Our Team
A True Survivor-Ally Team Approach
In everything that we do at Amirah, we take a true team approach. Each member of our team is vital to the work we do serving survivors every day. Check out our amazing team members below!
Leadership
Stephanie Clark
Chief Executive Officer
Stephanie Clark is the CEO of Amirah. She is a passionate advocate for victims and survivors of sex trafficking, working to provide not only a place for aftercare to exist for these individuals, but develop a greater system of aftercare within our communities. She has a desire to see both global and domestic changes in the view of women. She came to Amirah after serving for four years as an Associate Pastor on the North Shore of Boston. Prior to that, she was a small business owner. She is a writer, public speaker and advocate. Stephanie has represented the field of survivor aftercare at the United Nations and is currently spearheading the formation of the coalition of aftercare services. She presented at the Tri-County Human Trafficking Conference in Killington, VT, provided testimony to the Massachusetts State Judiciary Committee, and has been called upon by local leaders within this movement to bring insight for best practices when working with survivors. She has her undergraduate degree from Moody Bible Institute of Chicago and her masters degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary of Massachusetts.
She comes to New England from Michigan. She and her husband, Dave, enjoy hiking together with their two daughters. In her down time, she loves to read a good book with a cup of tea while Nina Simone is playing in the background.
Stephanie Clark is the CEO of Amirah. She is a passionate advocate for victims and survivors of sex trafficking, working to provide not only a place for aftercare to exist for these individuals, but develop a greater system of aftercare within our communities. She has a desire to see both global and domestic changes in the view of women. She came to Amirah after serving for four years as an Associate Pastor on the North Shore of Boston. Prior to that, she was a small business owner. She is a writer, public speaker and advocate. Stephanie has represented the field of survivor aftercare at the United Nations and is currently spearheading the formation of the coalition of aftercare services. She presented at the Tri-County Human Trafficking Conference in Killington, VT, provided testimony to the Massachusetts State Judiciary Committee, and has been called upon by local leaders within this movement to bring insight for best practices when working with survivors. She has her undergraduate degree from Moody Bible Institute of Chicago and her masters degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary of Massachusetts.
She comes to New England from Michigan. She and her husband, Dave, enjoy hiking together with their two daughters. In her down time, she loves to read a good book with a cup of tea while Nina Simone is playing in the background.
Mary Speta
Chief Impact Officer
Mary Speta is a researcher, educator, speaker, and advocate in the movement to end commercial sexual exploitation. She serves as Chief Impact Officer for Amirah, overseeing the organization’s public education, policy, and fundraising efforts. In her role, Mary trains service providers, law enforcement professionals, organizations, and communities, not only to equip them to respond wisely and ethically in helping victims, but also to change systems that enable exploitation. Mary utilizes her own lived experience of commercial sexual exploitation as well as her research on domestic sex trafficking to break down myths and inform policy advocacy efforts. Additionally, she leads Amirah’s advancement strategies as the organization grows its service capacity. She serves on multiple legislative advisory committees throughout New England as an anti-trafficking policy adviser and consultant. Mary is currently pursuing a doctorate in law and policy at Northeastern University, where her research focuses on expanding access to effective, survivor approved exit and aftercare approaches. She also holds a master’s degree in administrative sciences from Boston University and completed her undergraduate studies at Gordon College.
Mary Speta is a researcher, educator, speaker, and advocate in the movement to end commercial sexual exploitation. She serves as Chief Impact Officer for Amirah, overseeing the organization’s public education, policy, and fundraising efforts. In her role, Mary trains service providers, law enforcement professionals, organizations, and communities, not only to equip them to respond wisely and ethically in helping victims, but also to change systems that enable exploitation. Mary utilizes her own lived experience of commercial sexual exploitation as well as her research on domestic sex trafficking to break down myths and inform policy advocacy efforts. Additionally, she leads Amirah’s advancement strategies as the organization grows its service capacity. She serves on multiple legislative advisory committees throughout New England as an anti-trafficking policy adviser and consultant. Mary is currently pursuing a doctorate in law and policy at Northeastern University, where her research focuses on expanding access to effective, survivor approved exit and aftercare approaches. She also holds a master’s degree in administrative sciences from Boston University and completed her undergraduate studies at Gordon College.
