Stop Child Abuse Now: Recent Episodes
NAASCA ORG
Monday to Friday's "Stop Child Abuse Now" (SCAN) feature trauma informed HOSTs and Co-hosts and respected child abuse prevention, intervention and recovery advocates. They're all volunteers members of the National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse (NAASCA), a 501(c)3.
Founded in 2009, NAASCA.org was originally a grassroots effort. It was launched based on our founder Bill Murray's personal life experienced. Bill wrote, "Very few adults escape years of severe childhood sexual abuse, pre-pubescent X-rated photography, sex trafficking, and a two week long kidnapping." He continued. "But I have, and for some 35 years I've been in recovery from its devastating effects."
After years of operating as a grassroots effort, NAASCA became a public charity in 2015 .. a 501(c)3 .. but we receive no grants or outside support, and belong to no other organization. There are no dues or fees.
Our MISSION is entirely self-sustaining through the volunteer contributions of our members.
The single purpose is to address issues related to childhood abuse and trauma including sexual assault, violent or physical abuse, emotional traumas and neglect from two specific perspectives: 1) educating the public, and 2) offering hope for healing and services to adult survivors.
There are now nearly 3000 BlogTalkRadio shows, podcasts in the ever-growing library.
Join us five-nights-a-week (Mon to Fri), at 8pm EST (so 7pm CEN, 6pm MTN, 5pm PAC) for solution-oriented discussions about the many issues of child abuse and trauma. The shows always include panel discussions and call-in participation.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host Victoria Kelly from Minnesota. A long time volunteer for NAASCA, Victoria has a harrowing life story filled with abuses of all types including multiple cases of institutional abuse. The founder and managing director at 'AHHHS: A Helping Hand for Healing Souls', Victoria regularly runs support groups, rallies, speak outs and conferences and talks to police and to shelters. She works directly with women and children to get their basic needs filled: food shelter and clothing at Ending Domestic and Sexual Violence. Victoria can be regularly found on our SCAN talk radio shows where she volunteers her time and appears as a Host. Victoria isn't afraid or shy about any topic, and is eager to participate at NAASCA, so please take advantage of her long-time recovery. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org website.
Special topic show - Please call in! Those who do so will form a panel describing and being critical of NAASCA's tools, programs, and services. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. So .. just call in to participate or to suggest a topic! ~~ (646) 595-2118. And be sure to visit the NAASCA.org website....
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Monica Boglin from Puyallup, Washington, a survivor of sexual, physical, and emotional child abuse. Her predators were all family members, and her parents were intent on passing on to Monica the behavior that their parents had done to them. She also has lived with Lupus since she was 29, a painful autoimmune disease that has long been linked to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Monica became a life coach and a therapist and notes, “I've finally found a way to forgive the unforgivable and to firmly keep anyone and everything harmful out of my life been linked to." She's earned her master's in metaphysical science and counseling and is on her way to earning a PhD in the same field. "I hope to further use my story to become of service and to help those along the path to their own healing because I now know that hope and help are available.” ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org website.or call 646-595-2118 to join our live panel....
Special topic show - Please call in! Those who do so will form a panel describing and being critical of NAASCA's tools, programs, and services. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. So .. just call in to participate or to suggest a topic! ~~ (646) 595-2118. And be sure to visit the NAASCA.org website....
Tonight is Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Dr Jaime Romo from San Diego, an educator, consultant, author, and Minister, who promotes prevention and healing from child sexual abuse, particularly abuse by religious authorities or in the context of religious settings. A workbook he wrote, Healing the Sexually Abused Heart: A Workbook for Survivors, Thrivers, and Supporters, is an integration of various disciplines that led Jaime to become a certified Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) facilitator. Jaime explains, “While it is no secret that I am a survivor of clergy abuse, it is the journey of integration, transformation, and application that is most telling about my accomplishments and the life that I celebrate.” Please visit his website: www.jaimeromo.org. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Special topic show - please call in! Those who call in will form a panel describing and being critical of NAASCA's tools, programs, and services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org website.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight’s special guest is Jade Brown from Georgia. Jade’s first childhood trauma began when she was 3 years old. They had a friend of the family, whom her mother knew and trusted, and would take her to the babysitters and sexually traumatize her. She would cry and be in shock until she was 7 years old. She thought it was normal. Jade’s next childhood trauma was in her preteens by someone who she called a cousin because both of their mothers were great friends. He used to babysit her and when they were alone, he made her give him oral sex, he urinated in her mouth and said if you told, he would hurt her mom. So, she suffered in silence. It was a horrible experience. Life has been overwhelming, and mentally exhausting, she’s been through several therapists with a temporary fix. It has affected all her relationships but today, at present, she’s seeing a therapist through EAP with her job for healing and other outside services. She has been with the National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI) for 25 years. She started back home with NAMI Philadelphia, NAMI Sacramento, NAMI San Francisco, NAMI Atlanta /Auburn. Jade is currently a board member with NAMI Dekalb Affiliate. “My work is not done. I’m the voice for those who suffer in silence.” She says. Everyone is invited to engage in tonight's show. Please visit the NAASCA.org website or call 646-595-2118 to join our live panel.. ..
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site....
Tonight’s special guest is Kristin Melissa, from Orange County, California. Now, at 52, she is finally brave enough to tell her story. She has an international presence. Kristin values reaching the forgotten victims focusing on one-on-one tailor-made advocacy. She challenges herself to come in the name of love while endeavoring not to be a hypocrite through the wisdom of the golden rule, “what would I have wanted someone to do for me.” Bill, the founder of A.S.C.A. built this platform on the foundation of the golden rule. Kristin endeavors to bear the burden of the brokenhearted by developing and distributing healing resources. Kristin will never stop believing in a good gift gift-giving heavenly father written about by an ancient prophet named James. “Every Good Gift and Every Perfect Gift comes down from the father of lies. With him, there is not a change or even a shadow of change. (James 1:17 N.T.) Kristin also believes strongly in celebrating important victories and milestones.. Divine Interventions are now commonplace against the predatory makers. Kristin is becoming trained and skilled to lament as a retired hospice chaplain. And also in Holy Humor and sacred satire. She knows that “God mocks”. Kristin is seeing, hearing, tasting, and telling of all the “God Winks.” Fears are being conquered, and confidence in the truth of the reciprocity law is restored. Kristin would like to say thanks in a tribute to all the genuinely loving family members like her husband of 33 years, Matt Opper, and his amazing gram Nellie Ann Opper of the King of Opper Family Trust for choosing her. Kristin is forever grateful for the gift of true prayer warrior friends. ~ Everyone is invited to engage in tonight's show. Visit the NAASCA.org website or call 646-595-2118 to join our live panel....
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill. Pastor Deborah is now a survivor-professional, living in Pensacola, Florida. She's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Monica Boglin from Puyallup, Washington, a survivor of sexual, physical, and emotional child abuse. Her predators were all family members, and her parents were intent on passing on to Monica the behavior that their parents had done to them. She also has lived with Lupus since she was 29, a painful autoimmune disease that has long been linked to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Monica became a life coach and a therapist and notes, “I've finally found a way to forgive the unforgivable and to firmly keep anyone and everything harmful out of my life been linked to." She's earned her Masters degree in metaphysical science and counseling and is well on her way to earning a PhD in the same field. "I hope to further use my story as a way to become of service and to help those along the path to their own healing, because I now know that hope and help is available.” ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight’s special guest is Kim Bergman from Kansas, and she is a survivor of child sexual abuse by her gymnastics coach. The abuse she endured had a profound impact on her life, relationships, and future career as a social worker in child welfare and legislative advocacy. Child protective services substantiated her abuse, but the District Attorney didn't press charges. He continued working with children until he was arrested 10 years later. Kim attempted to help, but information from her forensic interview or police file could be used due to the statute of limitations. In 2018 she joined the national lawsuit against USA Gymnastics. While lawsuits may compensate victims for damages, they more importantly force organizations to create changes to keep kids safe. Joining the lawsuit helped to find her voice and become a voice for others. After years of keeping quiet about her abuse, she decided to go public after she was contacted by a local reporter. She began telling her story on the news and became a member of the RAINN Speakers Bureau. She works with a group of survivors to remove the statute of limitations in Kansas and is one of the co-organizers of Protecting KS Children from Sexual Predators. In 2023, they passed a bill that removed the criminal statute of limitations for child sexual abuse and extended the civil statute of limitations which allows more time for survivors to file a civil lawsuit against their abuser. They work locally and nationally to educate about child sexual abuse in communities, safety tips for families, and the need for statute of limitations reform. Everyone is invited to engage in tonight's show. Visit NAASCA.org website or call 646-595-2118 to join our live panel.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Dr Jaime Romo from San Diego, an educator, consultant, author, and Minister, who promotes prevention and healing from child sexual abuse, particularly abuse by religious authorities or in the context of religious settings. A workbook he wrote, Healing the Sexually Abused Heart: A Workbook for Survivors, Thrivers, and Supporters, is an integration of various disciplines that led Jaime to become a certified Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) facilitator. Jaime explains, “While it is no secret that I am a survivor of clergy abuse, it is the journey of integration, transformation, and application that is most telling about my accomplishments and the life that I celebrate.” Please visit his website: www.jaimeromo.org. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site....
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Cherie White from Covington, Tennessee, an anti bullying advocate and author of three books who uses her own story of being bullied and gaslighted to help those enduring the same abuse today. "In 6th grade I began a long lesson in the human predator/prey dynamic and a battle for my dignity, safety, and my very soul." At first she took the physical beatings, name-calling, and abuse. Cherie was a victim of what is called 'poly-victimization'. In just six months she went from being a kid who always made the honor roll, to an angry and bitter girl who made only C's and D's. "Who could concentrate on schoolwork?" she asks. Cherie attempted suicide at the age of fourteen. "Because I felt powerless, I began to bully those who were even weaker than me in attempts to grab back some of my power." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
~~ Everyone is invited to engage in tonight's show. Please visit the NAASCA.org website or call 646-595-2118 to be part of our live panel.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum, hosted by Annie Margis, CA. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Special guest: Victoria Kelly, MN, survivor-professional; various topics, stories ~~ Everyone is invited to engage in tonight's show. Please visit the NAASCA.org website or call 646-595-2118 to join our live panel.We have a single purpose at NAASCA, to address issues related to childhood abuse and trauma including sexual assault, violent or physical abuse, emotional traumas, and neglect .. and we do so with only two goals: 1) educating the public, especially as related to helping society get over its taboo of discussing childhood sexual abuse (CSA), presenting facts showing child abuse to be a pandemic, a global problem that affects everyone. 2) offering hope and healing through numerous paths, providing many services to adult survivors of child abuse, and information for anyone interested in the many issues involving prevention, intervention, and recovery.
Tonight's special guest is Penny Lane from Mill Valley, California. Although she looks like a strong, vibrant woman, a happy wife and mother with a successful career, underneath she is a damaged survivor of child abuse. Her young mother died of cancer when Penny was six months old. Her sister raised her until she was four when the father, whom she did not know, took her to live with his new wife who never wanted her. The stepmom was cold and told Penny that she was plain, unattractive, and ugly. She was required to help with the new baby, but nothing she did was ever good enough. She could only eat what she was given and slept on a worn cot in a hallway. She was always hungry. As the stepmom's arthritis worsened, Penny had to take on housework as well. The mom snuck up, slapped her hard across the face, hit her with a wooden spoon, or a pot, pushed her head into a wall, or used the belt buckle on her bare bottom, yelling how stupid, lazy, and good-for-nothing she was. Penny's father was never home to witness the beatings, and the step-mom tempered her malice when others were around. If Penny told anyone, the mom would beat Penny more and call her a liar. Unfortunately, the abuse continued for 15 years, because she could not see she was being abused. Everyone is invited to engage in tonight's show. Please visit the NAASCA.org website or call 646-595-2118 to join our live panel. Website: https://www.pennylanewriter.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pennylanewriter
Tonight's special guest is Elizabeth Kipp from Kansas. Elizabeth is a Stress Management and Historical Trauma Specialist who uses Trauma-Trained and Yoga-Informed Addiction Recovery Coaching, Ancestral Clearing®, Compassionate Inquiry, and Yoga to help people with their healing. Elizabeth is a survivor of childhood abuse and healed from over 40 years of chronic pain, including anxiety, panic attacks, and addiction. Now in long-term recovery, she guides others to unleash their healing power, find freedom from suffering, and live a thriving life. She is the best-selling author of “The Way Through Chronic Pain: Tools to Reclaim Your Healing Power.”Website:https://Elizabeth-Kipp.com. FB: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethKippStressManagement Everyone is invited to engage in tonight's show. Please visit the NAASCA.org website or call 646-595-2118 to be a part of our live panel. ..
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight’s special guest is Victoria Valentino from California. Ms. Valentino was an acting student in New York’s American Theatre Wing. Born in Hollywood during WWII, she was raised in Connecticut. When she became Playboy’s Miss September 1963, it radically redirected her life and career. She was a multi-rape, child, and domestic abuse and sex trafficking survivor by the age of 21. As a struggling single mother to a racially mixed son, she became an actress, a Go-Go dancer, folksinger- songwriter to make ends meet. She opened the first Playboy Club on the Sunset Strip on New Year’s Eve 1964. In 1969 on the day she was celebrating her recording contract with Capitol Records, her six-year-old son drowned in her music attorney’s swimming pool in the Hollywood Hills. Several weeks later, she was drugged, kidnapped, and raped by Bill Cosby. Victoria became a Registered Nurse and specialized in Home Hospice; Ms. Valentino has been in many magazines and news articles. Today she lives in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains with her dogs and a big orange cat. She's a keynote speaker, sexual assault activist, and mentor to survivors of rape and sexual assault. Accepting many awards. She looks forward to more crocheting, gardening, cooking gumbo, spending time with her six grandchildren, and just maybe, writing her next book. Ms. Valentino is quoted as saying, “I feel as though I’m just beginning to live my real life.” Everyone is invited to engage in tonight's show. Please visit the NAASCA.org website or call 646-595-2118 to be a part of our live panel.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is ??? ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org website.
Tonight's special guest is Tanisha Bankston. She's a mother of 3 children, from Grenada Mississippi. She is a survivor of rape, molestation, incest, childhood sexual abuse, bullying, domestic violence, and Narcissistic Abuse. She's an author and speaker. She was raped at the age of 5 and not believed. She instantly lost her inner voice and went into a shell that took 27 years to come out of. She was taken from her mom, separated from my siblings, and adopted by my aunt. The broken judicial system failed her and she became a teen mom at age 14. One of her brothers died from a drug overdose. She was in toxic and dysfunctional relationships until she found her inner voice. She wrote and self-published my book “My Pain is My Power” on May 21, 2021. I created a private support group for survivors of sexual assault and domestic called “I Believe You” on Facebook. I have started a nonprofit organization called I Believe You Inc. Her podcast launched on April 1, 2022, and it’s called “My Pain is My Power Podcast.” I co-authored a book called “Joy Comes in The Morning.” I want people to know that there is HOPE! Her email address is mypainismypowerllc@gmail.com; website is www.mypainismypower.com; Facebook is Facebook.com/Tanisha Bankston Facebook.com/Mypainismypowerllc; LinkedIn/Tanisha Bankston Instagram Instagram.com/Tanisha Bankston; Instagram.com/Mypainismypowerllc. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org website or call 646-595-2118 to be a part of our live panel. ... ...
Special topic show - please call in! Those who call in will form a panel describing and being critical of NAASCA's tools, programs, and services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org website.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse, and is a trauma-informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org website.... ...
Special topic show - please call in! Those who call in will form a panel describing and being critical of NAASCA's tools, programs, and services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org website.
Blog Talk Difficulties tonight~~ Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor professional using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org website. ...
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Dr Jaime Romo from San Diego, an educator, consultant, author, and Minister, who promotes prevention and healing from child sexual abuse, particularly abuse by religious authorities or in the context of religious settings. A workbook he wrote, Healing the Sexually Abused Heart: A Workbook for Survivors, Thrivers, and Supporters, is an integration of various disciplines that led Jaime to become a certified Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) facilitator. Jaime explains, “While it is no secret that I am a survivor of clergy abuse, it is the journey of integration, transformation, and application that is most telling about my accomplishments and the life that I celebrate.” Please visit his website: www.jaimeromo.org. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site....
Special topic show - please call in! Those who call in will form a panel describing and being critical of NAASCA's tools, programs, and services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org website.....
Tonight is Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the survivor /co-host is AmyAnna Soto from California. She's a powerful, healing helper. Her kind, gentleness makes being guided by her feel so rich and rewarding. Along with being a wonderful SMGI® Guide, she’s an accomplished artist, poet, and public speaker. Her passion for SMGI® stems from its transformative impact on her own life journey. From a state of selective mutism with full symptoms of PTSD, she transitioned into an artist, poet, group organizer, and then public speaker. Today, as an SMGI® practitioner, she's committed to guiding others through life-changing transformations. She found SMGI® when looking for relief from PTSD nightmares that left her in a constant state of stress and vulnerability. Through SMGI®, she regained functionality, regulated her nervous system, and cultivated a sense of safety in her body and life. This enabled her to pursue her aspiration of aiding others in their healing journeys. She has over a decade of dedicated service in mental health and trauma advocacy. She organizes writing and arts and crafts groups which has revealed the profound healing potential beyond traditional talk therapy or words alone. As a former Certified Nursing Assistant, she witnessed firsthand the resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact of kindness and compassion, especially in moments of great adversity. Inner strength, courage, compassion, and authenticity are hallmarks of her work and her presence. You can reach on Facebook at AmyAnna Soto and anna.rising at gmail.com. ...
Special topic show - please call in!! Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, and services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic!! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org website..... ..
Special topic show - please call in! Those who call in will form a panel describing and being critical of NAASCA's tools, programs, and services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org website.... ...
Special topic show - please call in!! Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, and services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic!! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org website....
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's Survivor Professional, host is Kim Lakin. Kim is an instructor for Darkness to Light, Stewards of Children. An adult class designed to help teach adults how to Recognize, React, and Respond to a discovery of abuse. How you respond can make a difference in how a child heals or struggles through life. A longtime volunteer for NAASCA, Kim has a harrowing story filled with abuses of all types. She takes advocating for children very seriously and has her whole life. ~~ On these episodes we welcome survivor professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org website.
Special topic show - please call !! Those who call in will form a panel describing and being critical of NAASCA's tools, programs, and services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org website...
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Monica Boglin from Puyallup, Washington, a survivor of sexual, physical, and emotional child abuse. Her preditors were all family members, and her parents were intent on passing on to Monica the behavior that their parents had done to them. She also has lived with Lupus since she was 29, a painful autoimmune disease that has long been linked to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Monica became a life coach and a therapist and notes, “I've finally found a way to forgive the unforgivable and to firmly keep anyone and everything harmful out of my life been linked to." She's earned her master's degree in metaphysical science and counseling and is well on her way to earning a Ph.D. in the same field. "I hope to further use my story as a way to become of service and to help those along the path to their own healing because I now know that hope and help are available.” ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Special topic show - please call in! Those who call in will form a panel describing and being critical of NAASCA's tools, programs, and services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org website.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host is Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse, and is a trauma-informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Dr Jaime Romo from San Diego, an educator, consultant, author, and Minister, who promotes prevention and healing from child sexual abuse, particularly abuse by religious authorities or in the context of religious settings. A workbook he wrote, Healing the Sexually Abused Heart: A Workbook for Survivors, Thrivers, and Supporters, is an integration of various disciplines that led Jaime to become a certified Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) facilitator. Jaime explains, “While it is no secret that I am a survivor of clergy abuse, it is the journey of integration, transformation, and application that is most telling about my accomplishments and the life that I celebrate.” Please visit his website: www.jaimeromo.org. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Special topic show - please call in! Those who call in will form a panel describing and being critical of NAASCA's tools, programs, and services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org website.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight, the special co-host is Cherie White from Covington, Tennessee, an anti-bullying advocate and author of three books who uses her own story of being bullied and gaslighted to help those enduring the same abuse today. "In 6th grade, I began a long lesson in the human predator/prey dynamic and a battle for my dignity, safety, and soul." At first, she took the physical beatings, name-calling, and abuse. Cherie was a victim of what is called 'poly-victimization'. In just six months she went from being a kid who always made the honor roll, to an angry and bitter girl who made only C's and D's. "Who could concentrate on schoolwork?" she asks. Cherie attempted suicide at the age of fourteen. "Because I felt powerless, I began to bully those who were even weaker than me in attempts to grab back some of my power." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Special topic show - please call in! Those who call in will form a panel describing and being critical of NAASCA's tools, programs, and services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org website.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, a survivor of severe child abuse who's now a Minister and Chaplain. She'll appear on the 1st Thursday of each month and is the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story," her story of redemption. In 1997, Michelle writes that she, ".. was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. Her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. On these episodes, we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org website.
Special topic show - please call in! Those who call in will form a panel describing and being critical of NAASCA's tools, programs, and services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org website.
Special topic show - please call in! Those who call in will form a panel describing and being critical of NAASCA's tools, programs, and services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org website....
Tonight's special guest is Wendell Fields from Tuskegee, Georgia. Wendell is a survivor of various abuses. They include sexual, physical, and psychological abuse. He has overcome the odds of being born 2 pounds and 10 ounces and labeled as being developmentally disabled. With this mindset of being confused, rejected, not being good enough, self-hatred, and distrust of the world around him, in 2008, Wendell attempted to take his life through the use of suicide. Although these circumstances and hardships occurred, he has also overcome the odds of the trauma of sexual abuse, being bullied, the misuse of alcohol, and the stigma of being diagnosed with depression and anxiety. Wendell now uses his experience to help educate, advocate, and connect people to community support and resources. He is a Board-Certified Christian Counselor and Certified Christian Life Coach with the National Association of Christian Counselors. He is a National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Georgia Board of Directors and is the appointed Representative of Georgia to the NAMI National Peer Leadership Council. He is one of the crew of the multi-award-winning film and documentary, Suicide The Ripple Effect. He is a bestselling coauthor of the book There Is No Health Without Mental Health, Men and Mental Health, Let’s Talk About It. He is an international speaker on mental health topics. Lastly, he is the President and CEO of Wendell Fields Enterprise LLC.. ~~ Contact Information: wendell_fields@yahoo.com or www.wendellfields.com ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org website.
Tonight's special guest is Astrid Ross from Georgia. Astrid is a wife and mother of 5 adult children and 2 grandchildren. She is a former daycare owner of 6 years, and an early childhood teacher (Preschool/Kindergarten teacher for 8 years). During her career, she has been a Montessori preschool director and elementary/middle school Principal. She has worked in a state-accredited and licensed preschool --- 8th Montessori school for 17 years. She was an Executive Director of Mental Health Support Network, a nonprofit geared towards better mental healthcare for all Georgians. She led the newly created Gwinnett Community Mental Health Task Force. Was PTSA President of Berkmar High School. Astrid is a Mental Health Advocate and NAMI Educator for their Ending the Silence, In Our Voices, and Share Your Story with Law Enforcement and BASICS programs. She is also a Mental Health Clinician providing services as a GA Certified Peer Specialist for Parents of children who have a mental health diagnosis or substance abuse. ......
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host is Carol D Levine from New Jersey, a survivor with many professional certificates and training. Among other things, Carol is a State Certified Technician at Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital, and she studied both at UMD - Alcohol and Drug Studies and at Princeton University for Evaluation & Assessment Training for clients of Alcohol & Drug Abuse. In this, she also learned about behavior modification for dysfunctional families and goal planning. Carol is a long-time NAASCA volunteer, vice president and SCAN talk show Host. She calls herself our 'night owl' since people reach out to her well into the wee hours every evening. Carol is not shy about broaching any topic related to child abuse and trauma including sexual abuse, violent abuse, emotional abuse and neglect. Call her!!! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Special topic show - please call !! Those who call in will form a panel that'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, and services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org website.
Tonight our Special Guest is Scott Ball who is from Texas. He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His Mother had 3 children by the time she was 20. His father abused his mother as well as the children. He was the oldest and at 3 1/2 years old, after his family moved out of state his mother sent him, his 2 ½ year old brother and his sister back to Minnesota. His brother and sister went to live with their Grandfather and step-Grandmother, and he went to live with his Aunt and Uncle. His brother and sister were told he was their cousin. When his Aunt and uncle divorced because of Domestic Violence that he witnessed, he was sent to live with his sister and brother at his Grandparents house. Shortly after he moved in, his mother got remarried and came to get him and his brother and they went out to work at a carnival. Alcoholism, drug addiction, physical, sexual, emotional, spiritual abuse and mental health issues were rampant and the dysfunctional family systems were not only just acceptable but passed on as normal. Scott survived these abuses and as a boy was sexually abused by his step-father. As he began to get sober as he started to look at his child sexual abuse, which men rarely speak of, he began working a 12 Step Program and remains Sober and Drug-Free. As he tells his story in meetings he speaks of his abuse and the family dynamics which he Survived as helps other men identify and work through the difficult process of their Healing Journey of childhood abuse. He will talk about how being a boy who was abused had difficulties defining, accepting and finally sharing his feelings as he learned he was not alone and that he could identify with other men and together help each other.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, a survivor of severe child abuse who's now a Minister and Chaplain. She'll appear on the 1st Thursday of each month and is the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story," her story of redemption. In 1997, Michelle writes that she, ".. was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. Her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Rev Henry (Hank) McGrath from Caroga Lake, New York, a child abuse survivor, author and NAASCA volunteer. Hank began life in a poor Irish family with 4 siblings in NY. Both parents were alcoholics. At 11 he was hustling to survive in Pittsburgh, PA with bookies, pimps, and prostitutes. It was dangerous for a child alone. Eventually he served time in the juvenile detention system and as a young adult in prison for crimes he'd committed. After decades of hard living and a few near-death situations, he began facing his childhood trauma and by the 90's was happily married. When his beloved wife died from cancer in 2001 Hank promised her to fight for others on the issues of child abuse. Since then, he has worked with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, as a court advocate for youth, and more. Today, Hank is a minister and is very active in his community. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Sylvia Rockwell. She has dedicated her career to working with children and youth with emotional and behavioral disorders as well as those in at-risk settings. She has worked in wilderness, therapeutic camps; in classroom settings; and at the university level. In addition to her professional work, she is a mother, grandmother, and wife. Through her own personal work with therapists to address the impacts of trauma during her developmental years and her experiences with students over four decades of professional work and research, she knows the risks of emotional abuse and neglect from both sides of the desk. The beginnings of her professional work were motivated by childhood and adolescent experiences during my developmental years. Invisible Shrapnel: The Legacy of Emotional Abuse is part of the ongoing commitment to providing information to the general public about what constitutes emotional and verbal abuse, the long-term impacts over the developmental years, resilience research findings that clearly point to the power of the community in facilitating self-right potential within young people, and the very real impacts of intergenerational trauma that can be addressed and healed. I currently speak with community groups as asked and am a member of NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. I no longer have an active website. People can access free handouts on resilience, handling power struggles, and other topics at sylviarockwell.com. If they want to communicate with me, they can email me at touched01@aol.com. The email link on the website is not currently working. To order Invisible Shrapnel go to austinmacauley.com.
