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Our Team
Mary Speta
Executive Director
Mary Speta is a researcher, educator, speaker, and advocate in the movement to end commercial sexual exploitation. She serves as Executive Director of Amirah, Inc., a Massachusetts-based nonprofit providing exit and aftercare services to women who have experienced prostitution, sex trafficking, and commercial sexual exploitation. Mary utilizes her own lived experience of commercial sexual exploitation as well as her research on the commercial sex trade to break down myths, inform policy, and shape effective evidence-based exit ramps supporting individuals seeking independence from commercial sex. She serves on multiple legislative advisory and service provision committees throughout New England as a policy adviser and consultant on prostitution and intersectional issues. As an educator, Mary regularly speaks at universities, helping the next generation of service providers and policy makers understand the complexities of commercial sex in the United States. The work she enjoys most, though, is walking alongside other women exiting the commercial sex trade as a mentor and supporting them as they reach economic independence and walk the road of recovery. Mary is a candidate in the Doctor of Law and Policy program at Northeastern University, where her research focuses on the phenomenon of prostitution, the distorted impact of prostitution criminalization, and evidence-based policy approaches to supporting exit from the commercial sex trade. She also holds a master’s degree in arts and nonprofit 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 Executive Director of Amirah, Inc., a Massachusetts-based nonprofit providing exit and aftercare services to women who have experienced prostitution, sex trafficking, and commercial sexual exploitation. Mary utilizes her own lived experience of commercial sexual exploitation as well as her research on the commercial sex trade to break down myths, inform policy, and shape effective evidence-based exit ramps supporting individuals seeking independence from commercial sex. She serves on multiple legislative advisory and service provision committees throughout New England as a policy adviser and consultant on prostitution and intersectional issues. As an educator, Mary regularly speaks at universities, helping the next generation of service providers and policy makers understand the complexities of commercial sex in the United States. The work she enjoys most, though, is walking alongside other women exiting the commercial sex trade as a mentor and supporting them as they reach economic independence and walk the road of recovery. Mary is a candidate in the Doctor of Law and Policy program at Northeastern University, where her research focuses on the phenomenon of prostitution, the distorted impact of prostitution criminalization, and evidence-based policy approaches to supporting exit from the commercial sex trade. She also holds a master’s degree in arts and nonprofit administrative sciences from Boston University and completed her undergraduate studies at Gordon College.
Tori Devine, LICSW
Program Director, Long-term Safe Home
Tori Devine is the Director of Programs for Amirah. She received her Masters in Social Work with a concentration in health & mental health from Salem State University. Tori possesses over a decade of program management & clinical experience having worked in residential settings with families & individuals experiencing homelessness, individuals recovering from alcohol & substance use disorders, and survivors of domestic violence. Tori has also worked previously as an outpatient therapist for children, adolescents & families and interned on an adult inpatient psychiatric unit. Tori is passionate about assisting women in healing & recovering from traumatic experiences and working towards self-empowerment.
In her free time, Tori enjoys spending time with her loved ones (her family, boyfriend, and friends), traveling, attending expressive arts workshops, and cuddling baby goats. Her favorite time of year is autumn.
Tori Devine is the Director of Programs for Amirah. She received her Masters in Social Work with a concentration in health & mental health from Salem State University. Tori possesses over a decade of program management & clinical experience having worked in residential settings with families & individuals experiencing homelessness, individuals recovering from alcohol & substance use disorders, and survivors of domestic violence. Tori has also worked previously as an outpatient therapist for children, adolescents & families and interned on an adult inpatient psychiatric unit. Tori is passionate about assisting women in healing & recovering from traumatic experiences and working towards self-empowerment.
In her free time, Tori enjoys spending time with her loved ones (her family, boyfriend, and friends), traveling, attending expressive arts workshops, and cuddling baby goats. Her favorite time of year is autumn.
