Survivors of Torture, International co-founder Kathi Anderson referred me to my first job out of college back in the mid-80s with the International Rescue Committee in San Jose, California. Refugee resettlement work remained in my heart and, twenty-five years later, I discovered that Kathi was the vision behind Survivors of Torture, International in San Diego. She and her co-founders identified the need for medical and psychological services for San Diegans living with the trauma from torture in their home countries. We reconnected and I began volunteering on the finance committee and special projects as requested. I believe that investing in a safe, new beginning for survivors in San Diego will create a welcoming community that looks after one another. Let’s ensure that the trauma from torture ends with this generation of survivors in our schools, workplaces and neighborhoods. The journey to healing begins here at no cost to survivors.

Jean Greaves, Ph.D., is CEO and co-founder of TalentSmart, Inc. and co-author of several books and assessments on emotional intelligence.  Previously, she was the Director of Workforce Planning for Sharp HealthCare and Consultant with Workforce Development Solutions. She joined the board in 2017 and currently serves as board chairperson.

I believe all suffering is caused by ignorance. People inflict pain on others in the selfish pursuit of their happiness or satisfaction. Yet true happiness comes from a sense of inner peace and contentment, which in turn must be achieved through the cultivation of altruism, of love and compassion, and elimination of ignorance, selfishness and greed.

H.H. the Dalai Lama

Survivors of Torture, International has at its core the goal and ideal to relieve human suffering. Their reason for being is to help their clients to overcome the physical and mental pain that has been inflicted on them, to help them heal, grow, and thrive. There can never be a reason or excuse for humans to subject their fellow beings to the abuse of torture. It is our privilege as caring individuals to help to relieve that anguish. I am proud to offer my time and talents to an organization that has the cessation of suffering as its core value.

Carl H. Josephson, S.E. is a Principal Structural Engineer and the Managing Partner of the firm of Josephson-Werdowatz & Associates, Inc., Consulting Structural Engineers. Mr. Josephson is a licensed engineer in 20 states and consults throughout the country. He has served on a number of non-profit boards and is pleased to be able to offer his unique perspective to SURVIVORS.

In 2017, I was elated to hear that the SURVIVORS’ Finance Committee needed an additional member. Philanthropic work and community involvement have always been highly prioritized by my family, whose extended members include World War II victims. It was this connection that drew me to this organization and its honorable efforts assisting those who escaped torture in their homeland.

SURVIVORS’ participants and I are connected by our pasts, yet we work together with a focus on the future. I consider myself truly blessed to work with such an incredible organization and team, and I am thankful to use my experience in finance and accounting to help those in need.

Mr. Tarmo is a Certified Public Accountant with 20 years of experience. He earned his B.A. in Social Sciences from the University of California, Irvine and a Master’s in Accountancy from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.  Loren started his career in public accounting and is proud to have been able to steer his career into the health services arena. He currently serves as CFO for PatientSafe Solutions in San Diego, CA.  Loren began serving Survivors of Torture, International in early 2017 as a member of the finance committee and joined the board in 2018. He continues to serve as Chair of the Finance Committee and CFO of the organization.

I have been a pro bono immigration attorney in San Diego since 2008, representing asylum seekers. Two of the most important pieces of evidence to help these cases are the forensic medical exam and a psychological exam that substantiates the torture that the asylum seeker has suffered. My clients can’t afford doctors to do these exams and Survivors of Torture, International is the only place where the physicians and psychologists are trained on how to gather valid evidence as well as document it appropriately. SURVIVORS provides these services at no cost to the asylum seeker. SURVIVORS can be the difference between asylum seekers getting a new chance at life or return to a future of continued persecution. In 2015, I began a non-profit organization called Southern California Immigration Project. I was so happy to continue my relationship with SURVIVORS in 2016 as a board member.  Everyone I have ever worked with at SURVIVORS has shared my passion for not only providing the best services to these vulnerable, traumatized immigrants, but treating them with compassion and dignity as well. I am proud to be associated with this organization, which is helping our immigrant brothers and sisters heal.  

Ms. Lopez is the executive director and founder of the Southern California Immigration Project, which is dedicated to providing pro bono and low bono legal services to victims of human and civil rights violations. The organization also educates the public about Female Genital Mutilation, a global health issue that can have devastating physical, psychological and social consequences for women and girls. In the past, she has acted as the Pro Bono Director and Asylum Director of Casa Cornelia Law Center. She earned her B.A. from the University of Southern California, her J.D. from the Western School of Law, and was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1989. Elizabeth received the KPBS Community Hero Award in 2017 and the Peacemaker Award from the National Conflict Resolution Center in 2018.

