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Institute Personnel

Administration

Dr. Jeanne Allert

Dr. Jeanne Allert

Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Alexis McAfee

Alexis McAfee

Program Administrator

Linda Thomas

Linda Thomas

Director of Administration

Patrica J. Livingston

Patrica J. Livingston

Chief Relationship Officer

Rita Baker

Rita Baker

Bookkeeper

Shelter Academy

Chelsea Longo

Chelsea Longo

ShelterU Project Manager

Paula Harper

Paula Harper

Special Projects Manager

Mel Meyer

Mel Meyer

Adjunct Faculty

 Communications & Development

Amy Woeller

Amy Woeller

Director of Communications

John DeMichael

John DeMichael

Creative Director

Amanda Fillebrown

Amanda Fillebrown

Communications/ Development Associate

Laurryn McDaniel

Laurryn McDaniel

Communications Associate

Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor

Impact Volunteer

Research

Chris Lim, MBA

Chris Lim, MBA

Director of Research and Policy

Ralph Roller

Ralph Roller

NCMS Project Manager

Community Engagement

Linda Blackiston

Linda Blackiston

Director of Community Engagement

Dr. Clint Elliott, Esq.

Dr. Clint Elliott, Esq.

General Counsel

Jeanne L. Allert, PhD

Jeanne L. Allert, PhD

Founder and Chief Executive Officer

In 2007 Jeanne was convicted to leave the trappings of a lucrative career as an Internet consultant to establish one of the first long-term restorative care programs in the Mid-Atlantic for victims of domestic sex trafficking.  She immersed herself in learning—mostly from survivors themselves—and created TSW-ISC’s unique Care Model.  Over the years TSW expanded its service and took on several national research projects.  In 2018-2019 she led the organization through a major shift to create the Institute for Shelter Care, which leverages the expertise of TSW-ISC and industry peers across the country to train and mentor new shelter programs in the areas of greatest need.

Publications:

  • Allert, J. (2021, June 21). Justice Professionals’ Lens on Familial Trafficking Cases. Criminal Justice Review. doi.org/10.1177/07340168211024719 
  • Allert, J. (2017). SHELTERED – National Practices Survey Report. The Samaritan Women – Institute for Shelter Care.
  • Allert, J. (2016). Funding Landscape for Residential Service Provider Agencies for Victims of Domestic Sex Trafficking.  The Samaritan Women – Institute for Shelter Care.
  • United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia. (2015). Residential Service Provider’s Guide to Working with Law Enforcement Referrals of Human Trafficking Victims.  

Education: Doctorate of Philosophy in Counseling and Psychological Studies, Masters of Church Ministry; Masters of Education, Bachelor of Arts

Life verse: Luke 12:48 –“To whom much is given, much more is expected.”

Rita Baker

Rita Baker

Bookkeeper

Rita brings us 30 plus years of bookkeeping experience. She has had bookkeeping experience in the Real Estate, Rentals, Pharmacy, Health Care and Office Supply industries. However, most of her later career was spent in the area of tourism. She has  20+ years as Controller of an Amusement Company in Tennessee.

Rita and her husband moved to Louisville, KY in 2020. They have three children and two grandchildren.

Rita, from an early age, dedicated her life to God. Unfortunate events of her childhood, drew her to seek out something greater than herself. She found that, in Church and it saved her life. However, it was through her own trials, she found the greatest gift one could give or be given…the gift of compassion.

Rita has worked in many aspects of ministry, over the years. However, nothing is as rewarding as the very moment you see someone transform from victim to victor, from darkness to light, from weak to strong, from lost to found, from hopeless to hopeful.

Upon praying for a change in direction, career wise, Rita was presented with an opportunity to join The Institute for Shelter Care, as bookkeeper. She did her research and found herself overwhelmed with admiration and gratitude for the work they were doing. She instantly felt this was where she was supposed to be, where compassion, abides.

Life verse: Isaiah 40:31 –“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

Linda Blackiston

Linda Blackiston

Director of Community Engagement

Passionate about changing lives through education, Linda Blackiston specializes in raising awareness about various forms of abuse and neglect.  For nearly a decade, Linda served on the Board of Directors and as a volunteer for the Institute for Shelter Care. Because of her direct involvement with survivors, Linda was invited to contribute to curriculum development on human trafficking for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service.  In her previous professional capacity, she served as Mid-Atlantic Manager of Professional Education for Philips North America, developing and delivering training for dental professionals.

Linda holds a Bachelor of Science degree in dental hygiene from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry

Life verse: Psalm 46:10 –Be still and know that I am God”

John DeMichael

John DeMichael

Creative Director

John first worked with Jeanne in the business sector in the 90’s, and has since become invaluable for his creative direction, strategy, and implementation. As an experienced communicator in all aspects of commercial marketing, he now directs his creative energies towards designing for social change. John has worked alongside TSW since their inception in 2007.

