June 24-26 | Columbus, Ohio
Workshops
Day 1 Opening Plenary Session
Description: In 2019, Marlee’s sexual assault case became the first in North America to conclude with restorative justice through the courts. She fought for the man who raped her to go to therapy instead of criminal trial and eventually, they met in an eight-hour restorative circle. After sharing with the media, she began receiving thousands of messages from survivors who shared their stories and the many reasons they wished they had known about Restorative Justice. Marlee takes a vulnerable and educational approach to talking about this alternative to the punitive system. In an environment rooted in hope and empowerment, listeners learn about breaking cycles of harm while challenging the notion of a ‘one size fits all’ approach to justice.
By the end of this program, participants will be able to:
- Define Restorative Justice and illustrate its principles of trauma-informed care, needs-based communication and survivor-centered practice
- Analyze the ways in which a punitive framework may impede survivor’s capacity to reclaim agency, boundaries, justice and consent
- Describe diverse and intersectional justice options for survivors which recognize that people who experience harm are not a monolith
- Build a vision of justice that is synonymous with healing thereby lessening the likelihood of secondary victimization
Presenter: Marlee Liss
Bio: Marlee Liss is a somatic educator, social worker, Restorative Justice advocate and sparkle-loving lesbian Jewish feminist. As the Founder of the global coalition “Survivors 4 Justice Reform”, her work has been featured in Forbes, Huff Post, Buzzfeed and the Mel Robbins Show. As an award-winning speaker, she’s delivered talks for: National Sexual Assault Conference, Vanderbilt University, Action Trauma Summit, Women’s Mental Health Conference at Yale and more. Marlee sits on Survivors Council Canada as a Director and Member at Large. Her story is currently being made into a documentary directed by Kelsey Darragh and her book on re-imagining justice will be published in Fall 2026.
Tuesday from 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Focus: Anti-Oppression
Description:
In this workshop, participants will begin deconstructing the biological, psychological, and sociopolitical origins of the cultural gender binary and uncover the importance of authentic gender expression and its significance for survivor advocacy. Rather than memorizing a rigid list of “do’s and dont’s,” attendees will develop intuition for authentic and transformative interactions with trans survivors. The workshop will deepen attendees’ understanding of oppression faced by trans survivors and dive into many tangible advocacy strategies.
Presenter: Ash Dasuqi, RN, BSN, CPM
Bio: Ash (they/them) is a Palestinian trans nonbinary midwife and parent who is oriented toward the fullest sense of liberation we can imagine. They coparent with their incredible partner and teach a trans/queer childbirth class they created after attending many births, giving birth trans, and immersing their studies within the modern gestational health crisis. Ash is widely recognized for their engaging and accessible teaching style, breaking down complex concepts clearly while always within the wider context of a world suffering from white supremacist settler colonial oppression. Ash’s areas of expertise include gender‑affirming healthcare, obstetric violence, trauma-informed care, gender competency, medical and birth trauma prevention, decolonization, and colonization in board gaming. Ash is resolute in uprooting systems of violence and oppression, offering critical and transformative insights as a result.
Focus: Coordinated Community Response
Description:
Rural communities are unique in barriers, strengths, and attitudes around sexual violence. Following a three-year project focused on rural Ohio communities, OAESV is releasing statewide rural community needs assessment data and survivor stories. As we share an overview of the needs assessment findings and share survivor stories, we will focus on: defining what rural is and the barriers that rural survivors face, including geographical, infrastructure, and cultural barriers; discussing what worked and what didn’t work in our collaborations in rural communities; increasing service provision in rural communities; and discussing the need and methods for ethical storytelling for community culture shifts and survivor empowerment.
Presenter: Shelby Lieber, RA
Bio: Shelby Lieber is the Survivor Coordinator with the State of Ohio’s federally designated sexual violence coalition, the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence. Prior to her work at OAESV, she wore many hats while working within a dual domestic violence and sexual violence shelter in the state of Ohio. Shelby is a Nationally Credentialed Advocate through the National Organization of Victim Assistance and holds an Advanced standing with a Registered Advocate Credential within the state of Ohio. During her time working for survivors, Shelby has presented for the National Organization of Victims Assistance Military‑Connected Survivors program on Strangulation and sexual violence advocacy, spoke at the National Organization for Victim Advocacy 50th Conference and the National Sexual Assault Conference.