Tonight's special guest is Mary Ann Smith from Torrance, California, a returning NAASCA family member whose last appearance was in October of 2021. Mary Ann had a difficult home life. Her father died when she was 10 and her mother, who struggled with mental illness, eventually lost custody of her four kids. At 13, Mary Ann was placed in foster care and began to suffer sexual abuse. Foster care kids are among the most abused, along with indigenous children and those living in our poorer inner city neighborhoods. About 60% of sexually abused kids are abused by their own family and and extended family (mom's new boyfriend for example) and 30% are assaulted by their own 'caregiver' community (baby sitters, teachers, clergy coaches, camp councilors). Less than 10% of sexually molested kids are assaulted by strangers to them or the community. Mary Ann had a lot of trauma in her adulthood, including CPTSD (Complex Post Traumatic Stress disorder). As children we often don't know at first just what is happening. Once we realize that the adults around us are being abusive, we often have a hard time, being heard, being believed. For many people the obsessive use of like alcohol, food, gambling to excess and sexual promiscuity, which can last for decades, can stand in the way of recovery. Mary Ann had a difficult time just remembering her previous life. But she's now reconstituted her self, and at 66 seems ready to take on this healing journey .. and we're delighted to have her as the newest member of the NAASCA family.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Victoria Kelly from Minnesota. (along with her Co-Organizer who has helped with many AHHHS Events * AmyAnna Soto is from California (she is also a long-time NAASCA Member and a Survivor of many forms of abuse)Victoria is a long time volunteer for NAASCA, Victoria has a harrowing life story filled with abuses of all types including multiple cases of institutional abuse. The founder and managing director at 'AHHHS: A Helping Hand for Healing Souls is a Grassroots Organization which she's run for 19 years. There is a support group on Facebook. Victoria regularly runs support groups, rallies, speak outs and conferences and talks to police and to shelters. She works directly with women and children to get their basic needs filled: food shelter and clothing at Ending Domestic and Sexual Violence. Victoria can be regularly found on our SCAN talk radio shows where she volunteers her time and appears as a Host. Victoria isn't afraid or shy about any topic, and is eager to participate at NAASCA, so please take advantage of her long-time recovery. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Special topic show - please call !! Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host is ??? ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Sylvia Rockwell. She has dedicated her career to working with children and youth with emotional and behavioral disorders as well as those in at-risk settings. She has worked in wilderness, therapeutic camps; in classroom settings; and at the university level. In addition to her professional work, she is a mother, grandmother, and wife. Through her own personal work with therapists to address the impacts of trauma during her developmental years and her experiences with students over four decades of professional work and research, she knows the risks of emotional abuse and neglect from both sides of the desk. The beginnings of her professional work were motivated by childhood and adolescent experiences during my developmental years. 'Invisible Shrapnel: The Legacy of Emotional Abuse' is part of the ongoing commitment to providing information to the general public about what constitutes emotional and verbal abuse, the long-term impacts over the developmental years, resilience research findings that clearly point to the power of the community in facilitating self-right potential within young people, and the very real impacts of intergenerational trauma that can be addressed and healed. I currently speak with community groups as asked and am a member of NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. I no longer have an active website. People can access free handouts on resilience, handling power struggles, and other topics by going to www.sylvia.rockwell@com. The email link on the website is not currently working. To order Invisible Shrapnel go to www.austinmacauley.com. Amazon, or Barnes and Noble.
Tonight's special guest is Joe Potosi from Dubuque, Iowa , a returning NAASCA family member who's a child abuse survivor, minister, motivational speaker and author of the book 'When The Dust Settled.' At age 3, his father abandoned the family. Over the next 15 years, his mother and stepfather used drugs and alcohol, had a turbulent relationship, and were both physically and emotionally abusive to him. After high school, Joe joined the Navy which was the first time he realized the resentment and anger he carried inside about the years of abuse. However, he did not yet have coping skills to deal with those emotions and made some poor choices in life. Becoming a father of two sons helped Joe change his behavior, explaining, “They'd rented space in my mind for far too long. Now as a father I made a conscious decision I was going to break that cycle of abuse, violence and neglect toward my children.” Writing was a way for Joe to let go of traumatic memories and gave him the strength and courage to forgive his tormentors. He attributes his faith in God as helping him most with his recovery. Years of journaling to help himself heal developed into his book (watch this Youtube interview). Joe is now helping other survivors who are struggling with resentment, anger and unforgiveness. “People struggle every day in situations that they cannot control,” he says. “They feel helpless and held hostage by whatever trials hold them down in life. 'When The Dust Settled' is the ultimate story of success. This is a story of inspiration, courage and triumph.”
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is ??? ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org website.
Tonight's special guest is Carissa Alexandra from Seattle, Washington, a survivor, Domestic Violence cyberadvocate, activist, educator, Indie filmmaker, speaker, author and journalist. As a child, her escapes were reading and music. At the age of eleven she began a solo career as a singer, guitar player and songwriter. She is also a classically trained lyric soprano, and has acted in music theatre as well. It was after a music rehearsal that she was stalked and then overpowered by a criminal who held her prisoner for hours, raping and assaulting her. Eventually he left, and she survived the attack, unlike 3 of his other victims, who he brutally murdered in cold blood. Eventually he was executed for his crimes. Prior to the assault, she was on the verge of creating a successful career in Contemporary Christian music. A few months later, she was left disabled after a nearly-fatal car crash. She jokes that when those in the know in the music business told her it was just a matter of time till she had a hit, she had no idea it would come from a pickup hitting her at 45 miles an hour, shoving her little mustang forward and sideways into oncoming traffic. Eventually she started over and thought she would build a life, even if it wasn't the one she'd dreamed of, graduated from broadcast school and began working in radio. She met someone, but the man of her dreams was actually the creator of nightmares as she became the victim of domestic violence. When her miracle daughter was 3, they went underground after he threatened her life, and eventually they moved to a place where they knew no one. Wanting to help others, she was certified as a victim advocate, but because of disabilities, was unable to work in shelter. Because her ex would periodically go looking for them and harass them, she got online seeking support, and began to heal.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Cherie White from Covington, Tennessee, an anti bullying advocate and author of three books who uses her own story of being bullied and gaslighted to help those enduring the same abuse today. "In 6th grade I began a long lesson in the human predator/prey dynamic and a battle for my dignity, safety, and my very soul." At first she took the physical beatings, name-calling, and abuse. Cherie was a victim of what is called 'poly-victimization'. In just six months she went from being a kid who always made the honor roll, to an angry and bitter girl who made only C's and D's. "Who could concentrate on schoolwork?" she asks. Cherie attempted suicide at the age of fourteen. "Because I felt powerless, I began to bully those who were even weaker than me in attempts to grab back some of my power." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Julie Federico, a special guest returning from Colorado, author of the children's books 'Some Parts Are Not For Sharing' and the more recently published 'Anger is OKAY Violence is NOT' (please see the web site at www.JulieFederico.com). A middle school counselor since 1993, Julie holds a bachelors degree in social work and a masters degree in counseling from Indiana University. She is also a certified, level III alcohol counselor in the state of Colorado. She knows first hand the ramifications of childhood abuse. "Domestic Violence is a sibling to child abuse and I talk about how child abuse grooms individuals to accept domestic violence," Julie says. "Almost 9 million children a year witness domestic violence. I have a lot of work to do." In her first book, children travel with a pair of friendly fish as they learn about what parts of our bodies we share with others, and learn what the boundaries of appropriate touching are in a very non-threatening way. Julie knows there many misconceptions and misunderstandings about the issues of child abuse that need to be dispelled through honest and frank conversations with children, adolescents and adults. Her second book is "Anger is OKAY, Violence is NOT." Children enjoy learning important information from a pair of fish. Parents marvel at the simple straightforward language and use of sea creatures that create this message all children must hear.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Dr Jaime Romo from San Diego, an educator, consultant, author, and Minister, who promotes prevention and healing from child sexual abuse, particularly abuse by religious authorities or in the context of religious settings. A workbook he wrote, Healing the Sexually Abused Heart: A Workbook for Survivors, Thrivers, and Supporters, is an integration of various disciplines that led Jaime to become a certified Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) facilitator. Jaime explains, “While it is no secret that I am a survivor of clergy abuse, it is the journey of integration, transformation and application that is most telling about my accomplishments and the life that I celebrate.” Please visit his web site: www.jaimeromo.org. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Rev Henry (Hank) McGrath from Caroga Lake, New York, a child abuse survivor, author and NAASCA volunteer. Hank began life in a poor Irish family with 4 siblings in NY. Both parents were alcoholics. At 11 he was hustling to survive in Pittsburgh, PA with bookies, pimps, and prostitutes. It was dangerous for a child alone. Eventually he served time in the juvenile detention system and as a young adult in prison for crimes he'd committed. After decades of hard living and a few near-death situations, he began facing his childhood trauma and by the 90's was happily married. When his beloved wife died from cancer in 2001 Hank promised her to fight for others on the issues of child abuse. Since then, he has worked with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, as a court advocate for youth, and more. Today, Hank is a minister and is very active in his community. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
No show -- There was a failure with the BlogTalkRadio system.-- no show recorded tonight --.
Special topic show - please call !! Those who call in will form a panel that'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, and services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org website.
Tonight's special guest is Edna Sailor from North Dakota, a child and adult educator who was 71 years old when she published her first novel "Alfalfa Girl; the Path from Childhood Molestation to Soul." She wrote the book at a time she was going through several life-threatening illnesses. Edna explains that the last few years have been, “a difficult time for me listening to the Corporate Moguls, Politicians and televangelists continue to pour out their disturbing comments about sexual assault.” Her book is fiction, but every sexual abuse incident depicted is based on real crimes Edna witnessed or was told directly about by another survivor. “Alfalfa Girl” is the inner soul of the fictional teacher and mentor, Emily Sorenson, reflecting Edna, who goes through a painful journey about repeated child abuses. Edna herself is a survivor of five separate persons before the age of about 11. All her abusers were either relatives or close family friends. She was too fearful to tell about the abuse, and did not think anyone would believe her. In her adult life Edna spent thousands of dollars on therapy to deal with the feelings of worthlessness and dirtiness she lived with, and the 'bad girl' label she earned before seeking help. She was able to recover and earn three undergraduate degrees and a Masters degree while raising her three children (and six grandchildren). Edna says she'd wanted to write this book for 50 years, and finally, at age 71, had outlived all her abusers. "I am so hoping my book can bring hope and encouragement to victims and survivors." She wants to educate families about the importance of creating an environment where children feel free to disclose abuse.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Jodie Tedder from Montana, the President of 'IOI, Inc., The Island of Immunity'. Jodie says. "It's a safe and nurturing community of healing for survivors of childhood sexual abuse and other forms of trauma." The words on her BLOG are certainly revealing. "It's not just all self-love like we keep hearing, 'Love yourself before anyone else!' I actually think it's the opposite: you can't really love yourself until you love other people." Jodie goes on, "When I lived at home with my father, I was favored. His favor included being backhanded when I showed the slightest sign of disobedience, rape, sodomy, and playing the game Risk." She's outspoken, too. "We don't seem to talk of or hear much about adults who are complicit in sexual abuse (and other forms of abuse as well) – including parents." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org website.
Special topic show - please call !! Those who call in will form a panel that'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, and services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org website..
Tonight's special guest is Michael Skinner from New Hampshire, an award-winning advocate, educator, writer, and critically acclaimed singer, songwriter, and guitarist, addressing the issues of trauma, abuse, and mental health concerns through public speaking, writing, and his music. He has spoken at the National Press Club, the United Nations, The State Department, and Georgetown University on the sexual exploitation and trafficking of children and adults. He was part of the groundbreaking Oprah Winfrey Shows that addressed the issues of males being sexually abused as children. Since 1993, Michael’s uplifting and heartwarming story and songs of Hope and Healing have impacted thousands of people. His presentations at colleges, universities, mental health conferences, churches, civic groups, sexual assault, and domestic violence support centers and conferences are highly acclaimed. He has appeared on YouTube, many TV, radio, and Internet shows. Michael is a blogger on several websites and a writer of articles for mental health publications. He's a consultant and trainer for the Federal government’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the National Association of State Mental Health Program, crucial in helping to shape directives for trauma-informed care and services. Michael's 'The Surviving Spirit' is a monthly newsletter and website sharing resources to help those impacted by trauma, abuse, and mental health challenges.
Tonight's special guest is Thomas Edward from Sacramento, California, an abuse survivor and activist who's the founder of Safe Place For Men, a male survivor resiliency and leadership development coaching organization tasked to help educate, coach, and equip men affected by childhood sexual abuse with strategies, insights, and support to accelerate healing. "Although very challenging in overcoming the taboo and stigmas surrounding male sexual abuse," he says, "it's rewarding to help other men reclaim life." As he travels speaking and conducting workshops across the nation, internationally or virtually, he shares his story. “I have been called the king of trauma. Chronically, sexually abused and raped at knife and gunpoint, forced, coerced, loved, violated and betrayed while burned with cigarettes and cut with glass during the incidents. He goes on, ". How did everyone else get the memo stating that I was fair prey, except for me?” Thomas often shares the arduous road to reclaiming life from low confidence, suicidal ideations, haphephobia all while working for the top Fortune 500 company. His path to recover and reclaim portions of himself, took him from Buddhist temples in China, to studying psychology, and becoming a licensed massage therapist to overcome the haphephobia. Since 2001 he's been creating safe haven weekend coaching and support workshops and online programs. His goal is to help men activate and accelerate healing by resolving imprints of sexual trauma via strength-based solutions coaching. He's a certified professional coach. He also serves as a board member for the 1in6 organization and consults and trains for CPS, “Turning Trauma into Triumph”.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, a survivor of severe child abuse who's now a Minister and Chaplain. She'll appear on the 1st Thursday of each month and is the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story," her story of redemption. In 1997, Michelle writes that she, ".. was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. Her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Special topic show - please call !! Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Bill Murray from Los Angeles, our founder. Bill's recovery is 12 Step-based and spans some four decades. Sexually abused by numerous clerics, all men, between the ages of 11 and mid-way through high school, a minor seminary, he was also the victim of pre-pubescent ography and even a two week kidnapping. Bill was graced to have found Alcoholics Anonymous when he was 30 years old. The program not only helped him get clean and sober but also gave him a place to give up his secrets, and the tools by which he's recovered. He firmly believes one can use the 12 Step process to heal from child abuse trauma and to find a way to a comfortable life. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Special topic show - please call !! Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Special topic show - please call in!! Those who call in will form a panel that'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, and services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org website.
Special topic show - please call !! Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Special topic show - please call !! Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host is Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse, and is a trauma-informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to u s by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org website.
Tonight's special guests are Dale and Faith Ingraham, returning NAASCA family members from Addison, New York. Dale is a pastor who began his ministry in 1983. In 2020, Dale began to devote himself fully to the ministry of 'Speaking Truth in Love', a 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry, along with his partner Faith, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and wife of nearly 40 years. He is a speaker, trainer, author, and strong advocate for victims and survivors of abuse. Working together they provide abuse prevention and response training to organizations, families, individuals, and churches. They create safe places for growing and healing at conferences and speaking engagements, with printed materials, private consultation, and life coaching. In his book, 'Speaking Truth in Love', Dale Ingraham addresses the topic of sexual abuse in a way that examines hard areas while maintaining sensitivity for those who fear that this issue is too difficult for them to examine. The memoir-like recounting of Dale and Faith's own journey to understanding is woven throughout the various chapters of the book, from Faith's first revelation to Dale that she had suffered incest at the hands of her pastor father, to Dale's excommunication of his father-in-law in the church that he himself pastored. Through the nonprofit, they express a desire that no one needs to experience being left without hope and healing or be damaged by physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual abuse. The dynamics of our mission is to provide quality resources and materials to empower, encourage, and equip the broken to heal. Simply put they help build healthy men, women, and children.
~~ Much more info to come ~~ tonight we will discuss how seeing abusive parents hurts a child. I saw tooo much of that. Many of us did. And many times we became the victim of the abuser. How does it affect us in later life? Much to speak about. And given topic finds-- how to find the answers -- a lot of research. Also--an article sent to us on our FB called "Delayed Realization." very good and many of us fall into this----Why? ...
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Dr Jaime Romo from San Diego, an educator, consultant, author, and Minister, who promotes prevention and healing from child sexual abuse, particularly abuse by religious authorities or in the context of religious settings. A workbook he wrote, Healing the Sexually Abused Heart: A Workbook for Survivors, Thrivers, and Supporters, is an integration of various disciplines that led Jaime to become a certified Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) facilitator. Jaime explains, “While it is no secret that I am a survivor of clergy abuse, it is the journey of integration, transformation, and application that is most telling about my accomplishments and the life that I celebrate.” Please visit his website: www.jaimeromo.org. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org website....
Tonight's special guest is Robert Stark from Thousand Oaks, California, making his first visit to NAASCA. Born in Chicago, he was terrified of his father and clung to his mother, who seemed be very loving, and safe. He had two younger siblings and at 9 years old the family moved to California. "Growing up my father was critical and raged infrequently," Robert says. "I was very afraid of him and avoided him whenever possible." He was strict, but not abusive. When he was 15, his 14 year old sister told their mother that their father had been sexually abusing her from 7 years old. "My mother told me, and it sickened me to my very core. I borrowed a .22 rifle from a friend because I was going to kill my father." But fortunately he didn't go through with it. "I was very shy through all my school years, and into my 20s. We moved frequently and I was always to new kid in the school. I got married at 21 and promptly had three children." He goes on, "I did not finish high school, but did get my GED while in the Navy." He goes on, "I married an Italian woman and was married for 27 years. She passed away last year. I've only been married once. She did not remarry, either. We were separated for 31 years when she passed." At 49 year old Robert found ACA (Adult Children of Alcoholics) and has been a member since. "ACA and the fellowship have been one of the best parts of my life. Most 98% of the people I associate with are from some 12step program." He's 81 now and his purpose in life is to be of service to men. Helping men to become the men God meant them to be." He concludes, "I have so many men in my life, that I never feel lonely. Men call me daily for help in their lives. I'm HONORED that the men call me! I enjoy life, and grateful for what God provided me!"
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Cherie White from Covington, Tennessee, an anti-bullying advocate and author of three books who uses her own story of being bullied and gaslighted to help those enduring the same abuse today. "In 6th grade, I began a long lesson in the human predator/prey dynamic and a battle for my dignity, safety, and my very soul." At first she took the physical beatings, name-calling, and abuse. Cherie was a victim of what is called 'poly-victimization'. In just six months she went from being a kid who always made the honor roll, to an angry and bitter girl who made only C's and D's. "Who could concentrate on schoolwork?" she asks. Cherie attempted suicide at the age of fourteen. "Because I felt powerless, I began to bully those who were even weaker than me in attempts to grab back some of my power." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org website..
Special topic show - please call !! Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.-- much more info to come --
Tonight's special guest is Jocelyn Eve from Somerville, Massachusetts, a therapist who received her Master of Social Work at Smith College and her Bachelor's degree in Human Rights. For the past decade she has worked in various mental health and psychiatric settings ranging from therapeutic mentorship and home based work to inpatient and intensive outpatient services. She has in-depth experience working with those who hold a wide array of complex, intersecting identities. She has long been committed to the field of domestic violence and intimate partner violence. Working with underserved populations, particularly those with chronic and severe mental illness, she pursued training in compassion mind training, SMART recovery, and metacognitive therapy in an intensive outpatient dialectical-behavioral therapy (DBT) program. She aims to provide person-centered, strength-based, and trauma aware care. She likes to incorporate expressive and mindfulness-based therapies into her work, whenever helpful. Her treatment approach is also grounded in relational and attachment theories, Internal Family Systems and framed by social justice. Her practice is rooted in the belief that each of us are inherently whole and deserving of joy, freedom, and care. She models non-judgement, radical acceptance, and curiosity in her group offerings to break relational cycles keeping us stuck in disconnection.
---Not yet booked much more info to come--- Topic night. This show is to be run by people who call in and suggest a topic for discussion. If no callers, then the host and co-host will have a topic for discussion, Topic tonight-- bullying -- also for the month of October as of 2006-- Have questions? Call in 646-595-2118 A lot to discuss on this topic---- and suicide--
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, a survivor of severe child abuse who's now a Minister and Chaplain. She'll appear on the 1st Thursday of each month and is the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story," her story of redemption. In 1997, Michelle writes that she, ".. was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. Her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
10/03/2023Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Rev Henry (Hank) McGrath from Caroga Lake, New York, a child abuse survivor, author and NAASCA volunteer. Hank began life in a poor Irish family with 4 siblings in NY. Both parents were alcoholics. At 11 he was hustling to survive in Pittsburgh, PA with bookies, pimps, and prostitutes. It was dangerous for a child alone. Eventually he served time in the juvenile detention system and as a young adult in prison for crimes he'd committed. After decades of hard living and a few near-death situations, he began facing his childhood trauma and by the 90's was happily married. When his beloved wife died from cancer in 2001 Hank promised her to fight for others on the issues of child abuse. Since then, he has worked with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, as a court advocate for youth, and more. Today, Hank is a minister and is very active in his community. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Special topic show - please call !! Those who call in will form a panel that'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, and services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic!! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Pamela Olson from Sacramento, California, a Therapist and Activist who is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and trafficking. Pamela was molested and raped from age 3 to 17 by an uncle. She disclosed the abuse to her parents but they told her she was “a whore and more then likely 'made it happen.'” Pamela's parents divorced when she was 12 after which her mother struggled financially and she was then sex-trafficked from age 14-16 by her mother. Pamela's husband was the first person she disclosed to actually helped her, and their relationship has been a huge factor in healing from her traumatic childhood. She recently founded SaveOurChildrenCA (SOC), an organization aimed at dismantling and overriding the current governmental systems and laws that “interfere with the family unit” (i.e. CPS, public schools, FDA, CDC, medical fields), and supporting parents with legal funds to fight “false claims of abuse” made against them. SOC aims to educate the public about “child trafficking, CPS abuses, family law court abuses, medical kidnapping and pedo-sadism” and to work with legislators to create bills to protect children but also “will uphold our constitutional rights and freedoms.” "I was a victim, turned survivor," she says. "I wanted to go after sex child trafficking first. God had other plans. Through CPS and FCP Group homes I've discovered child trafficking, severe abuses and neglect." Pamela recently said of sharing her story that, since starting SOC, “.. I've not talked about my own experience with sex abuse out loud into the mainstream alt media. Perhaps speaking aloud to it will help many understand why I advocate on the all the topics I do?”
09/28/2023Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight, the special co-host is Monica Boglin from Puyallup, Washington, a survivor of sexual, physical, and emotional child abuse. Her predators were all family members, and her parents were intent on passing on to Monica the behavior that their parents had done to them. She also has lived with Lupus since she was 29, a painful autoimmune disease that has long been linked to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Monica became a life coach and a therapist and notes, “I've finally found a way to forgive the unforgivable and to firmly keep anyone and everything harmful out of my life been linked to." She's earned her master's degree in metaphysical science and counseling and is well on her way to earning a Ph.D. in the same field. "I hope to further use my story as a way to become of service and to help those along the path to their own healing because I now know that hope and help are available.” ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org website....
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host is Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse, and is a trauma-informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org website.
Tonight's special guest is Cheri Wilson from Portland, Oregon, a childhood sexual abuse survivor, and child advocate who is writing her first memoir. 'The Truth About Sissy' is a book about the tragic life and death of her beautiful foster sister, Vickie, who was abused, trafficked, and ultimately died at nineteen years old. Vickie's mother Sandy and Cheri's Great Uncle Jim were responsible for all of it. Jim was a man Cheri had adored until she recently found the horrible truth about him while researching an old family rumor. Cheri's own abuse began at the hands of her mother's brother, her Uncle Tom before she turned four years old. -- much more info to come --.
Special topic show - w/ Carol Levine (NJ) and Laurie Percell (PA) - please call !! Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.Our topic tonight will be verbal abuse--how it hurts children and adults as well. Children do not thrive -- and many times children who have been verbally abused turn into abusive partners--- alot to discuss.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host is Dr Jaime Romo from San Diego, an educator, consultant, author, and Minister, who promotes prevention and healing from child sexual abuse, particularly abuse by religious authorities or in the context of religious settings. A workbook he wrote, Healing the Sexually Abused Heart: A Workbook for Survivors, Thrivers, and Supporters, is an integration of various disciplines that led Jaime to become a certified Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) facilitator. Jaime explains, “While it is no secret that I am a survivor of clergy abuse, it is the journey of integration, transformation and application that is most telling about my accomplishments and the life that I celebrate.” Visit his web site: www.jaimeromo.org. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Valerie Meola from Jarrettsville, Maryland, a child abuse survivor, activist and author, and along time member of the NAASCA family. Val grew up in a lower middle-class neighborhood and appeared to everyone as a happy, bright little girl who was a bit shy. However, she had a secret that she would keep for almost 50 years. As a victim of incest from about age 4, she carried her shame and sadness through most of her life until she learned to share her story with other survivors. Val is the author of 'The Monster's Game', written under a pseudonym, littlegirl413. She is also contributor to the anthologies, 'Letter to a Monster' by Caroline de Chavigny and 'Purple Sparks' by Stephanie Y. Evans and Sharnell D. Myles. She was featured in multiple issues of Memoirabilia magazine in 2014. Val's most recent contribution is as co-author of the Amazon best seller, 'Stop the Silence, Thriving After Child Sexual Abuse' by Dr Pamela J. Pine and 23 sex abuse survivors. As a CSA survivor and advocate, Val is current President of 'Race Against Abuse of Children Everywhere' (RAACE). She is no longer afraid to speak out and is dedicated to stopping this silent epidemic through her work with RAACE and other organizations such as NAASCA. As a speaker, Valerie hopes that her voice resonates with other survivors, teaches all who care for children and warn the monsters that they can no longer hide.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host is Cherie White from Covington, Tennessee, an anti bullying advocate and author of three books who uses her own story of being bullied and gaslighted to help those enduring the same abuse today. "In 6th grade I began a long lesson in the human predator/prey dynamic and a battle for my dignity, safety, and my very soul." At first she took the physical beatings, name-calling, and abuse. Cherie was a victim of what is called 'poly-victimization'. In just six months she went from being a kid who always made the honor roll, to an angry and bitter girl who made only C's and D's. "Who could concentrate on schoolwork?" she asks. Cherie attempted suicide at the age of fourteen. "Because I felt powerless, I began to bully those who were even weaker than me in attempts to grab back some of my power. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Kalli Tedder from Montana, a child abuse survivor who says, "I was 14 when my neighbor (a husband and father of three) started using me for his pleasure. I had been groomed for quite a while before this. It started with me babysitting his kids", she explains. "The grooming and abuse didn't end until I was nearly done with high school, and contact continued for several years after." But she started to heal. "Thirteen years later, I spoke out and told my story, starting with informing my dad. After 5 years I finally got a conviction." Kalli is committed to helping others. She's launched 'Wildflower', a Sexual Trauma Support Group for Women. Created in mid 2023, she welcomes others to this safe place, where "the goal is to provide support and comfort through shared experiences." Anyone can find the group on Facebook, but only members can see who's in the group and what they post. As Kalli says, "I will never stop trying to support other women in this situation."
Tonight's special guest is Dr Tina Medina from Florida, a child abuse survivor who began to minister in 1998 with a simple Bible Study in her home. "I was ordained in 2001 as a Pastor through Spoken Word Ministries in Jacksonville, Florida and wrote my book series from 2003 until now. I have ministered to thousands of people and the majority of my counseling was conducted on a pastoral basis. My book series is a dynamic one which helps the reader gain help, encouragement, self-esteem building and plenty of positive information on how to overcome sexual abuse. The books are written in a easy to read, kind, sensitive, and loving manner." Under the banner of Real Sexual Abuse Help, Tina's efforts provide helpful video programming for members in your community and across the world. They use traditional counseling techniques, holistic methods, and faith-based counseling methods to help survivors for free by video education. They help all survivors overcome sexual abuse in a compassionate manner. Millions of survivors gain the revelation that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit can heal the broken spirited in sexual abuse recovery, but traditional counseling methods and holistic methods are also shared to met all needs. Tina hopes to provide creative video programming for those who are voiceless. " Survivors want help," she notes, "and we are finding out that a lot of women in business are struggling with issues very similar to sexual abuse, therefore we are here to help." They create videos for children, teenagers, and adults, videos which contain vital educational tools that work.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Jodie Tedder, the President of IOI, Inc., The Island of Immunity,'" Jodie says. "It's a safe and nurturing community of healing for survivors of childhood sexual abuse and other forms of trauma." The words on her BLOG are certainly revealing. "It's not just all self-love like we keep hearing, 'Love yourself before anyone else!' I actually think it's the opposite: you can't really love yourself until you love other people." Jodie goes on, "When I lived at home with my father, I was favored. His favor included being backhanded when I showed the slightest sign of disobedience, rape, sodomy and playing the game Risk." She's outspoken, too. "We don't seem to talk of or hear much about adults who are complicit in sexual abuse (and other forms of abuse as well) – including parents – either one or both. In other forms of crime we have a term for this and we call it accomplice. This person can be charged for a crime." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Special topic show - w/ Kim Lakin (CO) and Penelope Benis (WA) - please call !! Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse, and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org website.