Riding across Israel in backs of trucks with terrorized Arab/Palestinians just after the ’67 War; watching mothers and children rebuilding their homes in fields littered with skulls in the Luwero Triangle of Uganda in 1986; and, working with 1970s survivors and new generations after the Killing Fields in Cambodia in more recent years, I have been touched by our human capacity to build loving lives again. It is inspiring to know people around the world during their transitions from devastating trials of violence and cruelty as they foster new lives and relationships.  Not all good people get the opportunity to construct new lives in the countries of their birth, however. It is the life-mending and life-affirming work of Survivors of Torture, International in San Diego that has inspired me to support a road to healing and recovery here and now.  When I met Kathi Anderson 20 years ago she was just beginning SURVIVORS.  I have seen its profound impact grow and expand.  It is an honor to serve again as a board member and I am ever motivated by the good souls giving and receiving hope here.

Dee Aker, Ph.D., is a psychological anthropologist who worked in conflict mediation, higher education and journalism/media. Her posts have included: Director of the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice at the University of San Diego, where she founded the Women PeaceMakers Program; Director of United States International University – Africa; and Producer and Host of “Women” on KUSI television.

Spending my first 25 years in Minnesota-Iowa allowed the opportunity to be a part of a community welcoming Hmong and Laotian refugees arriving to the US, seeking safety and a new life. This is my first memory of meeting a large population of people re-settling in a new home, a home where they did not know their neighbors, the language, the culture, or the landscape. 

Working with an orphanage in post-genocide Rwanda allowed for continued glimpses into the lives of those in need of community, seeking survival and safety. Field research allowed for me to interview business women in Rwanda, where I listened to stories about the spirit of motivation and how pain brings reconciliation and the power to forgive.

Studying poverty and hunger in Nicaragua led me to the meeting of co-traveler Bill Radatz, who shared the mission of SURVIVORS with me in 2001. I served on the board from 2001-2003 and returned in 2017. Being a part of the SURVIVORS team allows for me to continue to learn and hear stories from those who persevere beyond unimaginable circumstances to join and lead in this San Diego community, a community of which I am proud to be a part.

Paula Herring, EdD is Faculty Chair and Professor at DeVry University, where she has taught and led faculty and students for 18 years. Her professional background is in education and international business and she also serves on the Tariq Khamisa Foundation (TKF) board. She earned her doctorate from Fielding Graduate University in Leadership and Social Justice and was awarded a dissertation research grant from the Women’s Network of Gender Empowerment (WNGE). The Institute for Social Innovation Scholarship awarded her a Dissertation Topic and Research Award for her research about Rwandan women. Additional research, publications, and speaking engagements include the topics of inclusivity, entrepreneurship, human rights, and emerging economies.

For 15 years through June of 2015, it was my privilege to serve as the Director of Refugee Services at Catholic Charities, Diocese of San Diego. During this time, I interacted regularly with the staff of Survivors of Torture, International, co-founded and led by Kathi Anderson. Survivors of Torture, International was our preferred provider of mental health services for our resettlement clients – refugees, asylees and victims of trafficking, who exhibited symptoms of being torture survivors. Kathi and her staff could not have been more professional or effective with our clients and case managers. We regularly turned to SURVIVORS for training and counsel on how to perform appropriate trauma-informed services.

Michael McKay is currently a lecturer at the Rady School of Management, UCSD, and teaches classes on personal ethics at work and managing diverse teams. He obtained a Doctorate of Sacred Theology (S.T.D.) from The Catholic University of America and is committed professionally to the values of diversity, equity and inclusion. He joined SURVIVORS’ board in 2016 and serves as the Governance Committee chair.

Mr. Reeder is the Senior Licensing Manager of Audio Technologies at Technicolor S.A.  He previously worked as the Regional Manager/Partnership in Sales for Delta Airlines. Mr. Reeder is fluent in six languages including Russian, Japanese and Spanish. He received his BA in International Business Administration from the University of the Pacific. Mr. Reeder joined Survivors of Torture, International’s Board of Directors in January 2016.

When tasked with coordinating services for school-aged refugee children and youth in San Diego schools, I quickly realized the depth of the trauma and the breath of the resilience of refugee children and families. I also realized the value of schools and community organizations working together to support newcomer students and their families. After participating in a tour of Survivors of Torture, International and meeting with the highly qualified staff, it was clear that there was an opportunity for a partnership allowing school staff to learn from SURVIVORS experts on working with newcomer children impacted by trauma. I joined the board in 2018, and it is my honor to serve the organization in its mission of healing.