Presenter: Nicole Kass Colvin, RA
Bio: Nicole Kass Colvin is the Director of Coordinated Community Responses at the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence. She works throughout the state of Ohio to support Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) and Coordinated Community Response Team (CCRT) development, engagement, and sustainability. Nicole has experience as an advocate and SART Coordinator in rural communities since 2015 and resides in a rural Ohio community. Nicole has trained hundreds of professionals in Ohio and Nationally on best practices in SART/CCRT, including as a plenary speaker at the Sexual Violence Justice Institute’s Rural SART Conference.
Focus: Advocacy
Description:
Presenter: Hana Khaled Abdelbaki
Bio:
Hana Khaled Abdelbaki is the manager for the Victims of Crime program at US Together in Columbus, Ohio where she overlooks several programs that provide holistic, wrap round services to Limited English Proficient Victims of Crime and Survivors of Torture. Ms. Khaled understands the barriers that LEP victims of crime face in accessing culturally specific services, and she is a strong advocate on the topic of language access for the clientele that she serves. Since 2015 Ms. Khaled has worked with the refugee and immigrant communities in Columbus, Ohio and have been involved in multiple integration programming that helps new American families resettle and become active and productive members in their welcoming communities.
Presenter: Teresa Temu
Bio:
Teresa Temu is a dedicated professional with a strong background in language services and cross‑cultural competence. At US Together, she plays a vital role in supporting refugees and immigrants through a variety of programs. Teresa teaches English as a Second Language (ESL) and organizes support groups for victim services, providing a safe space for individuals who have experienced trauma. In addition to her work with ESL and support groups, Teresa delivers financial literacy and job readiness programs, helping clients build the skills they need to succeed in their new community. She also provides case management services, assisting clients with navigating various challenges and accessing resources. Teresa’s commitment to empowering individuals extends to her one‑on‑one cultural orientation sessions, where she helps clients understand and adapt to the cultural nuances of their new environment. Her proficiency in Swahili, French, and Russian, coupled with her rich international background, enables her to effectively communicate with and support a diverse clientele. Teresa’s dedication to promoting cultural competence and equity in her work reflects her strong commitment to social justice and equality. Her efforts at US Together contribute to the well‑being and success of refugees and immigrants in their journey toward self‑sufficiency.
Presenter: Nadia Kasvin
Bio:
Nadia Kasvin started her career in refugee resettlement 24 years ago when she came to the United States as a refugee from Ukraine. In 2003, Nadia co‑founded US Together, Inc., a state‑wide resettlement agency and mutual assistance association. During her career, Nadia has been involved in advocating on behalf of the refugee and immigrant population. Nadia has an extensive experience in developing and presenting various cross‑cultural and cultural sensitivity programs and has worked extensively to establish programs for numerous constituencies. Currently, US Together has operations in Columbus, Cleveland, and Toledo, Ohio, and resettles up to 900 refugees a year.
Tuesday from 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Focus: Anti-Oppression
Description:
This workshop will delve into innovative and advanced concepts in clinical mental health practice, focusing on the diverse needs of Black women, culture, and the Black family dynamic. Addressing adverse childhood experiences and post‑traumatic growth, this session will promote community collaboration and partnerships. It will target intervention/advocacy, anti‑oppression, coordinated community responses, and self‑care, emphasizing community‑level prevention, restorative justice, transformative justice, equity and inclusion initiatives, and sustainable leadership for thriving organizations.
Presenter: Tiffany Brannon, PhD
Bio:
Dr. Tiffany Brannon is the founder and president of KAPAAW, where she leads initiatives supporting the empowerment of Black women and their families through mentorship, education, and community service. She is also a mental health counselor, professor, and clinical director, with expertise in treating grief and loss. Dr. Brannon currently manages a domestic violence shelter, overseeing programs that support survivors. Dr. Brannon was honored with the 2024 Commonwealth of Kentucky MLK Jr. State Leadership Award and is a dedicated member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., where she has held various leadership roles. She holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Education and Supervision from the University of the Cumberlands. Outside of work, Dr. Brannon is a wife and mother of four, with a passion for advocacy and social justice. She enjoys reading, community service, and mentoring young women. Her favorite quote is, “Service is the rent we pay for living on this earth.” – Shirley Chisholm
Focus: Advocacy
Description:
In this workshop, presenters we will encourage providers and advocates to analyze their biases, change behaviors, and develop proactive responses for supporting Deaf survivors. They will guide the audience through the needs of Deaf and disabled survivors and the barriers they face. Building on this knowledge, they will discuss trauma responses in the Deaf community and how to identify those behaviors effectively. They invite participants to join this brave space to learn more about how organizations can better support Deaf survivors.