Chet Harding
Director of Development
Chet Harding is the Director of Development at Amirah. He has trained companies and organizations all over the world, to help teams improve psychological safety, engagement and leadership. Chet has a deep love for comedy, spending time with his family and all things sports. Having once shared the big screen with Rob Lowe, he is officially two degrees from Kevin Bacon.
Chet Harding is the Director of Development at Amirah. He has trained companies and organizations all over the world, to help teams improve psychological safety, engagement and leadership. Chet has a deep love for comedy, spending time with his family and all things sports. Having once shared the big screen with Rob Lowe, he is officially two degrees from Kevin Bacon.
Faith Stair, MA
Program Director, Transitional Safe Home
Faith has worked in the mental health field for over thirteen years, in a variety of positions from early intervention and the school system to direct care and case management, including Autism specific programs, permanent housing and long-term care facilities. She has also worked with individuals struggling with addiction and recovery in both outpatient clinic and jail settings. Faith earned her Masters of science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bay Path University in Massachusetts, her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Central Connecticut State University and her Associate’s in Psychology from Northwestern Connecticut Community College. She has spent the last thirteen years not only learning educationally, but also has been an active hands-on advocator for those she serves in the community. She believes in treating people with respect and dignity, positively supporting people to be their best selves. Her passion comes from the desire to help people, like her, who have had childhood/adolescent trauma and her motivation is the hope that everyone can make progress with the right balance, supports and planning. In her spare time Faith raises and cares for her 15-month-old Dachshund puppy, Niko!
Faith has worked in the mental health field for over thirteen years, in a variety of positions from early intervention and the school system to direct care and case management, including Autism specific programs, permanent housing and long-term care facilities. She has also worked with individuals struggling with addiction and recovery in both outpatient clinic and jail settings. Faith earned her Masters of science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bay Path University in Massachusetts, her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Central Connecticut State University and her Associate’s in Psychology from Northwestern Connecticut Community College. She has spent the last thirteen years not only learning educationally, but also has been an active hands-on advocator for those she serves in the community. She believes in treating people with respect and dignity, positively supporting people to be their best selves. Her passion comes from the desire to help people, like her, who have had childhood/adolescent trauma and her motivation is the hope that everyone can make progress with the right balance, supports and planning. In her spare time Faith raises and cares for her 15-month-old Dachshund puppy, Niko!
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.
Emily Patrick
Annual Giving and Communications Coordinator
Emily Patrick is the Annual Giving and Communications Coordinator. She received her degree from Texas A&M with a focus in Race, Gender, and Ethics, and shortly after pursued a graduate certification in Nonprofit Management with a concentration in Fundraising and Philanthropy. Her passion for helping others led her to serve with AmeriCorps where she mentored youth and worked at a nonprofit consulting company aiding in fundraising efforts.
Emily is a recent transplant to Boston from Texas and is enjoying all Massachusetts has to offer—especially finding the best spots to hike and ski.
Emily Patrick is the Annual Giving and Communications Coordinator. She received her degree from Texas A&M with a focus in Race, Gender, and Ethics, and shortly after pursued a graduate certification in Nonprofit Management with a concentration in Fundraising and Philanthropy. Her passion for helping others led her to serve with AmeriCorps where she mentored youth and worked at a nonprofit consulting company aiding in fundraising efforts.
Emily is a recent transplant to Boston from Texas and is enjoying all Massachusetts has to offer—especially finding the best spots to hike and ski.
Kristan Butler, LMSW
Case Manager, CT
Kristan is a case manager for Amirah in Connecticut. She received her bachelors and masters in social work from The University of Saint Joseph. Kristan has experience working with children and families, in the capacity of outpatient therapy, youth development, supportive housing, and clinical case management. She has a talent for building healthy helping relationships, providing advocacy and coordinating with other community providers. Kristan enjoys spending quality time with her family, enjoying all things fashion and creating homemade hair care products.
Kristan is a case manager for Amirah in Connecticut. She received her bachelors and masters in social work from The University of Saint Joseph. Kristan has experience working with children and families, in the capacity of outpatient therapy, youth development, supportive housing, and clinical case management. She has a talent for building healthy helping relationships, providing advocacy and coordinating with other community providers. Kristan enjoys spending quality time with her family, enjoying all things fashion and creating homemade hair care products.