Tonight's special guest is Brandie Olesen from the San Francisco area in California, a child abuse survivor whose traumatic experiences began as an infant. Placed in foster care at 3, she spent 16 years in and out of multiple counties, placements, homes and levels of sexual, physical, emotional and verbal abuse. "I started questioning the story of my life and the validity of the allegations and claims I had been told and read about in the few reports I had gathered from my past life," she says. Last year Brandie spent almost 10 months paying for back ground checks, calling state agencies, local agencies, county agencies and filing three different police reports. "I had to step away at the beginning of the year due to emotional exhaustion and distress, lack of support or advocacy, disappointment at the very sketchy approach law enforcement took in the few counties I filed reports in." Brandie goes on, "I decided to open some emails from my prior years research about my childhood. I forgot that I was emailed digital copies of photos I had given to an investigative journalist who ended up being unable or unwilling to help." When she zoomed in on the images she found some disturbing evidence of a traumatic event that effected multiple individuals (adults, children, a dog). "I have been in shock and struggling to find access to recourses, terminology, case studies, reforms etc." Brandie understands that the system is busy helping the children currently within it, but finds it hard to let go of her need to understand what happened, why there are no reports, records, medical proof or information. "This is something I didn't know about my life or myself until just last month." She feels lost and in need of support, direction and guidance.
Tonight's special guest is Elizabeth Knight (aka Willow Moon) from Savanna, Illinois, a child abuse survivor who's a speaker on the mismanagement of Native American rights. Elizabeth explains that she's an elder granddaughter of America sex trade 'Trail of Tears' survivor and the first Chief-Tess to petition for a house bill to congress a new treaty for all Native American women. "I like native history and it laws and treaties," she says. "Mine is a landmark case on Native American issues." These include government abuse, hate crimes, false arrests, FBI, sheriff's and jail abuse. Police brutality, court violations, white school abuse and sexual abuse are also included. "I serve on the work force." They address college sexual harassment, stalking, childhood rape, survivors of interstate kidnapping, shooting survivors, contract violations and constitutional violations. "I'm single now and 63 years old. I have two daughters and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. I was born Indiana, raised in Florida and Georgia, and now live in Illinois." She's a member of the Native American Coalition of the Quad Cities. Elizabeth tells the story of Sacagawea, born c. 1788 into the Agaidika ('Salmon Eater') tribe near present-day Salmon, Idaho. "Sacagawea was with Lewis and Clark." Her life was not what everyone believes. She suffered rape, sexual abuse, trauma and the pain she of being a young mother, like Pocahontas. Elizabeth says, "We were sex slaves [and] the truth has ever been told. I will tell the truth to really. What happened from 1692 forward to present day with our art, culture, and art treaties in our government." She concludes, "That promise gives our land back.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host is Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, a survivor of severe child abuse who's now a Minister and Chaplain. She'll appear on the 1st Thursday of each month and is the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story," her story of redemption. In 1997, Michelle writes that she, ".. was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. Her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Pastor Deborah Schleich from Florida who will be telling her child abuse, trauma and recovery story. A survivor, minister, pastor, and therapist, she's a long time NAASCA family member who volunteers to lead a monthly SCAN Q & A open discussion radio show. Pastor Deborah grew up all over the world in a military family. Her her mother was mentally ill. She now is living in Pensacola, Florida, and is, of course, a hyphenate, a survivor and professional. Trained in 'Agape Love Is Here' ministry, mental health, and working with substance abuse patients, Deborah is also a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person or however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. She believes in working with the other professions to accomplish a TOTAL healing for the person. She blogs daily and has been developing the Church's YouTube Channel for world wide encouragement, teaching, deliverance and healing. Pastor Deborah believes everyone is valuable and an undeveloped leader/minister. She volunteers in the community with many Community Organizations as a pastor. She has had years of ministry with and to those who are suffering from religious abuse, cult abuse, childhood trauma, sexual abuse, gang membership, heavy metal, gothic lifestyles, and with those who are experiencing gender issues, and suicide. She works with the lonely and abandoned .. those left behind. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time!
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host is Rev Henry (Hank) McGrath from Caroga Lake, New York, a child abuse survivor, author and NAASCA volunteer. Hank began life in a poor Irish family with 4 siblings in NY. Both parents were alcoholics. At 11 he was hustling to survive in Pittsburgh, PA with bookies, pimps, and prostitutes. It was dangerous for a child alone. Eventually he served time in the juvenile detention system and as a young adult in prison for crimes he'd committed. After decades of hard living and a few near-death situations, he began facing his childhood trauma and by the 90's was happily married. When his beloved wife died from cancer in 2001 Hank promised her to fight for others on the issues of child abuse. Since then, he has worked with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, as a court advocate for youth, and more. Today, Hank is a minister and is very active in his community. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Bob Eden from Airlie Beach, Queensland, Australia, a survivor who shares his story in his own descriptive, articulate words. During his own journey with depression, which began in 1984, he developed a drug free protocol for recovering from depression. "Based on the Re-evaluation Counselling process, in which I trained in the 90's, I found a way through by going within and listening to my heart and body. No special tools or books are required, there is nothing to buy, for everyone has their own innate healing tools, and my role is to help people find them," he says. "After more than 20 years of fighting depression, psychologists, psychiatrists and many cycles of medication, one simple personal insight brought me home. To all those beautiful people who have suffered from depression I say 'Thank you.' Simply, thank you for doing such a wonderful job!" Bob explains his childhood trauma, "Mum was prone to violent outbursts of rage, so I got the crap beaten out of me for many years." The message he got was she does not love me." He goes on, "Dad was a mythical being who was always at work, so the message I got was 'Dad never spends any time with me, therefore he does not love me.' Bob became a people-pleaser and totally abandoned his needs. Later, he took a 12-step course for Adult Children of Absent Parents which was helpful. "John Bradshaw's work on the Inner Child and Family of Origin opened the flood gates for me." Bob says, "I realized that I AM the only expert on my life." Bob concludes, "For me we are all victims of victims and if you don't hand it back, you pass it on. Time to break this multi-generational cycle of abuse!"
Tonight's special guest is Elizabeth Knight (aka Willow Moon) from Savanna, Illinois, a child abuse survivor who's a speaker on the mismanagement of Native American rights. Elizabeth explains that she's an elder granddaughter of America sex trade 'Trail of Tears' survivor and the first Chief-Tess to petition for a house bill to congress a new treaty for all Native American women. "I like native history and it laws and treaties," she says. "Mine is a landmark case on Native American issues." These include government abuse, hate crimes, false arrests, FBI, sheriff's and jail abuse. Police brutality, court violations, white school abuse and sexual abuse are also included. "I serve on the work force." They address college sexual harassment, stalking, childhood rape, survivors of interstate kidnapping, shooting survivors, contract violations and constitutional violations. "I'm single now and 63 years old. I have two daughters and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. I was born Indiana, raised in Florida and Georgia, and now live in Illinois." She's a member of the Native American Coalition of the Quad Cities. Elizabeth tells the story of Sacagawea, born c. 1788 into the Agaidika ('Salmon Eater') tribe near present-day Salmon, Idaho. "Sacagawea was with Lewis and Clark." Her life was not what everyone believes. She suffered rape, sexual abuse, trauma and the pain she of being a young mother, like Pocahontas. Elizabeth says, "We were sex slaves [and] the truth has ever been told. I will tell the truth to really. What happened from 1692 forward to present day with our art, culture, and art treaties in our government." She concludes, "That promise gives our land back."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Kim Lakin from Littleton, Colorado, a child abuse survivor and activist who's the founder of 'Soar On Eagles Wings', where she teaches about prevention and intervention. Kim's an Authorized Instructor and Certified Facilitator for Darkness to Light, Stewards of Children, as well as a facilitator for The Monique Burr Foundation. She was sexually assaulted her whole childhood. Kim says, "I will always be in the recovery process. I don't think that will go away. I feel that my work with facilitating has been a big part of my healing the past 7 years. I feel empowered and free when I am providing classes for the community." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Sylvia Goalen from Lawrenceville, Georgia (Atlanta area). She's a survivor of child abuse who's a recipient of the Darkness To Light, Stewards of Children® Voice of Courage award for her contribution to the fight against sexual child abuse. Originally from Guatemala, Sylvia is a member of a large Hispanic family (her mom is one of 21 children). As an immigrant and survivor, she's written an article on the D2L website .. 'A Hispanic Perspective on Abuse'. "I know there is stigma that surrounds sexual abuse; the perspective in Hispanic communities is that we do not share our pain or talk about uncomfortable topics." She continues, "At times I recall the fun memories of being with so many cousins." But she also remembers the first time she experienced sexual abuse. Her cousin took her to the room where her grandmother had died. "As one of the younger cousins I was taught to be submissive, to listen to my elders, to do as I was told. No one questioned that we were alone, especially not me." Because of this experience, as she became a parent she became incredibly cautious about where her children are allowed to go, and with whom, a helicopter parent. Sylvia learned in her recovery that sharing one's issues with someone who is also a survivor makes it easier to disclose. "You feel like you have common issues and you are sharing your story." It's difficult it is to share one's story with someone for the first time, not being sure if one feels safe, without feeling blame or shame.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host is Carol D Levine from New Jersey, a survivor with many professional certificates and trainings. Among other things, Carol is a State Certified Technician at Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital, and she studied both at UMD - Alcohol and Drug Studies and at Princeton University for Evaluation & Assessment Training for clients of Alcohol & Drug Abuse. In this she also learned about behavior modification for dysfunctional families and goal planning. Carol is a long-time NAASCA volunteer, vice president and SCAN talk show Host. She calls herself our 'night-owl' since people reach out to her well into the wee hours every evening. Carol is not shy about broaching any topic related to child abuse and trauma including sexual abuse, violent abuse, emotional abuse and neglect. Call her !!!! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Christopher Bruce from Huntsville, Alabama. "I'm a 62 year old male, married, with 5 kids and 8 grandkids," he says. "This is my 2nd marriage; my first only lasted 3 weeks (I married her to get rid of her, if you can believe that), and my 2nd and current marriage has gone 14 years strong, with an additional 3 years dating time." He had an interesting professional life, too. "I used to be a professional graphic designer and a white collar professional, but a government-induced record given me the last 8 years has forced me to change to a Construction-related profession." All this is because of his daughter being removed from him. He did a podcast for 4 years about people like him, who'd had their children legally kidnapped by CPS. "For the last 8 years, amidst court battles over the return of my daughter, stolen legally by the state of Iowa, I expose Governmental corruption as a blogger." He's had quite the struggle in life. "As for my abuse story, I was 'Johnny Gosch'd', attempt-kidnapped in the same city as Johnny Gosh, but this was in 1976, nearly 8 years before Gosh. But I managed to escape my captors. When I was old enough to start telling my own nearly-kidnapped story, I related what had happened to my divorced mother and my biological brother, but neither of them believed a word of it at the time." That's not uncommon. "My mother NEVER believed it, and my brother, a die-hard narcissistic type, didn't believe it fully until around 10 years ago, when I related the story again to my cousin. It's an experience that has affected me in various ways over the years, and one I won't forget."
Special topic show - w/ Carol Levine (NJ) and Laurie Percell (PA) - please call !! Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site..
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Bill Murray from Los Angeles, our founder. Bill's recovery is 12 Step-based and spans some four decades. Sexually abused by numerous clerics, all men, between the ages of 11 and mid-way through high school, a minor seminary, he was also the victim of pre-pubescent ography and even a two week kidnapping. Bill was graced to have found Alcoholics Anonymous when he was 30 years old. The program not only helped him get clean and sober but also gave him a place to give up his secrets, and the tools by which he's recovered. He firmly believes one can use the 12 Step process to heal from child abuse trauma and to find a way to a comfortable life. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Christopher Bruce from Huntsville, Alabama. "I'm a 62 year old male, married, with 5 kids and 8 grandkids," he says. "This is my 2nd marriage; my first only lasted 3 weeks (I married her to get rid of her, if you can believe that), and my 2nd and current marriage has gone 14 years strong, with an additional 3 years dating time." He had an interesting professional life, too. "I used to be a professional graphic designer and a white collar professional, but a government-induced record given me the last 8 years has forced me to change to a Construction-related profession." All this is because of his daughter being removed from him. He did a podcast for 4 years about people like him, who'd had their children legally kidnapped by CPS. "For the last 8 years, amidst court battles over the return of my daughter, stolen legally by the state of Iowa, I expose Governmental corruption as a blogger." He's had quite the struggle in life. "As for my abuse story, I was 'Johnny Gosch'd', attempt-kidnapped in the same city as Johnny Gosh, but this was in 1976, nearly 8 years before Gosh. But I managed to escape my captors. When I was old enough and overt enough to start telling my own nearly-kidnapped story, I related what had happened to my divorced mother and my biological brother, but neither of them believed a word of it at the time." That's not uncommon. "My mother NEVER believed it, and my brother, a die-hard narcissistic type, didn't believe it fully until around 10 years ago, when I related the story again to my cousin. It's an experience that has affected me in various ways over the years, and one I won't forget."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Russell Stagg from St Johns, New Brunswick, Canada, a child abuse survivor who's now a Licensed Counselling Therapist, a Psychotherapist and a Registered Clinical Counsellor. He's written a book about it based his experience and, besides a bit about his life story, he's specifically asked to talk about it, too, 'ONE IN SIX: A Man's Guide to Overcoming Child Sexual Abuse'. Russell says, "I help people with issues such as depression, addiction, or relationship problems. Some of my clients have experienced bullying, domestic violence, or the trauma of leaving an abusive religion. My specialty is trauma, particularly sexual abuse and sexual assault, and I have written on the subject for major psychology journals." He explains, "In working with individuals, I developed my person-centered approach as the Jewish chaplain for the University of Calgary and as the interfaith resident chaplain for the Emergency, Intensive Care, and Burn Units at Calgary Foothills Hospital. It means I do my utmost to experience your situation as if it were my own." This is one of the things that set him apart. "Then I use the techniques of cognitive-behavioral therapy to challenge and overcome toxic thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. And if you've been struggling with PTSD or repeated bouts of depression, I may introduce you to the healing techniques of mindfulness. Used with caution, it can be a useful tool." The technique Russell uses with couples is a bit different. "When I work with couples, I focus on the powerful emotions underneath your anger. Sharing and acknowledging those emotions can actually bring you closer, rather than driving you apart."
Special topic show - Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host is Dr Jaime Romo from San Diego, an educator, consultant, author, and Minister, who promotes prevention and healing from child sexual abuse, particularly abuse by religious authorities or in the context of religious settings. A workbook he wrote, Healing the Sexually Abused Heart: A Workbook for Survivors, Thrivers, and Supporters, is an integration of various disciplines that led Jaime to become a certified Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) facilitator. Jaime explains, “While it is no secret that I am a survivor of clergy abuse, it is the journey of integration, transformation and application that is most telling about my accomplishments and the life that I celebrate.” Visit his web site: www.jaimeromo.org. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Kristina 'Transparenci' Jones from Chicago, Illinois. Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, Kristina's passion is to help young girls and women acknowledge and heal from childhood trauma and sexual abuse, as she continues on her journey of Redemption and Recovery. Kristina enjoys sharing her testimony through poetry and spoken word, because “transparency transforms the lives of others (Brittany Jackson)”. Kristina released her first book titled, 'Suppessed Wounds: Redemption and Recovery' in March 2022. The book summary says, "She felt like she was always just good enough for sex, but not good enough to be the woman on a man's arm. She had countless sexual encounters with men beginning at age 3. She fought sexual perversions aimlessly until she realized that she did not have to fight the sexual battles of perversions on her own. Being regenerated by the Holy Spirit, at age 15, the eyes of her heart and soul were opened and for the first time, she was able to understand that she was fighting an invisible war. 'For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12)'. Pushing through stereotypical conundrums of, "she must ain't got no daddy", she overcame and is overcoming, what some have difficulty with acknowledging and addressing; her past childhood and adulthood sexual traumas. Let's take a journey through this woman's Redemption and Recovery from Suppressed Wounds."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host is Cherie White from Covington, Tennessee, an anti bullying advocate and author of three books who uses her own story of being bullied and gaslighted to help those enduring the same abuse today. "In 6th grade I began a long lesson in the human predator/prey dynamic and a battle for my dignity, safety, and my very soul." At first she took the physical beatings, name-calling, and abuse. Cherie was a victim of what is called 'poly-victimization'. In just six months she went from being a kid who always made the honor roll, to an angry and bitter girl who made only C's and D's. "Who could concentrate on schoolwork?" she asks. Cherie attempted suicide at the age of fourteen. "Because I felt powerless, I began to bully those who were even weaker than me in attempts to grab back some of my power.~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Bill Murray from Los Angeles, our founder. Bill's recovery is 12 Step-based and spans some four decades. Sexually abused by numerous clerics, all men, between the ages of 11 and mid-way through high school, a minor seminary, he was also the victim of pre-pubescent ography and even a two week kidnapping. Bill was graced to have found Alcoholics Anonymous when he was 30 years old. The program not only helped him get clean and sober but also gave him a place to give up his secrets, and the tools by which he's recovered. He firmly believes one can use the 12 Step process to heal from child abuse trauma and to find a way to a comfortable life. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Special topic show - Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Special topic show - Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Special topic show - Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host is Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, a survivor of severe child abuse who's now a Minister and Chaplain. She'll appear on the 1st Thursday of each month and is the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story," her story of redemption. In 1997, Michelle writes that she, ".. was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. Her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Barbara Albuquerque from Dania Beach, Florida. Her mother, using heroin, gave birth to Barbara, who was born with withdrawals. Her father placed Barbara, only a few months old, with a 'friend,' who frequently hit her. At 7-8, Barbara was severely beaten on the head. At 11, Barbara was placed with another woman. Her husband was one of 2 men who repeatedly raped her. Barbara ran away, but police took her home. After running away again, she was placed in foster care, then in a group home, where she met a heroin addict who started pimping her out at the age of 12. Barbara fought back, but the man violently raped her, breaking a bottle over her head. She managed to escape. The case went to the Supreme Court where Barbara went through a rape trial by herself. Back in the group home, Barbara and 2 other girls were arrested and sent to a detention center for teenagers. Released at 16, she was sent back to the original 'friend's' house, until kicked out at 18, with “no skills, no emotional intelligence and no family.” She went to Miami, worked at a bar, and was raped at gunpoint. She met a man, a drug addict 14 years her senior, and had 2 kids with him, amid many violent fights, one resulting in stitches under her right eye. Her husband had an affair and left. Suffering severe depression, Barbara told a police officer she wanted to die, and the officer took her where she received help: “They gave me medication that helped me enough that I had the mindset to move back to Miami with my two kids.” Barbara started seeing a therapist, “The best thing I ever did in my life.” She learned to love and respect herself.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host is Rev Henry (Hank) McGrath from Caroga Lake, New York, a child abuse survivor, author and NAASCA volunteer. Hank began life in a poor Irish family with 4 siblings in NY. Both parents were alcoholics. At 11 he was hustling to survive in Pittsburgh, PA with bookies, pimps, and prostitutes. It was dangerous for a child alone. Eventually he served time in the juvenile detention system and as a young adult in prison for crimes he'd committed. After decades of hard living and a few near-death situations, he began facing his childhood trauma and by the 90's was happily married. When his beloved wife died from cancer in 2001 Hank promised her to fight for others on the issues of child abuse. Since then, he has worked with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, as a court advocate for youth, and more. Today, Hank is a minister and is very active in his community. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Special topic show - Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Special topic show - Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Monica Boglin from Puyallup, Washington, a survivor of sexual, physical, and emotional child abuse. Her preditors were all family members, and her parents were intent on passing on to Monica the behavior that their parents had done to them. She also has lived with Lupus since she was 29, a painful autoimmune disease that has long been linked to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Monica became a life coach and a therapist and notes, “I've finally found a way to forgive the unforgivable and to firmly keep anyone and everything harmful out of my life been linked to." She's earned her Masters degree in metaphysical science and counseling and is well on her way to earning a PhD in the same field. "I hope to further use my story as a way to become of service and to help those along the path to their own healing, because I now know that hope and help is available.” ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Dr. Pamela Pine, PhD, MPH, from Maryland, founder and CEO of Stop the Silence: Stop Child Sexual Abuse, a non-profit, charitable 501(c)3 organization, with a Mission to expose and stop child sexual abuse and help survivors heal worldwide. She is also a public health professor. Pamela has been an international health, development, and communication professional throughout her adult life who has worked worldwide focusing on enhancing the lives of the poor and otherwise underserved and on issues as broad and diverse as leprosy, tropical diseases, HIV, TB, maternal and child health, childhood vaccination, reproductive health/family planning, and economic development. For the past 20 years, her primary focus has been on the prevention, treatment, and mitigation of child sexual abuse (CSA) and other adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). She has also been a multi-media artist throughout her life, working in oils, watercolor, pastel, clay, song, and the written word (she is a published, best-selling author), which she also uses in her work to raise awareness and open hearts and minds toward action. Please see https://www.ivatcenters.org/stop-the-silence and https://www.drpamelajpine.com. Pamela is the architect of a child trauma mitigation model, and also a unique online Certificate to Master's Degree Program in Child Trauma and Protection (2023). She is also a public health professor, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Deanna M. Lehman from Hailey, Idaho, a child abuse survivor, an author, a poet and an artist. Her books include Kinderwhore, Pandora's Box and Japanese Dreams. As a little girl she was physically, sexually and psychologically abused, leading to her removal from her biological mother's custody into foster care. After two failed adoptions, she becomes a troubled teen and is placed in mental institutions, a children's home, juvenile detention, reformatory school and foster homes, as a ward of the State of Ohio, throughout the Eighties and into the Nineties. Yet consistently through her journey of haunted hardships and wistful yearnings, Dianne is still able to capture the joy and beauty of existence, more precious for its rarity in her rootless, tumultuous existence. This book covers theme of love and loss, betrayal and striving to be accepted in a world that doesn't seem to care. This accounting is not just a coming-of-age tale but also an overview of the federal system set in place for abused children, including hospitalization for behavioral difficulties and vivid testimony of Deanna's unfortunate peers experiencing similar woes. She has a BA from the University of Aomori, Japan, and has lived in Ohio, Florida, Japan, New York and West Virginia. She is currently living in Hailey, Idaho with her boyfriend, David Seelig.
Not yet booked.
Pastor Debra will be helping run the show tonight I have broncitis. heavy meds We had a good show last night - and we will have a good show tonight -- Thank you--
It will be a very good show . The pastor has a lot of shows and has a huge amount of training in different subjects. She will speak about her education and also about healing. How to heal both mentally and spiritually.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host is Dr Jaime Romo from San Diego, an educator, consultant, author, and Minister, who promotes prevention and healing from child sexual abuse, particularly abuse by religious authorities or in the context of religious settings. A workbook he wrote, Healing the Sexually Abused Heart: A Workbook for Survivors, Thrivers, and Supporters, is an integration of various disciplines that led Jaime to become a certified Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) facilitator. Jaime explains, “While it is no secret that I am a survivor of clergy abuse, it is the journey of integration, transformation and application that is most telling about my accomplishments and the life that I celebrate.” Visit his web site: www.jaimeromo.org. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Not yet booked.
-- much more info Special topic show - Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.to come --
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Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host is Cherie White from Covington, Tennessee, an anti bullying advocate and author of three books who uses her own story of being bullied and gaslighted to help those enduring the same abuse today. "In 6th grade I began a long lesson in the human predator/prey dynamic and a battle for my dignity, safety, and my very soul." At first she took the physical beatings, name-calling, and abuse. Cherie was a victim of what is called 'poly-victimization'. In just six months she went from being a kid who always made the honor roll, to an angry and bitter girl who made only C's and D's. "Who could concentrate on schoolwork?" she asks. Cherie attempted suicide at the age of fourteen. "Because I felt powerless, I began to bully those who were even weaker than me in attempts to grab back some of my power. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Special topic show - Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
MISSION:
We have a single purpose at NAASCA, to address issues related to childhood abuse and trauma including sexual assault, violent or physical abuse, emotional traumas and neglect .. and we do so with only two goals:
1) educating the public, especially as related to helping society get over its taboo of discussing childhood sexual abuse (CSA), presenting facts showing child abuse to be a pandemic, worldwide problem that affects everyone
2) offering hope and healing through numerous paths, providing many services to adult survivors of child abuse and information for anyone interested in the many issues involving prevention, intervention and recovery
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Synova Cantrell from Missouri, an Award-Winning Author, Speaker, Coach and a Life-Long Seeker of Knowledge & Wisdom. After a decade in the world of true crime & victim advocacy, Synova has taken her 10,000 hours of study and entered the self-help field. Synova's a certified NLP Life Coach through the American Union of NLP. She's also the owner of Synova's Simply Biz author coaching service and an award-winning crime writer with over 300 cases under her belt. One of her books was even endorsed by a retired FBI Agent! To top it all off, a flag was flown over the Capitol in Washington D.C. to honor her cold case work!!! Now, Synova is using her study and experience to inspire, motivate and educate her audience. Synova's life coaching includes elements of NLP, practical psychology, ancient principles, and biochemistry. You can live a more abundant life and enjoy the journey! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Special guest and Topic show - Want to learn more about SCRIPT? Join co-founder, Dr. Debra Warner, tonight at 5 p.m. PST! She will be on the 'Stop Child Abuse Now' show, hosted by Bill Murray on Blog Talk Radio to discuss the Summit on Community Resilience, Intervention, Prevention, and Training (SCRIPT)! In addition, she will be joined by presenters Maria Langi and Charleen Stearns, who'll gather to talk about the many topics being presented in this year's event on Thursday July 20th and Friday July 21st! NAASCA has been a co-sponsor of the FREE conference for many years, and we're happy to announce that the event will be back at the California Endowment of the Arts, a perfect venyue for SCRIPT. More than 60% of the population has experienced at least one adverse childhood experience. Evidence suggests that abuse, neglect and other types of adverse experiences are significant risk factors for later physical and mental health problems including drug and/or alcohol abuse, criminal activity, suicide attempts, domestic violence, cancer and heart disease. The costs to society associated with child abuse and neglect exceed $124 billion per year. Additionally of course, adults also experience abuse and trauma in various ways. Please join the event in Los Angeles if you can but call in to the talk show this evening at (646) 595-2118 to listen and learn! Press 1 to join the discussion and to ask SCRIPT your questions. Thank you. The SCRIPT Team cannot wait to see you all soon! (This episode, July 12th, is part 2 of this episode.)
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Scott Allen from Weston, Connecticut. Scott, 72, is retired, and works as a volunteer at his local homeless shelter. His previous careers were spent as a keyboard musician and a carpenter. Scott explains that his 12-year-old niece was raped and murdered in 1994 by two men who offered her a ride home. The ongoing history of the crime itself was explained in an article from January, 2023. "The police screwed up her case from the beginning of her disappearance," he says. "I think that many mothers fail to instruct their daughters as to the dangers of puberty and the aggressive nature of men in general." NAASCA points out that teaching children about the dangers of ALL child abuse is best taught in age appropriate stages starting when a son or daughter is a toddler, and growing more specifically as the child grows older. So, too the responsibility of mothers and fathers word-wide ought not just about sexual assault but should include violent abuse of all kinds. We know that the child is completely at the mercy of a perpetrator, not just because of their understandably naive susceptibility to adults, but also because of their general physical strength. "Often forgotten is the 'golden hour', the first hour o fa child's disappearance," Scott says, pointing out this must be explained to the siblings so that they all understand it, and know what to do if this happens.