Presenter: Rose Larson
Bio:Rose Larson is culturally Deaf and fluent in American Sign Language. She has been with Deaf World Against Violence Everywhere (DWAVE) since September 2013, first as advocate and outreach coordinator/assistant director, and now serves as Executive Director. Prior to this role, Rose volunteered with DWAVE’s Board of Trustees. Rose is also trained as a Sexual Assault Response Advocate, volunteering with DWAVE in partnership with the Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio. Before Rose’s employment with DWAVE she worked with Deaf people with disabilities for 11 years. Rose holds registered advocate with advanced standing in state of Ohio and she is the first certified forensic interviewer in the State of Ohio/nationally as far as we know. Rose is national and state presenter and has provided multiple training to advocates, police officers, nurses and community partners.
Presenter: Trenna Paxton
Bio:
Trenna is a social worker and is hard of hearing. They were raised in a mainstream environment before finding the deaf community at 17. From there, they learned sign language while at Gallaudet University. During her time at Gallaudet, Trenna majored in social work and joined the Phi Alpha honor society for social work students, where they lead as Vice President. During her senior year in undergraduate, they interned with a domestic violence shelter in Washington DC and supported local agencies in lobbying the federal government for increased funding for deaf education. After graduating, she then entered the Master of Social Work program where they focused on violence and advocacy work. In 2023, Trenna was brought on as an intern with Deaf World Against Violence Everywhere, and have provided direct advocacy for two years.
Focus: Prevention
Description:
In this compelling and thought‑provoking workshop, Rashan Legard shares his personal journey of survival, resilience, and healing in the face of adversity during his time in military service. Rashan’s experience sheds light on the critical issues of organizational culture, toxic behaviors, and the imperative need for prevention within our ranks. As attendees engage with Rashan’s powerful narrative, they will embark on a profound journey into the depths of his emotional turmoil. Through his story, they will gain valuable insight into the profound impact of love, despair, victories, and self‑reflection. Rashan’s vivid storytelling serves as a catalyst for attendees to reflect upon the broader ethical decision‑making processes and cultural norms that can either contribute to or prevent such experiences. This workshop is an invaluable resource for both current and future leaders. It equips them with essential lessons on fostering a culture of respect, empathy, and accountability within their organizations. Rashan’s story inspires individuals to take proactive measures to prevent abuse, promote healing, and create a safer, more inclusive environment for all members of the community.
Presenter: Rashan Legard
Bio: Rashan Legard is an international motivational trainer, veteran, and poet committed to inspiring transformative change. As a survivor of sexual assault, he leverages his experiences to empower others and promote safer, more equitable spaces through his organization, Rashan Legard Speaks LLC, which has been featured on Cleveland Channel 19 News. His work centers on resilience, sexual harassment prevention, and fostering cultural shifts. Originally from Lorain, Ohio, Rashan earned a bachelor’s in communications from Central State University, overcoming significant academic challenges. He served in the U.S. Army and later obtained a social work degree, graduating from The Ohio State University in 2019. After his medical retirement in 2022, he completed a master’s in social work from OSU in 2023. In addition to his advocacy, Rashan enjoys traveling, writing poetry, and spending quality time with his family.
Day 2 Opening Plenary Session
Description: This keynote presentation will address the impact of collective trauma on personal and collective levels, and the critical role of helping professionals and advocates in navigating the challenges posed by collective trauma in times of national distress. It will offer practical frameworks to understand the distinctions between individual and collective trauma responses, providing valuable context and tangible solutions to build resilience for sustainability.