Ms. de la Garza is an Education Specialist with San Diego Unified School District and adjunct faculty with National University. She began her career teaching adolescents in a psychiatric hospital in New York. After moving to San Diego, Bridget held various teaching positions including coaching beginning teachers and supporting educational programs for foster, homeless, and refugee students. She earned her B.S. from Syracuse University and M.A. from San Diego State University. Bridget is a former officer of the San Diego Refugee Forum.

• Jeanette Barrack, RPT
• Cheri Attix, Esq
• Rev. George Falk
• Mel Kieschnick, PhD
• Elizabeth Michel, MD
• Rev. Bill Radatz
• Darryl Solberg, Esq.

From Kathi: “After considerable reflection, I approached George Falk and Bill Radatz about the idea of starting Survivors of Torture, International (SURVIVORS). I knew that such an organization was needed in San Diego, in part, because no other agency was intentionally serving torture survivors even though San Diego is home to the busiest border crossing in the world and has a large number of newcomers. Others had tried to start a similar organization but had been unsuccessful. Fortunately, many believed in the SURVIVORS dream, mentored and partnered with us. In 1997, 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 also rewarding how much of a difference we are making in the lives of our clients and in our greater community.”

Kathi holds an 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 included Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice, Evaluator at Grossmont Hospital, Adjunct Faculty Member at the College of Idaho’s Graduate Program, Director of Elks Hospital’s Occupational and Rehabilitation Department and Refugee Resettlement Case Worker for the International Rescue Committee.

Kathi is the elected North American representative and Executive Committee member of the Denmark-based International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims; co-founder and Executive Committee member of the National Consortium of Torture Treatment Programs. She also currently serves on the University of the Pacific’s School of International Studies, San Diego State University’s School of Social Work, Lutheran Office of Public Policy, and Mapi Foundation Barbara Chester Awards’ Advisory Board. Previously, she served on the national Board of Directors for Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service as well as Amnesty International USA.

From Mahvash: “I joined SURVIVORS to provide care to newcomers who have limited access to services.  Being raised in Iran and experiencing the challenges of adapting to western culture first-hand, I relate to our clients who come from different parts of the world, especially from Middle Eastern countries. I am moved by the great resilience I have seen from clients who have gone through severe trauma yet continue to show motivation towards achieving their goals and creating a new, safe home for themselves and their families, despite limited resources.”

Dr. Mahvash Alami joined Survivors of Torture, International in May 2011 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. She received her Ph.D. in psychology from Alliant International University and obtained her license as a psychologist in July 2004. She completed her domestic violence certificate in 2004 and has been providing treatment to survivors of torture for the past 20 years. She has experience working in crisis environments, in-patient psychiatric hospitals, and outpatient programs. She also has over 8 years experience overseas working as academic staff at a medical school teaching psychology to medical students and nursing students.  In addition, she obtained her certification in Psycho-Social Rehabilitation (PSR) in 2002 and holds a certificate in LGBTQ and geriatric mental health.  She has completed TF-CB (Trauma focus cognitive behavioral therapy) training, a conjoint child and parent psychotherapy approach for children and adolescents who are experiencing significant emotional and behavioral difficulties related to traumatic life events.  She has private practice experience working with survivors of torture. She is bilingual and speaks Farsi (Persian). She has been a member of the San Diego Psychological Association.

Alicia DeLeon-Torres has 21 years of public service specializing in youth and family services including 14 years as the Youth and Elder Adult Services Division Manager for the Union of Pan Asian Communities, where she developed the first culturally specific youth suicide prevention curriculum in the state of California. She is also a certified national trainer in gang prevention and intervention, and substance abuse prevention. As a grants manager, Ms. DeLeon-Torres has raised over $10 million for various programs focused on culturally competent and accessible services. Ms. DeLeon-Torres has served on many boards and committees including the City of San Diego Commission on Gang Prevention and Intervention (current), San Diego Police Department’s Chief’s Asian Pacific Islander Advisory Board, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority Art Committee, and the California State Attorney General’s Civil Rights Commission on Hate Crimes. She also served on the Substance Abuse Mental Health Administrations ad hoc committee for Racial and Ethnic Knowledge Exchange and Dissemination Project; this became the basis for the current guidelines for measuring cultural competency. She is a recipient of the USC Annenberg School of Journalism California Endowment National Fellow for Public Health Journalism, California Wellness Foundation Violence Prevention Initiative Fellowship and the Woman of the Year Award from (then) California State Assemblywomen Susan Davis 76th District for her work with youth and families. Ms. DeLeon Torres studied Sociology and English at San Diego State University.

