D2L - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Instructional Technologist
- Senior Instructional Designer
Adam Stairs is an Instructional Technologist over 10 years of higher education experience. He holds an M.Ed. in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Regent University, and a BS in Management Information Systems from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining Darkness to Light, he worked for West Virginia University and California University of Pennsylvania in a variety of roles including Instructional Designer, Application Developer, and Web Designer. He has extensive experience in student support services through technology, faculty distance education support, and instructional design for traditional and non-traditional students.
Adam lives in Southwest Pennsylvania with his wife and two sons, and enjoys coaching youth soccer and spending time outside whenever possible. When asked about his hobbies, he'll tell you, "It seems I'm constantly mired in remodeling projects but that is mostly my own doing…" When he was younger an
Job Titles:
- Secretary
- California / Producer / Storyteller
- Member of the Board of Trustees for the Sundance Institute
Amanda Kelso has spent the last 25 years serving as a producer and storyteller for global tech companies as well as lending her skills to films and non-profit organizations. Amanda's tenure includes helping to foster and oversee the stewardship of Instagram's community of more than one billion people and serving as the Managing Director of Google Creative Lab. She has executive produced several films, and early in her career she worked on television productions including Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.
In addition to her work with Darkness to Light, Amanda is currently a member of the board of trustees for the Sundance Institute. She is a member of the Producers Guild of America's New Media Council, a judge for the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences and an advisor for Harmony Labs. Amanda holds a BA from Columbia College at Columbia University in Film.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Board
- Board Member of Darkness to Light
- California / Forensic Interview Specialist, Children 's Advocacy Center, Covina, CA
Andrea joined Darkness to Light in 2021 as the Social Behavior Change Program Coordinator. She spent most of her life in the education field in different capacities such as a teacher, school administrator, and online program coordinator. She earned her B.A. in Education and Languages from Pontificia Universidade Catolica do Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and an M.A. in Education with a concentration in Instructional Technology from Baylor University.
Andrea Harner is an advocate for children, women and justice and a true believer in the transformative power of people's stories. As a Forensic Interview Specialist at a Child Advocacy Center in Los Angeles, she is part of the investigative team consisting of detectives, social workers and prosecutors where she interviews children who are suspected to have been victims of sexual abuse, severe physical abuse or to have witnessed violence. She also regularly trains police officers on a Minimal Facts Interviewing protocol she co-developed in order to minimize trauma to the child and improve investigative outcomes.
In 2018, Andrea co-executive produced the documentary series Lorena, featured on Amazon Prime. The documentary enabled Lorena Bobbit to reclaim her voice and tell her story while reigniting the national dialogue on domestic violence. Previously Andrea worked at the Safe Horizon Staten Island Child Advocacy Center where she provided short-term therapy to child victims and their non-offending caregivers.
Andrea is a proud board member of Darkness to Light and is an Authorized Facilitator for the organization's child sexual abuse prevention training program Stewards of Children® and holds regular trainings to teach parents and organizations best practices for protecting children. She holds a B.A. in History from Wesleyan University and a M.A. in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College. Andrea lives in Los Angeles and loves hiking and trail running in Griffith Park with her husband, twin boys and mini goldendoodles.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- New York / Associate Portfolio Manager and Analyst, Select Equity Group
Ben is an Associate Portfolio Manager and Analyst at Select Equity Group, an independent investment firm in New York City. Prior to joining Select Equity in 2014, he was part of Morgan Stanley's Firm Strategy and Execution group. Ben received a BA in Economics from Yale College in 2012 and is a CFA charterholder.
Ben is a survivor of child sexual abuse and has been part of the Darkness to Light community since 2017. He has spoken about the cause multiple times at the Select Equity Group Foundation Celebration, as well as at IGNITE, Darkness to Light's child sexual abuse prevention conference, in 2019. He believes strongly in the importance of changing the conversation around child sexual abuse, and in empowering our communities to protect the most vulnerable among us.
Best Case Worst Case with Patty Dailey Lewis Darkness to Light Board Member and Executive Director of the Beau Biden Foundation for the Protection of Children, Patty Dailey Lewis, Esq., appeared on the Best Case Worst Case podcast. The podcast is hosted by Jim Clemente, a retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent/Profiler and former Prosecutor for the …
Job Titles:
- Director of Digital Marketing and Communications
- Lead Instructor
Carol grew up in Lancaster, SC. She lived in Missouri, Kentucky, and Alabama before returning to her home state and has lived in Charleston, SC for 25 years. Carol graduated from Charleston Southern University with a Bachelor of Science and from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Religious Education. She has served as the Executive Director for a 24-hour crisis helpline, worked in and served on the Program Advisory Group for the second revision of Stewards of Children®. She has been a Stewards of Children® Authorized Facilitator since 2007 and a Certifying Instructor since 2008. As a teenager, Carol admired the bohemian lifestyle (a.k.a. hippies), Gloria Steinem, and Ralph Nader. She's been referred to as a rebel with a cause. Today her cause is the prevention of child sexual abuse. Carol and her husband Marty have raised three awesome young adults.