Special guest and Topic show - Want to learn more about SCRIPT? Join co-founder, Dr. Debra Warner, tonight at 5 p.m. PST! She will be on the 'Stop Child Abuse Now' show, hosted by Bill Murray on Blog Talk Radio to discuss the Summit on Community Resilience, Intervention, Prevention, and Training (SCRIPT)! In addition, she will be joined by presenters Maria Langi and Charleen Stearns, who'll gather to talk about the many topics being presented in this year's event on Thursday July 20th and Friday July 21st! NAASCA has been a co-sponsor of the FREE conference for many years, and we're happy to announce that the event will be back at the California Endowment of the Arts, a perfect venyue for SCRIPT. More than 60% of the population has experienced at least one adverse childhood experience. Evidence suggests that abuse, neglect and other types of adverse experiences are significant risk factors for later physical and mental health problems including drug and/or alcohol abuse, criminal activity, suicide attempts, domestic violence, cancer and heart disease. The costs to society associated with child abuse and neglect exceed $124 billion per year. Additionally of course, adults also experience abuse and trauma in various ways. Please join the event in Los Angeles if you can but call in to the talk show this evening at (646) 595-2118 to listen and learn! Press 1 to join the discussion and to ask SCRIPT your questions. Thank you. The SCRIPT Team cannot wait to see you all soon! (Join us on Wed, July 12th for part 2 of this episode.)
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host is Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, a survivor of severe child abuse who's now a Minister and Chaplain. She'll appear on the 1st Thursday of each month and is the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story," her story of redemption. In 1997, Michelle writes that she, ".. was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. Her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Special topic show - Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
MISSION:
We have a single purpose at NAASCA, to address issues related to childhood abuse and trauma including sexual assault, violent or physical abuse, emotional traumas and neglect .. and we do so with only two goals:
1) educating the public, especially as related to helping society get over its taboo of discussing childhood sexual abuse (CSA), presenting facts showing child abuse to be a pandemic, worldwide problem that affects everyone
2) offering hope and healing through numerous paths, providing many services to adult survivors of child abuse and information for anyone interested in the many issues involving prevention, intervention and recovery
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host is Rev Henry (Hank) McGrath from Caroga Lake, New York, a child abuse survivor, author and NAASCA volunteer. Hank began life in a poor Irish family with 4 siblings in NY. Both parents were alcoholics. At 11 he was hustling to survive in Pittsburgh, PA with bookies, pimps, and prostitutes. It was dangerous for a child alone. Eventually he served time in the juvenile detention system and as a young adult in prison for crimes he'd committed. After decades of hard living and a few near-death situations, he began facing his childhood trauma and by the 90's was happily married. When his beloved wife died from cancer in 2001 Hank promised her to fight for others on the issues of child abuse. Since then, he has worked with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, as a court advocate for youth, and more. Today, Hank is a minister and is very active in his community. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Special topic show - Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
MISSION:
We have a single purpose at NAASCA, to address issues related to childhood abuse and trauma including sexual assault, violent or physical abuse, emotional traumas and neglect .. and we do so with only two goals:
1) educating the public, especially as related to helping society get over its taboo of discussing childhood sexual abuse (CSA), presenting facts showing child abuse to be a pandemic, worldwide problem that affects everyone
2) offering hope and healing through numerous paths, providing many services to adult survivors of child abuse and information for anyone interested in the many issues involving prevention, intervention and recovery
Tonight's special show features Wynona's House, NJ: Proffit; a Child Advocacy Center. The mission of Wynona's House is to promote justice and healing of child victims of abuse and violence by coordinating investigative, prosecutorial, treatment, and prevention services. The vision of Wynona's House is create an community where children are safe, families, are strong, and victims become children again, by: • Reducing the number of times a child is interviewed during the investigation phase to a single interview conducted by a specially trained interviewer in a child-friendly environment
• Increasing successful prosecution through improved evidence collection, victim-witness advocacy, and partnerships with municipal law enforcement • Promoting the research and development of innovative evidence-based behavioral health treatments for children and families • Strengthening the safety net for children through community outreach, education, and prevention efforts. Dominic Prophete, JD, is the Chief
Executive Officer of the CAC. The core of any Child Advocacy Center (CAC) is the multi-disciplinary team (MDT). At Wynona's House, the multi-disciplinary team includes representatives from the Division of Child Protection and Permanency, The Essex County Prosecutor's Office Special Victims Unit, the Newark Beth Israel Center's Metro Regional Diagnostic Treatment Center, Partnership for Children of Essex, CASA of Essex. The team consists of social workers, law enforcement officials, detectives, county prosecutors, medical and mental health providers, victim advocates, and Wynona's House nonprofit staff. Team members provide technical assistance, advice to each other both through formal means, such as case review meetings and informal conversations to support service delivery and one another as professionals.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is is Bill Murray from Los Angeles, our founder. Bill's recovery is 12 Step-based and spans some four decades. Sexually abused by numerous clerics, all men, between the ages of 11 and mid-way through high school, a minor seminary, he was also the victim of pre-pubescent ography and even a two week kidnapping. Bill was graced to have found Alcoholics Anonymous when he was 30 years old. The program not only helped him get clean and sober but also gave him a place to give up his secrets, and the tools by which he's recovered. He firmly believes one can use the 12 Step process to heal from child abuse trauma and to find a way to a comfortable life. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Special topic show - Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
MISSION:
We have a single purpose at NAASCA, to address issues related to childhood abuse and trauma including sexual assault, violent or physical abuse, emotional traumas and neglect .. and we do so with only two goals:
1) educating the public, especially as related to helping society get over its taboo of discussing childhood sexual abuse (CSA), presenting facts showing child abuse to be a pandemic, worldwide problem that affects everyone
2) offering hope and healing through numerous paths, providing many services to adult survivors of child abuse and information for anyone interested in the many issues involving prevention, intervention and recovery
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Special topic show - Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
MISSION: We have a single purpose at NAASCA, to address issues related to childhood abuse and trauma including sexual assault, violent or physical abuse, em
Tonight's special guest is Nelson Jones from Norwood, North Carolina. Abused as a child, Nelson tells us he'd rather not get into too much detail of the child abuse he experienced but is willing to give a brief summary. For example he was abused by other children and by negligent staff in a 'bad kids' group home. Nelson became an independent sex worker at 21, from 2012-2017. "I never thought I could get substantial employment, because I had a litany of misdemeanors. I was too young to understand that those things tend to be overlooked," he says. "I turned to it because prior to that I was shoplifting and I was on Walmart and targets most wanted list and getting caught left and right. I found that I quickly became adaptable and it was much better and less risky money." He goes on, "I happened to meet an illicit masseuse and she mentally abused me, raped me, and attempted to traffic me. Afterwards I was stalked. I decided to take all the negative energy," he explains, "and funnel it into human trafficking awareness efforts. It took a while to get to this point but I now run my own awareness platform, 'Trafficking Insights'. I also volunteer through a program called 'In Our Backyard', which also has a published book of the same name that explains itself as a primer on human trafficking in North America. The book also says, "In recent years, Americans have woken up to the reality that human trafficking is not just something that happens in other countries."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host is Monica Boglin from Puyallup, Washington, a survivor of sexual, physical, and emotional child abuse. Her preditors were all family members, and her parents were intent on passing on to Monica the behavior that their parents had done to them. She also has lived with Lupus since she was 29, a painful autoimmune disease that has long been linked to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Monica became a life coach and a therapist and notes, “I've finally found a way to forgive the unforgivable and to firmly keep anyone and everything harmful out of my life been linked to." She's earned her Masters degree in metaphysical science and counseling and is well on her way to earning a PhD in the same field. "I hope to further use my story as a way to become of service and to help those along the path to their own healing, because I now know that hope and help is available.” ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Special topic show - Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
MISSION:
We have a single purpose at NAASCA, to address issues related to childhood abuse and trauma including sexual assault, violent or physical abuse, emotional traumas and neglect .. and we do so with only two goals:
1) educating the public, especially as related to helping society get over its taboo of discussing childhood sexual abuse (CSA), presenting facts showing child abuse to be a pandemic, worldwide problem that affects everyone
2) offering hope and healing through numerous paths, providing many services to adult survivors of child abuse and information for anyone interested in the many issues involving prevention, intervention and recovery
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host is Cherie White from Covington, Tennessee, an anti bullying advocate and author of three books who uses her own story of being bullied and gaslighted to help those enduring the same abuse today. "In 6th grade I began a long lesson in the human predator/prey dynamic and a battle for my dignity, safety, and my very soul." At first she took the physical beatings, name-calling, and abuse. Cherie was a victim of what is called 'poly-victimization'. In just six months she went from being a kid who always made the honor roll, to an angry and bitter girl who made only C's and D's. "Who could concentrate on schoolwork?" she asks. Cherie attempted suicide at the age of fourteen. "Because I felt powerless, I began to bully those who were even weaker than me in attempts to grab back some of my power. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is David L H Finch from Far North Queensland in Australia, a survivor of severe childhood abuse. His book, 'Here There Be Monsters' chronicles his youth and how he learned to become a survivor. It is David's hope that other survivors of abuse might find healing upon reading his book. I normally focus more on the recovery and healing process. But he's here today to tell his story to try to help others in need." David tells us about his work: "His book is a memoir of his violently abusive childhood, his escape and learning to live after traumatic abuse. The message he hopes people will take away from this book is that abuse victims can become survivors. There is life, trust and love after abuse. Most of all there is hope." He explains, "I thank the pandemic for the flood of memoirs about abuse. This was a project of twenty five years. Flash forward to three years ago, He started it completely over, He was no longer an angry man venting at the world, screaming 'look at me .. this happened to me'." He goes on, "I had somehow found the grace to separate myself from the anger and write it out as it happened, leaving the listener/reader to make the decisions of what happened back then, I had found my center. This book is the result. This is non-fiction so easy right? Not really the subject matter is brutal and triggering to many who have read it. I plan on spending the rest of my life trying to educate people on the survival and prevention of child abuse. Teaching people how to detect child abuse. Teaching parents how to be able to raise their children without abuse."
Tonight's special guest Maria Vinci-Savettiere is the Executive Director at Dierdre's House, the Center in Morris County for child victims of abuse and/or neglect and for children that have witnessed family violence. Established in 1994, Deirdre's House is the only site in Morris County where a child victim can be interviewed and digitally recorded by law enforcement, medically examined and treated by a pediatric abuse specialist, prepared for trial, and clinically counseled in English or Spanish----all under one roof. As a nationally accredited Child Advocacy Center (CAC), Deirdre's House provides a comprehensive multidisciplinary team response to allegations of child abuse in a dedicated, safe, secure, child focused setting meaning that a child victim will not have to be interviewed and processed at a police station, examined in a hospital emergency room, and counseled at yet another location. It means that already badly traumatized children will not be retraumatized by the very system that is trying to assist them. They often exhibit isolation, anti-social behavior, low self-esteem, depression, and an impaired ability to function successfully in social and school situations. Deirdre’s House aims to help clients who have been abused, neglected, or witnessed domestic violence to increase the child’s independence, academic performance, and self-esteem. As Executive Director of Deirdre's House, Maria Vinci-Savettiere, Esq, has combined her legal knowledge and business acumen to expand and improve the programs offered to child victims, increase cooperation among agencies and organizations utilizing the facilities, and bring Deirdre's House back to financial stability.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is ? ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Special topic show - Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
MISSION:
We have a single purpose at NAASCA, to address issues related to childhood abuse and trauma including sexual assault, violent or physical abuse, emotional traumas and neglect .. and we do so with only two goals:
1) educating the public, especially as related to helping society get over its taboo of discussing childhood sexual abuse (CSA), presenting facts showing child abuse to be a pandemic, worldwide problem that affects everyone
2) offering hope and healing through numerous paths, providing many services to adult survivors of child abuse and information for anyone interested in the many issues involving prevention, intervention and recovery
Tonight's special topic will be 'Self Care'. The open mike discussion will be led by AmyAnna Soto from Modesto, California, a survivor of severe child abuse, rape and stalking. AmyAnna is a Certified Somatic Mindful Guided Imagery® Practitioner, with an office in Modesto, California. Her own healing journey gives her unique insight into helping others through the process of SMGI®. She loves being able to bring relief to her clients whether it be from stress, physical pain, emotional pain or repressed traumas. She is delighted when clients realize they have the power and ability to connect with their inner wisdom in order heal themselves. AmyAnna has 10 years experience working for organizations advocating for mental health and trauma healing. In 2014, she became a community voice through public speaking on these matters. AmyAnna learned through organizing writing and arts and crafts groups, trauma survivors can receive a type of healing not available through talk therapy or words alone. As a former Certified Nursing Assistant, AmyAnna learned how strong the human spirit can be and the importance of kindness and compassion in one’s most dire moments. AmyAnna is an artist and poet who has shown her work in Minneapolis, Seattle, San Francisco and Modesto. She is currently working on a memoir. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show.
Tonight's special guest is Dr. Rivka Edery, Psy.D, LCSW, UK, a survivor of childhood abuse on every level, who is intimately familiar with the challenges of surviving, and thriving, in the aftermath. As a social worker, Rivka discovered that many of her clients had experienced childhood trauma, too, causing them to feel isolated, disconnected, and avoidant in adulthood. However, they struggled to recognize the impact of their experiences. "I understood their reluctance to confront their vulnerable inner selves. This is because I had also experienced a disconnection of my own." Rivka explains, "I experienced complex trauma as a child, and most acutely, I experienced attachment-loss trauma as my parents were mired in their own problems. They were completely unavailable, and I suffered in excruciating silence." She goes on, "I strongly believe in the transformative effects of twelve-step programs for those who have undergone trauma. A blend of sincere accountability, soul-searching, and being nurtured by a Higher Power can be a solution that is beneficial for all." She became a first time author specializing in trauma recovery and spirituality with her first book, 'Trauma and Transformation: A 12-Step Guide'. "I finally understood how my childhood experiences impacted my behavior, thoughts, and relationships, a relief that motivated me to uncover the root cause of my chronic disconnection and inner isolation." She concludes, "I've found healing for my inner child." She's been a mental health clinician and researcher over the last decade, and holds a doctorate in psychology. Rivka is longtime NAASCA family member and an active participant in the group.
Tonight's special guest is Nancy Dahlhauser, a child abuse survivor who was raped at the age of eight by her father who was an abusive alcoholic. "I repressed the memories of my assault until my late twenties" she says. "When my oldest daughter turned eight, I believe it triggered my recovery of the memories. At the time I was a wife, a mother, a teacher, leading a normal life. My carefully constructed world fell apart." Nancy spent several years in therapy and discovered that writing and creating artwork was very helpful on her journey of recovery. In 2008 she self-published a book, 'Fallout; memoir of a freckle face freak'. (It can be downloaded for FREE on her website at www.nancydahlhauser.com) "Writing my memoir was very upsetting to my mother and some of my siblings so I did very little to promote the book. I was also afraid that I would be judged unfairly if people knew about my past." She goes on "Within a short period of time, I lost my brother to brain cancer, my mother who essentially died of a broken heart, my husband who died of a heart attack at fifty-six, and my sister Anna who committed suicide in my home. My sister was also a survivor of childhood molestation. She didn't do "the work" it takes to heal and that resulted in her suicide." Nancy didn't handle it well. She drank too much and isolated herself from friends and family. "And then one day, I woke up and wrote 'I will not be defeated' on my bedroom wall. I slowly started to crawl through all the grief and regret and build a new life for myself. I'm braver and stronger now. I humbly pray that it can provide some hope for fellow survivors.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host is Synova Cantrell from Missouri, an Award-Winning Author, Speaker, Coach and a Life-Long Seeker of Knowledge & Wisdom. After a decade in the world of true crime & victim advocacy, Synova has taken her 10,000 hours of study and entered the self-help field. Synova's a certified NLP Life Coach through the American Union of NLP. She's also the owner of Synova's Simply Biz author coaching service and an award-winning crime writer with over 300 cases under her belt. One of her books was even endorsed by a retired FBI Agent! To top it all off, a flag was flown over the Capitol in Washington D.C. to honor her cold case work!!! Now, Synova is using her study and experience to inspire, motivate and educate her audience. Synova's life coaching includes elements of NLP, practical psychology, ancient principles, and biochemistry. You can live a more abundant life and enjoy the journey! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Special topic show - Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
MISSION:
We have a single purpose at NAASCA, to address issues related to childhood abuse and trauma including sexual assault, violent or physical abuse, emotional traumas and neglect .. and we do so with only two goals:
1) educating the public, especially as related to helping society get over its taboo of discussing childhood sexual abuse (CSA), presenting facts showing child abuse to be a pandemic, worldwide problem that affects everyone
2) offering hope and healing through numerous paths, providing many services to adult survivors of child abuse and information for anyone interested in the many issues involving prevention, intervention and recovery
Tonight we'll feature a survivor professional who will co-host and who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~Tonight's special co-host is Rev Henry (Hank) McGrath from Caroga Lake, New York, a child abuse survivor, author, and NAASCA volunteer. Hank began life in a poor Irish family with 4 siblings in NY. Both parents were alcoholics. At 11 he was hustling to survive in Pittsburgh, PA with bookies, pimps, and prostitutes. It was dangerous for a child alone. Eventually he served time in the juvenile detention system and as a young adult in prison for crimes he'd committed. After decades of hard living and a few near-death situations, he began facing his childhood trauma and by the 90's was happily married. When his beloved wife died from cancer in 2001 Hank promised her to fight for others on the issues of child abuse. Since then, he has worked with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, as a court advocate for youth, and more. Today, Hank is a minister and is very active in his community.
Tonight's special guest is Mike Tikkanen from Hopkins, Minnesota, a returning NAASCA family member. Mike runs 'Invisible Children', a non-profit action tank that supports the people, policies, and programs that improve the lives of at-risk children. He knows all the statistics of child abuse. On tonight's show Mike will review a recent high profile investigative report on children murdered by their caregivers while in child protective services. The COVID pandemic has kept many children locked in violent and toxic homes with no escape or access to teachers and other mandated reporters to help them escape violent homes to find safety and healing. About 12 million American children are reported to child protective services annually. Without help, traumatized children grow up with mental health and behavior problems and dysfunctional lifestyles. Mike is a founder of Kids At Risk Action, a nonprofit supporting the people, policies and programs that improve the lives of at-risk children. Mike is a keynote speaker (including the United Nations in NY) and is the author of many newspaper, online articles & the book 'Invisible Children: Pre-Teen Mothers, Adolescent Felons, and What We Can Do About It'. He shines a light on the lifelong impact the traumas of child neglect, abuse and violence is having on children.
Tonight's special guest is David Brown from Duluth, Minnesota, a former paramedic and police officer, an abuse survivor, and the author of six books found at davidjbrownbooks.com. David explains his life story: "I experienced child abuse with daily beatings and starvation from both my parents in my early years at about 4 years of age. This continued until my dad sobered up when I was 10. The trust was broken and I could not feel safe with him or my mother as they both beat and starved me. I grew up to become reckless and fearless, at least that was my act. My1st career position was that as a rescue paramedic in 1970. In 1978 I moved out to the Western States and became the uniform police officer. My lifetime motto became, "I can only reach just one soul." In 1991, at 43, I came out of an alcohol induced blackout with my duty weapon in my mouth. I put down my weapon and took an oath to change my life forever, and I haven't had a drink since then it's been more than 30 years. In 2009 my mother passed away, I was living in Colorado and she in Minnesota. I came back home for her funeral service. On my return trip back to Colorado I stopped for gas in Sheridan Wyoming. I saw a mountain cliff directly in front of me and something moved me and told me I had to go there, there was something special there that I had to experience. I can't tell you what transpired, all I know is it as I walked away back to my car a voice spoke to me and it said, "Write the book." From that day to this day I have authored 6 books all in the realm of Self Help and better living from depression, alcoholism and suicidal ideations."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, a survivor of severe child abuse who's now a Minister and Chaplain. She'll appear on the 1st Thursday of each month and is the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story," her story of redemption. In 1997, Michelle writes that she, ".. was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. Her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Not yet booked.Special topic show - Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, and services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic!! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.-- much more info to come --
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Bill Murray from Los Angeles, our founder. Bill's recovery is 12 Step-based and spans some four decades. Sexually abused by numerous clerics, all men, between the ages of 11 and mid-way through high school, a minor seminary, he was also the victim of pre-pubescent ography and even a two week kidnapping. Bill was graced to have found Alcoholics Anonymous when he was 30 years old. The program not only helped him get clean and sober but also gave him a place to give up his secrets, and the tools by which he's recovered. He firmly believes one can use the 12 Step process to heal from child abuse trauma and to find a way to a comfortable life. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Special topic show - Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.MISSION:We have a single purpose at NAASCA, to address issues related to childhood abuse and trauma including sexual assault, violent or physical abuse, emotional traumas and neglect .. and we do so with only two goals:1) educating the public, especially as related to helping society get over its taboo of discussing childhood sexual abuse (CSA), presenting facts showing child abuse to be a pandemic, worldwide problem that affects everyone2) offering hope and healing through numerous paths, providing many services to adult survivors of child abuse and information for anyone interested in the many issues involving prevention, intervention and recovery
Tonight's special guest is Shirle T. Williams from Pottstown, Pennsylvania, a child abuse survivor and author of the book 'Conversations With The Little Girl Within, A Journey of Forgiveness, Healing and Liberation From Unresolved Childhood Issues'. For years Shirle struggled to overcome self-limiting beliefs and the painful memories of a traumatic childhood that haunted her. She found liberation through writing a book about her experiences entitled Conversations With The Little Girl Within, A Journey of Forgiveness, Healing and Liberation from Unresolved Childhood Issues. The book is at the same time touching and informative, Conversations with the Little Girl Within is her inspirational example of how you can overcome your suffering from adverse childhood experiences, move forward with a renewed understanding of the relationships that affected you growing up, and rewrite the script for your adulthood. Shirle is a certified Holistic Life Skills coach and spiritual warrior. She is a master at meeting life's challenges head on. She's committed to empowering women by helping them to recognize their spiritual value. Shirle holds a degree in Christian Ministries and is spiritual but, keeps it real. Being a survivor of ACE and domestic abuse Shirle is passionate about educating women and is founder of the newly formed company Goddesses School of Recovery From Hard Knocks. She is developing the business to enlighten, liberate and inspire women struggling with inner conflicts because of the negativity, shame, and emotional pain of their past. The life skills and mastermind program, delves into spiritual & personal development topics. Women learn how to turn their life around and take their power back by using solutions that help them overcome their life issues.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host is Monica Boglin from Puyallup, Washington, a survivor of sexual, physical, and emotional child abuse. Her preditors were all family members, and her parents were intent on passing on to Monica the behavior that their parents had done to them. She also has lived with Lupus since she was 29, a painful autoimmune disease that has long been linked to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Monica became a life coach and a therapist and notes, “I've finally found a way to forgive the unforgivable and to firmly keep anyone and everything harmful out of my life been linked to." She's earned her Masters degree in metaphysical science and counseling and is well on her way to earning a PhD in the same field. "I hope to further use my story as a way to become of service and to help those along the path to their own healing, because I now know that hope and help is available.” ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Melisa Pearce from Elizabeth, Colorado, an Equine Gestalt Coach who will be joined by Evie Rose, who assists on the 'Touch By A Horse' ranch with the clients and animals. Melisa Pearce is a teacher, author, psychotherapist and pioneer in the field of the human/horse healing. Over the last three decades, she has coached and helped others through her private psychotherapy practice and partnership with horses. This partnership with horses led her to create the Equine Gestalt Coaching Method. At the core of her approach lies her deep understanding of the transformative power of one of the most important contributions of humanistic psychology – Gestalt therapy. As a Gestaltist, Melisa has guided thousands of clients through their unfinished business to a level of self-awareness that allows room for personal responsibility and a life of self-compassion. Melisa's recent book asks the pertinent question, “What the Heck Is Gestalt?”, and it makes the theory and practice of Gestalt accessible to anyone interested in Gestalt. Melisa has bred, shown and raised horses for over 30 years, giving her a deep understanding of their natures. She won two World Championship American Paint Horse Association awards, has bred over 200 foals, and owns multiple ranches. She continues to lecture nationally at major equine events such as the Midwest Horse Fair. Melisa believes that a horses' true purpose on this planet is to be healers. They never ask why. They live in the present moment. They are not interested in what we think, and they are highly tuned in to how we feel.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Special topic show - Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.MISSION:We have a single purpose at NAASCA, to address issues related to childhood abuse and trauma including sexual assault, violent or physical abuse, emotional traumas and neglect .. and we do so with only two goals:1) educating the public, especially as related to helping society get over its taboo of discussing childhood sexual abuse (CSA), presenting facts showing child abuse to be a pandemic, worldwide problem that affects everyone2) offering hope and healing through numerous paths, providing many services to adult survivors of child abuse and information for anyone interested in the many issues involving prevention, intervention and recovery
Tonight's special guest is Daphne Young from Scottsdale, Arizona, the Chief Communications Officer of Childhelp. Now celebrating it's 40th anniversary, Childhood features a hotline, 1-800-4-A-CHILD, that offers crisis intervention, information, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources. All contacts are confidential. There are also individual state-by-state hotlines to call, too. As Childhelp says, "Reporting child abuse can be scary. If you are a witness to or a victim of child abuse there is a huge benefit to making the report yourself. Being able to tell your story first hand gives the child care worker much better information than if it came from someone not involved. Your story could save a life." And they go on, "Our counselors are available to talk through child abuse situations if you have questions or need additional support. We can also help research additional resources that may be available to you." Read the history of Childhelp and its founders, Sara O'Meara and Yvonne Fedderson. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is dedicated to the prevention of child abuse. It is primarily funded by individuals and companies, and has given assistance to more than 2 million help seekers. In the U.S. and Canada, the hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with professional crisis counselors who, through interpreters, provide assistance in over 170 languages. The hotline offers crisis intervention, information, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources. All contacts are confidential. As they say, "Bottom line, we are here to answer the call."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Dr Jaime Romo from San Diego, an educator, consultant, author, and Minister, who promotes prevention and healing from child sexual abuse, particularly abuse by religious authorities or in the context of religious settings. A workbook he wrote, Healing the Sexually Abused Heart: A Workbook for Survivors, Thrivers, and Supporters, is an integration of various disciplines that led Jaime to become a certified Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) facilitator. Jaime explains, “While it is no secret that I am a survivor of clergy abuse, it is the journey of integration, transformation and application that is most telling about my accomplishments and the life that I celebrate.” Visit his web site: www.jaimeromo.org. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Special topic show - Those who call in will form a panel that'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, and services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic!! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.-- much more info to come --
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host is Cherie White from Covington, Tennessee, an anti bullying advocate and author of three books who uses her own story of being bullied and gaslighted to help those enduring the same abuse today. "In 6th grade I began a long lesson in the human predator/prey dynamic and a battle for my dignity, safety, and my very soul." At first she took the physical beatings, name-calling, and abuse. Cherie was a victim of what is called 'poly-victimization'. In just six months she went from being a kid who always made the honor roll, to an angry and bitter girl who made only C's and D's. "Who could concentrate on schoolwork?" she asks. Cherie attempted suicide at the age of fourteen. "Because I felt powerless, I began to bully those who were even weaker than me in attempts to grab back some of my power. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Special topic show - Those who call in will form a panel that'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, and services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma, and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage in tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org website.