From Brittney: “Despite my background in refugee resettlement and insurance for low-income San Diegans, I was still surprised to see the vast healthcare disparities for San Diego refugees, asylees, and asylum seekers. There are so many additional barriers to health care including language, transportation, cultural concepts of health and wellness, and income limitations. I’m so excited to join the Survivors family and look forward to continuing to assist clients in removing barriers to care and improving health outcomes.”

Brittney Willis joined Survivors of Torture, International as Medical Case Manager in August 2017. Brittney received her BA in International Security and Conflict Resolution from San Diego State University where she also completed two study abroad opportunities in Costa Rica. She continued on to earn a Master’s degree in Human Services with a specialization in Not-for-Profit Management from University of the Rockies. Brittney has most recently worked as a refugee resettlement case manager with a local resettlement agency and as a medical case manager with a managed healthcare plan.

From Katrina: “After attending a Journey to Healing Tour at SURVIVORS I was floored by my lack of knowledge on the international crisis and trauma facing torture survivors. I strongly believe all people deserve to occupy a safe, supportive and welcoming world. SURVIVORS is a place where I can help create that world. It is a privilege to help survivors of torture and to create a platform where they can share their stories with our community in an effort to build awareness and facilitate healing.”

Katrina has served as SURVIVORS Community Relations Manager since July 2018. She first connected with SURVIVORS in July 2017 when she served as a Graduate Fellow for the Board of Directors. She received her Master’s in Social Work at San Diego State University specializing in Administration and Community Development. Prior to joining the SURVIVORS team Katrina has worked in public mental health, policy development, curriculum design, sexual assault advocacy, nonprofit communications and management in both Northern and Southern California.  Katrina earned a BA in Psychology and a BA in Women’s & Gender Studies at Sonoma State University where she also spent a year studying and living abroad in Florence, Italy.  Her diverse educational and professional experience has continued to increase her passion and devotion to human services.

It is a privilege to work for an organization like SURVIVORS that supports torture survivors in a safe and compassionate environment.  I am excited to use data to help tell the story of the incredible work they do assisting clients to elevate their level of wellness across a broad spectrum of factors by breaking down the many barriers they face. Living and traveling abroad has provided me the opportunity to meet people from diverse backgrounds and cultures and watching the team at survivors create a welcoming and culturally sensitive environment for the clients reminds me every day of the importance of the work that is done here.

Kim has served as the Data and Evaluation Associate at SURVIVORS since February 2019. Most recently, Kim worked as a Research Associate at the Nonprofit Institute at the University of San Diego; however, she has held a variety of positions from educator to systems engineer. Her diverse experience evolved over 30 years during multiple moves across the US and abroad throughout her husband’s military career. Due to her multiple moves with two children and her experience as an educator, she developed a keen interest in researching the resilience of highly mobile children from all backgrounds and learning best practices for supporting student transition across multiple moves. Her previous work experience includes, research (quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods), budget and data analysis, program evaluation, survey design, business management, curriculum development, teaching, facilitating, and mentoring. Kim earned her a PhD in Leadership Studies with a specialization in Nonprofit and Philanthropic Management from the University of San Diego, a MAED in Education with a specialization in curriculum development from the University of Phoenix, and a BS in Economics with a concentration in Developing Nations from California State University, San Luis Obispo.

Nance Lovell joined Survivors of Torture, International as Clinical Case Manager in September 2018.  She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from San Diego State University specializing in clinical work with Children, Youth and Families and holds B.A.s in Behavioral Science and Psychology from Concordia University Irvine.  Her previous employment includes: Founder and Social Worker for Going Home, an end-of-life program for homeless men and women who were terminally ill with the Third Avenue Charitable Organization; Therapist, Group Specialist, Student Advocate and Community Advocate at O’Farrell Community School with SAY, San Diego; Pastoral Assistant at Holy Cross Lutheran Church; Therapist at Family Service Association; and Protective Services Worker for the Children’s Services Bureau.

I first came to the SURVIVORS’ office when I interviewed Kathi Anderson for an article that I was writing on the refugee population in San Diego County. The office felt so peaceful and joyous, it felt like the ideal place for people to heal. I had always wanted to work at an organization that helped vulnerable communities and SURVIVORS felt like the right place for me. I am happy to be a part of this remarkable organization.