Job Titles:
- Chairman Emeritus
- Washington / Children 's Advocate and Philanthropist
Cathy Huber comes to Darkness to Light with a goal of working to expand child sexual abuse prevention education and awareness efforts in the Pacific-Northwest. A devoted children's advocate, Huber embodies the grassroots activism responsible for much of Darkness to Light's growth to date. She and her husband, George Huber, Chairman/Founder of Equity Investment Group, Inc and Managing Partner/Co-Founder Finback Partners, have served on a variety of charitable organizations and are known throughout the Midwest and Washington State for their philanthropic work.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Special Projects Manager
- Director of Digital Marketing and Communications
Jessie joined Darkness to Light in June 2022 as the team's Digital Marketing Manager. In this role, she is responsible for content creation and execution, management of social media, and supporting special campaigns and marketing initiatives.
As a graduate of Florida State University's College of Communication and Information, Jessie is a dedicated and driven marketing and communications professional bringing a creative yet strategic outlook to the team.
Prior to joining Darkness to Light, Jessie worked as a COO & Account Supervisor for a Florida-based PR and digital marketing agency. During her time there, she managed a variety of clients including those in the nonprofit and human services space. It was because of these experiences that she became passionate about using her skills and expertise to support brands that are bettering our world.
Jessie currently resides in her hometown of Tallahassee, Florida, with her husband Bryson, and their two fur babies, Tucker and Lady Mae. She is honored to be a member of the Darkness to Light team and represent its mission.
Job Titles:
- Vice Chair
- Georgia / Chairman of GWS Enterprise, CBRE ( Retired )
Jim currently works with Bartlett Investments LLC and established to invest in and advise small cap companies with high growth potential that serve the commercial real estate sector with a focus on Minority Business Enterprises (MBE's).
Jim started his career at CBRE as a producer representing office landlords, tenants, buyers, and sellers as well as developing and redeveloping high-rise office buildings. He was consistently recognized as a one of the Company's top producers. In 1999, he moved to the GWS business as the ExxonMobil account manager and successfully grew the relationship 280% over a four-year period by adding services and new markets (e.g. Latin America/Caribbean). After ExxonMobil, he served in several different leadership roles with the last two being the GWS COO/Americas CEO and then the GWS | Enterprise Clients CEO.
Jim holds an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis, a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Oklahoma and completed the Harvard Business School Executive Program
Jim lives in Atlanta with his wife of 29 years, and they have three adult sons.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Partner
- Washington / Partner, Technology Transactions & Privacy Practice, Perkins Coie
Kirk Soderquist is a partner in the Technology Transactions & Privacy practice in the Seattle office of Perkins Coie and a co-chair of the firm's Interactive Entertainment practice. His practice is focused on intellectual property and technology licensing, mobile (apps, advertising, payments, adtech, etc.), Cloud enablement & SaaS providers, product counseling, Internet of Things (IoT), digital media, entertainment, advertising and marketing law, mergers & acquisitions and corporate finance. He represents emerging growth and established technology companies in the gaming, entertainment, software, cloud, Internet, social networking, e-commerce, retail, and advertising industries.
Kirk focuses his practice in the Interactive Entertainment industry, representing publishers, developers, companies engaged in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), and distributors, Internet of Things (IoT) manufacturers and providers, social networks, and various game enhancement service providers.
Kirk is a member of the firm's Retail & Consumer Products industry group which has been ranked in Band 1 in Chambers USA every year since the retail practice rankings were established.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Founder and CEO of Lena 's L.a.C.E. International, LLC
Lena McIlwain is the founder and CEO of Lena's L.A.C.E. International, LLC. L.A.C.E specializes in fashion sales consulting for electronic shopping channels. Lena represents The Dennis Basso Boutique collection on QVC.
Prior to creating her fashion sales consulting firm, Lena was a QVC program host. She began her career as a news reporter and anchor in North Carolina and South Carolina.
Lena is an advocate for children. Along with her mother, Joyce Nesmith, she operates a nonprofit organization called Beyond Our Walls (BOWs). Lena is the Director of Programming. She spends most of her time working to enhance the lives of the underserved children by supporting their educational needs, exposing them to arts, music, reading, nutrition, financial literacy, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics programming).
