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About Selah Freedom

About Our Anti-Human Trafficking Organization

Our History, Leadership and Mission

Selah Freedom is a faith-based nonprofit anti-human trafficking organization, based in Florida and the Midwest, with the mission to end sex trafficking and bring freedom to the exploited through five strong programs: Awareness, Prevention, Outreach, Residential and Organizational Consulting.

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Serving Survivors of Human Trafficking

Selah Freedom confronts the issue of sex trafficking and is upheld as the model how to bring solutions to survivors of sex trafficking & exploitation effectively. Selah is a Hebrew word that means to pause, rest, and reflect. We give survivors a chance to do just that. As a result, men and women in our programs can dream again and discover who God created them to be.

Fighting to Change Human Trafficking Statistics

In 2010, Selah Freedom’s founders discovered the horrifying truth that local children were being bought and sold for sex in our communities – that’s right, American children! What began as the grassroots initiative of women from across the country to be a voice for the voiceless has quickly transformed into a thriving organization with five foundational programs: Awareness, Prevention, Outreach, Residential, and Organizational Consulting. Selah Freedom closely partners with law enforcement, legislators, and influential leaders to not only shed light on the staggering human trafficking statistics, but we are working together to change those statistics by changing lives!

Anti-Sex Trafficking Training from Selah Freedom

Selah Freedom brings human trafficking Awareness and Education to the community and organizations through their speakers bureau team, CSEC (Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children) 101 Course, law enforcement training, and Organizational Consulting. They also advocate for change through legislation. Their Prevention Program equips parents, youth and those who work with them, with the tools they need to avoid being manipulated by a trafficker and successfully prevents them from being commercially sold. Our Outreach Program is active in the jail system and on the street and provides support groups, case management, and referral services to victims currently in “the life”, as well as a prostitution court diversion program. We provide Residential Programming for survivors of sex trafficking that includes a personalized educational plan, job placement, trauma therapy, life skills, medical and legal assistance, and holistic restorative care. As we bring light into the darkness of sex trafficking, we see victims transformed into survivors!

At Selah Freedom we celebrate the diversity of all people. We understand the critical importance of diverse representation of our staff and the youth we serve throughout our conversations, research, outreach and prevention and programs. We are dedicated to expanding our model in diverse communities and advocating for all youth to be included in our work to bring light into the darkness of sex trafficking.

Our Partners
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Meet Our Team

Selah Freedom is honored to have survivors on our staff serving in all programs, and we are continually adding more.

Contact us today to learn more about how you can get involved in the mission to end sex trafficking and support our programs.

Stacey Efaw

Executive Director

Stacey Efaw

Executive Director

Master in business, University of South Florida. Bachelor of Science in Business
Management, University of South Florida.

Stacey Efaw is the Executive Director of Selah Freedom. Stacey comes with over 20 years of non-profit leadership experience. Stacey began her non-profit career as the CEO of the Emergency Care Help Organization (ECHO), a social service agency in Hillsborough County. During her 13 year tenure, Stacey successfully transformed a once struggling charity into a thriving and growing pillar in the community. Stacy continued her non-profit career as the Executive Director of the Humane Society of Pinellas County. Most recently, Stacey served as Chief Development Officer at Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties, the second largest Habitat affiliate in the US. One of Stacey’s greatest joys is to utilize her many years of business and management experience to improve and grow non-profit organizations.

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Laurie Swink

Co-founder and Consulting Program Director

Laurie Swink

Co-founder and Consulting Program Director

Bachelor of Science in Special Education, Clearwater Christian College

Laurie Swink is Selah Freedom’s Co-Founder and Educator/Trainer of Curriculum and Core Values. Laurie holds a bachelor’s degree in Special Education, and has more than 30 years of teaching the first through twelfth grades. In 2011, Laurie’s heart was moved to establish a residential home for survivors as she realized that coming out of (or escaping) sex trafficking was only the beginning of the survivor’s journey. She oversees the Selah Freedom programming while training other organizations to build sustainable and safe residential programs for sex trafficking surviors through organizational mentorship. Laurie considers her work with the survivors to be a privilege and an honor.

