Conference Speakers
Vander Kolk Group-Project REACH - Cynthia Kennedy - Outreach Coordinator
"Promoting Healing in Survivors of Human Trafficking" The therapeutic interventions that are trauma-informed and culturally appropriate.
Case studies will be utilized to highlight these particular issues.
Breaking Free - Joy Friedman - St Paul, MN
Joy was forced to work in strip clubs at the age of 15 and prostituted around the nation for 27 years before she was rescued. She now works
for Breaking Free as Outreach Specialist and Program Manager.
Kirsta Melton - ADA Bexar County, TX
Holding Traffickers and Johns Accountable through Prosecution. In Dec. 2010, Kirsta prosecuted a defendant who was sentenced to life in
prison for the sex trafficking of a minor.
Jeannetta Taylor - Survivor of Sex Trafficking
Jeannetta was trafficked as a minor and prostituted for years in the Tulsa area. Now she helps other women recover at Dayspring Villa.
Les Kerr - LEC for US Attorney’s Office, KC, MO
“Rescuing Human Trafficking Victims” We will also discuss executing a large scale rescue and the importance of communication and
collaboration between Law Enforcement and Victim Service Providers.
Lt. Doug Kimberlin - OCPD Investigator - VICE Unit
Investigative Techniques for law enforcement in building a sex trafficking case. Working together with community partners in collaboration
for victim justice.
Wende Baker - FBI Victims Specialist - KC, MO
“Rescuing Human Trafficking Victims” Specialized care needs of trauma victims.
Mark Massey
Mark assisted in bringing to light the first ever human trafficking case in Oklahoma. Mark went the extra mile to provide housing and
support for fifty Indian men that sought refuge from modern day slavery in 2002.
Gwen Downing - ODMHSA-Coordinator of Trauma Informed Services
“Vicarious Trauma, Compassion Fatigue, and Self Care” It is imperative that we as service providers learn how to care for ourselves first,
so that we are able to effectively serve others.
Scott Whelan - AO for USCIS-Homeland Security
“T & U Nonimmigrant Visas” The T & U visas offer immigration protection to the victims of these crimes while they cooperate with law
enforcement.
Joseph Otrhalek - ICE/HSI Victim Witness Coordinator, Irving, TX
Identifying Labor and sex trafficking with case reviews from Texas area. How to work with reluctant victims.
Debbie Forshee - Director of Youth Services for Oklahoma County
“Teens in Need” At risk teens and the programs needed to get them back on track.
James Walker - Director Youth Services Tulsa
The nations’ premier program for at risk youth in addressing the challenges that these kids face.
Elizabeth McCormick - Immigration Rights Project Director TU Law Clinic
“Best Practices for Representing Survivors of Human Trafficking”. Pursuing avenues of relief for immigrant victims.
Christina Misner-Pollard - Clinical Instructor-Immigration Law Clinic, OCU School of Law
“Best Practices for Representing Survivors of Human Trafficking”
Cathy Olberding - OJA
Trauma Focused Services “Impact on Minors”
Mark Elam - Oath Coalition Director
Faith based panel expert
Norma Murphy - Celebrate Recovery OK State Rep-Tulsa County
Faith based panel expert
DeAnna Warnz - LifeChurch.TV
Faith based panel expert
Pat Wagstaff - Baptist Women’s Association
Faith based panel expert