Tonight's special guest is Kari Kelley from Sunnyvale, California, a child abuse survivor, abandoned by her biological parents, abused by foster parents, traumatized by bullying and betrayals in love, and worst of all, blinded, by being shaken too hard as an infant. Yet she has risen from the ashes to be not only enjoying every moment of her life now, but also actively pursuing her vision to make the world a better place for children! Kari is an author of 'Living Resiliently', a heroic story that provides the reader with points to ponder which can effectively help one in overcoming sorrows. Kari is a woman with a mission, a passion to create a support system for women to overcoming issues that prevent them from experiencing loving and deeply connected relationships. Kari was featured in an 'I am Enough' article (issuu magazine, p26-29), and shared her heart and story with such depth, authenticity and vulnerability you will be powerfully moved. "I am passionate about advocating for awareness and prevention of child abuse," she says, "and my life experience is such that I feel compelled to provide support to adult survivors." She goes on, "I am so excited to have been featured in the March 2023 edition of the RHG Magazine (page 29 and 30)!!". Kari's the author of 'Black Blind and Female'. In it, Kari receives a request for forgiveness from her long dead adoptive mother. In order to find the freedom of forgiveness and the ecstasy of unconditional love Kari is compelled to come to terms with long held feelings of bitterness and anger.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host is Synova Cantrell from Missouri, an Award-Winning Author, Speaker, Coach and a Life-Long Seeker of Knowledge & Wisdom. After a decade in the world of true crime & victim advocacy, Synova has taken her 10,000 hours of study and entered the self-help field. Synova's a certified NLP Life Coach through the American Union of NLP. She's also the owner of Synova's Simply Biz author coaching service and an award-winning crime writer with over 300 cases under her belt. One of her books was even endorsed by a retired FBI Agent! To top it all off, a flag was flown over the Capitol in Washington D.C. to honor her cold case work!!! Now, Synova is using her study and experience to inspire, motivate and educate her audience. Synova's life coaching includes elements of NLP, practical psychology, ancient principles, and biochemistry. You can live a more abundant life and enjoy the journey! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Special topic show - Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.MISSION:We have a single purpose at NAASCA, to address issues related to childhood abuse and trauma including sexual assault, violent or physical abuse, emotional traumas and neglect .. and we do so with only two goals:1) educating the public, especially as related to helping society get over its taboo of discussing childhood sexual abuse (CSA), presenting facts showing child abuse to be a pandemic, worldwide problem that affects everyone2) offering hope and healing through numerous paths, providing many services to adult survivors of child abuse and information for anyone interested in the many issues involving prevention, intervention and recovery
Special topic show - Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.MISSION:We have a single purpose at NAASCA, to address issues related to childhood abuse and trauma including sexual assault, violent or physical abuse, emotional traumas and neglect .. and we do so with only two goals:1) educating the public, especially as related to helping society get over its taboo of discussing childhood sexual abuse (CSA), presenting facts showing child abuse to be a pandemic, worldwide problem that affects everyone2) offering hope and healing through numerous paths, providing many services to adult survivors of child abuse and information for anyone interested in the many issues involving prevention, intervention and recovery
Special topic show - Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.MISSION:We have a single purpose at NAASCA, to address issues related to childhood abuse and trauma including sexual assault, violent or physical abuse, emotional traumas and neglect .. and we do so with only two goals:1) educating the public, especially as related to helping society get over its taboo of discussing childhood sexual abuse (CSA), presenting facts showing child abuse to be a pandemic, worldwide problem that affects everyone2) offering hope and healing through numerous paths, providing many services to adult survivors of child abuse and information for anyone interested in the many issues involving prevention, intervention and recovery
Special topic show - Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site. MISSION: We have a single purpose at NAASCA, to address issues related to childhood abuse and trauma including sexual assault, violent or physical abuse, emotional traumas and neglect .. and we do so with only two goals: 1) educating the public, especially as related to helping society get over its taboo of discussing childhood sexual abuse (CSA), presenting facts showing child abuse to be a pandemic, worldwide problem that affects everyone 2) offering hope and healing through numerous paths, providing many services to adult survivors of child abuse and information for anyone interested in the many issues involving prevention, intervention and recovery
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, a survivor of severe child abuse who's now a Minister and Chaplain. She'll appear on the 1st Thursday of each month and is the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story," her story of redemption. In 1997, Michelle writes that she, ".. was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. Her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host is Rev Henry (Hank) McGrath from Caroga Lake, New York, a child abuse survivor, author and NAASCA volunteer. Hank began life in a poor Irish family with 4 siblings in NY. Both parents were alcoholics. At 11 he was hustling to survive in Pittsburgh, PA with bookies, pimps, and prostitutes. It was dangerous for a child alone. Eventually he served time in the juvenile detention system and as a young adult in prison for crimes he'd committed. After decades of hard living and a few near-death situations, he began facing his childhood trauma and by the 90's was happily married. When his beloved wife died from cancer in 2001 Hank promised her to fight for others on the issues of child abuse. Since then, he has worked with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, as a court advocate for youth, and more. Today, Hank is a minister and is very active in his community. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Special topic show - Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.MISSION:We have a single purpose at NAASCA, to address issues related to childhood abuse and trauma including sexual assault, violent or physical abuse, emotional traumas and neglect .. and we do so with only two goals:1) educating the public, especially as related to helping society get over its taboo of discussing childhood sexual abuse (CSA), presenting facts showing child abuse to be a pandemic, worldwide problem that affects everyone2) offering hope and healing through numerous paths, providing many services to adult survivors of child abuse and information for anyone interested in the many issues involving prevention, intervention and recovery
Tonight's special guest is Melissa Santana from Euclid, Ohio, a survivor of both child abuse and later domestic violence. She experience trauma in both the physical and the mental sense. She went to counseling prior to going to school for it, and became a social worker, helping kids at a high school in downtown Cleveland where she connects youth to resources that help them overcome difficulties in their life. These include Say Yes Cleveland as a family support specialist, among other things, Melissa connects students to support and promote scholarship services. "I’m also a bilingual peer education coordinator for Planned Parenthood Greater Ohio where I educate adult health ambassadors about various areas of sexual health," she says. "Most would describe me as an energetic, hyperactive person who talks extremely fast!" Melissa says. "I describe myself as a driven, motivated Afro-Latina who doesn't bite her tongue. Either way I love life, have a lot of goals & believe in the power of positive thinking!" She goes on, "I host a podcast called Santana Says where I educate others on different areas of interpersonal violence including the violence I experienced in a previous domestic relationship. I was raised by an alcoholic mother which made it hard for me to know what healthy relationships look like, so I take great joy in educating others on it now!" Melissa has a diverse background and is highly successful in developing and presenting engaging programs in the areas of diversity and inclusion, interpersonal violence, psychotherapy, and crisis intervention.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host is Monica Boglin from Puyallup, Washington, a survivor of sexual, physical, and emotional child abuse. Her preditors were all family members, and her parents were intent on passing on to Monica the behavior that their parents had done to them. She also has lived with Lupus since she was 29, a painful autoimmune disease that has long been linked to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Monica became a life coach and a therapist and notes, “I've finally found a way to forgive the unforgivable and to firmly keep anyone and everything harmful out of my life been linked to." She's earned her Masters degree in metaphysical science and counseling and is well on her way to earning a PhD in the same field. "I hope to further use my story as a way to become of service and to help those along the path to their own healing, because I now know that hope and help is available.” ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Gloria Masters from Auckland, New Zealand, who says, "My father put me through hell for 16 years." She goes on, "My journey is quite unusual and is depicted as one from darkness into light and is one of hope, resilience and the unrelenting power of the human spirit to survive." She was born into sex slavery in 1960 in middle-class New Zealand. "For the first sixteen years of my life, I suffered horrendous sexual, physical and psychological abuse at the hands of my father, with no one to protect me." Now Gloria is an author and advocate for adults who have experienced child sexual abuse who speaks from her years of experience, turning the final corner of healing into giving back. She does this through highlighting the issue of child sexual abuse to help other survivors. She has just published her second book, 'Flightpath To Healing – A Guide For CSA Survivors', and is also the founder and CEO of 'Handing The Shame Back Foundation'. Gloria uses her personal story because she knows this brings hope to those afraid to speak out. "From the underworld of my father's pedophile ring," she says, "to the groups he trafficked me to, I found an inner strength and a light that shone brightly. My mind was the one thing that could not be destroyed. I was leased to gangs, made to do ographic movies, forced abortions, leased out of nightclubs in our red light district and much more. I survived, and give back to help other survivors of this." The extraordinary powerful story of Gloria's journey from darkness into light is one of hope, resilience and the unrelenting power of the human spirit to survive.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Paul Howard from Studio City, California, a child abuse survivor who's a filmmaker, artist and activist. He loosely uses his own story in his newest film, 'Tomorrow', an award winning short film, written and directed by Karis Campbell. It now includes an epilogue companion piece, 'Paul's Story', where the two, along with child safety educator, Pattie Fitzgerald, discuss the film and its themes further. "We also discuss my experiences as a victim of abuse," Paul says, "and my journey into becoming a survivor." Paul discusses how 90% of abusers are someone we know. Children are taught stranger danger leaving them vulnerable, making it more difficult to come forward when it is the couch, teach or someone who sits at the dinner table. Paul himself, a brother and all the other children were abused violently in a multitude of ways at the daycare he was placed in from 6 months old until age 12. He talks of how it was a culture of fear, and he gives an honest and heartfelt reflection of how he thought the abuse was a norm because it was all he had known. He goes on to say, "It's important that we understand what a man goes through as a survivor. The first step is to be able to talk about it." Paul courageously brings forth a hard truth, those we trust and love can be our abusers too. "We must teach children to trust that inner feeling that says something doesn't feel right." As a man who is healing and recovered from his trauma he wants survivors to understand you too can heal and arrive at a good place in life. The film is wonderfully made, bringing forth so much insight on keeping our kids safe. "Telling is healing."
Tonight's special guest is Jessica Moss from Columbus, Georgia, a new member of our NAASCA family. "I have never told my story," she says "and I think it would be a freeing experience .. and maybe it could help someone." Jessica was sexually abused and raped by her older brother from around the age of 8 to 12 years old (he was about 5 years older than her). Sexual abuse of children happens more often in familys .. parents, siblings, grand parents, uncles and extended familiys .. than in any other group. Few call it what it is, 'incest'. Jessica suffered in other ways, too. "Near the end of this time, I suffered a traumatic event leading to severe dehydration." This caused her to float in and out of consciousness for several days, unable to get up or communicate with anyone, unable to ask for water. "Soon after this, we moved to another state, and my brother went off to college, but he also tried to continue the abuse when I was 17 and ended up living with him in an apartment with my (then) boyfriend. I am 32 now, and only recently was able to fully remember the abuse and everything that happened." Many child abuse survivors experience a full or partial loss of memory about their childhood trauma. "From that time, my memory of the abuse was almost entirely repressed until the age of 29. I am slowly beginning to unpack the things that happened to me and to connect all of the dots. I don't think I could have remembered any of it, and I could never have survived it, without the help of Jesus Christ, who was always there with me at my darkest, loneliest points. This is why I want to share my story." Jessica asked us to include her email address in the bio so that people can find her in the future: jesushasalwayslovedyou@gmail.com.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host is Bob Eden from Queensland, Australia. The THEME of the show will be on 'depression', and the main focus will be to help any callers who might be struggling at this time. Bob is known as 'The Spiritual Mechanic', and is the author of his most recent book, 'The Gift of Depression', a heartfelt honest account of his childhood experiences, his depression and how he overcame such hurdles and found inner peace. We'll also learn of other books on depression and of a 45 minute interview on YouTube called 'Depression: A Gateway to Contentment' by Jeff Newman. Bob is on a radical mission to eradicate suicide, where the frequent common symptom is depression. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host is Cherie White from Covington, Tennessee, an anti bullying advocate and author of three books who uses her own story of being bullied and gaslighted to help those enduring the same abuse today. "In 6th grade I began a long lesson in the human predator/prey dynamic and a battle for my dignity, safety, and my very soul." At first she took the physical beatings, name-calling, and abuse. Cherie was a victim of what is called 'poly-victimization'. In just six months she went from being a kid who always made the honor roll, to an angry and bitter girl who made only C's and D's. "Who could concentrate on schoolwork?" she asks. Cherie attempted suicide at the age of fourteen. "Because I felt powerless, I began to bully those who were even weaker than me in attempts to grab back some of my power. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Special topic show - Topics will include INCEST. Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.MISSION:We have a single purpose at NAASCA, to address issues related to childhood abuse and trauma including sexual assault, violent or physical abuse, emotional traumas and neglect .. and we do so with only two goals:1) educating the public, especially as related to helping society get over its taboo of discussing childhood sexual abuse (CSA), presenting facts showing child abuse to be a pandemic, worldwide problem that affects everyone2) offering hope and healing through numerous paths, providing many services to adult survivors of child abuse and information for anyone interested in the many issues involving prevention, intervention and recovery
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host is Synova Cantrell from Missouri, an Award-Winning Author, Speaker, Coach and a Life-Long Seeker of Knowledge & Wisdom. After a decade in the world of true crime & victim advocacy, Synova has taken her 10,000 hours of study and entered the self help field. Synova's a certified NLP Life Coach through the American Union of NLP. She's also the owner of Synova's Simply Biz author coaching service and an award-winning crime writer with over 300 cases under her belt. One of her books was even endorsed by a retired FBI Agent! To top it all off, a flag was flown over the Capitol in Washington D.C. to honor her cold case work!!! Now, Synova is using her study and experience to inspire, motivate and educate her audience. Synova's life coaching includes elements of NLP, practical psychology, ancient principles, and biochemistry. You can live a more abundant life and enjoy the journey! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Maria Trusa from White Plains, New York. It took Maria 47 years to break her silence and speak out about the abuse she endured at just nine years old. Her life story is a tremendous example of inner strength. Maria was able to undo the trauma of her past and become a successful business woman, community leader, and activist who constantly fights to eradicate the scourge of sexual abuse that plagues her community. Her book, 'I Say No More', is her personal journey of growth, and self-improvement. In 2020, Maria founded a nonprofit organization by the same name, 'Yo Digo No Más' ('I Say No More'). It focuses on raising awareness of the prevalence of sexual violence in Latino communities, especially among children, while helping sexual violence survivors break the cycle of abuse. They provide mental health and trauma-informed services for survivors and their families. The work, Maria explains, ".. chronicles my early years growing up in the Dominican Republic, where I experienced traumatic sexual assault at the age of nine by a family friend of my father. This experience nearly cost me my life. Once I moved to the United States, I struggled to find organizations that would provide culturally appropriate services to begin addressing and healing from this abuse." She goes on, "I travel the globe providing presentations, workshops." She focuses on raising awareness and ending the silent epidemic of sexual violence happening in Latino communities and implements trauma-informed systems in workplaces. Maria speaks on the topics of resiliency, mindfulness, and self-reflection, inspiring immigrants on ways to make their dreams come true and how to overcome early childhood trauma.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Dean Tong from Port Richey, Florida, a Trial Consultant, Author, Nationally Certified Child Forensic Interviewer and Subject Matter Expert. "I am a forensic trial consultant," he says, "and expert in the area of cognitive child developmental psychology and structured interviews of children allegedly molested, child sex abuse therapy, parental alienation, sexual deviancy/interest testing and child abuse investigations in juvenile, criminal, family and administrative courts across America." He has a web site at: www.abuse-excuse.com ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Michele Johnson from Bartow, Florida, a returning NAASCA family member who says, "It's been several years and much has changed." Michele was sexually abused by multiple men and women between the ages of 5 and 15. Later, at 16, she began to be sexually trafficked. Growing up her home was filled with addictions, violence, mental abuse and sexual abuse. As an adult, she reports, "I was able to keep my trauma in check until I was stranded in Hurricane Harvey in 2017." This event triggered memories and flashbacks of all the trauma and abuses. "I had to seek help after realizing that my suicidal thoughts were overtaking my life. I started therapy two months after the hurricane and continue today with two trauma therapists." She tells her story to bring hope to other trauma survivors and to let them know they are not alone. "I have been speaking, writing, and advocating since 2018. I blog my healing journey (be sure to check out the BLOG: 'Being MJ Everyday') and hope to educate therapists, law enforcement, teachers and other professionals about the devastating effects of trauma and the process and experiences of healing." Her BLOG is honest. "It’s only been the last two years that I have begun to feel love and accepted in my relationships. I put away some older, not so healthy relationships and started to develop new ones. I have begun to place more value on myself than what others think of me." She continues, "I won’t lie. I still struggle with whether or not I am good enough. I struggle with the fear that my friends will leave or abandon me. But I have begun to accept that what happened to me has given me purpose."
Special topic show - Topics include all about NAASCA. Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.MISSION:We have a single purpose at NAASCA, to address issues related to childhood abuse and trauma including sexual assault, violent or physical abuse, emotional traumas and neglect .. and we do so with only two goals:1) educating the public, especially as related to helping society get over its taboo of discussing childhood sexual abuse (CSA), presenting facts showing child abuse to be a pandemic, worldwide problem that affects everyone2) offering hope and healing through numerous paths, providing many services to adult survivors of child abuse and information for anyone interested in the many issues involving prevention, intervention and recovery
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, a survivor of severe child abuse who's now a Minister and Chaplain. She'll appear on the 1st Thursday of each month and is the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story," her story of redemption. In 1997, Michelle writes that she, ".. was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. Her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Paul Abramson from Glendale, California, born into a wealthy elite family of extreme narcissists. "My mother was severely emotionally disturbed and my father was a psychopath," he says. "They got away with their crimes because they were rich and powerful in very corrupt Chicago, Illinois." He goes on, "My mother would abandon us when we were toddlers (me and my three sisters)." His father was a soulless brute who only cared about making money and thought of children as property, and nothing more. Social workers had to be called out to the house numerous times. Paul rebelled and at 5 was thrown in a mental hospital without any diagnosis. It was run as if was a concentration camp. Paul says, "I was beaten, tortured and sexually molested by staff and patients for three years." When home, from 9 to 14, Paul was summarily beaten and sexually molested by his father. His mother hit him on a regular basis. Again he rebelled and was sent away to another mental hospital where again, for 3 years, he was physically tortured and sexually abused by patients and staff. He was liberated at 17 years of age. He got student loans, left for college to California, and never looked back. "I eventually sought treatment at my University for all the trauma I'd suffered." Eventually his doctor determined there was absolutely no reason Paul had been committed to either mental hospital, and no psychiatric diagnosis. "I sued my parents for their horrific malfeasance but my case was dismissed." His mother died in 2007 and his father stole all her money, and cut Paul out of her estate. For the past 10 years crooked and corrupt attorneys and judges, have been dragging Paul through the mud. He needs someone to file an amicus brief for him.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host is Rev Henry (Hank) McGrath from Caroga Lake, New York, a child abuse survivor, author and NAASCA volunteer. Hank began life in a poor Irish family with 4 siblings in NY. Both parents were alcoholics. At 11 he was hustling to survive in Pittsburgh, PA with bookies, pimps, and prostitutes. It was dangerous for a child alone. Eventually he served time in the juvenile detention system and as a young adult in prison for crimes he'd committed. After decades of hard living and a few near-death situations, he began facing his childhood trauma and by the 90's was happily married. When his beloved wife died from cancer in 2001 Hank promised her to fight for others on the issues of child abuse. Since then, he has worked with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, as a court advocate for youth, and more. Today, Hank is a minister and is very active in his community. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Kimberly Howell, from Manitowoc, Wisconsin, who says, "I was a foster kid at age two adopted by my foster parents at age 7. I became a foster parent at age 28 and now I spend every dime I have trying to bring them down." Kim reports, "I advocate against Foster care and advocate for parents and children's rights." Hers is a terrible story. "My 4grandchildren were legally kidnapped Dec 2019." She goes on, I have PTSD, panic attack disorder, and agoraphobia, which is anxiety from being in crowd or strangers." There's a video on the web site from the child's eyes and what they went through as a child abduct by the state to receive bonus money for adopting out children to receive title 4 Federal Funding. The children's guardian ad litem and although he gets paid has never met one of my grandchildren, he's never submitted a report to the parents or court. Although his job description says he's to conduct his own independent investigation and he has never spoken to me, the school, the mentors, church, Salvation Army and so many people these children had significant relationships. One of Kim's friends writes, "My granddaughter was molested in her first foster home the week after she was taken from us and then when we were about to get her back they changed case workers and shipped my granddaughter off to another county until she was put in another foster home so she could be adopted by them. They threatened my son and daughter in law to give up their legal rights to her or they would take away any future children they might have." And Kim replied, "They did the exact same thing to me threatened me to wave my right to a trial or I'd never see my grandchildren again so I did and I've never seen them anyway."
General discussion show - all about NAASCA. Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.MISSION:We have a single purpose at NAASCA, to address issues related to childhood abuse and trauma including sexual assault, violent or physical abuse, emotional traumas and neglect .. and we do so with only two goals:1) educating the public, especially as related to helping society get over its taboo of discussing childhood sexual abuse (CSA), presenting facts showing child abuse to be a pandemic, worldwide problem that affects everyone2) offering hope and healing through numerous paths, providing many services to adult survivors of child abuse and information for anyone interested in the many issues involving prevention, intervention and recovery
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host is Penelope Benis from Sarasota, Florida. She's a survivor as well as an Author/Activist/Ace Certified Health Coach accredited in Sports Nutrition/Certified Yoga Instructor (RYS200), specializing in Trauma Informed Trained Yoga and Mindfulness through YBB in Seattle, WA, as well as a NAASCA Blog Talk Radio Host and NAASCA Board Member. A survivor-professional, Penelope teaches Mindfulness in the college classroom setting (Bellevue College, Adjunct Instructor). With regard to experiencing abuse, mindfulness, meditation and breath work play a role in addressing, or helping to regulate, a body and mind affected by traumatic events. Penelope's credentials include expertise in the autonomic nervous system, and how the impact of trauma, often repeated and lasting in duration, can propel the victim into a chronic state of hyper-response to stress (sometimes referred to as fight, flight or freeze). Tonight's episode is a peak into the healing modality sometimes referred to as pranayama-or the breath. All are welcome to join in the discussion. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Steve Simpson from New York City. An abuse survivor himself, Steve thinks there needs to be more accountability and consequences for child abusers. He'll describe his own personal struggles as an abuse survivor and how he is thriving today, and identify identify some of the common characteristics (trauma) of adult abuse survivors. Steve is an award-winning child advocate who has created The Teenage and Young Adult Survival Handbook, a small, life-saving guide. It covers many of the issues plaguing young people today -- suicide, bullying, physical abuse, verbal abuse, self-worth, being the child of an addict, etc. Steve discusses the stats and facts on child abuse and neglect, his own personal struggles as an abuse survivor and how he's thriving today. This CDC report says that at least 1 in 7 children has experienced child abuse or neglect, likely an underestimate. And according to an Administration for Children and Families report, 76% of child abuse perpetrators were a parent to their victim. We often hear about abuse cases once the victim is grown up .. but what happens to the abusers / perpetrators? Are they held accountable for their actions? Steve speaks strictly from a survivor's POV. He is not a doctor, lawyer, or mental health professional, but is a passionate child advocate who volunteers his time speaking at schools and throughout various communities to help spread a healing message of hope.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Jodie Tedder from Helena, Montana, a child abuse survivor and author of the book 'A Prisoner by No Crime of My Own'. She triumphs over a hellish childhood through years of intensive therapy. Jodie walks us through her pursuit of justice for the woman who she watched be killed by her fathet in a seedy hotel room in 1968. A true-born sociopath, he strolled undetected, using religion as his disguise. Her family coat of arms was incest. The murdered woman's spirit seemed to ignite a search for answers in Jodie's adulthood, but the family would do everything to keep the secrets they helped conceal. Decades were spent chasing down leads through a private investigator, coordinating with police and confronting perps. Hospital records ultimately point to the identity of the victim and a sister's loving pursuit to find her missing sibling helps spur the investigation. They may have solved this case. The problem -- the cops need a confession or a body. No help would be found in Jodie's family. Her faith sustained her as she moved toward the dragons from her youth. The terror of reliving the incessant sexual abuse stalled her attempts as her body recalled the misery. Others tried to block her efforts with rejection and judgment. Millions suffer for crimes they did not commit. Would this victim find justice? Would peace ever live in her world again? This story is a courageous dedication to all children who have lived through childhood violence and deviance. It's all murder. Unrelenting guilt to bring this woman justice would open doors to the past that could not be closed. Her life mattered and so did her death. Her murder left a destiny to locate the truth and get the chance to bring healing and justice to cold crimes lost to time.
Tonight's special guest is Laura West from Halifax, Nova Scotia, a child abuse survivor and now an activist and coach who was sadistically, brutally and ritualistically beaten and tortured by her older brother for the first 16 yrs of her life. Her parents blamed for Laura for the beatings. They would say “What did you do to make him so angry?” She felt like everything was her fault and had a guilty conscience for things happening outside of her control. "I was terrified of men and anyone in a position of authority as my body would prepare for war in their presence. It affected my relationships because I would make sure I wasn’t abandoned by abandoning them first." And that's not all. "It affected my work because I felt like I always did everything wrong and so I spent the majority of my life struggling to survive anyway I could. I was easily manipulated and taken advantage of as I didn’t know how to determine who to trust or how." Laura didn’t know what was wrong with her and would ask strangers, acquaintances, friends and family to analyze her and tell her what was wrong with her. "I went into debt on counsellors, therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, life coaches, shaman, psychics, meta-physical gurus and anyone who promised relief. I was told I was depressed, anxious or manic and was prescribed drugs for depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. None of which helped me." Laura concludes, "I finally found true help through self-help books and 12 step groups explaining how my brain developed, how and why I was getting ‘hi-jacked’ when triggered. I learned life skills that I was never taught."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Bill Murray from Los Angeles, our founder. Bill's recovery is 12 Step-based and spans some four decades. Sexually abused by numerous clerics, all men, between the ages of 11 and mid-way through high school, a minor seminary, he was also the victim of pre-pubescent ography and even a two week kidnapping. Bill was graced to have found Alcoholics Anonymous when he was 30 years old. The program not only helped him get clean and sober but also gave him a place to give up his secrets, and the tools by which he's recovered. He firmly believes one can use the 12 Step process to heal from child abuse trauma and to find a way to a comfortable life. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is David Shubert from Pueblo, Colorado, an author and a Parental Alienation Activist. His latest book, 'Stolen Memories', is a memoir about parental alienation, International parental abduction, family court abuse, and International Hague Convention court Memoir about parental alienation, International parental abduction, family court abuse, and International Hague Convention court. David describes how his children were abducted by their mother and spirited off to another country. This book is his true-life story of how one father fought for twenty years to be in the lives of his daughter and stepson again. As a loving parent, David Shubert never gave up on bringing his children home again against all odds. "As an alienated or left-behind parent, oftentimes we feel as though our life is spiraling out of control," David says. "From the alienation of our children to the never-ending flow of emotions we feel due to the loss of our children, we are left in a constant state of numbness. Is it any wonder that alienated parents suffer so much and for so long? No, and this is understandable given these sets of circumstances. The average person will never understand the level of heartache an alienated or left-behind parent or grandparents carry inside them. Instead, they may feel we embellish these emotions and must learn to let go, but how can we? Until we are able to hold our children in our arms again, this pain will remain a constant in our lives. There will seldom be moments of joy or peace or even, happiness until this nightmare ends. Until that day reunification arrives, we are forced to travel the roads of parental alienation. Please visit the new website: www.aparentingaffair.com
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest is Cherie White from Covington, Tennessee, an anti bullying advocate and author of three books who uses her own story of being bullied and gaslighted to help those enduring the same abuse today. "In 6th grade I began a long lesson in the human predator/prey dynamic and a battle for my dignity, safety, and my very soul." At first she took the physical beatings, name-calling, and abuse. Cherie was a victim of what is called 'poly-victimization'. In just six months she went from being a kid who always made the honor roll, to an angry and bitter girl who made only C's and D's. "Who could concentrate on schoolwork?" she asks. Cherie attempted suicide at the age of fourteen. "Because I felt powerless, I began to bully those who were even weaker than me in attempts to grab back some of my power. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Dr. Patrick Gannon, PHD, from San Francisco, a Clinical and Performance Psychologist. He works with individuals, groups and couples and specializes in trauma, anxiety, depression, performance anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, parenting issues and performance coaching. Our NAASCA family members may know him best for founding www.ASCAsupport.org in 1992. In fact, Dr. Gannon has founded four mental health programs during the course of his career including a treatment program for Indochinese refugees following the Vietnam war, a child and family mental health outreach program in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood, a secular, skill-based marriage preparation program (with his wife Dr. Michelle Gannon) and an international self-help program for adult survivors of child abuse based on his book 'Soul Survivors: A New Beginning for Adults Abused as Children'. Addressed to adults who suffered from child abuse of all kinds, this comprehensive guide is a model of clarity and organization. More recently, Dr. Gannon has developed a multi-modal treatment model for performance anxiety and peak performance training for musicians, athletes, public speakers, emergency medical and law enforcement personnel, soldiers, test takers, writers, and litigators. He sees clients in his San Francisco office and works nationally via Zoom. He is a member of the American Psychological Association and the Performing Arts Medicine Association. Website: www.PeakPerformance101.com.
