In 1997, Kathi co-founded Survivors of Torture, International. She holds a M.A. in Counseling from San Jose State University and a B.A. in International Relations from the University of the Pacific. Her previous employment includes: Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice, Adjunct Faculty Member at the College of Idaho’s Graduate Program, Director of Elks Hospital’s Occupational and Rehabilitation Department and Refugee Resettlement Worker for the International Rescue Committee. As a volunteer, she currently serves on the board of directors of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service and the University of the Pacific’s School of International Studies Advisory Board. Previously, she served on Amnesty International USA’s board of directors and founded Lutheran Social Service of Idaho.

“After considerable reflection, I approached George Falk and Bill Radatz about the idea of starting Survivors of Torture, International. I knew that such an organization was needed in San Diego because no other agency was deliberately serving torture survivors even though San Diego is home to the busiest border crossing in the world and has a large number of immigrants. I also knew that others had tried to start a similar organization but had been unsuccessful. Fortunately, many others believed in this dream and mentored and partnered with us. The dream became a reality. I began as SURVIVORS’ first board chair and after three years became the first executive director. Every day, I am reminded that it is not only an honor to work with dedicated professionals in this field but it is also rewarding to know we are all making a difference in the lives of our clients and in our greater community.”

Maren joined SURVIVORS’ team in August 2005 to assist with communications, advocacy, and education projects. She holds a B.S.J. from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and she has been involved in communications since 1998, when she became a writer for The Bucks County Courier Times. She has been a freelance writer for media outlets such as New York Magazine and Citysearch.com, and has appeared on programs including KPBS-TV’s Full Focus. Her interest in human rights work stems from her experience studying reconciliation and development in Durban, South Africa.

Tim oversees activities to increase understanding among legislative offices, universities, community-based organizations and the media about the health access needs of torture survivors living in California. Prior to joining SURVIVORS, Tim served as a conservation attorney for Resources Law Group in Sacramento and as the legal services director at Centro Legal de la Raza in Oakland. He has worked on international human rights litigation with Movimiento de Mujeres Dominico-Haitianas and the Center for Justice and International Law. Tim holds a law degree from U.C. Berkeley’s Boalt Hall School of Law where, as co-coordinator of the California Asylum Representation Clinic, he trained and provided guidance to 60 student volunteers representing 26 asylum seekers. Tim has a B.A. and a Certificate in Latin American Studies from Harvard University. He is fluent in Spanish.

Deana (DeeDee) began at SURVIVORS in July 2009 to oversee the holistic, strength-based, recovery-oriented service program. She leads all ongoing development, expansion, and enhancement of client service programs and provides agency leadership with other members of SURVIVORS’ management team. Prior to joining SURVIVORS, DeeDee co-founded a nonprofit organization focused on fostering economic self-sufficiency in Guatemala; supervised and trained mental health services staff serving homeless adults; and provided behavioral health services to low-income families in California. She holds a Master of Pacific International Affairs from the University of California, San Diego’s School of International Relations and Pacific Studies and an M.S.W. from Catholic University of America. DeeDee is fluent in Spanish and has been an English instructor and professor in Mexico.

Tricia began at SURVIVORS in July 2009. She works with the clinical team to perform, track, and document client services. She also monitors compliance with contracts and ensures conformity with industry standards. Prior to joining SURVIVORS, Tricia gained experience training and supervising Native American foster families and children; training, researching and coordinating duties for child welfare programs; managing activities for community service learning programs; and interviewing survivors of human trafficking. She is a co-author of “Globalization and Human Trafficking,” an article published in the Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare in June 2007. Tricia holds an M.S.W. with an emphasis on administration from San Diego State University and a B.S. from Pennsylvania State University . She is a board member of Sun and Moon Vision Productions and serves as a mentor for three foster youth in San Diego County .

Alexey was born and raised in Kazakhstan, formerly a Soviet Republic. He received his B.A. from Washington State University in social sciences in 1996. After that he went back to Kazakhstan and worked for five years for the U.S. Agency for International Development as a project manager, managing large and small U.S. government grants and contracts. In 2003, Alexey immigrated to the United States with his wife and daughter. Alexey is responsible for managing financial aspects of SURVIVORS’ diverse funding portfolio and ensuring financial operations of the organization are efficient and accurate.

Beatriz began at SURVIVORS in 2001. She has experience working along the U.S.-Mexico border for several international human rights organizations. She was the development coordinator for the Northern Region of Amnesty International Mexico, and also worked for Tecmarketing GTS in Mexico, Kuwait State University, and the Venezuelan Embassay in Kuwait. Beatriz has a B.A. in Literature and Philosophy from Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, and has studied the culinary arts in the United States, Canada, and France. As the case manager, Beatriz orients clients to SURVIVORS, participates in needs assessments, and coordinates with the clinical team and clients for the delivery of services.

Following a successful career in corporate management and operations, Steve joined SURVIVORS’ team in January 2008. Steve has experience in personnel management, strategic planning, contract negotiations and implementation, and public communications. He holds a Ph.D. in Japanese Economic History from Ohio State University and a B.S. in Foreign Service from Georgetown University. He also spent two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Korea, an experience that he said left a lasting impression on his perspective of the world.

Ramsey began at SURVIVORS November 2007 to facilitate health-related services for SURVIVORS’ clients. He recruits and orients health care practitioners and evaluates clients’ medical status. Ramsey has experience providing early outreach and intervention services to infants at risk for developmental disabilities and has served as an advocate for children with disabilities. He holds an M.P.H. from Loma Linda University and a B.A. from California State University, San Bernardino. He also brings to SURVIVORS’ office a wealth of international experience. During graduate school, Ramsey completed internships in Egypt and Guyana, and he has participated in weekend clinics in Rosarito, Ensenada, Tecate and other cities in Mexico.

In September 2008, SURVIVORS welcomed Sara Vaz to the position of special initiatives manager. In this role, Sara is responsible for initiating and maintaining relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporations, and other community organizations. Sara comes to SURVIVORS with a master’s degree in international relations from Alliant In¬ternational University and bachelor’s degrees in sociology and women’s studies from the University of Utah. She worked in refugee employment services for the Interna¬tional Rescue Committee for several years, and owned a staffing agency in San Diego.

Kaili began at SURVIVORS in 2009. She has a B.A. in African Studies and an M.A. in International Studies from the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom. She brings to SURVIVORS an extensive background in sales and administration and a keen interest in international affairs. As a volunteer, she currently serves as Council Member, Liaison and Head of Advocacy & Media for the San Diego Committee of the Friends of the World Food Program. At SURVIVORS, Kaili is responsible for maintaining the databases for clinical, development, and human resources records, as well as ensuring the smooth daily running of the office.