Pamela McLellan
Office Manager
Pamela McLellan is the part-time Office Manager. 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 Office Manager. 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.
Morgan Bae
Case Manager, MA
Morgan Bae is the Case Manager for Amirah’s Massachusetts safe home. Morgan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Gordon College. Morgan is passionate about justice and values individuals as individuals - recognizing that each person comes with their own stories and journeys of healing. She sees the brokenness in the world yet finds such hope in the victories: both small and large, that can be seen in the day to day. Her experience with youth from various backgrounds has allowed her to see the importance of empowerment and beauty in walking alongside people as they encounter the highs and lows of life.
In her free time, she can be found walking her two dogs, spending time outdoors, practicing photography, reading a good book, playing games with friends or sipping a good cup of coffee.
Morgan Bae is the Case Manager for Amirah’s Massachusetts safe home. Morgan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Gordon College. Morgan is passionate about justice and values individuals as individuals - recognizing that each person comes with their own stories and journeys of healing. She sees the brokenness in the world yet finds such hope in the victories: both small and large, that can be seen in the day to day. Her experience with youth from various backgrounds has allowed her to see the importance of empowerment and beauty in walking alongside people as they encounter the highs and lows of life.
In her free time, she can be found walking her two dogs, spending time outdoors, practicing photography, reading a good book, playing games with friends or sipping a good cup of coffee.
Melissa Derac
Outreach Coordinator
Melissa Derac is the Outreach Coordinator for Amirah. She received her bachelor's degree in Public Health from UMass Lowell. Melissa has several years of experience as a customer service representative and has gained valuable organizational, communication and interpersonal skills. Melissa is passionate about being a useful resource within her community.
In her free time, Melissa enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and yoga.
Melissa Derac is the Outreach Coordinator for Amirah. She received her bachelor's degree in Public Health from UMass Lowell. Melissa has several years of experience as a customer service representative and has gained valuable organizational, communication and interpersonal skills. Melissa is passionate about being a useful resource within her community.
In her free time, Melissa enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and yoga.
Lauren Gerhard
Program Coordinator, CT
Lauren Gerhard is the Program Coordinator for Amirah’s Greater Hartford home. She comes to the team with experience in a variety of areas, including but not limited to management, training, legal assisting, event planning, and volunteer coordination. Lauren holds a Bachelor’s Degree in American Government and Politics, an Associate’s Degree in Accounting and Business Administration, and a certificate in Human Resources. She is currently working on completing a certificate in Nonprofit Management. During college, she interned with Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence on their public policy team and trained and volunteered with YWCA New Britain’s Sexual Assault Crisis Service. In her free time, Lauren enjoys cuddling with her cat, playing games, reading, making bracelets, and going on day trips, particularly to the beach or any waterfall.
Lauren Gerhard is the Program Coordinator for Amirah’s Greater Hartford home. She comes to the team with experience in a variety of areas, including but not limited to management, training, legal assisting, event planning, and volunteer coordination. Lauren holds a Bachelor’s Degree in American Government and Politics, an Associate’s Degree in Accounting and Business Administration, and a certificate in Human Resources. She is currently working on completing a certificate in Nonprofit Management. During college, she interned with Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence on their public policy team and trained and volunteered with YWCA New Britain’s Sexual Assault Crisis Service. In her free time, Lauren enjoys cuddling with her cat, playing games, reading, making bracelets, and going on day trips, particularly to the beach or any waterfall.
Bethany Neil
Community Life & Volunteer Coordinator, MA
Bethany is a lover of people and an advocate for recovering women to know their purpose and incredible value. She has attended Summit International School of Ministry, and spent three years abroad in humanitarian aid, teaching, and directing a small Theatre. She now serves as Community Life and Volunteer Coordinator for Amirah's North Shore safe home where she seeks to get to know each individual. Bethany is a believer that fun is important, and that each person is worthy of time, attention and grace.