Special Topic: 'Narcissism; what it is and why are so many survivors drawn to them as life partners?' Many in the NAASCA family have experienced this. Everyone's invited !!!! ~~ Carol and Laurie will lead the topic show. Just call in to participate !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.MISSION:We have a single purpose at NAASCA, to address issues related to childhood abuse and trauma including sexual assault, violent or physical abuse, emotional traumas and neglect .. and we do so with only two goals:1) educating the public, especially as related to helping society get over its taboo of discussing childhood sexual abuse (CSA), presenting facts showing child abuse to be a pandemic, worldwide problem that affects everyone2) offering hope and healing through numerous paths, providing many services to adult survivors of child abuse and information for anyone interested in the many issues involving prevention, intervention and recovery
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest is Dr Jaime Romo from San Diego, an educator, consultant, author, and Minister, who promotes prevention and healing from child sexual abuse, particularly abuse by religious authorities or in the context of religious settings. A workbook he wrote, Healing the Sexually Abused Heart: A Workbook for Survivors, Thrivers, and Supporters, is an integration of various disciplines that led Jaime to become a certified Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) facilitator. Jaime explains, “While it is no secret that I am a survivor of clergy abuse, it is the journey of integration, transformation and application that is most telling about my accomplishments and the life that I celebrate.” Visit his web site: www.jaimeromo.org. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Lynn Crook from Seattle, Washington, a survivor, an author and an activist. Lynn's story is as fascinating as it is heartbreaking, powerful and inspiring, and perfect to share for NAASCA family members in April, which marks both National Child Abuse Prevention Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. In 1991, Lynn sued her parents for damages after recovering memories of abuse by her father. Following a month-long trial in 1994, the judge ruled in her favor at a time when most popular press was telling us that adults' accusations of childhood sexual abuse were false memories. Lynn is the author of 'False Memories: The Deception That Silenced Millions', which explores her personal story of surviving sexual abuse and focuses the lens on the harmful mindset that therapists can plant false memories into patients. Her own experiences recovering memories of childhood sexual abuse sparked a life-long mission to give voice back to those who were silenced. What's this all about? When states allowed adults who were molested as children to sue for damages, accused parents went on the offense. The parents claimed the accusations were false memories implanted by therapists. The parents established a non-profit and invested millions in a PR campaign to promote themselves as falsely accused, and to dismiss crimes committed against children as false memories. As evidence, they offered the story of an older brother who convinced his younger brother he was lost at a mall. The false memory story went viral. The popular press and psychology textbooks failed to challenge false memory claims. Individuals who challenged false memories were silenced. The author explains how her successful lawsuit against her parents helped her uncover the rest of the false memory story.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Dean Tong from Port Richey, Florida, a Trial Consultant, Author, Nationally Certified Child Forensic Interviewer and Subject Matter Expert. "I am a forensic trial consultant," he says, "and expert in the area of cognitive child developmental psychology and structured interviews of children allegedly molested, child sex abuse therapy, parental alienation, sexual deviancy/interest testing and child abuse investigations in juvenile, criminal, family and administrative courts across America." He has a web site at: www.abuse-excuse.com ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Keeper Catran-Whitney from Woodland Hills, California, a child abuse activist. Keeper is the author of a soon-to-be-released book 'HELPLESSNESS: The Hidden Trauma Brother Experience After We Learn Our Sisters Have Been Sexually Abused By Our Parent', the first of a three book series, Helplessness, Hopefulness and Happiness. In 1977, his family made Billboard Magazine's Top 100 for both an album and a single. After years of living in poverty, they could see their way out when Motown Records called. "Days before we were to sign our contract, my brothers and I learned a dark family secret. My stepfather had been sexually abusing my four sisters for years, and my mother knew all along!" It took years for Keeper talk to them because his oldest sister had said to her four innocent brothers, 'It didn't happen to you boys. It only happened to us girls. You can't talk about it - EVER!'" The brothers needed to talk to someone, but the people they needed to speak to the most - their sisters - wanted nothing to do with the four boys. Keeper points out that there are no books and no articles about a brothers' torment, guilt and shame. "We can and must become allies with our sisters in the fight against child sexual abuse." Without this alliance, an invisible, unspoken wedge exists between sisters and brothers. "There are no support groups or even a one-step program. There is currently no outlet for brothers. There is no support system." He concludes, "We can and must become allies with our sisters in the fight against child sexual abuse. Brothers need a voice in the child sexual abuse space."
Tonight's special guest is Lang Martinez from Oxnard, California, a returning NAASCA family member. Lang was abused sexually and raped as a young person and has struggled to heal from the trauma and his alcohol and drug abuse ever since. When the topic of homelessness is brought up in Ventura County, a single name comes quickly to mind: Lang Martinez. Martinez has built a reputation for himself as the only homeless advocate to have come from the same streets he now walks through with his head held high. He knows the community well, and shares his methodology by writing in VCRreporter, Monticito Journal, Fillmore Gazette, Vc Star, Citizens Journal, La Crescenta Valley Weekly, Keys To Recovery Newspaper and more. He recently wrote, "Being homeless and being a vagrant are two completely different set of problems." His peer-to-peer approach has cemented his name among other professionals in his field and Lang sees a lot of waste. "In my estimation, the funds being allocated to address homelessness lack public scrutiny and transparency." Although his entire adult life has been marred with risky behavior, drug addiction, imprisonment, and homelessness, he has managed to legitimatize himself with a career, family, and an unwavering passion to help others. Today, Lang shares his story of what it takes to recover from the serious addiction that left him homeless and dead on the streets. Lang Martinez is fighting for his life, to stay sober and to stay out of prison. He has surrounded himself with surrogate professionals who believe Lang can survive. He's like a candle blowing in the night searching for a destiny that is elusive, yet he lives deeply inside the salvation that will allow him to finally live in peace.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Synova Cantrell from Missouri, an Award-Winning Author, Speaker, Coach and a Life-Long Seeker of Knowledge & Wisdom. After a decade in the world of true crime & victim advocacy, Synova has taken her 10,000 hours of study and entered the self help field. Synova's a certified NLP Life Coach through the American Union of NLP. She's also the owner of Synova's Simply Biz author coaching service and an award-winning crime writer with over 300 cases under her belt. One of her books was even endorsed by a retired FBI Agent! To top it all off, a flag was flown over the Capitol in Washington D.C. to honor her cold case work!!! Now, Synova is using her study and experience to inspire, motivate and educate her audience. Synova's life coaching includes elements of NLP, practical psychology, ancient principles, and biochemistry. You can live a more abundant life and enjoy the journey! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Dr. Pamela Pine, PhD, MPH, founder and CEO of Stop the Silence: Stop Child Sexual Abuse, a non-profit, charitable 501(c)3 organization, with a Mission to expose and stop child sexual abuse and help survivors heal worldwide. Pamela is a longstanding NAASCA family member who has just published a wonderful new book, 'Stop the Silence – Thriving After Child Sexual Abuse', now available on Amazon and and published by Brave Healer Productions. In it, 23 survivors and professionals make contributions. Pamela says " Thanks to the efforts of experts, healers, and survivors and their supporters around the globe, we're preventing CSA (child sexual abuse) and promoting healing of victims and survivors, celebrating the lives of those healed, and underscoring CSA as social justice and civil rights issues." She goes on, "This brave collaboration brings together real stories and powerful tools from practitioners and survivors who have been on the front lines of the fight for justice and healing." NAASCA knows well how long and hard fought this effort has been. Pamela continues. "Together, we're normalizing the conversations around CSA; bringing awareness, training, and education to communities; changing norms; and empowering victims, survivors, and their families and other supporters." The goals of her non profit are: 1) to promote healing of victims and survivors; and 2) to celebrate the lives of those healed. Through their work, "Stop The Silence" aims to address the relationships between CSA and the broader issues of overall family and community violence, and violence within and between communities.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest is Rev Henry (Hank) McGrath from Caroga Lake, New York, a child abuse survivor, author and NAASCA volunteer. Hank began life in a poor Irish family with 4 siblings in NY. Both parents were alcoholics. At 11 he was hustling to survive in Pittsburgh, PA with bookies, pimps, and prostitutes. It was dangerous for a child alone. Eventually he served time in the juvenile detention system and as a young adult in prison for crimes he'd committed. After decades of hard living and a few near-death situations, he began facing his childhood trauma and by the 90's was happily married. When his beloved wife died from cancer in 2001 Hank promised her to fight for others on the issues of child abuse. Since then, he has worked with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, as a court advocate for youth, and more. Today, Hank is a minister and is very active in his community. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Bob Eden from Airlie Beach, Queensland, Australia, a survivor who shares his story in his own descriptive, articulate words. During his own journey with depression, which began in 1984, he developed a drug free protocol for recovering from depression. "Based on the Re-evaluation Counselling process, in which I trained in the 90’s, I found a way through by going within and listening to my heart and body. No special tools or books are required, there is nothing to buy, for everyone has their own innate healing tools, and my role is to help people find them," he says. "After more than 20 years of fighting depression, psychologists, psychiatrists and many cycles of medication, one simple personal insight brought me home. To all those beautiful people who have suffered from depression I say 'Thank you.' Simply, thank you for doing such a wonderful job!" Bob explains his childhood trauma, "Mum was prone to violent outbursts of rage, so I got the crap beaten out of me for many years." The message he got was she does not love me." He goes on, "Dad was a mythical being who was always at work, so the message I got was 'Dad never spends any time with me, therefore he does not love me.' Bob became a people-pleaser and totally abandoned his needs. Later, he took a 12-step course for Adult Children of Absent Parents which was helpful. "John Bradshaw's work on the Inner Child and Family of Origin opened the flood gates for me." Bob says, "I realized that I AM the only expert on my life." Bob concludes, "For me we are all victims of victims and if you don't hand it back, you pass it on. Time to break this multi-generational cycle of abuse!"
Tonight's special guest is Jori Nunes from Modesto, California, a child abuse survivor and author who says, "I grew up extremely neglected. I don't recall ever being loved appropriately. I was raised by a mother diagnosed with multiple personalities, one being ‘dark'. She was nick named CJ for Crazy Judy. I hated her." Her father wasn't much better. "My father was absent but when I did see him I was a nervous wreck, praying he wouldn't touch me. He used to tell me to hold his hand in public and would say people thought I was his girlfriend. He took me dumpster diving." Jori continues, "I grew up sleeping with everyone and anyone since my mother told me to. She reminded me it was better than being raped to just do it." Jori had 3 kids from 3 different fathers but did not graduated from high school. A young friend, a teenage Mormon mother, taught her by example how to mother her own children. Jori was removed from her home at age 15 because she tried killing her mother. Although life was not easy, she managed to get a real estate license then obtained a broker's license. "Things were fine until my father in law made a sexual advance to me," she says, "I suffered a nervous breakdown and wrote a book called, 'Chocolate Flowers'. I have since dealt with the sexual abuse and both my father and mother have since passed. I learned to forgive them because I realized they were just sick people with their own mental health issues," Jori shares. Later she was diagnosed with Schizophrenia and suffered the past decade with health issues. "Life is too short to waste it focusing on the past." She believes that people need to face their past but also to learn from it.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest is Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, a survivor of severe child abuse who's now a Minister and Chaplain. She'll appear on the 1st Thursday of each month and is the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story," her story of redemption. In 1997, Michelle writes that she, ".. was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. Her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Kimberly Stapleton from Augusta, Georgia. When she was young, Kimberly was adopted by two loving parents. She says, "In my early childhood years, my parents divorced, and it didn't seem to bother me at first. She went to live with her father and thought she was in a safe place but at 14, as she was entering high school, Kimberly was molested." She was alone. Kimberly had left her mom to go live with her father, an Over The Road truck driver. "Once I graduated high school, I started talking to girls and trying to help them get past things in their life as I too was trying to get past my hurt and pain." In 2017, Kimberly was invited to be a guest on an Internet Radio show and there she shared her testimony. "After the show, the producer asked if I would like to have my own show. He felt that it would help others. So, in July of that year, I started 'In My Own Words with Kimberly ImReal'. I had people reach out to me and thanked me for sharing. My story, as well as those I invited on my show, helped others." She stayed with the radio format for 2 years. In 2018 she started hosting her own event called 'Lay It Own The Table with Kimberly ImReal'. "In 2021 I started a ZOOM group called 'Keeping It Real with Kimberly and The Crew'." It has opened a lot of eyes. "I'm truly loving myself and the space I'm in." Kimberly continues to help others seeking speaking engagements. Filled with gratitude, she plans to start a Non-Profit this year dedicated to less fortunate parents, "I too could have been homeless," she says, "but God didn’t plan it that way. What he did plan is for me to know that I'm not better than anyone, but I must trust His Process for my life and not be ashamed of what I've been through."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
General discussion show - all about NAASCA. Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.MISSION:We have a single purpose at NAASCA, to address issues related to childhood abuse and trauma including sexual assault, violent or physical abuse, emotional traumas and neglect .. and we do so with only two goals:1) educating the public, especially as related to helping society get over its taboo of discussing childhood sexual abuse (CSA), presenting facts showing child abuse to be a pandemic, worldwide problem that affects everyone2) offering hope and healing through numerous paths, providing many services to adult survivors of child abuse and information for anyone interested in the many issues involving prevention, intervention and recovery
Tonight's special guest is Albert Grieve from Missouri, a child abuse survivor who's an attorney with prior law enforcement experience. He's a former foster youth, and motivational speaker in child abuse, neglect and domestic violence. Albert is the author of 'Little One, You are LOVED!' – a book designed to aid children facing adversity. Too often children internalize the negativity around them without a means to express themselves. They may lash out or engage in self-destructive behavior. Albert says, "My Father was(is) an angry and abusive alcoholic. My Mother suffered trauma as a child but was diagnosed with mental disorders as an adult." When he went to school there would be concerned phone calls home or brief visits from social workers, and things would be worse after they left. The three siblings learned to hide what was happening, and punishments became more twisted and creative to avoid detection. "My Mother ran away from home often," he says. "My Father would have the most sex with my older sister when my Mother was in a shelter or institutionalized. I would be awake in the same room when this transpired." Albert explains, "The violence escalated to the point of my Father killing my Mother. As a child, I learned what rigor mortis was as the fire department carried my Mother out, her body frozen in a hog-tied position, clothes soiled." Albert goes on, "I suffered the worst sexual abuse from my Father after this time. Several months later, my older sister tried to kill my Father and herself." The child welfare system got involved. "I was placed in a group home for two and a half years, went to a few different foster homes, and finally started thriving."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Teresa Anderson, from Minnesota, is a professional, a teacher who will talk about the children she's know to have exhibited symptoms of child abuse and trauma. Her job makes her required as mandated reporter of a suspicion of child abuse. Teachers are among those who, because they are in the front line with kids, and are likely to notice, not only physical marks, but changes in a child's behavior or attitude that happen regularly. People in Health care, foster care, law enforcement and other careers who come in direct contact with children until 18 years old are also mandated reporters. We'll find out how she's been 'trained' to recognize abuse and what she's told to do about reporting it. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Tom Maher from Minneapolis, Minnesota, born and raised in the Twin Cities Metro Area, the third of 5 children. As a youth and growing into adulthood, he always seemed to feel "out of place", as if he "didn't fit in" or "didn't belong". In his early 30's, he was diagnosed with an Acquired Brain Injury that required endoscopic neurosurgery. After that event, he began a long and winding journey of self-discovery and self-improvement. In the early 2010's, he began getting into men's work, (men working on themselves to become the best and healthiest version of themselves they could possibly be). Within a few years, in 2016, he was hired as the Office Manager of the Twin Cities Men's Center, where they provide a variety of services for men looking to grow in body, mind and spirit. An educational non-profit, TCMC provides resources for men seeking to grow in body, mind, and spirit; and advocates for healthier family and community relationships. Now in it's 47th year of operation, the Men's Center enjoys the respect of the community it serves and features such programs as anger management, support groups and workshops. Tom is also a coach, trained at iPEC. Accredited coach training companies all have an excellent approach with proven methodologies that deliver effective results The difference at iPEC is the philosophy is born out of an essential truth about human beings .. that there's vast, unrealized potential inside everyone. The key to awakening that potential lies in our unique, consciousness-based approach to coach training.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest is Cherie White from Covington, Tennessee, an anti bullying advocate and author of three books who uses her own story of being bullied and gaslighted to help those enduring the same abuse today. "In 6th grade I began a long lesson in the human predator/prey dynamic and a battle for my dignity, safety, and my very soul." At first she took the physical beatings, name-calling, and abuse. Cherie was a victim of what is called 'poly-victimization'. In just six months she went from being a kid who always made the honor roll, to an angry and bitter girl who made only C's and D's. "Who could concentrate on schoolwork?" she asks. Cherie attempted suicide at the age of fourteen. "Because I felt powerless, I began to bully those who were even weaker than me in attempts to grab back some of my power. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Tom Maher from Minneapolis, Minnesota, born and raised in the Twin Cities Metro Area, the third of 5 children. As a youth and growing into adulthood, he always seemed to feel "out of place", as if he "didn't fit in" or "didn't belong". In his early 30's, he was diagnosed with an Acquired Brain Injury that required endoscopic neurosurgery. After that event, he began a long and winding journey of self-discovery and self-improvement. In the early 2010's, he began getting into men's work, (men working on themselves to become the best and healthiest version of themselves they could possibly be). Within a few years, in 2016, he was hired as the Office Manager of the Twin Cities Men's Center, where they provide a variety of services for men looking to grow in body, mind and spirit. An educational non-profit, TCMC provides resources for men seeking to grow in body, mind, and spirit; and advocates for healthier family and community relationships. Now in it's 47th year of operation, the Men's Center enjoys the respect of the community it serves and features such programs as anger management, support groups and workshops. Tom is also a coach, trained at iPEC. Accredited coach training companies all have an excellent approach with proven methodologies that deliver effective results The difference at iPEC is the philosophy is born out of an essential truth about human beings .. that there’s vast, unrealized potential inside everyone. The key to awakening that potential lies in our unique, consciousness-based approach to coach training.
Tonight's special guest is LaQuisha Hall from Baltimore, Maryland, a force to be reckoned with who's dedicating her life to serving her community. She has been recognized by great leaders including former President Barack Obama and is currently reigning as Mrs. Maryland International 2023. As an artist, LaQuisha creates, teaches and advocates internationally for domestic violence, sexual abuse and suicide prevention through her brand, Confident Canvas. Formerly, LaQuisha founded the SheRose Awards to offer a platform to abuse survivors to share their own stories. Beginning her skills in mentoring at age 16, she also spent hours locally and abroad mentoring via Queendom T.E.A. (The Etiquette Academy), committed to encouraging and teaching teen girls about personal safety, feminine etiquette and positive self-esteem. She is the award-nominated and best-selling author of memoir, Unholy Communion, and a self-esteem journal for young girls, Positively Bodyful, and the coauthor of more than 10 additional books. LaQuisha is the proud educator of #MrsHallScholars, serving youth in Baltimore City Public Schools for 20 years and winning Teacher of the Year in 2018. Her “walk on gold” philosophy teaches communities to step off of familiar territory to do extraordinary things. LaQuisha has empowered others to empower others for 2 decades and has no plans of stopping! We love having her as a member of the NAASCA family.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest is Dr Jaime Romo from San Diego, an educator, consultant, author, and Minister, who promotes prevention and healing from child sexual abuse, particularly abuse by religious authorities or in the context of religious settings. A workbook he wrote, Healing the Sexually Abused Heart: A Workbook for Survivors, Thrivers, and Supporters, is an integration of various disciplines that led Jaime to become a certified Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) facilitator. Jaime explains, “While it is no secret that I am a survivor of clergy abuse, it is the journey of integration, transformation and application that is most telling about my accomplishments and the life that I celebrate.” Visit his web site: www.jaimeromo.org. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
General discussion show - all about NAASCA. Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site. MISSION: We have a single purpose at NAASCA, to address issues related to childhood abuse and trauma including sexual assault, violent or physical abuse, emotional traumas and neglect .. and we do so with only two goals: 1) educating the public , especially as related to helping society get over its taboo of discussing childhood sexual abuse (CSA), presenting facts showing child abuse to be a pandemic, worldwide problem that affects everyone 2) offering hope and healing through numerous paths, providing many services to adult survivors of child abuse and information for anyone interested in the many issues involving prevention, intervention and recovery
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Felisha Johnson from Miami, Florida, who has an incredible story of transformation. She was physically and sexually abused, taken from her family, and placed in the foster care system where she would stay for ten years. She emancipated out at age sixteen, facing multiple hardships. Felisha refused to allow her past to dictate her future, so she pushed through the pain to embark on her healing journey and began to see triumph in her trauma. "I am a survivor," she says. "At seven years old, I was sexually molested by an uncle, physically abused by my stepfather and labeled as a troubled child by my mother." Felisha became quite the advocate and activist. "I created the 'Heal Your Story' Foundation to help trauma survivors and to encourage at-risk youth to transition from their hurtful experiences to living and building a better life." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
General discussion show - all about NAASCA. Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.MISSION:We have a single purpose at NAASCA, to address issues related to childhood abuse and trauma including sexual assault, violent or physical abuse, emotional traumas and neglect .. and we do so with only two goals:1) educating the public , especially as related to helping society get over its taboo of discussing childhood sexual abuse (CSA), presenting facts showing child abuse to be a pandemic, worldwide problem that affects everyone2) offering hope and healing through numerous paths, providing many services to adult survivors of child abuse and information for anyone interested in the many issues involving prevention, intervention and recovery
Tonight's special guest is Donna Bulatowicz from Billings, Montana. "I was a shy, sweet, sensitive child," she says, "who loved learning and teaching. My favorite pretend play was 'school', where I was the teacher. I loved school, but that changed one year." All of the upper elementary teachers were new to the school that year, she reports. "My new teacher told me I was the prettiest little girl she'd ever seen, and she kept touching my body, even though I pulled away from her every time. I had no idea she was grooming me." Understandably she was deeply uncomfortable, and afraid. "That year, she molested me hundreds of times." Donna reported her the following year. The police said a woman wouldn't molest a girl, and they did not do the investigation they should have. She was devastated. "My parents put me in therapy, but there was so much my abuser did that I couldn't articulate as a child. I started shoving down the memories of the abuse any time they came up. I spent my teenage years in survival mode." The family moved far away at 19 years old, and Donna stopped wanting to be a teacher for a while. "But when I was in college, I decided I wouldn't let my abuser take anything else from me, and I chose to pursue my dream. I became a teacher. And I kept shoving down the memories of the abuse any time they appeared, which was rarely. I had buried myself in work--easy to do as a teacher." But she loved her career. "Eventually, I earned my Ph.D. and started teaching preservice teachers." Traumatic memories often returned. "About six months ago, I started having extremely realistic dreams about my abuser. I realized that I still needed to heal. I am facing all that she did to me and the damage she caused." Donna says, "I hope to help others through education and workshops."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Synova Cantrell from Missouri, an Award-Winning Author, Speaker, Coach and a Life-Long Seeker of Knowledge & Wisdom. After a decade in the world of true crime & victim advocacy, Synova has taken her 10,000 hours of study and entered the self help field. Synova's a certified NLP Life Coach through the American Union of NLP. She's also the owner of Synova's Simply Biz author coaching service and an award-winning crime writer with over 300 cases under her belt. One of her books was even endorsed by a retired FBI Agent! To top it all off, a flag was flown over the Capitol in Washington D.C. to honor her cold case work!!! Now, Synova is using her study and experience to inspire, motivate and educate her audience. Synova's life coaching includes elements of NLP, practical psychology, ancient principles, and biochemistry. You can live a more abundant life and enjoy the journey! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is John DiGirolamo from Buena Vista, Colorado. His third book, 'It's Not About the Predator', is a practical 30-page guide for parents about the dangers of on-line predators. The previous work, It's Not About the Sex', features true stories of human trafficking so that ordinary citizens will become more aware about how this problem occurs under the radar in our society. John is a critically acclaimed author, speaker and anti-human trafficking advocate. He wrote these books because he believes that human trafficking is one of the most underreported issues of our day, that cuts across all economic, social, racial and political boundaries. He focuses on stories from rural and suburban America, seeking to shine a light on and create awareness of the evils of human trafficking. These stories of human trafficking profile different perspectives: an advocate, a law enforcement officer, a survivor and a brothel madam. The last chapter details what ordinary people can do and tips for parents. The various circumstances detailed are based on real-life experiences and are all too common. Unfortunately, human trafficking is pervasive throughout this country and throughout the world. The personal accounts in this book are based on actual events and provide an authentic glimpse into the evil hiding in plain sight within our neighborhoods. John's previous book, 'It's Not About the Badge', profiles the human side of policing, featuring rural officers. Police officers reveal a day on the job they'll never forget. The book features compelling personal and professional stories of small-town police officers and has a 5-star rating on Amazon.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest is Rev Henry (Hank) McGrath from Caroga Lake, New York, a child abuse survivor, author and NAASCA volunteer. Hank began life in a poor Irish family with 4 siblings in NY. Both parents were alcoholics. At 11 he was hustling to survive in Pittsburgh, PA with bookies, pimps, and prostitutes. It was dangerous for a child alone. Eventually he served time in the juvenile detention system and as a young adult in prison for crimes he'd committed. After decades of hard living and a few near-death situations, he began facing his childhood trauma and by the 90's was happily married. When his beloved wife died from cancer in 2001 Hank promised her to fight for others on the issues of child abuse. Since then, he has worked with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, as a court advocate for youth, and more. Today, Hank is a minister and is very active in his community.~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Beth Donahue from Port Richey, Florida, a returning NAASCA family member who's both a survivor and an activist. She'll be catching us up with any number of things she's been doing over the last year or so. "I have been targeted by my family and have lost friends and people I love," she explains, "mainly because I wouldn't waiver on my beliefs that children should be put first and no one has the right to ever abuse them in any way, shape or form." Beth has told us she has taken a copy of a bill from 'Protect Mass Children' to Washington, DC, to pass stronger laws to protect children from sexual predators and to educate the community on how to defend themselves from sexual predators, to end childhood sexual abuse and to be a voice for the victims. Many involved are survivors or victims of abuse and know firsthand the devastating effects sexual abuse has on victims and their families. Beth herself is a survivor who was sexually abused by 3 men as a child, but she's been an advocate for children most of her adult life. "I was involved with helping start the organization The Innocence Revolution," Beth reminds us, letting us know she's going to be starting it back up. But she's even doing more. "I'm going to try and get the NFL to do a day for us," she says! Beth's paid a price because of her advocacy, too. "I have been targeted by my family and have lost friends and people I love," she explains, "mainly because I wouldn't waiver on my beliefs that children should be put first and no one has the right to ever abuse them in any way, shape or form." We're delighted to have her back on the show!!