Presenter: Katie Kurtz
Bio: Katie Kurtz, MSW LISW-S (she/her) is a verified subject-matter expert on trauma-informed care. As a licensed social worker & certified coach, she has spent over 15 years specializing in trauma-informed training and consultation across multiple disciplines and industries such as the University of Southern California, Ohio Health Hospital System, Diabetes UK, and the State of Ohio.
Katie has a proven resilience roadmap that she has created and used to train thousands of professionals in multiple industries across 6 continents. Katie’s subject matter expertise and leadership has been awarded and internationally recognized.
Katie is the author of the reflective self-care tool, the Contain Card Deck© and host of A Trauma-Informed Future Podcast. Additionally, she is represented by Consciousness Leaders, is the regional co-chair of the State of Ohio’s Trauma-Informed Care Collaborative, vetted Subject Matter Expert with the Integrate Network, Adjunct Professor at Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland State University Social Work Graduate Programs.
Katie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Gender Studies from the University of Dayton as well as a Master of Social Work degree and Certificate in Non-Profit Management from Case Western Reserve University. Katie is a licensed independent social worker with supervision designation (LISW-S) in the state of Ohio, an Internationally Certified Coach with BYCA, and a trauma-informed 200hr registered yoga teacher.
Katie’s approach is her own but instructed & inspired by so many teachers & modalities most notably but not limited to: Julie Parker, Resmaa Menakem, Brene Brown, Nadine Burke Harris, Bruce Perry, Ann Linnea and Christina Baldwin. Katie lives as a guest on the unceded land now known as Cleveland, Ohio with her partner and two dogs.
Wednesday from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Focus: Advocacy
Description:
Justice is elusive for many survivors. While survivors carry the life‑long burden of trauma caused by sexual violence, perpetrators are rarely held accountable. In this session, Brittany will use her experience of filing a police report 17‑years after she was raped to illustrate how survivor‑centered practices helped provide a sense of justice. Brittany filed a report as a symbolic gesture of speaking up for herself but did not expect any response from police. She was surprised to find police were invested in helping her find a sense of justice even if it didn’t involve criminal charges. She will share how police worked to understand her experiences so that, with her permission, they could act as her voice in confronting her perpetrators. Brittany will explain how after years of feeling silenced by fear and shame, it felt empowering to have her voice uplifted and to have her perpetrators confronted. To conclude the session, a co-presenter will discuss how to incorporate survivor-centered practices into police investigations.
Presenter: Brittany Brakenhoff
Bio:
Brittany Brakenhoff is a Research Assistant Professor at UNL Center on Children, Families, and the Law. She received her PhD in Couple and Family Therapy from Ohio State University in 2018. She has co‑authored multiple peer‑reviewed journal articles and book chapters related to her research work with marginalized populations. In her current role, she provides evaluation and research support to the homeless service systems in Lincoln and rural Nebraska. Brittany is also a member of the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence’s Survivor Empowerment and Advisory Council (SEAC). She is passionate about increasing education and awareness about the impact of trauma and sexual violence.
Focus: Advocacy
Description: Most survivors interact with a variety of systems during and after their victimization, and the complexities of these systems can compound the trauma they are already enduring. Many survivors are not only directly harmed by their perpetrators but may also face additional barriers and subsequent arrests by the systems intended to protect them. Follow a survivor through a process that can include jail/community‑based correctional facilities, the courtroom, and their reentry back into the community. While traditional advocacy training focuses on court advocacy for victims of crime, this workshop identifies the nuances of criminalized survivorship. Attendees will learn and identify best practices as an advocate when navigating these systems through a trauma‑informed, harm-reduction lens.
Presenter: Katie Howell
Bio:
Katie is the Advocacy Services Manager at Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center that serves Summit and Medina Counties in Northeast Ohio. Katie started her career in victim services as a Direct Service Advocate prior to her promotion to a management position. Katie oversees the Advocacy Department including advocates and who work directly with survivors of Sexual Assault, Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence and Human Trafficking. Additionally, Hope & Healing Survivor Resource Center serves as the lead Victim Service Agency on the Summit Regional Human Trafficking Taskforce. Katie has a criminal justice degree in Forensic Psychology, and her passion is providing direct service to survivors including those who are incarcerated.
