause that has always held a special place in her heart. She has remained involved in her sorority and continues to participate in community service events, fundraisers and conferences.

After graduating from college, Gina went on to work in corporate America for eight years, but once she realized that this was not where her heart was, she decided it was time for a change and moved to the non-profit sector. She joined a new charter school in New York City as the Director of Finance & HR. It was there that she knew she had found a career that she loved and fulfilled her passion to help others. She would go on to spend the next eight years of her career as part of the school’s leadership team. Gina played an intricate role in expanding the charter school from Kindergarten to 8th grade and supporting from a financial and administrative end.

Now residing in Texas, Gina feels blessed, grateful and most of all, humbled to join Traffick911 as the Director of Finance and Human Resources. She oversees the financial structure and HR policies of the organization. Her role is to provide support with finances, business planning, budgeting, human resources, and administration. She partners with the senior leadership team in strategic decision making and financial operations to ensure that the organization continues to enhance its quality programming and build capacity.

Gina earned her Bachelors in Economics (with a concentration in Finance) and a minor in Political Science (with a concentration in Public Policy) from Boston University. She enjoys travelling, trying new restaurants, but more than anything in this world, she loves spending time with her husband and their three young children. They are thrilled to be living in Texas and starting this new and exciting chapter in their lives!

Gina Palma • Vice President, Finance & Administration
gina@traffick911.com

 

Growing up in the Navy, Kristi’s relationship-building started very young. Moving every couple of years, she was tasked with learning new places, building friendships, and relying on her family. Community became the core of who she is, and her passion for advocating for marginalized populations and addressing social justice issues started early in her life. 

After college, her calling became suddenly very apparent, and her nonprofit career began. Her cross-disciplinary experience has led her to organizations focused on marginalized populations, youth, and social justice issues, and after nearly 15 years in the nonprofit sector, she joined Traffick911 in 2020. Having spent more than a decade serving communities affected by many intersectional matters within child sex trafficking, she became relentless in her efforts to support survivors by empowering people to learn, educate, and lead to make their world a better place. With her extensive experience and dedication, she strives to create a positive impact by supporting Traffick911's team through fundraising and fostering a community of support and love through communications.

Kristi loves exploring parks, restaurants, and local shops with her family. Together, they enjoy traveling and immersing themselves in different cultures and experiences, developing empathy and a broader perspective on the world. They cherish the memories made during their adventures and value the lessons learned from each new place they visit. 

Kristi Roye • Vice President, Advancement
kristi@traffick911.com

 

Program Leadership

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 found her passion for social justice and anti-trafficking work when a teen girl she mentored was trafficked. This experience led her to pursue a Master’s degree in social work from Baylor University. During her pursuit towards her Master’s degree, Courtney served as a research assistant under a professor who had a wealth of knowledge and experience with helping victims of sex trafficking. She’s gained vast experience working as a clinical therapy intern at Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County and ultimately as a foster care case manager at Buckner International before transitioning to Traffick911.

Courtney, LMSW • Program Director
courtney@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 is most grounded when she is chasing after her nieces and nephews, is happiest when surrounded by family, and finds joy in spending time with her husband at a small business owned coffee shop, traveling, or outdoors.

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

 
 

Program Staff

Jo has a long history of serving young people. From teaching middle school to interning during grad school at a counseling agency for teens, she recognized in herself a passion for walking alongside kids overcoming difficult obstacles.

After working as a stay-at-home mother during her children’s growing up years, she went back to school and completed a BA in Psychology & Biblical Counseling and a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. It was while earning her graduate degree that a professor recommended that she apply to serve with Traffick911, seeing something in Jo that she herself was not aware of at the time.

She believes her own experiences of relational brokenness, growing up in a single-parent household, and battling questions of self-worth has ultimately prepared her to advocate for survivors and help them recognize their own strengths and the power within to overcome pain and embrace hope.

Jo’s joy is her husband and two children. She loves traveling and reading, and tacos are her favorite thing in the world.


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

 

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 Support Data Analyst
morgan@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 facilitie…

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

 

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 • Sr. Voice & Choice Advocate
madi@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 • Voice & Choice Advocate
ariacna@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 • Voice & Choice Advocate
christinaj@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

 
 

Administrative & Development Staff

Lindsey worked in the corporate world for seven years before coming to serve alongside Traffick911. Her experiences in real estate title have equipped her to be an incredible addition to Traffick911’s administrative team, and she is thrilled for the opportunity to be in the nonprofit space making a difference in the lives of youth in her city.

Lindsey loves music, spending time outdoors, and trying new restaurants with friends and family.

Lindsey • Operations & Administrative Coordinator
lindseyo@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 • Human Resources Coordinator
lauren@traffick911.com

 

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 Design and Digital Engagement Coordinator, 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 a long time of experience in mission work for the marginalized communities of Dallas and other nations. 

She graduated with her 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 desire to find their life-changing encounter.

Michelle • Mission Engagement Coordinator
michelle@traffick911.com

 

Board Members

Amber Kinney, MBA • Chair • Chief Financial Officer, Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Yolanda Jones, MPA • Vice President/Chief Operating Officer, AIDS Services of Dallas

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