Tonight's special guest is Chisara Okehi from Fairfield, California , a child abuse survivor, social worker and author who says, "I am here to educate, empower and encourage others to heal from childhood trauma." Chisara believes no one should be stigmatized for having mental illness and that society should provide treatment. Chisara and her siblings were kidnapped from Nigeria and taken to the US by their mentally ill mother, an act that would take a life-altering toll on her life. Family and society stigmatized, ignored, cast her mother aside because of her mental illness, when really she needed help. Her book 'I Need Help' crystalizes Chisara's struggles with being raised by a mother with untreated mental illness, and it highlights the need for an open discussion in the Nigerian and African American communities. Her own family dysfunction led to a career as a Child Protection Investigator, advocating protection, love, compassion for abused and neglected children. She advocates for people living with mental illness, works to de-stigmatization the dysfunction, and provides treatment so people can heal. Chisara is now an accomplished professional social worker with years of experience in the healing and mental health profession. She has identified common themes related to trauma (and stigma) faced by people with mental illness. Chisara continues discussions about thought-provoking topics on childhood trauma, stigmatization, mental health, grief, sexual abuse, and domestic violence. She loves working with children, teens, women, couples and families.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest is Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, a survivor of severe child abuse who's now a Minister and Chaplain. She'll appear on the 1st Thursday of each month and is the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story," her story of redemption. In 1997, Michelle writes that she, ".. was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. Her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Gerard Edwards from Tampa, Florida. He was sexual abused by both females and males. "Childhood trauma is hard to discuss especially when it happened multiple times," he says. Gerard was molested by a female babysitter for 2 years between the ages of 5 and 7. Then he was assaulted again in the second grade at age 8 by a family member. "I struggled with anger and struggle with my identity for years, Gerard reports. "I felt disgusted, unloved, and neglected." These feelings are shared by many child abuse survivors as are misplaced thoughts about being responsible and shamed by having experience abuse. But the blame ALWAYS belongs to the adult involved, never the innocent child. "For years I blamed my mother for the incidents," he says, "because I felt she failed to protect me." Gerard says that having his innocence taken at such a young age was devastating. "I learned that forgiveness is the best solution for me." For many this is a big part of their healing and recovery from child abuse. "Now, I have become a loving husband and father. Going through those experiences pushed me to be someone that is willing to speak out against child abuse and one day become an advocate. I now have a bachelors of arts in psychology. Psychology is a field that best suits me because it provides an opportunity to give back and help those who struggle mentally and emotionally." We'd love Gerard to engage with NAASCA as a volunteer. There's a LOT to do!
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Bill Murray from Los Angeles, our founder. Bill's recovery is 12 Step-based and spans some four decades. Sexually abused by numerous clerics, all men, between the ages of 11 and mid-way through high school, a minor seminary, he was also the victim of pre-pubescent ography and even a two week kidnapping. Bill was graced to have found Alcoholics Anonymous when he was 30 years old. The program not only helped him get clean and sober but also gave him a place to give up his secrets, and the tools by which he's recovered. He firmly believes one can use the 12 Step process to heal from child abuse trauma and to find a way to a comfortable life. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Julie-Anne Grace from the UK, a child abuse survivor and musician. Born into a violent, abusive and religious cult-like environment, Julie-Anne suffered the pain and trauma of physical, sexual and emotional abuse as a child. Singing became an escape and she would often climb into her room closet and sing. Leaving home at just sixteen, she had always felt unloved and unvalued which left her trying to 'get' love from intimate relationships which in turn left her susceptible to abuse as an adult. It wasn't too long before Julie-Anne found herself leaving a narcissistically abusive marriage. She lost everything – her home, work and family - and was brought to her knees. Interested in personal development and healing from a young age, it was then that Julie-Anne realized that this time she needed to heal from the inside out. She became willing to take radical responsibility to heal herself, feeling all of her feelings, releasing her trauma and loving herself back to health .. indeed giving herself the love she had never had. The more she did this, the more her life began to transform as she developed boundaries, supportive friendships, bought her own home and met the love of her life. Julie-Anne began writing songs about her experiences and healing journey to inspire others. She has now written and recorded two albums (visit her site: www.julie-annegrace.com). The first, 'Met by Grace', takes the listener on a journey from the darkness of abuse to the joy of loving yourself and being free. 'She Sings, She Soars' was written as a celebration of the human spirit and how we can not only survive abuse, but can really live our dreams and create the lives with the love we truly deserve. Her message is that there is love after pain and hope after despair.
Tonight's special guest is Natasha 'Tasha' Elliott from Owings Mills, Maryland, a Sexual Trauma Life Coach to women who were sexually abused as a child by their biological fathers, who values uniqueness, happiness, and a purpose driven life. As a survivor, Tasha brings unique perspectives gained from her experience to women still struggling to heal from the pain and empower them to unleash their untapped power, locked deep in their souls. Using real-world examples, and her LIST METHOD™ Tasha sheds light on how the strength each woman has can positively give her the transformation of a lifetime. Tasha learned the value of transformation at an early age growing up enduring emotional, physical and sexual abuse in New Orleans, LA, as the second of five children in a 2-parent home. Tasha's dedication, hard work, and determination to avoid a life of drug/alcohol abuse, prostitution, and unhealthy relationships inspired her to create a permanent solution to ensure she doesn't fall into the status quo of abuse victims. Tasha's unique perspective on trauma has made her the leading expert on Total Healing from Biological Father daughter sexual abuse. Tasha knows that Father-Daughter Sexual abuse is the #1 form of child abuse and that transformation is a journey, not simply a destination. This perspective inspired her to specialize in teaching, motivating, and inspiring the millions of women in the world who experienced childhood sexual abuse by their fathers.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Monica Boglin from Puyallup, Washington, a survivor of sexual, physical, and emotional child abuse. Her preditors were all family members, and her parents were intent on passing on to Monica the behavior that their parents had done to them. She also has lived with Lupus since she was 29, a painful autoimmune disease that has long been linked to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Monica became a life coach and a therapist and notes, “I've finally found a way to forgive the unforgivable and to firmly keep anyone and everything harmful out of my life been linked to." She's earned her Masters degree in metaphysical science and counseling and is well on her way to earning a PhD in the same field. "I hope to further use my story as a way to become of service and to help those along the path to their own healing, because I now know that hope and help is available.” ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest is Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Tambry Harris from Charlotte, North Carolina, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and domestic violence. The author of 'Awakening the Light: A Survivors to Thrivers Going-Forward Story', her goals included guiding survivors of abuse and trauma to find strength and freedom by examining limiting beliefs and claiming a Going-Forward Story that leads to a whole-hearted, meaningful life. “I was a woman wrapped in the image of having it all together," she says, "with a successful career, beautiful daughter, and seemingly happy marriage. Then a sudden panic attack became my wake-up call that my life was not 'perfect.' Years of peeling back the painful layers revealed what I had suppressed for decades - I was a victim of childhood sexual abuse." She goes on, "My family allowed my abuser ample access starting when I was five years old. The sense of not being seen during these violations led to a deep sense of unworthiness. Years were spent understanding and accepting the impact this abuse had on my life choices and my beliefs about myself, including marrying two abusers." Tambry’s twenty years of coaching and eight years of spiritual direction translate into her work with the Going Forward: Survivors to Thrivers (GFS2T) organization. She believes as we make our wounds visible and available, they can be of service to the healing of others. Her story of wounding, struggle, and healing encourages survivors to understand their limiting beliefs, examine unhealthy patterns, and claim their going-forward stories.
Tonight's special guest is Fatma Ibrahim from Egypt, a child abuse survivor and author. She'll tell her story and talk about an upcoming art production on the impact of child sexual where she seeks contributions from survivors across the globe. Fatima tells us that she remembers very little of her actual child abuse, having recovered little tidbits in late 2018. "As a child, I always felt out of place, not wanted, ugly, that there was something inherently wrong with me," she says. "I would spend most of my time reading and forming my own inner world. I experimented in changing my state of being in different ways – from extreme shyness to aggression to social butterfly." She started developing lots of chronic illnesses, becoming a people pleaser and a workaholic. "I was a master attractor of abuse from some bosses, friends and even healers. And the thing is, I could not even see the abuse if it screamed at me. I would feel some discomfort which I was incapable of defining, but didn’t trust my feelings or my intuition." She asked herself, "Why was it I never wanted to be in a relationship?" She started working on identifying the abuse and how to deal with it; setting boundaries; recognizing her own needs; seeing her coping mechanisms; learning to trust her intuition. "I worked with different alternative therapists. Traditional ones never worked for me." Fatima says, "Just keep an open mind – many CSA survivors have little trust in anyone which can cloud our judgment when we first embark in healing. It’s important not to isolate as well – which is something I tend to do but try to get out of." She concludes, "Now, I am learning to live. Before that I was surviving. And to live is still new for me."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest is Dr Jaime Romo from San Diego, an educator, consultant, author, and Minister, who promotes prevention and healing from child sexual abuse, particularly abuse by religious authorities or in the context of religious settings. A workbook he wrote, Healing the Sexually Abused Heart: A Workbook for Survivors, Thrivers, and Supporters, is an integration of various disciplines that led Jaime to become a certified Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) facilitator. Jaime explains, “While it is no secret that I am a survivor of clergy abuse, it is the journey of integration, transformation and application that is most telling about my accomplishments and the life that I celebrate.” Visit his web site: www.jaimeromo.org. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Randy Burton, a returning NAASCA family member fromHouston, Texas, an internationally recognized expert on child abuse and neglect and the founder of 'Justice for Children', a national child advocacy organization that provides pro bono legal services and social services to victims of abuse and neglect across the United States. The 'Justice for Children' call center helps when the child protection system fails to protect a child.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Cherie White from Covington, Tennessee, an anti bullying advocate and author of three books who uses her own story of being bullied and gaslighted to help those enduring the same abuse today. "In 6th grade I began a long lesson in the human predator/prey dynamic and a battle for my dignity, safety, and my very soul." At first she took the physical beatings, name-calling, and abuse. Cherie was a victim of what is called 'poly-victimization'. In just six months she went from being a kid who always made the honor roll, to an angry and bitter girl who made only C's and D's. "Who could concentrate on schoolwork?" she asks. Cherie attempted suicide at the age of fourteen. "Because I felt powerless, I began to bully those who were even weaker than me in attempts to grab back some of my power. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Feather Berkower, M.S.W. from Colorado, a Child Sexual Assault Prevention Educator Specialist and author of a must-read parenting book, 'Off Limits: A Parent's Guide to Keeping Kids Safe from Sexual Abuse!'. Feather is a longtime NAASCA family member who we've not heard from in some time. "I have a workshop on Jan. 21 and would love to let folks know about it," she said. So feel free to call in on this episode to ask questions and share situations with Feather. She's great!--much more info to come --
Tonight's special guest is Sandra Holdorf from Ohio, an adult survivor of childhood sexual, physical, and mental abuse from an alcoholic parent. "When I was younger," she says, "people didn't really recognize the long lasting impact that mental abuse had on children. Physical abuse was recognized to a degree, but you still only heard about it in extreme cases." She goes on, "The sexual abuse I suffered was getting more and more invasive. My sister recognized that I had started suffering her same fate and came forward. Her strength caused an investigation and stopped the abused." But Sandra suffered physical and mental abuse throughout her childhood, too. "I was told I was stupid on a regular basis. I was told I was a pig and that I was going to have to start eating on the floor with the dog. I was hit with a belt so many times I can't count them. I was kicked in the head with steal-toed cowboy boots." The abuse she experienced at home was like a sign to others. "Once I spent the night at a friend's house." she explains. "Her brother (much older brother) took me out of the bed where I was sleeping up to his bedroom and did what he wanted." Drinking at an early age, Sandra spent much of her adult life as a raging alcoholic. "I've attempted suicide a couple of times. The last time ended in an inpatient stay at a psych hospital." The inpatient stay set off a chain reaction of medical care. "Issues with my physical health lead me to a university center for treatment for chronic stomach issues. This physician, my psychiatrist, and my therapist were all on the same page. My illnesses all stemmed back to childhood trauma." We're glad she's better now. Sandra's now looking into becoming a NAASCA volunteer!
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Synova Cantrell from Missouri, an Award-Winning Author, Speaker, Coach and a Life-Long Seeker of Knowledge & Wisdom. After a decade in the world of true crime & victim advocacy, Synova has taken her 10,000 hours of study and entered the self help field. Synova's a certified NLP Life Coach through the American Union of NLP. She's also the owner of Synova's Simply Biz author coaching service and an award-winning crime writer with over 300 cases under her belt. One of her books was even endorsed by a retired FBI Agent! To top it all off, a flag was flown over the Capitol in Washington D.C. to honor her cold case work!!! Now, Synova is using her study and experience to inspire, motivate and educate her audience. Synova's life coaching includes elements of NLP, practical psychology, ancient principles, and biochemistry. You can live a more abundant life and enjoy the journey! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Sandy Phillips Kirkham from Cincinnati, Ohio, a clergy abuse survivor and author of the book 'Let Me PREY Upon You' that explains how a charismatic youth minister preyed upon her, a betrayal which left her broken, with a shattered faith, and the ultimate shame of being blamed and forced from the church she loved. From their very first meeting, the new youth minister slowly and methodically turned the sacred relationship of a trusted spiritual leader to one of abuse: sexual, emotional, and physical. When his actions were discovered, he was simply moved to another church, leaving Sandy to pay for his deeds. She was not his first victim, nor would she be his last. One of the greatest gift one can give to a victim of abuse is to allow us give words to our trauma. To allow us to be heard. We understand the topic is uncomfortable and may make you uneasy. Our healing comes when our pain is given a voice. "Soon after I began my own journey of healing from clergy abuse, came a need and a passion to speak out on the issue. Through the years, I’ve continually spoken to many groups and churches on the topic of prevention and met many courageous survivors." She explains, "I began to understand my story could have an impact." She goes on, "Writing the book was difficult at times, but I was motivated by this one thought, 'what would have changed for me had I heard someone’s story of abuse during the time I was being abused?' Her book has reached many survivors and won many awards. "I am humbled by this recognition but the emails and letters I receive from victims expressing their gratitude for me telling my story and giving them hope is the real recognition."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest is Felisha Johnson from Miami, Florida, who has an incredible story of transformation. She was physically and sexually abused, taken from her family, and placed in the foster care system where she would stay for ten years. She emancipated out at age sixteen, facing multiple hardships. Felisha refused to allow her past to dictate her future, so she pushed through the pain to embark on her healing journey and began to see triumph in her trauma. "I am a survivor," she says. "At seven years old, I was sexually molested by an uncle, physically abused by my stepfather and labeled as a troubled child by my mother." Felisha became quite the advocate and activist. "I created the 'Heal Your Story' Foundation to help trauma survivors and to encourage at-risk youth to transition from their hurtful experiences to living and building a better life." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Edna Sailor from North Dakota, a child abuse survivor who was 71 years old when she published her first novel, 'Alfalfa Girl; the Path from Childhood Molestation to Soul'. She wrote the book at a time she was going through several life-threatening illnesses. Edna explains that the last few years have been, “a difficult time for me listening to the Corporate Moguls, Politicians and televangelists continue to pour out their disturbing comments about sexual assault.” Her book is fiction, but every sexual abuse incident depicted is based on a real crimes Edna witnessed or was told directly about by another survivor. 'Alfalfa Girl' is the inner soul of the fictional teacher and mentor, Emily Sorenson, reflecting Edna, who goes through a painful but illuminating journey of self-discovery about the impact of repeated child abuse. Edna herself is a survivor of five separate persons before the age of about 11. All her abusers were either relatives or close family friends. She was too fearful to tell about the abuse, and did not think anyone would believe her. In her adult life Edna spent thousands of dollars on therapy to deal with the feelings of worthlessness and dirtiness she lived with, and the 'bad girl' label she earned before seeking help. She was able to earn three undergraduate degrees and a Masters degree while raising her three children (and six grandchildren). Edna says she'd wanted to write this book for 50 years, and now, in her 70s, she's outlived all her abusers. "I am so hoping my book can bring hope and encouragement to victims and survivors." She wants to educate families about the importance of creating an environment where children feel free to disclose abuse.
General discussion show - all about NAASCA. Those who call in will form a panel who'll describe, and be critical of, NAASCA's tools, programs, services. Just call in to participate or to suggest a topic !! ~~ (646) 595-2118 ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.MISSION:We have a single purpose at NAASCA, to address issues related to childhood abuse and trauma including sexual assault, violent or physical abuse, emotional traumas and neglect .. and we do so with only two goals:1) educating the public, especially as related to helping society get over its taboo of discussing childhood sexual abuse (CSA), presenting facts showing child abuse to be a pandemic, worldwide problem that affects everyone2) offering hope and healing through numerous paths, providing many services to adult survivors of child abuse and information for anyone interested in the many issues involving prevention, intervention and recovery
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest is Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, a survivor of severe child abuse who's now a Minister and Chaplain. She'll appear on the 1st Thursday of each month and is the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story," her story of redemption. In 1997, Michelle writes that she, ".. was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. Her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guests are Dale and Faith Ingraham from Addison, NY, returning NAASCA family members. Dale is a pastor who began his ministry in 1983. In 2020, Dale began to devote himself fully to the ministry of 'Speaking Truth in Love', a 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry, along with Faith, his partner and wife of nearly 40 years. She is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. He is a speaker, trainer, author and strong advocate for victims and survivors of abuse. Working together they provide abuse prevention and response training to organizations, families, individuals and churches. They create safe places for growing and healing at conferences and speaking engagements, with printed materials, private consultation, and life coaching. In his book, 'Speaking Truth in Love', Dale Ingraham addresses the topic of sexual abuse in a way that examines hard areas while maintaining sensitivity for those who fear that this issue is too difficult for them to examine. The memoir-like recounting of Dale and Faith's own journey to understanding is woven throughout the various chapters of the book, from Faith's first revelation to Dale that she had suffered incest at the hands of her pastor father, to Dale's excommunication of his father-in-law in the church that he himself pastored. Through the non profit, they express a desire that no-one need to experience being left without hope and healing, or be damaged by physical, emotional, mental or spiritual abuse. The dynamics of our mission are to provide quality resources and materials to empower, encourage and equip the broken to heal. Simply put they help build healthy men, women and children.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is is Rev Henry (Hank) McGrath from Caroga Lake, New York, a child abuse survivor, author and NAASCA volunteer. Hank began life in a poor Irish family with 4 siblings in NY. Both parents were alcoholics. At 11 he was hustling to survive in Pittsburgh, PA with bookies, pimps, and prostitutes. It was dangerous for a child alone. Eventually he served time in the juvenile detention system and as a young adult in prison for crimes he'd committed. After decades of hard living and a few near-death situations, he began facing his childhood trauma and by the 90's was happily married. When his beloved wife died from cancer in 2001 Hank promised her to fight for others on the issues of child abuse. Since then, he has worked with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, as a court advocate for youth, and more. Today, Hank is a minister and is very active in his community. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Scott McKellar from Melbourne, Australia, a child abuse survivor. He recently participating in a book about Australia's male survivors, 'Telling My Story' (for info on the book write to: cath@shootingstar.pub). Born in 1970, Scott suffered significant child abuse starting at six by a stranger in a park and followed up later by sexual and physical abuse at the hands of two teachers. He was assaulted by a group of young men at aged ten," Scott says. "I have often been picked on by strangers since." As a young teen he was physically assaulted by a group of boys at a church run camp and later sexually assaulted by three leaders. "I said nothing for seventeen years." He goes on, "During my secondary schooling I was often subjected to physical, verbal and emotional bullying. A year later Scott protected a group of boys from a pedophile who had molested him seven years earlier. "I was a leader in a church run organization for boys," he explains, and went on to university. He's been in and out of work ever since, making many poor decisions and getting involved with the wrong people. "I have lost more money than I care to mention. Several business ventures failed and in 2001 I was forced to sell my home." Scott attended a workshop for male survivors facilitated by Mike Lew, 'a game changer'. He's participated in Facebook groups and in a documentary about survivors and in giving evidence to two Royal Commissions into Disability and Institutional CSA. "The battle that I face every day is the 'need to be needed'."
Tonight's special guest is Amanda Carpenter from Nampa, Idaho, a new NAASCA family member who'll be sharing her story with us for the first time. "When I was two or three years old," she says, "there was an abuse situation with someone I knew and I did not remember this until I was 16 years old. I had already been forced to have this person in my life this whole time." About 60% of child sex abuse happens with a family or an extended family member. "I was also moved to Boise abruptly and in a traumatic way when I was 13, so both of those things combined caused me to start making bad choices. I was isolated after I moved. I also had head trauma. I damaged my frontal cortex, which is the part of the brain we use for making decisions," Amanda explains. "The moving here was a result of me messing with witchcraft. I had a lot of very very dark years. I have had a lot of trauma over my whole life because there was a generational curses of neglect in my family. My mom ignored my trauma and her own," she notes. "We have addictions in my family as a result of us not acknowledging our trauma. I'm the only one that has, and I am the only one who has done drugs." It's not at all unusual for a person to use drugs and alcohol as way to bear their trauma. "I am now in recovery and thriving. I LIVE to help other women get out of trafficking and occult environments, I want to help shut down the sex trafficking and voyeurism arena in my local area."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Bill Murray from Los Angeles, our founder. Bill's recovery is 12 Step-based and spans some four decades. Sexually abused by numerous clerics, all men, between the ages of 11 and mid-way through high school, a minor seminary, he was also the victim of pre-pubescent ography and even a two week kidnapping. Bill was graced to have found Alcoholics Anonymous when he was 30 years old. The program not only helped him get clean and sober but also gave him a place to give up his secrets, and the tools by which he's recovered. He firmly believes one can use the 12 Step process to heal from child abuse trauma and to find a way to a comfortable life. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is AmyAnna Soto from Modesto, California, a survivor of severe child abuse, rape and stalking who'll concentrate on telling her own story. As a public speaker she is passionate about mental wellness and overcoming trauma. "My trauma includes childhood sexual abuse, physical and mental abuse, rape and long-term stalking. Growing up the adults in my life were self-labeled sadists. My world was a place of nightmares and terror, which turned darker when an abuser began to stalk and harass me." She spent the last 20 years reinventing herself, using various healing methods including therapy, art, journaling, writing, support groups both online and in-person, dreamwork, art therapy, and more. AmyAnna also speaks out as a published poet, artist and aspiring author. She has a background in nursing and mental wellness advocacy. AmyAnna is currently a trauma informed Somatic Mindful Guided Imagery Practitioner, and served as the leader of a poetry group and arts and crafts group for survivors. You can find more information about her at AmyAnnaSoto.com. She explains, "I was proactive in my healing reading books and learning all I could. This allowed me to take control of my healing and my life. As a former Certified Nursing Assistant, and sexual assault advocate, I have cared for many people in their most dire moments. All my experiences have led me to discover my inner truth and true passion. I love to help ease the stress and chaos of the aftermath of trauma."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest is is Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Teresa Lhotka from Minnetonka, Minnesota, the Executive Director/CEO at Missing Children Minnesota since 2014, and a volunteer since 2010. Teresa is also a Certified Victim Advocate and member of the National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA). The mission of Missing Children Minnesota is to help in locating missing children; to provide advocacy and support services to families of missing children and to provide information and prevention education to the public regarding missing children and runaways. Since 1983 Missing Children Minnesota has helped more than 3500 families and children throughout the Midwest by providing 24-hour advocacy and support services, as well as helping families at risk for abduction create individualized prevention plans. In addition to search assistance, we also provide four critically acclaimed educational programs to children and adults throughout Minnesota and all across the country. Every year, MCM presents abduction prevention and personal safety programs to schools, daycare centers, early childhood and family education groups, churches and children's vacation camps. The hope is that by providing children with the information they need to be safer this year, there will be fewer missing children next year. Teresa is the mother of two grown children, and wife of 35 years to her husband, Rocky. She volunteers with the Eden Prairie Community Emergency Response Team, and has served on its Advisory Council.
Tonight's special guest is Maureen Seel from Brooklyn, New York, a child abuse survivor, an artist and an author. She grew up in Missoula, Montana, was raised Evangelical Christian and her mother, who struggled both with borderline personality disorder and poly-substance abuse, held very strong fundamentalist beliefs. "Due to her own past trauma, my mother had taught me to fear Hell and to fear her," Maureen says. "Our home life was frequently unstable due to her unpredictable mood shifts. Due to this, I have lived my entire life with this feeling of innate 'badness' or 'brokenness'." Maureen moved away for college and met her husband. "I constantly feared friends would leave, my boss would fire me and my husband would divorce me," she explains. "I believed I was inherently broken. I believed that if people left me, I would deserve it." After her mother's death, things got exponentially worse. "I turned to disordered eating to gain some semblance of control and was sent to inpatient treatment 2016. That was a wake up call, but I wouldn't finally get on the road to genuine and lasting recovery until this last year." The couple moved to New York City and for the first time since college, she found herself without work and unsure of her path in life. "I decided to write my memoir, 'I'm Not Bad'. The lessons I learned along the way are applicable to many who are trying to work on self-compassion. I plan to use my writing to speak up for those who can't." She concludes, "Healing isn't linear, and I know I will get turned around at times. Only now I feel better equipped to overcome these challenges, since I've decided to claim my story and take charge of that narrative."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest is Monica Boglin from Puyallup, Washington, a survivor of sexual, physical, and emotional child abuse. Her preditors were all family members, and her parents were intent on passing on to Monica the behavior that their parents had done to them. She also has lived with Lupus since she was 29, a painful autoimmune disease that has long been linked to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Monica became a life coach and a therapist and notes, “I've finally found a way to forgive the unforgivable and to firmly keep anyone and everything harmful out of my life been linked to." She's earned her Masters degree in metaphysical science and counseling and is well on her way to earning a PhD in the same field. "I hope to further use my story as a way to become of service and to help those along the path to their own healing, because I now know that hope and help is available.” ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Arthur Crowell from Minnetonka, Minnesota, a returning NAASCA family member. Art grew up in a matriarchal family system as the only male child. Over the course of 3 generations his family system had been plagued and riddled with abuse of almost every form. Growing up as an outsider in his own family system, Art felt like he was always looking in and he wondered about the stories that lurked unknown in the shadows that caused those around him to act so dysfunctional with each other. In adulthood, he notes, "I became acutely aware of the long reaching, generational, damaging, and dysfunctional effects of abuse." In his thirties he began his own family. "My wife and three daughters had all come from a narcissistic, personality disordered, abusive situation." Tragically, they had not been able to heal the rift with their traumatized middle daughter. As an adolescent she spent 4 years in and out of 21 different hospitals and residential treatment facilities. Art and his wife and had formed an organization to rally a legislative movement to help fight for kids rights. "Sadly, the political stage no longer has room to hold space for kids rights issues." Art continues, "The hard truth is that with every passing day we fall closer and closer to becoming a culture of pure narcissistic / borderline disordered personalities." That's is why Art developed a 'Hero's Journey' life coaching program and storytelling, using the power of mythology and storytelling to uplift, teach, and guide one on their 'Hero's Journey'. "Until we can do that, our children will remain at risk, and we, the recovering adults, will remain trapped by our traumas, instead of being transformed into the purpose we were born to be."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Cherie White from Covington, Tennessee, an anti bullying advocate and author of three books who uses her own story of being bullied and gaslighted to help those enduring the same abuse today. "In 6th grade I began a long lesson in the human predator/prey dynamic and a battle for my dignity, safety, and my very soul." At first she took the physical beatings, name-calling, and abuse. Cherie was a victim of what is called 'poly-victimization'. In just six months she went from being a kid who always made the honor roll, to an angry and bitter girl who made only C's and D's. "Who could concentrate on schoolwork?" she asks. Cherie attempted suicide at the age of fourteen. "Because I felt powerless, I began to bully those who were even weaker than me in attempts to grab back some of my power." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Tracy Belle from Independence, Iowa. "I was the unwanted child of a 18 year old junkie who was gang raped," Tracy says. "She gave me to a couple who already had 17 children. My adopted father was just recently released from prison for raping two and molesting other of his biological daughters." They moved from Iowa to California. "My father was very inappropriate with his hands and at times I would barricade myself in my room." The streets were safer than home so Tracy left at 15. "The men on the streets all wanted the same thing but they were willing to pay." One day a biker injected her with meth, and held her captive." She escaped, an addicted street kid. "I couldn't work or go to school. I slept under bridges and in bathrooms, finding food behind grocery stores." Sometimes she got a meal from men who needed company." She goes on,"At 18 I was pregnant. I lost my first baby, but was pregnant again soon. I was forced to ask for help from the very foster people who'd driven me to the streets." Six years later she followed when they took her child to Iowa. It took her 8 years to put legal records together to get her daughter back. "I struggled with drugs and alcohol. For years I was on psychiatric drugs and thereafter I used meth and had suicide attempts." Then, one day she was done! "I now run Wildthunder's Rain, a state and federally permitted wildlife and animal rehabilitation facility. I also work with youth from 'Four Oaks' for at-risk kids who don't or can't be placed in foster care, or who need help transitioning into life outside of foster systems. I understand what its like to be cold, scared, alone, hungry and unwanted."