Presenter: Delia Brennan-Parks
Bio:
Delia Brennan‑Parks is a Direct Service Advocate with Hope & Healing Survivor Resource Center, serving survivors in Summit and Medina counties. Delia began at Hope & Healing as an intern answering the crisis hotline and now works as an anti‑trafficking advocate with the agency, serving survivors through court advocacy, hospital advocacy, crisis response, and more. Delia is a recent graduate from Kent State University, where they earned their bachelor’s degree in Criminology with a concentration in Victimology. One of Delia’s passions is receiving and providing education about how to best serve survivors, and she is honored to present and learn alongside each of you.
Focus: Anti-Oppression
Description:
Advocates working in violence prevention are no stranger to the experience of watching someone lose their voice. When a survivor loses their ability to advocate for themselves, speak for their own autonomy, and is restricted in their day‑to‑day actions it can be a demoralizing moment. In the state of Ohio, we are seeing strikingly similar tactics being used on the trans and gender non‑conforming communities. This workshop aims to bring light to these abuse tactics that are excusing, normalizing, and thus encouraging violence on the LGBTQ+ community and how it has increased violence opportunities and exploitation on survivors within this community. Speakers will use their expertise to communicate how and why their voices as transgender advocates, educators, and individuals are essential to preventing harm within their communities and why allies and agencies need to be looking closer at these populations as more abuse tactics are used on this population in the upcoming years.
Presenter: Mallen Rush
Bio:
Mallen Rush is a victim advocate at the Rape Crisis Center of Portage County: Townhall II. Mallen has worked in both domestic and sexual violence shelter in Ohio. They were also formerly a QMHS (Qualified Mental Health Specialist) where he would assist with running children’s and teen’s group therapy sessions from 2020 to 2023. His career began as a volunteer for Townhall II on their 24/7/365 hotline back in 2018. He has since made his return to Townhall II where he has become the S.A.R.T. Coordinator of Portage County, a frequent attendee of the Portage County Human Trafficking Coalition and has recently begun attending a local yoga school to become a trauma-informed yoga and meditation instructor.
Presenter: Nikki Crawford
Bio:
Nikki Crawford is a proud trans advocate working in the field of sexual violence prevention and education. Currently working at Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center as the Education and Outreach Manager, Nikki believes many forms of violence can be prevented through awareness, education, and removing social barriers from having difficult conversations about violence. Nikki uses expertise in violence prevention, clinical psychology, and sex education to assist in ending sexual violence towards all populations in the communities they reside in.
Presenter: Finnick Vest
Bio:
Finnick Vest is an elementary artist and educator from Springfield, Ohio. He has taught at Urbana Elementary School for the past six years and worked with the Columbus Museum of Art and Springfield Art Museum as a Teaching Artist. He graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Art Education in 2019. While studying, he was the president of Advocates for Inclusion and Diversity through Education and coordinated a speaking event led by Chase Ross, a transgender activist and social media influencer. He also worked as a Diversity Ambassador for the University to recruit students of diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply. In 2022 and 2023 he participated and later helped plan Transform Ohio, an art event celebrating transgender art and artists, with 83 Gallery in Columbus, Ohio. Finnick Vest utilizes his knowledge and experience to advocate for students, create empowering artwork, and most importantly, teach.
Wednesday from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM
Focus: Anti-Oppression
Description:
This workshop aims to advance advocacy and prevention strategies to ensure equitable maternal health outcomes across diverse birthing communities. In this interactive session, Tierra Dennis and Conor Jameson weave personal testimony with comprehensive study to highlight systemic barriers contributing to disparities in maternal health with a focus on marginalized communities. Highlighting the importance of community partnerships across public health‑ medical institutions, schools, and community-based organizations, interactive activities lead participants to explore possibilities, dream of potentialities, and delight in collective action towards equitable maternity care. Offering foundational knowledge, research, and prevention/advocacy strategies to promote equitable care, we focus on practical tools for cultivating cultures of consent and zero tolerance for sexual violence. In effort to amplify the voices of those most affected, this work highlights prevention and advocacy techniques, strategies for building community partnerships, and the need for meaningful progress towards healthier, more just, maternal healthcare systems in Ohio.