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Samantha Kolb

Clinical Program Director

Samantha Kolb

Clinical Program Director

Bachelor and Masters in Social Work, Florida State University

Samantha Kolb is the Clinical Program Director of Selah Freedom. Samantha graduated from Florida State University earning both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she has over 13 years of experience in the Behavioral Health field, specializing in adults with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Her passion is to help others by instilling hope and providing care that builds a solid foundation for recovery.

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Misty LaPerriere

National Law Enforcement Liaison and Trainer

Misty LaPerriere

National Law Enforcement Liaison and Trainer

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Human Services, University of Phoenix

Misty LaPerriere works directly with survivors of sex trafficking, trains law enforcement and the Judicial System, while also providing certificate completion for police officers. She serves on the 12th Judicial Circuit Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition. Misty is a survivor, and has also worked with survivors for over a decade. Misty is designated as a Victims Advocate through the Florida Crime Prevention Training Institute for Human Trafficking with the Attorney General’s Office. Her certifications include the following: 2018 Human Trafficking Summit from the Florida Attorney General’s Office, Certified Advanced Gang Specialist from the Florida Gang Investigators Association, and as a Certified CSEC trainer.

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Sarah Frazer Piskor

Grants Coordinator

Sarah Frazer Piskor

Grants Coordinator

Bachelors of Arts, DePaul University, Dominican University Graduate School of Social Work 

Sarah Piskor joined Selah Freedom in 2016. She has held leadership roles in multiple programming arms of the organization including Residential, Prevention, and Grants. Sarah comes with 15 years experience in the Social Work and Mental Health fields. She currently oversees the Grants’ department and is responsible for managing all of the state and federal grants that support Selah Freedom, as well as numerous private, foundation grants, and contracts. Sarah is passionate about working in the anti-sex trafficking field and witnessing Selah’s impact has on young women’s lives and in the community.

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Jenna Yacobelli

Finance Coordinator

Kristina Galvan

Human Resources

Kristina Galvan

Human Resources

Associates in Business Management, SNHU 

Kristina became aware of human trafficking issues through a local Christian radio station. With the knowledge of this happening in our own backyard she could never again pretend that she did not know. Kristina applies her 10+ years of HR experience to provide support and resources to the employees of Selah Freedom. She holds two HR certifications, the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM-CP) and serves on the board of the Sarasota-Manatee HR association to support fellow HR professionals with their continuing education.

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Brenda McGowan

Awareness & Development Manager

Brenda McGowan

Awareness & Development Manager

Bachelor of Science Degree with a concentration in Marketing and Advertising, Indiana University

Brenda has a heart for non-profit missions, and has been providing multi-channel Database Marketing services for over 25 years. Her team manages Selah Freedom’s marketing initiatives to connect with donors, volunteers, create awareness, and in doing so develop vital business relationships. She is very active in her community involvement having recently served on the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides” Committee, the FL Cancer Specialists Foundation, and volunteering for The Mark Wandall Foundation, to highlight a few.

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Jackie Corley

Awareness Coordinator

Jackie Corley

Awareness Coordinator

Master of Science in teaching Fordham University. Bachelors of Arts in English Literature & Rhetoric, Binghamton University.

Jackie Corley is the Awareness Coordinator for Selah Freedom in Hillsborough County. For 4 years, Jackie taught high school English, ran professional development days and senior seminars, and served as a college essay advisor in New York. She then founded her own consulting business where she developed a signature methodology to coach college and career applicants how to land highly competitive seats and positions. She brings her passion for storytelling and her love of helping others to Selah Freedom where she enjoys inspiring others to take action.

