Jeanette Barrack is a physical therapist and business owner with experience in management and development of comprehensive outpatient rehabilitative services (speech, occupational therapy, vocational rehabilitation, and psychological services). Jeanette specializes in pain management and has practiced in the San Diego Area for approximately 18 years. She is a graduate of Mount Saint Mary’s College in Los Angeles. She holds a degree in science, physical therapy, and gerontology. Jeanette is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, the orthopedic section of the American Physical Therapy Association and the San Diego Speaker’s Bureau. She is a guest lecturer at San Diego State University.

From Jeanette
“I have been in the therapy and healing field for over 20 years. I currently have my own practice in La Mesa, California.In the past, while I was developing multidisciplinary outpatient services, I had the wonderful opportunity of working with Kathi Anderson. When Kathi approached me in November of 2000 to ask if I would help SURVIVORS develop their multidisciplinary medical component, I said yes. I felt strongly that anything Kathi was involved in was of good quality and would challenge me to give back to the community. I became a board member and have learned much through this role. I have seen the healing and compassion of others and the challenges that these strong individuals (survivors) face. If we as individuals respond to their needs they eventually become productive, healthy members of our community.”

Denise M. Francis, is a Certified Public Accountant, with over 20 years’ experience. She graduated from California Lutheran College in 1982 and immediately started work at Peat, Marwick, and Mitchell in Los Angeles. Denise has lived in Los Angeles, CA, Modesto, CA, Maui, HI, and currently resides in San Diego, CA. In the course of raising her three children, she has worked as a Girl Scout leader, Sunday school teacher, soccer coach, football mom, and PTA chairperson. She currently works at Intuit.

From Denise
“During the spring of 2001, I was working full time as a CPA, and, along with my husband, was busy raising three children. Kathi Anderson approached me one day at church and asked if I would consider working with SURVIVORS. She explained SURVIVORS’ mission and invited me to become more familiar with the organization. I have a strong financial background and SURVIVORS was in need of someone with my experience. I joined the board shortly after and have been the financial officer since 2002. I have been able to contribute my knowledge to SURVIVORS, and I have learned much about the torture atrocities that occur throughout the world. An unexpected benefit of my service on SURVIVORS’ board is that my children now know that the world is not as rosy as the community in which they have been raised.”

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 and educating the public about Female Genital Mutilation, a global health issue which can have devastating physical, psychological and social consequences for women and girls. She was the pro bono Executive Director of Casa Cornelia Law Center. She earned her B.A. degree from the University of Southern California and her J.D. from the Western School of Law. She was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1989. Ms. Lopes joined Survivors of Torture, International’s Board of Directors in January 2016.

Biography coming soon!

From Paula:

My professional career path has led me to the field of adult education for over 16 years. I am Faculty Chair and Professor for DeVry University, where I lead faculty, teach international business, marketing, management and leadership on the graduate and undergraduate level. I have led four study abroad trips for DeVry and Keller students to Europe, and advise students in the National Society for Leadership and Success. I have been adjunct faculty for many local universities and in addition to serving on Survivors of Torture board, serve on the TKF (Tariq Khamisa Foundation) board in San Diego, a non-profit providing education for non-violence and reconciliation to sixth graders in the San Diego County. I sit on San Diego’s  Chamber of Commerce Education committee and am a member of the Academic of International Business and the African Studies Association.

 

My doctorate research covered qualitative studies of business women of Kigali, Rwanda, and how they are changing the economic climate in Sub-Sahara Africa. I earned my Doctorate in Education from Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, a Master in Business Administration and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Public Communications.  I have spoken at global conferences regarding my research and have 15 years of international business experience.

Mr. Josephson has 34 years of experience in structural engineering. He is the Principal Structural Engineer for Josephson-Werdowatz and Associates. He received is BSCE from San Diego State University. Mr. Josephson has served as Survivors of Torture, International’s Board of Directors since January 2016.

Michael J. McKay, S.T.D., presently serves full-time as a lecturer at Rady School of Management at the University of California, San Diego. He formerly served for 14½ years as Director of the Department of Refugee Services at Catholic Charities, Diocese of San Diego. Michael McKay has a doctorate in Theology from the Catholic University of America and has lived, studied and traveled abroad giving him a strong multicultural perspective. He has served professionally managing and directing refugee services and acting as the associate project director for the Wilson/Fish Comprehensive Resettlement Collaborative, a multi-agency refugee resettlement program in the County of San Diego. He was particularly involved with building a multi-dimensional and multicultural program environment. Mr. McKay joined Survivors of Torture, International’s Board of Directors in January 2016.

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.

• Dee Aker, PhD.
• Cheri Attix, Esq.
• Rev. George Falk
• Mel Kieschnick, PhD
• Elizabeth Michel, MD
• Rev. Bill Radatz
• Darryl Solberg, Esq.

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.

In 1997, Kathi co-founded Survivors of Torture, International. She 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 includes: 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. As a volunteer, she currently serves on the advisory boards of University of the Pacific’s School of International Studies and San Diego State University’s School of Social Work. Previously, she served on the board of directors for Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service as well as Amnesty International USA. She also founded Lutheran Social Services of Idaho.

From Kathi
“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.”

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.

Tamara started working for Survivors in February 2016. Tamara graduated high school in 2006 in Ventura County and relocated to San Diego.  Tamara’s work experience includes 11 years in customer service, her background consists of working in service based organizations. Tamara is thrilled to be a part of the SURVIVORS team, she finds it engaging and rewarding to work for an organization that services people in need.  Tamara creates a peaceful and welcoming environment for the refugees and asylum seekers at SURVIVORS.

Niki began at SURVIVORS in August 2014. She has extensive administration and outreach experience and is passionate about creating a welcoming environment for refugees and asylum seekers. She received her B.A. in International Studies with an emphasis in Global Development, and also in Modern Languages and Cultures, with a specialized focus in French Language and Culture, obtaining both degrees from the University of Hartford. Niki is fluent in French, formerly volunteering at the American Corner in Grenoble, France, where she developed her passion for connecting people of different backgrounds to create a positive, sustainable, and interconnected world – something she enjoys continuing with SURVIVORS.

Ramy joined Survivors of Torture, International in May of 2016. He previously worked as Business and Finance Manager for Moishe House which focuses on international community building and outreach. Ramy is passionate about humanitarian, social and environmental causes. He served as a volunteer for Encinitas Fill a Belly, Surfrider Foundation and Entwine, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee’s young adult division. He earned Bachelor of Arts degrees from UC, Irvine in Psychology and International Studies. Ramy is thrilled to be part of the team where he offers finance support in continuing the important work of SURVIVORS.

Bio coming soon!

Cassie (Murray) Norris joined Survivors of Torture, International in May 2015. Cassie is a licensed clinical social worker and has a Masters of Social Work from the University of Denver with an emphasis of study on families. She obtained a certificate in cultural competency and bilingual social work with Latinos. Cassie also holds a B.A. in Psychology and Spanish Studies from the University of Minnesota. She has worked as a bilingual hospice medical social worker, focusing on bereavement and grief counseling. Cassie has also worked as a bilingual day treatment and family therapist providing individual and family therapy, case management and crisis intervention to high-risk adolescents in drug and alcohol treatment. Prior to obtaining her MSW, Cassie served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Costa Rica where she worked as a children, youth, and family development volunteer to promote sustainable community development.