Administration
Leticia Lemus
Business Manager
Leticia Lemus is Amirah's Business Manager and oversees the crucial administrative operations behind the scenes at Amirah. She comes to Amirah with a wealth of administrative and human resources experience. Leticia received her training in business administration at the Universidad del Caribe in the Dominican Republic. She also holds certifications in Homecare Program Management from the California Association of Health Services at Home and in Human Resources Management from Michigan State University. Her passion is to help others see God's grace in every part of their lives, to take time to listen and invest in the people around her. She is a big believer that if there is a will, the way can be found with God's direction. When she is not working, Leticia loves to spend time with family, read, and explore hole-in-the-wall family owned restaurants wherever she can find them!
Leticia Lemus is Amirah's Business Manager and oversees the crucial administrative operations behind the scenes at Amirah. She comes to Amirah with a wealth of administrative and human resources experience. Leticia received her training in business administration at the Universidad del Caribe in the Dominican Republic. She also holds certifications in Homecare Program Management from the California Association of Health Services at Home and in Human Resources Management from Michigan State University. Her passion is to help others see God's grace in every part of their lives, to take time to listen and invest in the people around her. She is a big believer that if there is a will, the way can be found with God's direction. When she is not working, Leticia loves to spend time with family, read, and explore hole-in-the-wall family owned restaurants wherever she can find them!
Michael Distefano
Director of Faith & Justice Initiatives
Michael Distefano is the Director of Faith & Justice Initiatives at Amirah, overseeing our church and faith-based partnerships. As a pastor for more than five years in both Houston, TX and Washington, DC, Michael’s heart is to see God’s love for humanity and His passion for justice reflected in the church. As a pastor, Mike’s great joy comes in mobilizing the people of God to meet the needs of their city. Mike’s involvement as a volunteer in the world of anti-trafficking spans more than 10 years and includes prevention through Love 146 + the End It Movement and liberation efforts through Redeemed Ministries in Houston, TX. Michael was a volunteer at Amirah while acting as the Justice Student Committee Chair at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary from 2014-2017. He joined Amirah’s staff in 2019 through what he felt was a direct call from God to minister to survivors and elevate the church. He has degrees in Management and Entrepreneurial Studies from Texas A&M University and a Masters in Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
He enjoys reading, writing, and anything that feels like “adventure” - canoeing, hiking, mountain biking, and skiing. He loves his family and is deeply committed to pie (apple, razzleberry, - you name it) and ice cream.
Michael Distefano is the Director of Faith & Justice Initiatives at Amirah, overseeing our church and faith-based partnerships. As a pastor for more than five years in both Houston, TX and Washington, DC, Michael’s heart is to see God’s love for humanity and His passion for justice reflected in the church. As a pastor, Mike’s great joy comes in mobilizing the people of God to meet the needs of their city. Mike’s involvement as a volunteer in the world of anti-trafficking spans more than 10 years and includes prevention through Love 146 + the End It Movement and liberation efforts through Redeemed Ministries in Houston, TX. Michael was a volunteer at Amirah while acting as the Justice Student Committee Chair at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary from 2014-2017. He joined Amirah’s staff in 2019 through what he felt was a direct call from God to minister to survivors and elevate the church. He has degrees in Management and Entrepreneurial Studies from Texas A&M University and a Masters in Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
He enjoys reading, writing, and anything that feels like “adventure” - canoeing, hiking, mountain biking, and skiing. He loves his family and is deeply committed to pie (apple, razzleberry, - you name it) and ice cream.
Massachusetts Team
Cheri Crider
Director of Mentoring & Outreach
Cheri Crider is the Director of Outreach & Mentoring for Amirah, Inc. She is a trainer, speaker, mentor and curriculum writer. In her prison outreach, Cheri facilitates resiliency building curricula. She has authored numerous educational programs, including a trauma-informed training from a survivor’s perspective. Cheri has testified before the Mass. State Senate on issues including victims' rights, criminal record relief and legislation. Cheri serves on Amirah's Strategic Advisory Board, the New England Coalition Against Trafficking and consults with the Survivor Alliance in global research projects.
Cheri Crider is the Director of Outreach & Mentoring for Amirah, Inc. She is a trainer, speaker, mentor and curriculum writer. In her prison outreach, Cheri facilitates resiliency building curricula. She has authored numerous educational programs, including a trauma-informed training from a survivor’s perspective. Cheri has testified before the Mass. State Senate on issues including victims' rights, criminal record relief and legislation. Cheri serves on Amirah's Strategic Advisory Board, the New England Coalition Against Trafficking and consults with the Survivor Alliance in global research projects.