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Grace Stelmashenko

Awareness & Volunteer Advocate

Grace Stelmashenko

Awareness & Volunteer Advocate

Bachelor of Science in Public Relations, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, University of Florida

Grace first joined the Awareness Program as an intern and transitioned to full-time staff upon graduation from the University of Florida. She assists the Awareness Team with community outreach, fundraising, and events, as well as managing the volunteer opportunities. Drawn to Selah Freedom by her belief in the sanctity of human life, her passion for fighting the cruel industry of sex trafficking grows each day.

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Alexis LaRocca

Digital Marketing

Alexis LaRocca

Digital Marketing

Bachelors in Professional and Technical Communications, University of South Florida

Although a native of Pennsylvania, Alexis claims Florida as her home where she learned about the realities of sex trafficking and its occurences here in the United States. Alexis uses her creativity and knowledge to spread awareness about this pressing issue. She enjoys implementing her skills in graphic design, visual communication, writing, video making, and content creation. She focuses on Selah Freedom’s social media and all around marketing efforts.

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Andrea Martone

PR Consultant

Andrea Martone

PR Consultant

BA, Education, University of Vermont Masters, New York Institute of Technology, Communications

Andrea is an expert public relations and marketing consultant specializing in media relations, public relations and advertising campaigns, brand management, influencer marketing, and more. She has twenty-five years of experience working as an executive in top New York City PR agencies overseeing a diverse portfolio of non-profits, corporate, B-B, technology, and regional and national public affairs campaigns. She has extensive experience working with public officials, community groups, school districts, business Improvement Districts and healthcare companies.

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Hilda Arreola

Southeast Prevention Coordinator

Hilda Arreola

Southeast Prevention Coordinator

Bachelors of Arts in Psychology, The University of Tampa

Hilda Arreola is a graduate of the University of Tampa where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology. Upon graduating, Hilda worked in Behavioral Health at a community health center where the vast majority of patients were Hispanic. Hilda was able to see first-hand how the Hispanic community was and is in direct need of individuals who are able to bridge the language barrier to provide education and advocate for them. Her passion for reaching out to the Hispanic community only continues to grow in her current role at Selah Freedom. Hilda delivers presentations in Spanish and English as she works with youth in kindergarten through twelfth grades as well as adults to raise awareness about human trafficking.

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Kassandra Alvarado

Midwest Prevention Coordinator

Kassandra Alvarado

Midwest Prevention Coordinator

Bachelors in Psychology with minors in Management and Criminal Justice, Governors State University

Kassanda Alvarado is the Midwest Prevention Coordinator for Selah Freedom. She attended Governors State University where she received her Bachelors in Psychology, as well as where she also received 2 Minors, in Management and in Criminal Justice. Prior to joining the team at Selah Freedom, Kassandra worked as a Spanish Interpreter primarily for elementary school youth. Kassandra’s passion has always been to help survivors of human trafficking and hopes that with work done by the Prevention team that she can help raise awareness to the realities of sex trafficking.

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Nicole Dolack

Outreach Coordinator

Nicole Dolack

Outreach Coordinator

Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Investigative Services and Minor in Psychology and Master’s degree in National Security, University of New Haven

Nicole Dolack is the Outreach Coordinator of Selah Freedom. She graduated from the University of New Haven with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, a concentration in Investigative Services, Minor in Psychology, Certificate program in Victim Services Administration, and a Master’s degree in National Security. She is designated as a Victim Services Practitioner through the Florida Crime Prevention Training Institute with the Attorney General’s office. With a lifelong passion of women’s empowerment and the virtue of freedom, Nicole has always been motivated to build her education and career around combatting sex trafficking. She takes pride in her role in TYLA (Turn Your Life Around) Court, which gives survivors a unique opportunity for a second chance to change their lives.