Bethany loves to laugh, and her personal joys include sitting on the couch with family, taking long walks in the woods, and songwriting.
Bethany is a lover of people and an advocate for recovering women to know their purpose and incredible value. She has attended Summit International School of Ministry, and spent three years abroad in humanitarian aid, teaching, and directing a small Theatre. She now serves as Community Life and Volunteer Coordinator for Amirah's North Shore safe home where she seeks to get to know each individual. Bethany is a believer that fun is important, and that each person is worthy of time, attention and grace.
Bethany loves to laugh, and her personal joys include sitting on the couch with family, taking long walks in the woods, and songwriting.
Shereen Humdy
Home Manager, MA
Shereen is the Home Coordinator for Amirah’s safe home on the Northshore. She brings strengths and interests in organization, attention to detail, home maintenance and a love of decorating to her role at Amirah. Her life’s work is devoted to helping people grow in their confidence to explore and find their individual potential in a safe, respectful, and caring environment.
Shereen has a degree in Sociology and a MA in School Counseling. Her experience includes working in residential programs for at risk youth and homeless families. She has also worked in the public schools providing support to students with learning disabilities.
In her free time, Shereen enjoys spending time with her family. She loves gardening, exploring the outdoors, and walking her dog Marley on the beach.
Shereen is the Home Coordinator for Amirah’s safe home on the Northshore. She brings strengths and interests in organization, attention to detail, home maintenance and a love of decorating to her role at Amirah. Her life’s work is devoted to helping people grow in their confidence to explore and find their individual potential in a safe, respectful, and caring environment.
Shereen has a degree in Sociology and a MA in School Counseling. Her experience includes working in residential programs for at risk youth and homeless families. She has also worked in the public schools providing support to students with learning disabilities.
In her free time, Shereen enjoys spending time with her family. She loves gardening, exploring the outdoors, and walking her dog Marley on the beach.
Cheryl Jourdan
Home Manager, CT
Cheryl is the Home Manager for Amirah in Connecticut. She values maintaining a home
environment of respect, safety, and acceptance. She received her degree in education while
raising her daughter as a single mom. After starting her career as a traditional certified
classroom teacher, she saw continuity often lacking in this model, especially for those
challenged by disabilities or trauma. She eventually branched out to work privately with
students, individually and in groups. She frequently became a part of collaborative support
teams through local schools, the Department of Children and Families, Casey Family Services,
Community Residence Inc., and alternative high school programs for at-risk youth. She is
especially passionate about coming alongside someone in their journey of self-discovery as
they uncover their strengths and gifts. Being invited into one’s private space is a tremendous
privilege and responsibility. While healing/growing is an individual process, she believes it is
also done best in a caring community.
Cheryl’s other passions include getaways with her husband of 32 years, family, or friends.
She enjoys music concerts (especially contemporary Christian) and home cooking (without a
recipe!). Her flower garden is her slice of Heaven on earth.
Cheryl is the Home Manager for Amirah in Connecticut. She values maintaining a home
environment of respect, safety, and acceptance. She received her degree in education while
raising her daughter as a single mom. After starting her career as a traditional certified
classroom teacher, she saw continuity often lacking in this model, especially for those
challenged by disabilities or trauma. She eventually branched out to work privately with
students, individually and in groups. She frequently became a part of collaborative support
teams through local schools, the Department of Children and Families, Casey Family Services,
Community Residence Inc., and alternative high school programs for at-risk youth. She is
especially passionate about coming alongside someone in their journey of self-discovery as
they uncover their strengths and gifts. Being invited into one’s private space is a tremendous
privilege and responsibility. While healing/growing is an individual process, she believes it is
also done best in a caring community.
Cheryl’s other passions include getaways with her husband of 32 years, family, or friends.
She enjoys music concerts (especially contemporary Christian) and home cooking (without a
recipe!). Her flower garden is her slice of Heaven on earth.
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