Meet Our Founder

1. Why do you care about these survivors?

Since I was very young, I’ve always wanted to help children who are less fortunate.  What started as an interest in the foster care arena evolved into a greater understanding of my non -profit calling.

As a young girl, my family had the opportunity to foster and adopt an extended family member. I was so excited to be a big sis and share everything I had. Unfortunately, during this time I experienced first-hand how ‘the system’ can hurt people.  It often fails to protect them and doesn’t provide a safe and supportive place to heal and grow.  My family endured some major challenges during this experience, and it opened my awareness to how deep trauma can actually be. However, my desire to work with and make a difference with young people who experience trauma only became stronger.

Fast forward to my adult life when I eventually became aware of Sex Trafficking and its prevalence.  I realized my career and own journey aligned with valuable knowledge, treatments, and ‘tools’ that could greatly benefit survivors.  At that point my inherent childhood desires manifested themselves into the need to work with this specific population…  it all blossomed into this specific calling. 

2. Why do you think people are supporting you along the way?

I think people are supporting me most importantly because they understand there is a need for awareness and healing around this subject, and they know that’s what we offer. I think also that people understand that these acts are horrific but have no idea how they can help stop it or make it better for those who have been enslaved in that world. So, supporting someone they trust to provide services of healing is a chance to be of service themselves.

I believe people trust in me because they’ve seen me live what I practice.  From an Occupational Therapy career to my day to day practices, my passions and truths are loud and clear.  I know healing is messy, and I know It takes a commitment and belief in ones self.  Having walked the talk, I am relentless on providing resources for others to accomplish this as well.  I’m tapping into what I know best and always looking for others to join me.

3. What are the 3 greatest gifts you have to offer thru A.N.D.?

1- Awareness. I don’t know how many times people have asked “will you go to this or that country to help?” Although Human Trafficking/Sex Trafficking is prevalent globally, the US along with Mexico and the Philippines have the highest rates. Los Angeles is in the top 10 cities in the US. Texas, Florida and New York along with California top that list.  So, bringing awareness to the ugly truth that trafficking happens in our own backyard.  Awareness is key to help stop these horrific crimes.

2- Hope for Healing. We provide free holistic trauma-informed healing treatments and wellness education.  This offers hope for every single girl (and boy) that has been affected by this type of abuse.   

3- Community. Trauma informed practitioners as well as financial backers are able to share their gifts, talents, resources and knowledge with the same purpose in mind.  Survivors have a community of people to share and explore the journey of healing with.

4. What is your inspiration /motivation for moving forward with a non-profit of this type?

A New Dawn is inspired by and named after my mom, Dawn-- A beautiful soul who experienced abuse and trauma as a young girl. She is the reason I’ve been drawn to healing modalities outside of the traditional or mainstream arena; the reason I delved into the natural remedies, innate intuition and wisdom we were created with after getting a science degree in the healing arts.  My mom didn’t have access to, nor knowledge of these treatments. She, like so many, was told everything was ‘in her head’ or that she was ‘just a bad mom.’ Essentially, she was easily prescribed prescription drugs that never got to the source of her heartache and pain, but instead increased it. Therefore, in memory and dedication to my mom and all she represents, I feel blessed and a personal obligation to share these powerful methods that help people address and heal deep wounds.

5. Why would anybody find your non-profit valuable to attend?

A New Dawn offers hope and healing in a special way.  We offer a safe, intimate space to engage in activities that help free us from pain and fear and other limiting symptoms.  We provide survivors a platform to find deep healing from wounds (emotional and physical) that have been stored in the body after trauma. The treatments we offer are scienced backed, but often not mainstream to know they are available. They allow the individual to release the trauma and reset the future with new tools and perspectives into what’s impeding their health and wellness. Some of the treatments we offer include myofascial release, Emotional Freedom Technique, yoga, equine assisted learning (with horses), and nutritional education.