Sarah Broughton
Program Clinician & Clinical Supervision Director
Sarah Broughton is a Program Clinician for Amirah's North Shore safe home. She earned her bachelors degree in psychology from Gordon College and her masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in trauma from Lesley University. After completing an internship and volunteering with Amirah, Sarah is thrilled to now be at the home full time. It is her passion to support women who have been exploited to discover their immeasurable worth and find healing. Sarah's professional work has been centered around providing counseling and supporting survivors of trauma. She believes that trauma erodes one's sense of self and safety in the world, and is passionate about helping to restore each of these through genuine relationships, excellent therapy, and reliance on God.
When she is not working, Sarah loves to spend time with her friends and family, explore the outdoors, and spoil every cat she meets (especially her own).
Sarah Broughton is a Program Clinician for Amirah's North Shore safe home. She earned her bachelors degree in psychology from Gordon College and her masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in trauma from Lesley University. After completing an internship and volunteering with Amirah, Sarah is thrilled to now be at the home full time. It is her passion to support women who have been exploited to discover their immeasurable worth and find healing. Sarah's professional work has been centered around providing counseling and supporting survivors of trauma. She believes that trauma erodes one's sense of self and safety in the world, and is passionate about helping to restore each of these through genuine relationships, excellent therapy, and reliance on God.
When she is not working, Sarah loves to spend time with her friends and family, explore the outdoors, and spoil every cat she meets (especially her own).
Cristina Oliver
Program Clinician & Group Therapies Director
Cristina Oliver is a Program Clinician for Amirah's North Shore safe home. She received her MSW at the University of New Hampshire with a focus on trauma. She has advocated for survivors of domestic and sexual violence for the justice they deserve through multiple agencies locally and globally. Cristina was a volunteer for Amirah while completing her MSW and continued her education through prevention, outreach, and aftercare. Her passions are to empower women on their healing journey while helping survivors find themselves in a Christ-centered environment.
Cristina has recently relocated to the North Shore. Originally from Connecticut, she has a love for travel and exploration, expressive arts, and has three cats: Kitty, Ziggy, and Marley.
Cristina Oliver is a Program Clinician for Amirah's North Shore safe home. She received her MSW at the University of New Hampshire with a focus on trauma. She has advocated for survivors of domestic and sexual violence for the justice they deserve through multiple agencies locally and globally. Cristina was a volunteer for Amirah while completing her MSW and continued her education through prevention, outreach, and aftercare. Her passions are to empower women on their healing journey while helping survivors find themselves in a Christ-centered environment.
Cristina has recently relocated to the North Shore. Originally from Connecticut, she has a love for travel and exploration, expressive arts, and has three cats: Kitty, Ziggy, and Marley.
Jaime Rivera
Community Life & Volunteer Coordinator
Jaime is the Community Life Coordinator for Amirah's North Shore safe home. Jaime has a BS in Recreation Management & Policy with a focus in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of New Hampshire. While at UNH, she worked closely with Greek InterVarsity and their mission to see sorority women's lives transformed and the Greek system renewed through the Gospel. Professionally, she has worked in a variety of settings focused on whole-person care and community integration including Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. Jaime has a heart for walking with women while they discover that they are known and loved by the Creator. She believes that healing happens through authentic and strong fellowship.
She and her husband, Orlando, enjoy trying new restaurants and traveling with their two young daughters. In her free time, she enjoys drinking lemonade espressos from local coffee shops (trust her, it's delicious) and re-watching The Office.
Jaime is the Community Life Coordinator for Amirah's North Shore safe home. Jaime has a BS in Recreation Management & Policy with a focus in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of New Hampshire. While at UNH, she worked closely with Greek InterVarsity and their mission to see sorority women's lives transformed and the Greek system renewed through the Gospel. Professionally, she has worked in a variety of settings focused on whole-person care and community integration including Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. Jaime has a heart for walking with women while they discover that they are known and loved by the Creator. She believes that healing happens through authentic and strong fellowship.
She and her husband, Orlando, enjoy trying new restaurants and traveling with their two young daughters. In her free time, she enjoys drinking lemonade espressos from local coffee shops (trust her, it's delicious) and re-watching The Office.
Pamela McLellan
Program Administrative Assistant
Pamela McLellan is the part-time Program Administrative Assistant for Amirah's North Shore safe home. She is a recent transplant to New England from Virginia. She has worked in administrative roles in a wide range of settings, including government contracting, technology, construction, property management, interior design and church care. Her primary role as mom to four spirited kids has given her a wealth of experience in scheduling, logistics, mediation, taxi driving and crisis management. Pamela has a passion to see others set free through the healing power of Christ. She is excited to bring her administrative and organizational experience to the transforming work at Amirah.
