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 an author, public speaker and advocate. Stephanie has represented the field of survivor aftercare at the United Nations and is an active part of the Sheltered Alliance throughout the United States. 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 an author, public speaker and advocate. Stephanie has represented the field of survivor aftercare at the United Nations and is an active part of the Sheltered Alliance throughout the United States. 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.
Development & Partnerships
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.
Tricia Grant
Community Engagement Manager
Tricia Grant is a strong advocate for survivors and people vulnerable to exploitation. She is a leader in the anti-trafficking movement. As the Community Engagement Manager for Amirah, Tricia’s passion to educate the community about the reality of human trafficking and exploitation will be used to recruit and train volunteers to support the programs of Amirah. Being a survivor of domestic minor sex trafficking, Tricia uses her ability to connect with program participants as a mentor as they move forward in their healing process.
She would love to connect with you and feel free to ask her about her fun collection!
Tricia Grant is a strong advocate for survivors and people vulnerable to exploitation. She is a leader in the anti-trafficking movement. As the Community Engagement Manager for Amirah, Tricia’s passion to educate the community about the reality of human trafficking and exploitation will be used to recruit and train volunteers to support the programs of Amirah. Being a survivor of domestic minor sex trafficking, Tricia uses her ability to connect with program participants as a mentor as they move forward in their healing process.
She would love to connect with you and feel free to ask her about her fun collection!
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!
Outreach
Cheri Crider
Director of Mentoring & Outreach
Cheri Crider is a trainer, speaker, mentor and author. In her outreach work, Cheri facilitates resiliency building curricula in correctional facilities and beyond. She has authored numerous educational programs, including “Trauma-Informed Care from a Survivor’s Perspective”. Locally, Cheri has testified before the Mass. State Senate on issues including victims' rights, criminal record relief and legislation. Globally, she serves as an Expert Speaker for the U.S. State Dept., Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs. Her greatest joy is sharing her lived experience to mentor other survivors of trafficking and exploitation.
Cheri Crider is a trainer, speaker, mentor and author. In her outreach work, Cheri facilitates resiliency building curricula in correctional facilities and beyond. She has authored numerous educational programs, including “Trauma-Informed Care from a Survivor’s Perspective”. Locally, Cheri has testified before the Mass. State Senate on issues including victims' rights, criminal record relief and legislation. Globally, she serves as an Expert Speaker for the U.S. State Dept., Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs. Her greatest joy is sharing her lived experience to mentor other survivors of trafficking and exploitation.
Jessie Funk
Intake Specialist & Group Facilitator
Jessie Funk is the Intake Specialist & Group Facilitator of Amirah. She is a survivor-leader and graduate of Amirah's Residential 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 the Intake Specialist & Group Facilitator of Amirah. She is a survivor-leader and graduate of Amirah's Residential 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.
Residential
Susan Alley
Home Manager, CT
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.
Naja Barrows
Program Clinician & Clinical Supervision Director, CT
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.
Simenesh Comollo
Support Services Facilitator, CT
Simenesh is the Support Services Facilitator for the Connecticut safe home. She received her undergraduate degree in International Studies from Central Connecticut State University. She always had the dream to support and advocate for those who are not in the place or time to do it for themselves. Over the years, she has volunteered at local soup kitchens and went on trips to New York School Urban Ministry to bring relief to women without stable housing. After interning at Amirah, and being drawn to the organization because of the work they do, she is excited to be a part of the team!
Simenesh is the Support Services Facilitator for the Connecticut safe home. She received her undergraduate degree in International Studies from Central Connecticut State University. She always had the dream to support and advocate for those who are not in the place or time to do it for themselves. Over the years, she has volunteered at local soup kitchens and went on trips to New York School Urban Ministry to bring relief to women without stable housing. After interning at Amirah, and being drawn to the organization because of the work they do, she is excited to be a part of the team!
Tori Devine
Program Clinician & Clinical Supervision Director, MA
Tori Devine is a Program Clinician for Amirah's North Shore safe home. She received her Masters in Social Work with a concentration in health & mental health from Salem State University in 2018. 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 a Program Clinician for Amirah's North Shore safe home. She received her Masters in Social Work with a concentration in health & mental health from Salem State University in 2018. 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.
Lynnette Lovasco
Home Manager, MA
Lynnette is the Home Manager for the Massachusetts safe home. She loves to be organized and pays attention to details. She is a biological, foster and pre-adoptive mom and wife to an amazing, supportive husband. She has been advocating for foster children and families since 2015 and comes to Amirah with an extensive background in trauma-informed care. She looks forward to advocating and supporting women being liberated from exploitation.
In her free time, Lynnette can be found snuggling with one of her foster babies, teaching one of her teens to drive, or trying out a new recipe in her kitchen.
Lynnette is the Home Manager for the Massachusetts safe home. She loves to be organized and pays attention to details. She is a biological, foster and pre-adoptive mom and wife to an amazing, supportive husband. She has been advocating for foster children and families since 2015 and comes to Amirah with an extensive background in trauma-informed care. She looks forward to advocating and supporting women being liberated from exploitation.
In her free time, Lynnette can be found snuggling with one of her foster babies, teaching one of her teens to drive, or trying out a new recipe in her kitchen.
Pamela McLellan
Program Administrative Assistant, MA
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.
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.
Cristina Oliver
Program Clinician & Group Therapies Director, MA
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.
Summer Rodriguez
Program Clinician & Group Therapies Director, CT
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.
Sarah Rutherford
Support Services Facilitator
Lori Schofer
Community Life & Volunteer Coordinator, CT
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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