Lena has spent the last two decades working with several nonprofit organizations planning fundraisers and generously donating to fund medical research and to provide scholarships.
She has a passion for all children, especially those living in underserved communities. Lena is married to Roddy McIlwain. She has three children, Brandon, Alaina, and Alexis
Job Titles:
- Operations and Client Services Manager
- Senior Director of Operations and Client Services
Lindsey was born and raised in the rural settings of Minnesota. She received her BBA and MBA from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. Prior to Darkness to Light, Lindsey spent five years working for a military non-profit that focused on education, Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation. Through this experience, Lindsey realized her love for non-profit organizations and the joy that comes from serving a meaningful mission. Honing in on her operational skills, Lindsey joined Darkness to Light as the Operations Manager and is thrilled to be part of such an enthusiastic team, supporting an undeniable mission.
Job Titles:
- Treasurer
- EVP & CFO for Engineered Floors LLC
- Georgia / EVP & CFO, Engineered Floors LLC
Nancy Millett is the EVP & CFO for Engineered Floors LLC, is one of the largest and fastest-growing carpet mills in the world. The company is a privately owned manufacturer of residential and commercial flooring operating in 15 locations primarily in Georgia.
Prior to joining Engineered Floors LLC, she was a Partner with Deloitte Tax for 17 years serving primarily Consumer Products, Automotive, Retail, Industrial & Energy Companies. She also worked with the families who owned her privately held clients. She held various leadership roles during her time at Deloitte including Global Tax Industry Leader- Consumer & Industrial Products Industry, U.S. Inbound Services Leader (Responsible for Leading the US Tax Strategy for serving the U.S. Operations of companies headquartered outside U.S.), Tax Leader for Cross Business Teaming & Collaboration, U.S. Tax Industry Leader and Women's Initiative Leader.
Prior to Deloitte, she was a Tax Partner with Arthur Andersen LLP Tax Partner serving primarily Consumer Products, Automotive, Industrial Products, Energy, Telecom, & Transportation Clients. Also served executives of corporate clients and families owning privately held clients. She held various leadership roles including Atlanta Office and Regional Manufacturing Industry Leadership for Tax & Leadership of Atlanta Private Wealth Practice.
Nancy is a CPA and Certified Financial Planner. She hold a Bachelor of Science of Business Administration with an accounting emphasis from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She is on the UNC-Kenan Flagler Business School Board of Advisors, the Dalton Georgia Chamber of Commerce Executive Board, the Board & Executive Committee for Junior Achievement of Georgia, and is a past Member of the UNC Chapel Hill Parent's Council.
Job Titles:
- Programming and Partnerships Manager
Natalia was born and raised in Palm Beach County, Florida. She received her BA at Florida International University in Miami. Growing up, Natalia always had a passion for the arts and culture, as well as education. Prior to her position at D2L, she was an elementary art teacher. She has an appreciation for companies that are making a difference in this world. Natalia is excited to be part of the D2L family where she hopes to use her experience in helping the community.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Founder and CEO of Emergence Creative
- New York / Founder & CEO, Emergence Creative
Raj is the founder and CEO of Emergence Creative, a creative communications agency in New York City dedicated to social impact. He has, throughout his career, worked across sectors with diverse clients including the ACLU, Sutter Health, and the Rockefeller Foundation. In his previous role as Director of Global Health at McCann Health, Raj facilitated collaboration between McCann, multinational companies, and not-for-profits, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID, and UNICEF. A former member of the UN Essential Medicines Working Group, Raj has been an invited speaker to numerous institutions, including the Kennedy School of Public Policy at Harvard University, The Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University, the Imperial College School of Business, and the Qatar Foundation. He holds an MS of Immunology and a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Alberta.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- CEO and Senior Director of Curriculum
Rhonda joined Darkness to Light in September 2020 as the team's Director of Curriculum Design. In this role, she is responsible for advancing the scale and impact of Darkness to Light's prevention work by increasing the current course catalog of adult-focused training. She assesses new technologies, researches adult learning trends, and works with a variety of stakeholders across departments to analyze requirements needed to meet learning objectives and behavior change targets.
Rhonda brings with her over a decade of experience as an educator, curriculum specialist, and instructional designer at both the K-12 and university level. She has her B.A. in French and Spanish, an M.Ed. in Learning and Technology, and her Ph.D. research is centered around game-based learning and prosocial skill development.
Rhonda is a passionate individual with a personal mission to create safe, welcoming spaces for all individuals, whether that is virtually or in real life.
Ricardo retired from The Procter & Gamble Company in 2016, after 25 years in financial roles, and specializing in Supply Chain and Mergers and Acquisitions. Post-retirement, Ricardo served as VP/Corporate Controller for the Duracell Company and Chief Operating Officer for The Hispanic Scholarship Fund. Ricardo is currently living in Los Angeles and serves as CFO of the Los Angeles LGBT Center.