Presenter: Conor Jameson
Bio:
Conor Jameson is an educator with an interest in the intersection of pedagogy and creativity. She comes to this work from the intersection of survivorhood and comprehensive study. Conor is a complex trauma survivor and went on to complete her B.A from Antioch College after surviving two ischemic strokes and a vehicle accident that left her with several injuries including a broken neck and back. She currently works as a violence prevention educator and program developer for a local rape crisis center in Cincinnati where she likes to uplift the celebratory nature of prevention and advocacy work. Conor believes in the role of the imagination and of dreaming in effecting systemic change. In her free time she is a writer, and the mother of a sassy two-year-old girl. Conor is looking forward to furthering her education in public health.
Presenter: Tierra Dennis
Bio:
Tierra Dennis, MPH, CLC, IBCLC is a native from Cincinnati, OH. Tierra left Cincinnati to pursue her passion in healthcare. Tierra attended Fisk University and then Tennessee State University where she studied public health; as a woman of color, Tierra focused her studies on cultural competency. Tierra is a public health professional with 10 years of experience in perinatal healthcare both clinically and as a researcher. Tierra is skilled in implementing strategies that improve access and outcomes for underserved communities. Preventing obstetric violence, poor maternal health outcomes and reducing infant mortality in at‑risk populations is her passion. Tierra is a current pediatric researcher and in‑patient lactation consultant.
Focus: Advocacy
Description: This workshop will address unique challenges that may surface when interacting with minority and underserved communities. There will be a special emphasis on Arab American and Muslim communities. Topics addressed will include but are not limited to language barriers, culturally appropriate language, the five pillars of the Muslim religion, and more.
Presenter: Sarah Shendy
Bio:
Sarah Shendy is a police lieutenant nearing 17 years of law enforcement experience. She made history by being the first Arab American Muslim female police sergeant & lieutenant in the State of Ohio. In 2014, Shendy was one of sixteen members selected by AG Mike DeWine to serve on a panel evaluating the training of officers. Shendy earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in criminal justice. In September of 2019, Shendy was named a Hometown Hero. In June of 2020, Shendy was appointed by Governor DeWine to be the inaugural Director of the Office of Law Enforcement Recruitment. Shendy has been featured in the Kent State University Magazine and Police1.com. In 2021, Shendy was named Top Cop. In July 2022, Shendy was the recipient of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) 40 Under 40 Award. Globally, she was the only Arab American female. This year, Shendy received the Arab America 40 Under 40 Award.
Focus: Coordinated Community Response
Description:
Faith communities can be powerful sources of healing. However, many conservative churches have perpetuated spiritual abuse and sexual violence through harmful power dynamics and inadequate policies. This session will feature the stories of survivors whose trauma was exacerbated by religious structures that minimized or excused abuse. Based on these real‑life accounts, this workshop will help professionals working with survivors understand spiritual abuse and the unique dynamics in faith‑based communities. Participants will learn how to collaborate with religious organizations to create safer spaces for survivors and advocate for policies prioritizing accountability, healing, and prevention. Through survivor testimony, case studies, and practical tools, attendees will learn how to engage with faith communities effectively, address harmful power structures, and foster survivor‑centered approaches to healing. Participants will be equipped to identify spiritual abuse, address harmful policies, and build survivor‑centered, accountable support networks through collaboration with faith communities.
Presenter: Laura Padgett
Bio:
Laura Padgett currently serves as the State Policy and Program Director for the Mental Health and Addiction Advocacy Coalition, with over two decades of experience in public policy and legislative advocacy. She has also supported vulnerable communities in Sierra Leone through locally directed development projects. A certified coach with expertise in abuse recovery, body‑mind wellness, and therapeutic arts, Laura co‑founded SAFER Coaching and Consulting Services in 2021. SAFER empowers clients to heal from abusive relationships and creates survivor‑centered policies and training for organizations. Laura also advocates for the codification of coercive control in U.S. states, channeling her policy expertise to support survivors holistically. Laura lives in Columbus, Ohio, where she enjoys attending her daughter’s sporting events, creating fiber arts, and spending time with her rescue dogs.