Life verse: John 15:5 –“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Dr. Clint Elliott, Esq.

Dr. Clint Elliott, Esq.

General Counsel

Clint is a founding partner in Doane & Elliott, PSC, a Cornerstone Law Group established to serve, defend, and support faith-based businesses, nonprofit organizations, and individuals in the face of an ever-shifting legal landscape and new cultural challenges. As a formative foundation for this law practice, Clint has served as an affiliate attorney with Alliance Defending Freedom since 2001, representing clients in cases involving the First Amendment, Title VII, and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, as well as helping clients navigate new state and local laws that impact religious liberties and ministry effectiveness. In addition to his law degree, Clint also obtained a master’s degree and a graduate certificate in urban ministry from seminary, an experience that shapes his law practice in protecting ministries so that they may flourish as a blessing to the communities they serve.

Amanda Fillebrown

Amanda Fillebrown

Communications/Development Associate

Amanda is an advocate for social justice and is committed to working for equity for all people in our community and world. She has over 10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector as a volunteer, board member and staff member.  She is excited for the opportunity to use her skills to manage and cultivate TSW donors.

Education: B.A. Psychology, M.S.L. Christian Education

Life Verse: Micah 6:8 – “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”  

Paula Harper

Paula Harper

Special Projects Manager

Paula has a passion for helping non-profit organizations be obedient to the calling the Lord gives them to be His hands and feet. Her first experience with the Institute for Shelter Care, was in March 2021 when she participated in Intensives 1 and 2 of the Shelter Mentorship Program. Paula left the training with the vision of a larger opportunity – making the foundational training available to all non-profits. She first joined the team in February of 2022 as an adjunct faculty member to facilitate human resources courses. In June 2022, she started creating and implementing the Ministry Fundamentals program which gives non-profit founders and executive directors the skills and confidence they need to implement the fundamental building blocks of a strong organization.

Paula has 15+ years of human resources experience for 2 national companies. She also served on several boards of directors and is a member of multiple committees that serve and encourage non-profits.

Education: Bachelor’s in Elementary Education

Life Verse: John 15:11 –“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

Chris Lim, MBA

Chris Lim, MBA

Director of Research and Policy

Chris has trained service providers and investigators on both sex and labor trafficking domestically and internationally. He has also conducted undercover and security operations, taught a human trafficking course at the University of Alabama, and regularly speaks at conferences and conducts trainings for key stakeholders. His work has brought him to the Philippines, Cambodia, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Taiwan, Jamacia, Thailand and throughout the United States. In 2021 Chris was appointed Coordinator of the Alabama Anti-Human Trafficking Alliance by the Alabama Attorney General.

Publications:

  • Lim, C. (2017) The Heart of a Healer, Meadville, Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
  • Williams, J., Lim, C., Trull, V. (2020) Assessment for child trafficking victims. (Roberts, A., Ed.) Social Workers’ Desk Reference. Oxford University Press.
  • Williams, J., Lim, C., Trull, V. (2020) Case management for child trafficking victims. (Roberts, A., Ed.) Social Workers’ Desk Reference. Oxford University Press.
  • Williams J., Lim C., Trull V., Higgins M. (2020). The Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children. In: Geffner R., Vieth V., Vaughan-Eden V., Rosenbaum A., Hamberger L., White J. (eds) Handbook of Interpersonal Violence Across the Lifespan. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-62122-7_182-1
  • Lim, C., Trull, V. (2020) Alabama Uniform Human Trafficking Initiative
  • Lim, C., Bolland, A.C., Guzzo, D., Higgins, M., Trull, V., & Williams, J. (2021). Human trafficking and child welfare: A discussion of advocacy, promising practices, and implications. Best Practices in Mental Health.
  • Lim, C. (2021). The Heart of a Healer, Second Edition Expanded and Revised, Meadville, Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.

Education: Chris has an MBA and is currently a Ph.D. candidate for Public Policy at Liberty University.

Life Verse: Proverbs 31:8-9Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.” 

Patrica J. Livingston

Patrica J. Livingston

Chief Relationship Officer

In 2017,  after meeting a survivor who had worked The Samaritan Women program and become a nurse, Patricia was so moved by the transforming power and grace of God that she joined the Board of Directors, serving as Treasurer and subsequently, Board Chair for 8 years.  In 2024, and after 28 years in banking, Patricia transitioned to join the Institute for Shelter Care as Chief Relationship Officer.  Her vision is to connect every person and business that has a heart for victims of Human Trafficking into their God-given role in ending this abhorrent trade while ministering to those who have been affected by it.

Patricia and her husband Glenn live in Ellicott City, MD along with their 2 sons, Bradley and Grant, 2 dogs, and 15 chickens (really!). 