Pamela has been married to her husband, Corey, for 20 years. In her free time she enjoys running, hiking, bargain hunting, restoring historic homes and discovering all the local ice cream places on the North Shore.
Pamela McLellan is the part-time Program Administrative Assistant for Amirah's North Shore safe home. She is a recent transplant to New England from Virginia. She has worked in administrative roles in a wide range of settings, including government contracting, technology, construction, property management, interior design and church care. Her primary role as mom to four spirited kids has given her a wealth of experience in scheduling, logistics, mediation, taxi driving and crisis management. Pamela has a passion to see others set free through the healing power of Christ. She is excited to bring her administrative and organizational experience to the transforming work at Amirah.
Pamela has been married to her husband, Corey, for 20 years. In her free time she enjoys running, hiking, bargain hunting, restoring historic homes and discovering all the local ice cream places on the North Shore.
Jessie Funk
Intake Specialist
Jessie Funk is our Intake Specialist. She is a survivor-leader and graduate of Amirah's safe home program. As a graduate of Amirah, she brings confidence in the Amirah program to women who are on their journey. She offers a judgment-free space where hope can begin. Jessie loves to bring joy to others and work in a team environment. and seeks to cultivate a sisterhood of survivors that thrive together.
In her spare time, you will find Jessie smiling and bringing positivity to others.
Jessie Funk is our Intake Specialist. She is a survivor-leader and graduate of Amirah's safe home program. As a graduate of Amirah, she brings confidence in the Amirah program to women who are on their journey. She offers a judgment-free space where hope can begin. Jessie loves to bring joy to others and work in a team environment. and seeks to cultivate a sisterhood of survivors that thrive together.
In her spare time, you will find Jessie smiling and bringing positivity to others.
Becky Keys
Program Clinician & Community Resources Director
As Program Clinician and Community Resources Director, Becky Keys has the amazing opportunity, as part of an incredible team, to facilitate the opening of Amirah’s Community Resource Center (CRC) on the North Shore. She earned her M.Ed. in Community Education and Nonprofit Administration from Boston University and is an MSW candidate at Boston College. She has spent over 15 years in leadership and service with church and community organizations, with a specific focus on and passion for women. She has served on the Board of RIA House since 2016, volunteering, mentoring and contributing to the strategic vision. Becky sees the innate dignity, beauty, and value of each human being, as we all bear the image of God, and brings this into her work with survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation. She is passionate about the earth too, and won’t pass up the chance to hike through the woods or walk on the beach; communing with creation in all forms feeds her soul.
As Program Clinician and Community Resources Director, Becky Keys has the amazing opportunity, as part of an incredible team, to facilitate the opening of Amirah’s Community Resource Center (CRC) on the North Shore. She earned her M.Ed. in Community Education and Nonprofit Administration from Boston University and is an MSW candidate at Boston College. She has spent over 15 years in leadership and service with church and community organizations, with a specific focus on and passion for women. She has served on the Board of RIA House since 2016, volunteering, mentoring and contributing to the strategic vision. Becky sees the innate dignity, beauty, and value of each human being, as we all bear the image of God, and brings this into her work with survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation. She is passionate about the earth too, and won’t pass up the chance to hike through the woods or walk on the beach; communing with creation in all forms feeds her soul.
Shelley Hood
Home Manager, North Shore
Shelley Hood is the home manager for the north shore safe home. Shelley started as a volunteer, stepped into the OSL position and is now the home manager. She comes to us with experience managing several commercial properties and is a certified health coach. She is on fire for HEALTHY Living, healing the Mind - Body - Soul.
Shelley has been married to her husband Tom for 23 years. They have two grown children. She loves traveling spending time with her granddaughter and shopping at Marshall’s with her daughter.
Shelley Hood is the home manager for the north shore safe home. Shelley started as a volunteer, stepped into the OSL position and is now the home manager. She comes to us with experience managing several commercial properties and is a certified health coach. She is on fire for HEALTHY Living, healing the Mind - Body - Soul.
Shelley has been married to her husband Tom for 23 years. They have two grown children. She loves traveling spending time with her granddaughter and shopping at Marshall’s with her daughter.