Presenter: Jenni Olson Espinosa
Bio:
Jenni Olson Espinosa brings over 20 years of experience as a classroom educator, which she leveraged in 2021 to transition into domestic violence advocacy and abuse recovery. She co‑founded SAFER Coaching and Consulting Services with Laura Padgett, focusing on empowering survivors and helping organizations create survivor‑centered policies. Jenni holds a master’s degree in education and extensive training in domestic violence advocacy, with deep personal and professional experience navigating abuse and divorce. She meets clients with compassionate wisdom drawn from both her training and her journey of reclaiming her life from abuse. A fierce advocate for women, Jenni is dedicated to building a judgment‑free healing community, particularly within faith‑based setting. Jenni has sole custody of her two children and finds joy in music and nurturing her close friendships.
Thursday from 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Description:
Presenter:
Focus: Coordinated Community Response
Description:
Join Dominique and Rachel for a transformative session that explores the role of collaboration and community building in addressing the racial disparities in maternal and child health. Drawing on the lessons learned from the collective impact model of Cradle Cincinnati, they will delve into the power of uniting diverse stakeholders to create lasting change. Discover how building authentic communities among Black women and families can foster trust, deepen understanding, and identify the unique barriers and needs of this population. Learn how centering Black voices and leveraging data‑driven insights can lead to innovative and targeted approaches to combatting racial inequities in health outcomes. By the end of this session, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to apply collective impact principles to their own organizations and communities.
Presenter: Rachel Webken
Bio:
Rachel started her public health career in 2016 at a small non‑profit in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she was an advocate for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking during the peak of the Me Too movement. The stories of women who couldn’t access essential reproductive services due to domestic violence and other social determinants of health inspired her to pursue a master’s degree in public health. As a 2020 graduate, Rachel joined the ranks of contact tracers during the Covid‑19 pandemic, before transitioning to maternal and child health epidemiology work at Hamilton County Public Health. She led all maternal and child health fatality reviews at the county and was instrumental in obtaining grant funds to partner with the CDC on sudden death in infants and youth. Her current role at Cradle Cincinnati as a Senior Program Specialist combines her love of advocacy with her data and grant management skills.
Presenter: Dominique Walker
Bio:
Dominique Walker is the Senior Data Management Specialist for Cradle Cincinnati. In this role, she collects, analyzes, and disseminates data to community members, and partners of Cradle Cincinnati programs and initiatives that focus on reducing infant mortality and improving maternal and infant health in Hamilton County. Dominique, a native of Cincinnati, has a BA in health promotion from Morehead State University and a master’s in public health from Western Kentucky University. Dominique has worked in public health for about 10 years, most of which have been spent serving the Hamilton County community as a Health Educator, Outbreak Response Team lead during the Covid pandemic and a Maternal and Child Health Epidemiologist. Her passion is for innovative and impactful data‑driven solutions for reducing health disparities and working toward more equitable health practices and systems.
Focus: Coordinated Community Response
Description:
This workshop will provide an overview of how messages and expectations of forgiveness can be conveyed within our communities of belonging and how these messages can be received by victims/survivors of abuse. We will explore the importance of connection and how acceptance/belonging can be helpful or damaging within processes of healing and forgiving. We will focus on the importance of liberating the authority to one’s voice to speak truth about lived experiences. We will also consider the importance of learning how to listen and how this impacts effective communication as victims/survivors become voices of change within their own lives and the community. Finally, we will explore how healing and forgiving processes can move in multidimensional and multidirectional ways by leveraging the optical engineering and spiraling movement of a kaleidoscope. Recalibrating expectations within the praxis of forgiving is essential for empowering transformational and liberating outcomes for victims/survivors.
Presenter: Jacqueline M. Pfadt
Bio:
Jackie is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. She has worked iteratively to transform her experiences toward becoming a voice of change within the comunity. Over the last decade, Jackie has supported organizations such as OAESV and the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center as a speaker and advocate. She published her trauma narrative in 2016 under the title, PTSD Raw & Real: A Reason for Hope and Motivation to Fight On. Recently, she graduated from Ursuline College with a Master of Arts in Theological and Pastoral Studies where she wrote an academic thesis on the praxis of forgiving. This work was motivated by a desire to unmask how messages and expectations of forgiveness, often conveyed with good intentions, can be received by victims/survivors of abuse. She sought to deconstruct communications and actions that disempower the processes of healing and forgiving which then hinder the potentiality of transformational and liberating outcomes.
Registration opens April 7th! Come back soon!