Education:  Masters of Business Administration, University of Maryland; Bachelors of Science, Lee University.

Life verse:  Esther 4:14 “Perhaps you were born for such a time as this”

Chelsea Longo

Chelsea Longo

ShelterU Project Manager

Chelsea has a passion to serve and help others. In recognizing this, she found her true calling in administrative support roles. With experience in retail, finance, hospitality and event planning as well as the non-profit sector, she brings a diverse skillset to the Institute for Shelter Care.

Education: B.A. in Theatre, University of Florida

Life Verse: Psalm 23:4 –“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” 

Alexis McAfee

Alexis McAfee

Program Administrator

Alexis comes to the Institute with 3 years of experience in college ministries and nonprofits. Alexis graduated in 2022 from Northside School of Ministry. She served on the leadership team with Delight Ministries helping college aged women in their walk with Jesus. Alexis felt called to utilize her spiritual gifting in administration in the anti-trafficking realm. Alexis is honored to be on staff and to have the opportunity to do something she’s passionate about.

Life verse: Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Laurryn McDaniel

Laurryn McDaniel

Communications Associate

Laurryn joins our team with an extensive background of volunteer work and internships in the fields of intimate partner violence services, violence prevention, primary education, legal aid, grief support, church administration, pregnancy resource center services, family support, law enforcement, and adult entertainment industry outreach. Laurryn loves building relationships and building stronger and healthier communities as a result. She is passionate about education and awareness of trafficking and the best care for its survivors.

Education: B.S. in Criminal Justice, Olivet Nazarene University; M.S. in Social Work, University of Louisville

Life Verse: Isaiah 61:1–“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” 

Mel Meyer

Mel Meyer

Adjunct Faculty





Mel Meyer is a subject matter expert in anti-trafficking residential programming and currently works as a Project Manager at Richmont Graduate University.  She holds a B.A. in Psychology and Criminal Justice and an M.A. in Nonprofit Administration, and is a certified CPI Instructor. Across more than 18 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Mel has gained expertise in coaching anti-trafficking teams to be effective, evidence-based, survivor-informed and sustainably healthy. Most recently, she served as a Program Director with Frontline Response/Out of Darkness Atlanta for nine years – developing an innovative crisis-care model, writing standard operating procedures and grant language, overseeing local operations and multiple chapter launches, and coaching nonprofit agencies at a national level. Mel has been honored to serve on multiple nonprofit boards and the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Anti-Trafficking Task Force; has presented promising practices at NCOSE, ICAP Global, and SWAT(GA) conferences; and teaches Shelter Programming courses with The Shelter Institute.

Life verse: Ezekiel 47:12 – Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.

Ralph Roller

Ralph Roller

NCMS (National Case Management System) Project Manager

Ralph brings over twenty years of ministry and nonprofit leadership experience. He is excited to be able to utilize his gifts and passions with the Institute for Shelter Care.

Ralph has been married to his wife, Jennifer, for thirty-one years and has three adult daughters, Ali, Brooke, and Katelyn as well as three grand-puppies, Maddie, Belle, and Remi. He loves being active and is a die-hard Chicago Bears fan so if they are playing, you can find him in front of a TV somewhere.

Life verse: Jeremiah 29:11For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor

Impact Volunteer

Ann comes to the Institute for Shelter Care with over 30 years of varied experiences in the healthcare and education fields.  Having served with TSW through multiple mission trips starting in 2015 she felt called to volunteer on a regular basis.  She is humbled and honored to be able to serve  at TSW to make their mission known both locally and nationally.

Life verse:  Micah 6:8  – He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.  And what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

 

Linda Thomas

Linda Thomas

Director of Administration

After spending 30 years as an advertising and marketing professional, Linda had a life-changing experience while serving with a mission team from Southeast Christian to the Institute for Shelter Care.  Linda felt called by God to use her communication skills in a volunteer capacity for the Institute for Shelter Care. Since 2016, Linda’s passion for the Institute for Shelter Care has continued to grow, and in September of 2018 she joined the staff as Communications Manager. Linda’s primary role is to help grow the Institute for Shelter Care’s exposure on a national level and be the primary media contact for outside communication.

Education: BA in Advertising with a minor in business administration

Life verse: Hebrews 12:1 –“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

Amy Woeller

Amy Woeller

Director of Communications

Amy comes to the Institute for Shelter Care with more than 25 years of experience in public relations, including the education, nonprofit and business sectors. She hopes to catalyze her passion for TSW to find creative and effective ways to raise awareness about trafficking, the need for shelter care and the important work of TSW-ISC. 

Education: B.S., Retail and Marketing, Miami University; Oxford, Ohio 

Life verse: Psalms 62:5-6  –“My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken”

Have a question?

If you have any questions regarding our personnel or open positions, please contact Linda Thomas at lthomas@instituteforsheltercare.org