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Debra Keim

Long-Term Residential Coordinator

Debra Keim

Long-Term Residential Coordinator

Bachelors in Social Work, Morehead State University

Debra spent more than ten years working in senior management in the private sector before joining the team at Selah Freedom. She began as a volunteer and mentor for Selah putting her heart and soul into the healing and restoration of survivors of sex trafficking. This meaningful experience ignited her passion for aiding in the recovery of survivors and for Selah Freedom. As the Long-Term Residential Coordinator, Debra works relentlessly to organize and manage the house and the everyday functions needed to help the survivors reclaim their lives.

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Chanel Murray

Residential Coordinator

Chanel Murray

Residential Coordinator

Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Chanel Murray serves as one of the Coordinators at our Long-Term Residential Program; she has been a part of the Selah Freedom family since November 2019. She is a proud member of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity Inc, and served as the Chapter President during her senior year. Under Chanel’s leadership, her chapter orchestrated several community events to cater to the greater Greensboro community; including collecting donations for annual food drives during Thanksgiving, raising funds for yearly charity walks, and working closely with many community providers. One of Chanel’s favorite ways to engage with survivors is celebrating their birthdays. Recreating such precious moments is priceless and rewarding. Chanel aspires to help each resident that comes into our program blossom into the best version of themselves. Chanel takes pride in working for Selah Freedom and collaborating with various community partners to fight against sex trafficking.

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Morgan Hojnicki

Empowered Living & Independent Living Coordinator

Morgan Hojnicki

Empowered Living & Independent Living Coordinator

Bachelor of Arts in Human Development, Eckerd College

Morgan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and a Minor in Marine Science from Eckerd College. She first learned about human trafficking while doing a study abroad program in Cambodia where she saw exploitation first-hand. When she learned that human trafficking was (and is) happening both interntionally and locally, she searched for a way to help at home (in the United States). Morgan learned about Selah Freedom while attending a related course as a local organization that brings light to the darkness. She landed an internship in the Assessment House. Morgan fell in love with their mission, passion, and the individualized approach to walking alongside their women on their journeys towards recovery. Morgan is currently the ELP/ILP Coordinator at Selah Freedom She continues to have the best experiences working alongside an incredible team of advocates and volunteers. Morgan is also a guest speaker and Assistant Professor for the Human Trafficking and Global Children’s Issues course at Eckerd College working alongside her mentor, Nancy Janus.

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Angelea Valenti

Assessment Coordinator

Angelea Valenti

Assessment Coordinator

Marketing, Management, Entrepreneurial Principles at Manatee Technical College

Angelea Valenti is a sex trafficking survivor, a Selah Freedom program graduate, and now an Assessment Coordinator. Over the past few years being on staff, she has grown exponentially both personally and professionally. She is honored to be on staff and watch beautiful transformations unfold. She loves empowering survivors like Selah Freedom empowered her. Selah Freedom is a  healthy environment that promotes growth and change for all.

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Robin Heinz

Assessment House Coordinator

Robin Heinz

Assessment House Coordinator

Bachelors in Business Management & Master of Arts in Counseling and Human Development, Malone University

Over the past 20 years, she has work experience in Human Resources, Safety Administration and Clinical Counseling serving individuals with mental health disorders and substance abuse addiction. While living in Ohio, she ministered to adults involved in human trafficking for 8 years and became passionate through assisting them to find freedom and regaining their lives back.

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Contact Information

  • Selah Freedom
  • P.O. Box 1801, Sarasota FL 34230
    PO Box 251, Chicago Ridge, IL 60415

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In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Justice policy, this organization is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write the Florida Department of Legal Affairs, Federal Discrimination Complaint Coordinator, PL-01 The Capitol, Tallahassee, Florida, 32399-1050, or call 850-414-3300, or write Office for Civil Rights, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, 810 7th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20531 or call 202-307-0690 (Voice) or 202-307-2027 (TDD/TYY) or https://ojp.gov/about/ocr/complaint.htm. Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may also contact OCR through the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339 (TTY), 877-877-8982 (Speech), or 800-845-6136 (Spanish). EIN 45-5189165