Nivedita joined the SURVIVORS team in December 2018 and has been a part of the communications field for over ten years. She was a journalist with the Press Trust of India before she received a graduate fellowship to join the doctoral program of the Pennsylvania State University. While in graduate school, Nivedita explored the topic of media platforms and minority communities. She also worked as a graduate teaching assistant and enjoyed working with undergraduate students. Since earning her doctoral degree, Nivedita has worked in both non-profit as well as the public service sectors. She previously served SURVIVORS as a Board of Directors’ Fund Development Committee Member and is excited to be a part of the SURVIVORS’ team again.

From Rachel: “Every day I feel a deep gratitude and privilege to serve the most phenomenally resilient and gracious people I’ve ever known. Being a force for healing, empowerment, and hope for survivors of torture is the quintessence of Frederick Buechner’s definition of vocation as the intersection where your greatest joy meets the world’s greatest need.”

Rachel Mahoney feels privileged to serve as SURVIVORS’ Senior Mental Health Clinician. Before her current role, Rachel served as SURVIVORS’ Clinical Case Manager starting in 2017, and as Mental Health Contractor with the Refugee School Impact Grant (RSIG) program in 2016. Rachel first connected with SURVIVORS in 2015 as a Clinical Intern during her graduate studies. Before coming to SURVIVORS, Rachel provided family support and behavior therapy for children with developmental delays, completed a clinical counseling internship with Jewish Family Service of San Diego, and served in various roles in the global public health field in San Diego and Los Angeles. Rachel received her Master of Social Work from San Diego State University in 2017, where she tailored her degree to focus on refugee/newcomer mental health, trauma treatment, immigration policy, gender equity, and human rights promotion. She earned her BA in Anthropology and Middle Eastern and North African studies from UCLA, and has been fortunate to live, study, and travel all over the world. She is a member of the American Civil Liberties Union, the International Federation of Social Workers, the National Association of Social Workers, the United Nations Association of San Diego, and the San Diego Rapid Response Network – a community based 24-hour hotline that supports families affected by immigration raids and detentions.

From Tara: “I was one of many throughout our community that was unaware of this client population existing in San Diego and across the nation.  It’s unimaginable what they have gone through to survive.  I’m so amazed by what our staff does on a daily basis and how deeply they care about our clients.  I feel very fortunate to be part of this organization and to be able to support it in any way I can.”

 Tara Osier joined SURVIVORS at the end of March 2018.  She has 25 years of accounting experience in the federal government, non-profit and private sector environments.  Her nonprofit experience includes eight years as a Controller at Regional Task Force on the Homeless in San Diego and as an Accounting Manager at La Clinica Tepeyac in Denver, CO. Her diverse professional experience includes budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, audit preparation, payroll processing, contracts / grants management, purchasing, human resources, and information technology.  Tara received a BS degree at the University of Maryland University College with a concentration in Accounting.

Valerie’s biography coming soon!

From Angela: “It is a privilege to be an intern at an organization that empowers torture survivors to reclaim their lives.”

Angela has served as an intern at SURVIVORS since August 2018.  She is currently earning her MSW at San Diego State University.  Angela originally began her career as a Research Psychologist after earning her Ph.D. in Applied Psychology from Southern Illinois University in 2005. Her prior work includes mixed-methods research, program evaluation, performance measurement, survey development, focus groups, and data analysis in both the public and nonprofit sectors.  Through her qualitative research with marginalized groups, she was inspired to earn her MSW to develop clinical skills and further her background in social justice issues.  She enjoyed her first-year MSW internship working with older adults in San Diego County living with severe mental illness.  She also had the opportunity to participate in a summer internship in Thailand through her MSW program, where she gained experience at a residential center for elders.  Angela is looking forward to all she will learn and the people she will meet during her internship here at SURVIVORS.

From Karen: “Resilience is a trait that I’ve always admired in others. I am deeply humbled to be a part of the SURVIVORS team where I can interact with some of the most resilient people I have ever encountered. I look forward to serving and supporting the most vulnerable populations, and to do so with love and compassion.”

Karen first joined SURVIVORS in August of 2018 as a Masters of Social Work Administration intern. She received a Bachelors in Psychology with a minor in Women’s Studies from San Diego State University in May of 2017. She is a Mexican immigrant and first-generation college graduate. Her background allows for her to feel deeply connected to the experiences shared by clients and their families. She has experience in community organizing and activism as well as prior experience working in a community development agency.  Her life experience, education, training, and work give her a deep understanding of the complexities involved when empowering communities.