Ricardo holds a Bachelor's Degree from Princeton University and an MBA from Washington University, St. Louis. He has served on other nonprofit organizations including Catholic Charities of Southwest Ohio, National Society of Hispanic MBA's, Princeton University's Alumni Council, and Su Casa Hispanic Center - Cincinnati.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- California / Founder, Child Safety Pledge / Venture Partner Regeneration.VC
- Founder of Child Safety Pledge
Rochel Leah Bernstein is the founder of Child Safety Pledge, an organization committed to prevent and combat child sexual abuse in the United States. A parent, mother of four and survivor herself, she has worked for the past eight years with youth-serving organizations, funders and parents to ensure strong policies and best practices to prevent, detect, and respond to child sexual abuse.
Together with her team she is focused on collaborating with purpose-driven companies, foundations and empowering a national grassroots movement dedicated on keeping all children safe from sexual abuse in YSOs and physical environments. She has a passion for philanthropy, travel and street art.
He was a Sergeant in the U.S. Army and is a highly decorated Vietnam Veteran. He is a resident of Kiawah Island, SC, and also spends summers in upstate New York on Lake George. He likes spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, on the beach or at the lake.
Job Titles:
- Operations and Client Services Manager
Sarah relocated from Cleveland, OH in 2017 to work as an AmeriCorps VISTA for a small non-profit in Charleston, SC. A native Ohioan, Sarah holds an MSW from Case Western Reserve University and a BA in Psychology from Ohio State University (Go Buckeyes!). Before moving to the Lowcountry, she served as the Director of Social Work for the CWRU Student-Run Free Clinic and spent a year living in Holland working as an au-pair for a family of five. Prior to Darkness to Light, Sarah worked for almost three years as Program Manager for a non-profit that focused on providing grief support programs to children and was a member of a task force charged with creating a grief support toolkit for the National Alliance for Grieving Children.
Through her service as a VISTA, Sarah found her passion for non-profit organizations and has utilized her skills and experiences to support nonprofits build capacity to expand their reach in the community. She loves the opportunity and enjoys volunteering with organizations like the Junior League of Charleston and Charleston Hope. After working with domestic violence survivors and Veterans, Sarah found a passion for supporting & empowering survivors of trauma and is thrilled to work at Darkness to Light. In her free time, Sarah enjoys kickboxing, training for half marathons, or going on adventures with friends and family.
What did you want to be when you were little?
I absolutely love basketball!! As a kid, I was determined that I was going to be in the WNBA, despite being slightly height-challenged.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
Our family trip to the UK! It was filled with fun, family, and a newfound love of ham sandwiches with buttered bread. It was so much fun to run around the Edinburgh castle and see some of the country where my Great-Grandparents lived!
Job Titles:
- Director of Programming and Partnerships
Tracy has been a Stewards of Children® Authorized Facilitator since 2014, a Certified Instructor since 2016, and was named Instructor of the Year in 2021. She earned her BA in psychology from Albion College, an MFA from the Professional Theatre Training Program at UW Milwaukee and a MA in Organizational Psychology from the University of the Rockies. Her background as a classroom teacher, school leader, and public education manager have uniquely positioned her to create change in the arena of child sexual abuse prevention.
She has presented at several national conferences on topics related to ACEs, trauma, resilience, and abuse prevention. In addition to her role with Darkness to Light, Tracy serves as a College and Career Advisor to low-income, first-generation students in the San Francisco Bay Area and is a featured writer (and former Managing Editor) for San Francisco Bay Area Moms.
Tracy, her husband Matt, and their two teens live in Dublin, California where you will find her volunteering with her daughter at the East Bay SPCA, serving on the bond oversight committee for the school district and on the Advisory Council for Cal State East Bay's Transformative Leadership in Disruptive Times certificate program.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- President of the Advisory Board
- Professor
Viola Vaughan-Eden is a Professor and the PhD Program Director with the Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work at Norfolk State University in Southeastern Virginia. She is also the President and CEO of UP For Champions, a non-profit in partnership with The UP Institute, a think tank for upstream child abuse solutions. As a clinical and forensic social worker, she serves as a consultant and expert witness in child maltreatment cases - principally sexual abuse. She lectures nationally and internationally on child and family welfare to multidisciplinary groups of professionals.
Dr. Vaughan-Eden is President Emerita of the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, President Emerita of the National Partnership to End Interpersonal Violence, and Past-President of the National Organization of Forensic Social Work. She is an Advisory Board Member of Darkness to Light, having served as a Board Director (2015-2019).