Connecticut Team
Naja Barrows
Program Clinician & Clinical Supervision Director
Naja received her Masters in Social Work from Fordham University in 2018. Naja began her social work career receiving her undergraduate degree in Social Work at Eastern Connecticut State University where she participated in clubs such as the Social Work club where she became President and Social Justice Club in which she was Vice President and rewarded Member of the Year. Naja has worked with several populations such as those affected by substance abuse, those who have been incarcerated and children. Naja prides herself in being an individual that "helps others help themselves" and passionate about being a safe space to individuals who struggle to find theirs.
In her free time, Naja enjoys spending time with family and friends, trying out new movies or series, listening to music and learning new things
Naja received her Masters in Social Work from Fordham University in 2018. Naja began her social work career receiving her undergraduate degree in Social Work at Eastern Connecticut State University where she participated in clubs such as the Social Work club where she became President and Social Justice Club in which she was Vice President and rewarded Member of the Year. Naja has worked with several populations such as those affected by substance abuse, those who have been incarcerated and children. Naja prides herself in being an individual that "helps others help themselves" and passionate about being a safe space to individuals who struggle to find theirs.
In her free time, Naja enjoys spending time with family and friends, trying out new movies or series, listening to music and learning new things
Summer Rodriguez
Program Clinician & Group Therapies Director
Summer Rodriguez is a Program Clinician and Group Therapies Director for Amirah's Greater Hartford safe home. Before moving from California to Connecticut, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Biola University and her Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology from Vanguard University. Summer is innately aware of the extensive impact trauma can have on someone’s life, and is passionate about helping women recover from their past pain and move toward a sense of safety and value. She believes this is best done in community, and emphasizes greatly the importance for healthy, genuine relationships.
When Summer is not working, she enjoys being with her husband, daughter, and their two pets; as well as playing board games, reading, and spending time in nature.
Summer Rodriguez is a Program Clinician and Group Therapies Director for Amirah's Greater Hartford safe home. Before moving from California to Connecticut, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Biola University and her Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology from Vanguard University. Summer is innately aware of the extensive impact trauma can have on someone’s life, and is passionate about helping women recover from their past pain and move toward a sense of safety and value. She believes this is best done in community, and emphasizes greatly the importance for healthy, genuine relationships.
When Summer is not working, she enjoys being with her husband, daughter, and their two pets; as well as playing board games, reading, and spending time in nature.
Susan Alley
Home Manager
Susan Alley is the Home Manager for Amirah in Connecticut. This new role at the Greater Hartford Home includes the administrative responsibilities for the home. Susan received her BS in nursing at Seattle Pacific University. After working in nursing for 20 years, she became a full-time mom of 7 children, as well as providing foster care. She has volunteered for several agencies working with women and children who have experienced trauma. Susan feels particularly passionate about walking alongside people working through the many obstacles in life. She joined the Amirah staff as the Home Manager in the North Shore Home in 2017. She has volunteered for Amirah since it first began and has been a vital part of the home life running smoothly.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, taking long walks, going to the beach, and learning new things.
Susan Alley is the Home Manager for Amirah in Connecticut. This new role at the Greater Hartford Home includes the administrative responsibilities for the home. Susan received her BS in nursing at Seattle Pacific University. After working in nursing for 20 years, she became a full-time mom of 7 children, as well as providing foster care. She has volunteered for several agencies working with women and children who have experienced trauma. Susan feels particularly passionate about walking alongside people working through the many obstacles in life. She joined the Amirah staff as the Home Manager in the North Shore Home in 2017. She has volunteered for Amirah since it first began and has been a vital part of the home life running smoothly.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, taking long walks, going to the beach, and learning new things.
Lori Schofer
Community Life & Volunteer Coordinator
Lori is the Community Life Coordinator for Amirah's Greater Hartford safe home. She has spent many years working at Iron Sharpens Iron, a nonprofit focusing on ministry to families. Lori received her professional life coaching certification from PCCI in 2015. She received her BS in Business Administration as well. She has a passion for walking alongside women as they go through life.
Lori's house is filled with music as she's married to a musician. She is really good at throwing the frisbee thanks to her rescue dog, Bentley.
Lori is the Community Life Coordinator for Amirah's Greater Hartford safe home. She has spent many years working at Iron Sharpens Iron, a nonprofit focusing on ministry to families. Lori received her professional life coaching certification from PCCI in 2015. She received her BS in Business Administration as well. She has a passion for walking alongside women as they go through life.
Lori's house is filled with music as she's married to a musician. She is really good at throwing the frisbee thanks to her rescue dog, Bentley.
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