Tonight's special guest is Erica Ortiz-Seiffert from Marietta, Georgia, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse by a religious cult that her biological mother was, and still is, a part of. Erica is 38 yrs old now, and was abused beginning as a child of 4 lasting until she was 12 by a member of the clergy. "I was prohibited from saying anything," she says, "for fear that the church/cult would get bad publicity." She was threatened. "My mother fell in line and did anything to protect the church." Erica felt unsafe and wasn't able to trust anyone. "My adolescent years were full of rebellion and self soothing. I put myself in bad situations, always running away from home, trying to escape my hellish reality." She didn't have a bond or relationship with her parents. "To this day I don't have a relationship with my mother, but with my father I'm grateful that we are in each other's lives. I'm estranged from most of my family because we don't see eye to eye." Now she advocates for other victims by raising awareness about the cult itself. It's still operating even though their leader has been convicted of child sex crimes and was given 16 years in prison. But Erica wants more aggressive penalties for CSA and supports an unlimited statute of limitations so people can get justice no matter how much time has passed. She was interviewed for an article in the Atlanta Journal, and a new HBO documentary came out recently about the cult, it's survivors and what is being done to help them. "My hope is to let others know they are not alone."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Dr Jaime Romo from San Diego, an educator, consultant, author, and Minister, who promotes prevention and healing from child sexual abuse, particularly abuse by religious authorities or in the context of religious settings. A workbook he wrote, Healing the Sexually Abused Heart: A Workbook for Survivors, Thrivers, and Supporters, is an integration of various disciplines that led Jaime to become a certified Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) facilitator. Jaime explains, “While it is no secret that I am a survivor of clergy abuse, it is the journey of integration, transformation and application that is most telling about my accomplishments and the life that I celebrate.” Please visit his web site: www.jaimeromo.org. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Jim Heaney from Chicago, Illinois, a survivor of child sexual abuse. He's an advocate and author of 'A Book for Someone', just released recently on Amazon. Jim was born into a poor Irish American family. At the age of eleven, while he delivered newspapers, he was profiled, groomed, sexually assaulted, and traumatized. The following week, Jimmy was caught hiding the newspapers in garbage cans. Jimmy's needy parents forced him to deliver the newspapers the next week, and his fear of being molested again intensified. Jimmy's sadness and desperation escalated. Jimmy enlisted an older boy in his neighborhood to protect him. A burglary occurred where Jimmy was blamed for stolen jewelry. At eleven, Jimmy found himself in a police station, being interrogated for jewelry theft. An older policeman realized that Jimmy might have been molested and tried to persuade his father to help Jimmy, but his father declined the help, disowning him and calling him 'a queer'. Jimmy's suffering led to poor grades and addiction, and he became a discipline problem. Jimmy had a sixth-grade teacher, Miss Hope, who realized that something horrible had happened to Jimmy. He was angry and overeating. Miss Hope convinced Jimmy that it wasn't his fault and shared that she was also assaulted as a teenager. Miss Hope taught Jimmy what had helped her survive. As he grew, Jim was depressed, obese, and an addict. He worked as a drunken day laborer to survive. Close to homelessness, Jim turned to crime and became a co-conspirator in the theft and arrest of a million dollars. In 1981, Jim received probation and entered Alcoholics Anonymous as a condition of it. Jim discovered a community in the rooms and started healing through the 12 steps. Now he believes his life has meaning.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest is Felisha Johnson from Miami, Florida, who has an incredible story of transformation. She was physically and sexually abused, taken from her family, and placed in the foster care system where she would stay for ten years. She emancipated out at age sixteen, facing multiple hardships. Felisha refused to allow her past to dictate her future, so she pushed through the pain to embark on her healing journey and began to see triumph in her trauma. "I am a survivor," she says. "At seven years old, I was sexually molested by an uncle, physically abused by my stepfather and labeled as a troubled child by my mother." Felisha became quite the advocate and activist. "I created the 'Heal Your Story' Foundation to help trauma survivors and to encourage at-risk youth to transition from their hurtful experiences to living and building a better life." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Angie Baker from Lexington, Kentucky, a NAASCA family member who serves as our Kentucky Ambassador. Angie estimates she was sexually abused over 1000 times between ages 2 and 11 by her uncle, her dad's brother. Her mother saw these assaults but did nothing to help. In fact, she was physically and emotionally abusive to her daughter. As she grew older, Angie became a promiscuous teenager, and was forced to have abortion by her boyfriend. "I thought I was damned to hell for being sexual before marriage," she says. She began to drink and get high to deal with her feelings. Angie met her husband after high school and shares that in her 20s she confronted her family "in a positive way." At 21 she had her tubes tied, because she was afraid she couldn't be a good mother. At one point she was misdiagnosed and was given medications for schizophrenia for 2 yrs. It took 11 tries to find the right Doctor to treat her, and in her late 20s she was diagnosed with PTSD. At this point she cut off contact with her mom and dad, but re-established a relationship in her 30s, participating in family therapy. She concentrated on raising her son, but in her 40s her husband managed to burn down the garage and house making meth. As the chaos continued her father passed away and her own family broke up. She was run out of town. Today Angie describes herself as 'serenely abnormal' which I'm sure resonates with other adult survivors of child abuse and trauma!
Tonight's special guest is Kermit McCown from Butte, Montana, a returning NAASCA family member, who has not been with us in years. Kermit notes that it takes enormous courage on the part of a victim to just comes through one door and ask for help let alone navigate myriad of services scattered through the community, services such as police trained to deal with family violence, counselling for adults and children. Kermit says that counties need to develop "safety plans, shelters, crisis / medical support for sexual assault, financial counselling, children's services, support groups, outreach services to the community, legal services and sibling abuse specialized programs." He explains "I was around at the age of seven, and I've had to live with this whole event. My entire life was changed when I was drowned. by my mother. She lined all my brothers and sisters up along the bank of the creek and swing me upside down, drowning me with my hands tied, legs tied and screaming for somebody to help nobody would help. All I could do was just live within the moment." He says, "It took a lot of courage to face all the things that came out in the next 16 years of torture. I'm a survivor of child abuse and I believe nobody should have to live with this type of injury." In the end his mom drove him 1000 miles and dropped him off in the desert. "Ever since then I've been fighting over the feelings inside." Kevin says, "I have a counselor that I've been seeing for 20 years and I've had a lot of healing with him." He concludes, "It's so hard to understand everything that we've been through and then to live your life and try to be productive while dealing with quantum PTSD."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-guest is Synova Cantrell from Missouri, an Award-Winning Author, Speaker, Coach and a Life-Long Seeker of Knowledge & Wisdom. After a decade in the world of true crime & victim advocacy, Synova has taken her 10,000 hours of study and entered the self help field. Synova's a certified NLP Life Coach through the American Union of NLP. She's also the owner of Synova's Simply Biz author coaching service and an award-winning crime writer with over 300 cases under her belt. One of her books was even endorsed by a retired FBI Agent! To top it all off, a flag was flown over the Capitol in Washington D.C. to honor her cold case work!!! Now, Synova is using her study and experience to inspire, motivate and educate her audience. Synova's life coaching includes elements of NLP, practical psychology, ancient principles, and biochemistry. You can live a more abundant life and enjoy the journey! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with survivor-professionals using an OPEN MIKE forum. Anyone can call in and we'll feature topics brought suggested for the show to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Those who call in will form a discussion panel. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivors and professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Rev Henry (Hank) McGrath from Caroga Lake, New York, a child abuse survivor, author and NAASCA volunteer. Hank began life in a poor Irish family with 4 siblings in NY. Both parents were alcoholics. At 11 he was hustling to survive in Pittsburgh, PA with bookies, pimps, and prostitutes. It was dangerous for a child alone. Eventually he served time in the juvenile detention system and as a young adult in prison for crimes he'd committed. After decades of hard living and a few near-death situations, he began facing his childhood trauma and by the 90's was happily married. When his beloved wife died from cancer in 2001 Hank promised her to fight for others on the issues of child abuse. Since then, he has worked with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, as a court advocate for youth, and more. Today, Hank is a minister and is very active in his community. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is John Anderson from River Ridge, Louisiana, a child abuse survivor, activist, volunteer and member of the NAASCA family. "My abuse started at the age of nine at St. Matthew in River Ridge, Louisiana," he explains. "It continued for three weeks in class in front of other students. I was threatened and scared. My friends saw Brignac abusing me with their own eyes. So did many other students," he says. "It took the help of one of the witnesses to tell my parents. I couldn't." John goes on, "I started breaking down. My life would never be the same. 6 different schools later I barely graduated. My mother was in her third trimester with my brother while trying to convict George Brignac. We had him arrested and with a bench trial Brignac was acquitted for the reasons of conspiring to expose his celibacy. I had two witnesses. Brignac managed to get 26 victims after me. I was the first." Today he's getting better. "I suffer extensive damage physically and mentally. C-PTSD, fibromyalgia, permanent nerve damage, depression and anxiety. I have been going to doctors since I was 10. I use my experience of 45 years to help any and all victims." John goes on, "I am a musician on Facebook where I play songs of healing daily.over the years i have been affililiatedwith SNAP.Louisiana leader,SCSA,co founder and NAASCA HOST AND FAMILY MEMBER., Sports Illustrated, Big Easy New Orleans magazine, NOLA.com, and the NO Advocate newspaper), you tube, The Ms.Texas Show,as well as our local TV and radio station here in New Orleans.".John participated in getting the statue of limitations abolished in louisiana".our children must be protected"
Tonight's special guest is Synova Cantrell from Missouri, an Award-Winning Author, Speaker, Coach and a Life-Long Seeker of Knowledge & Wisdom. After a decade in the world of true crime & victim advocacy, she's has taken her 10,000 hours of study and entered the self help field. Synova's a certified NLP Life Coach through the American Union of NLP. She's also the owner of Synova's 'Simply Biz' author coaching service and an award-winning crime writer with over 300 cases under her belt. To top it all off, a flag was flown over the Capitol in Washington D.C. to honor her cold case work!!! Now, she's using her study and experience to inspire, motivate and educate her audience. Synova's life coaching includes elements of NLP, practical psychology, ancient principles, and biochemistry. You can live a more abundant life and enjoy the journey! Synova Cantrell may be known for her fedora, but she wears many hats. She volunteers with the Missouri Missing organization by highlighting obscure cold cases on her true crime blog to help generate tips. She firmly believes together we can give grieving families answers, hope, and support. Synova works as the Production Editor of 'True Crime: Case Files Magazine.' As SWMO's #1 True Crime Writer, she has authored 'Unorganized Crime; a biography of the ex-gangster Sidney Heard of Chicago, IL.' This thrilling tale of con games, bank robbery, and mayhem has recently been endorsed by a retired FBI agent. Her best-selling series, 'Seriously Stupid Criminals' is a fan favorite in both paperback and e-book formats.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, a survivor of severe child abuse who's now a Minister and Chaplain. She'll appear on the 1st Thursday of each month and is the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story," her story of redemption. In 1997, Michelle writes that she, ".. was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. Her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Ruby Clark from Paterson, New Jersey, a child abuse survivor, who's appearing for the first time on our show. Ruby is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and founder at Ruby's Vision, INC. Among other things they provide supportive services for mothers and their children whom are effected by homelessness. Their Housing and Homeless Shelter, and the Resource Center, help transitioning mothers and their children who are affected by homelessness.
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Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Bill Murray from Los Angeles, our founder. Bill's recovery is 12 Step-based and spans some four decades. Sexually abused by numerous clerics, all men, between the ages of 11 and mid-way through high school, a minor seminary, he was also the victim of pre-pubescent pernography and even a two week kidnapping. Bill was graced to have found Alcoholics Anonymous when he was 30 years old. The program not only helped him get clean and sober but also gave him a place to give up his secrets, and the tools by which he's recovered. He firmly believes one can use the 12 Step process to heal from child abuse trauma and to find a way to a comfortable life. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Carissa Alexandra Daniel from Seattle, Washington, a child abuse survivor. Raised in a home filled with domestic violence, her escapes were reading and music. At the age of eleven she began a solo career as a singer, guitar player and songwriter. She is also a classically trained lyric soprano, and has acted in music theatre as well. It was after a music rehearsal that she was stalked and then overpowered by a criminal who held her prisoner for hours, raping and assaulting her. Eventually he left, and she survived the attack, unlike 3 of his other victims, who he brutally murdered in cold blood. Eventually he was executed for his crimes. Prior to the assault, she was on the verge of creating a successful career in Contemporary Christian music. A few months later, she was left disabled after a nearly-fatal car crash. She jokes that when those in the know in the music business told her it was just a matter of time till she had a hit, she had no idea it would come from a pickup hitting her at 45 miles an hour, shoving her little mustang forward and sideways into oncoming traffic. Eventually she started over and thought she would build a life, even if it wasn't the one she'd dreamed of, graduated from broadcast school and began working in radio. She met someone, but the man of her dreams was actually the creator of nightmares as she became the victim of domestic violence. When her miracle daughter was 3, they went underground after he threatened her life, and eventually they moved to a place where they knew no one. Wanting to help others, she was certified as a victim advocate, but because of disabilities, was unable to work in shelter. Because her ex would periodically go looking for them and harass them, she got online seeking support, and began to heal.
Tonight's special guest is Judi Russo from Montclair, New Jersey, a returning NAASCA family member who's visiting our show for the second time. Judi's children disclosed the crimes that were committed against them two years ago, sexual assaults by a friend of the family, a predator who'd never been suspected by the community. Not only did Judi get immediate help for her kids (who are still dealing with PTSD) but she began helping other families who came into the Wynona's House Advocacy Center. In the end she eventually sought help for her own trauma, and discovered a number of useful tools, like EMDR. Judi explains, "Our life changed, but people need to understand victims of sexual assault are crime victims, not weirdos and shouldn't be shunned." She goes on, "People should acknowledge and recognize the victims. I think the discomfort of the misinformed people is the issue." A former executive recruiter, Judi wants to help NAASCA in a number of ways. She understands how important networking is, and agrees that an effort like ours takes a team. "I want to educate people on how important it is to advocate, to educate, and to be proactive," Judi says. She also wants people to know about Victims Crime Compensation for therapy. "I want to push for programs in schools for sexual abuse awareness, etc., like they do for DARE." Judi concludes, "I would love to share my story again. I want to be a voice of HOPE, and I'll never let my kids be ashamed."
Thanksgiving Day -- Q & A call-in discussion on Special Topic -- GRATITUDE -- with NAASCA founder, Bill Murray, who'll field topics related to gratitude brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ On these Tuesday and Thursday episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Anita Alford from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, a victim of sexual child abuse. Her friend's oldest brother (18) molested her when she was 9 or 10 yrs old. "I didn't understand what was happening to me," she says, "and I didn't know I needed to tell my parents." So she never did. "I felt ashamed and I couldn't explain it. I didn't know about sex or private parts. Maybe my parents thought I was too young to understand. That was never discussed with us as children." Anita goes on, "After my parents divorced my mother was dating and her boyfriend would come over with other male friends. I remember one of them attempting to try to try to touch me inappropriately (around age 12) and I ran from him. It made me uncomfortable but I didn't know how to tell my mother. I felt afraid, confused and ashamed." She held it inside for years. "I stuffed my emotions and suppressed them, which resulted in bad judgement, and I was raped (in college, 20-21 yrs old) by not paying attention to the red flags." She goes on, "The shame I felt made me uncomfortable with sex even as an adult. I felt as a wife it was more of my duty instead of sex being something God made for a husband and wife to enjoy." Again she didn't tell her mother. "I was molested and raped until I was 44 yrs old because I was so ashamed. That is when my healing began." Anita is passing on what she learned. "My goal is 'preventative' education being taught in a structured environment (school, preschool, daycare, head start) for children 3-9 years old. I have written a children's book to help educate children to be aware of inappropriate sexual advances and behavior from sexual predators."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest is Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Tonya Doolin from Oxnard, California. She survived child abuse and many other traumas. She's a 50 year old recovering addict who has lived a life of trauma. "My mother was 19 when I was born, and I was child number 3, from husband number 3," she says. "My mother, being an addict herself with a 4th grade education, really didn't know what to do with us, or how to love us. Her taste in men was deplorable. But she always said she'd die in hell before she'd ever admit that she was a failure as a mom like her mom was, who was also an alcoholic." Trauma was part of Tonya's upbringing. "I was molested from the early age of 4, until around the age of 7. My abusers were family members, a preacher, and those that were supposed to love and care for me. The preacher started paying me to stay quiet about the abuse. Between that and my mother saying, that 'as a woman I should never be broke,' it made sense that I allowed myself to be led down a path of addiction, prostitution, being sex-trafficked, and homelessness." She goes on, "My deep conviction of being self employed led me to become a renegade sex worker, working the streets without a pimp. Lonely and seeking validation and self worth I found myself drowning in old habits. At the core my addiction and recovery experience has made me realize that by being through hell, and slowly working to make it back to the other side, my story can help provide a sense of relief and hope to others." Over time, she felt a little less alone. "I hope to get back into writing poetry about love and religion and to one day become a sponsor. I have dreams of writing my own book and I am back in school to help me do so. I want people to see that drugs and alcohol will only make things worse."
Tonight's special guest is Felicha Johnson from Atlanta, Georgia. She's a bestselling author, international speaker, and mental health advocate with over 10 years experience in the field. Felicia Johnson began writing when she was six years old. Writing has been her saving grace and she is an avid advocate of journaling. Using her own moving story of her survival from child abuse, homelessness as a teenager, and overcoming self-harm and depression, as well as her education in Psychology, Felicia raises awareness about mental health, self-harm, and abuse. She also promotes prevention of suicide by advocating for youth and friends and families of survivors. Felicia Johnson is an abuse survivor and life thriver! She is a behavioral health worker and youth advocate. She volunteers with Youth Villages Inner Harbor and Personality Disorders Awareness Network (PDAN) and The National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI). Felicia was nominated for the Gutsy Gals Inspire Me Award and her bestselling novel entitled “HER” was nominated for the Georgia Writer's Association Author of the Year Award. In addition, Felicia was honored and awarded for speaking and organizing the Women's Empowerment Event 2015 for National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI) Augusta, GA. As a survivor of child abuse and one who deals with mental illness in her personal and work life, Felicia is very involved in efforts to end the stigma of mental illness. Felicia is an avid reader and encourages aspiring writers to journal at least once a day. A few of her favorite things are ice cream, learning new languages, experiencing different cultures, and making others smile.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest is Dr Jaime Romo from San Diego, an educator, consultant, author, and Minister, who promotes prevention and healing from child sexual abuse, particularly abuse by religious authorities or in the context of religious settings. A workbook he wrote, Healing the Sexually Abused Heart: A Workbook for Survivors, Thrivers, and Supporters, is an integration of various disciplines that led Jaime to become a certified Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) facilitator. Jaime explains, “While it is no secret that I am a survivor of clergy abuse, it is the journey of integration, transformation and application that is most telling about my accomplishments and the life that I celebrate.” Please visit his web site: www.jaimeromo.org ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Kyler Lardo from Murrysville, Pennsylvania. He will be telling us his story for the first time and has CPTSD, Bipolar 1, Asperger's Syndrome, ADHD, OCD, social anxiety, and body dysmorphia. "I experienced physical abuse at home(s) from 4-11," he reports. "Mom was mentally ill, very paranoid and didn't like to leave the house. He would dissociate and become violent, punch on me and one of my dogs, then not remember what happened. He still hasn't recovered memories." Kyler continues, "Mom's boyfriend came into the picture at 8. He put hands on my mom, hit my low-functioning autistic brother, choked me out, threw me down steps, onto concrete, pinned me down with his knees on my chest so I couldn't breathe. He'd tell me I was good for nothing and tell my mom to “get rid” of me and my brother." It wasn't too long before he was institutionalized, being sent from placement to placement from 12 to 18, and finally landing in a reasonably good situation in the end. But, she says, "The entire time I was cut off from any family except my toxic father and stepmother. I rarely was allowed to speak to them or see them, even when therapists offered/recommended reconciliation." At this point things are better. "I' m 18 now," he says, "and I am studying social work and psychology, maybe nursing soon. I want to be a helping person for other kids that need me." Kyler has suffered from child abuse all his life, and in just about every way. We're certain he can do a lot of good helping young survivors.
-- much more to come --
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest is Cherie White from Covington, Tennessee, an anti bullying advocate and author of three books who uses her own story of being bullied and gaslighted to help those enduring the same abuse today. "In 6th grade I began a long lesson in the human predator/prey dynamic and a battle for my dignity, safety, and my very soul." At first she took the physical beatings, name-calling, and abuse. Cherie was a victim of what is called 'poly-victimization'. In just six months she went from being a kid who always made the honor roll, to an angry and bitter girl who made only C's and D's. "Who could concentrate on schoolwork?" she asks. Cherie attempted suicide at the age of fourteen. "Because I felt powerless, I began to bully those who were even weaker than me in attempts to grab back some of my power." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Regla_girl from San Diego, a survivor of child abuse and a returning NAASCA family member. Regla_girl and both her siblings were victims of ritualistic sexual abuse perpetrated by women in the family, one of them her mother. Her community was basically Irish Catholic. She thinks it started with her Aunt Lori when Regla_girl during a visit to her grandmother's home when she was about 5 or 6. There had been violence in the family long before that. Among other things, Regla_girl naturally turned to drinking and using drugs. Tonight she'll be talking about her using a 12 Step process for her personal recovery. As she hid herself and stuffed her feelings she toughened up and became a comedic bully, climbing the social ladder at other people's expense. The alcohol use, her solution, was a big problem by the time she was 18 years old. Relationship issues made her get serious about healing and recovery. And in spite of having a good career she found herself struggling with just being okay. Her eating disorders were severe in her adulthood. She got up to almost 400 lbs and down to 125. Regla_girl recalls reading the Big Book, confused and still drinking, but inside of her began a question about God, and the existence of God. She understood that the spiritual experience was the thing that could save an alcoholic. Even while still drinking, she began to get honest with God. Little miracles were happening. She heard God say "I love you," and she began a 15 year period of being clean and sober. “Never give up,” she says. “And remember it's all about having a relationship with a loving God.” She concludes, “Just keep praying.”
Tonight's special guest is Valerie Todesco from Virginia Beach, Virginia, a survivor and activist who's the author of the BLOG vis4voice.blog. "I am an artist, a writer, and an advocate," she says, "always seeking ways to shine light into the darkness and offer hope for other adult survivors to find their way toward healing." She knows all about it. "My father died when I was two. I was the youngest of four. My mother remarried less than a year later to a man who molested me throughout my childhood. I was told to keep it secret to protect my mother who would die of a broken heart if she found out." Compounding her trauma was her older sister. "She continues to be a toxic abuser to this day, never having dealt with her own trauma issues." Her stepbrother, 18 when Valerie was 10, her grandfather, her sister's older boyfriend, a lifeguard at the pool. "I would freeze and go someplace else in my mind. I still struggle with dissociation in addition to ADHD, Depression, and debilitating Anxiety. I went on to spend the next 20 years married to two abusive narcissists. It was during that time I was diagnosed with Complex PTSD." Her life has been a struggle to maintain her sanity. "It wasn't until I took my daughter and left my second husband that my trauma began to manifest in new and paralyzing ways having progressed to episodes where I faint and freeze in the midst of certain triggers." She goes on, "As an Intuitive Empath I have always had a strong desire to comfort those who are suffering, feeling as if it is part of what makes my individual gifts so special. It is that ability to want to share love and joy that drives my desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others who suffer in the shadows of their own childhood trauma."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest is Carol D Levine from New Jersey, a long time active member of the NAASCA family member. Among other things, Carol is a NAASCA Board Member, 'Stop Child Abuse Now' talk show host and serves as the 'night owl' on our contact list. She's the author of an autobiographical book, 'Panic Child', and frequently speaks at colleges, churches and other events on the topic of child abuse prevention and intervention. Carol was trained at Greystone psychiatric hospital and has been in recover herself for about 40 years. She has a lot to offer. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Charles (Chuck) Prinzen from Fairfield, California, a returning NAASCA family member. A survivor and activist, Chuck is an educator who's worked with youth for many years. His 'Me Inc Now' project offers guidance to teens (and their parents). In fact, was the Keynote Speaker at Banning Hight School in front of the Los Angeles Unified School Board (LAUSB). Chuck says that he survived 'cycles of life' and says his story of abuse is no different than many others who have experienced abuse .. the same torment, pain, feelings of loneliness and despair. "It was not till I was older that I could clearly see the past. They say that hindsight is twenty-twenty, mine was not, it was blurry." He goes on, "The first step to seeing the past clearly was when a kindhearted gift of love was given to me by a stranger." Chuck's principal goal to help instill self-worth, self-esteem, and self-respect in today's youth, and that's that 'Me.Inc.Now' (me expressing I need change now) is all about. A brighter future can be achieved by incorporating cultural change in our youth of today through understanding lessons of the past to bridge the ever growing generation gap. Change is built upon a foundation of communication, listening, and love. 'Me.Inc.Now' is committed to inspiring positive thoughts and breaking cycles of anger and resentment that prevent young individuals from being the best version of themselves. "I am thankful for learning that 'love' is most the powerful tool in my emotional toolbox," Chuck writes, "no more sorrow and loneliness, no more bruises, no more pain, no more fear."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest is Felisha Johnson from Miami, Florida, who has an incredible story of transformation. She was physically and sexually abused, taken from her family, and placed in the foster care system where she would stay for ten years. She emancipated out at age sixteen, facing multiple hardships. Felisha refused to allow her past to dictate her future, so she pushed through the pain to embark on her healing journey and began to see triumph in her trauma. "I am a survivor," she says. "At seven years old, I was sexually molested by an uncle, physically abused by my stepfather and labeled as a troubled child by my mother." Felisha became quite the advocate and activist. "I created the 'Heal Your Story' Foundation to help trauma survivors and to encourage at-risk youth to transition from their hurtful experiences to living and building a better life." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Holli Kenley from Rancho Mirage, California, a child abuse survivor, a therapist, an author and an activist. She recently was featured on a TED Talk on 'BETRYAL: The Loss of Self '. Holli holds a Master's Degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage, Family, and Child. She currently works in the field of psychology as an author, speaker, and workshop presenter. Through her gentle but powerful informative and restorative approach, Holli engages clinical and lay audiences, empowering them with strategies to embrace well and whole ways of being. "Within my private practice or wherever I am able to reach folks," she says, "it is my passion and purpose to support individuals on their journeys in living more well and whole lives." Holli is the author of numerous books. Her 11th book was published in January: 'SHIFTING Bravely: A Path to Growth, Healing and Transformation'. Her recent TED Talk is, 'BETRAYAL: The Loss No One Is Talking About' (October). Since she's told her abuse story on our show in the past she's wondering if we can focus tonight on BETRAYAL, and how that shows up for sexual abuse survivors. "Of course, I will connect to my personal experiences. As I speak to in my talk, it is the 'loss of self' that is greatly impacted by abuse of all kinds, and especially with sexual abuse. It is something we don't often talk about." Holli goes on, "It is deeply buried in shame. Also, I believe the recovery path looks much different than with 'loss of someone or something'. Also, in the conversation around BETRAYAL, the topic of 'forgiveness' often is misunderstood, especially when it comes to healing."
Tonight's special guest is Cricket (Tammi) Andrews from Easton, Pennsylvania, a survivor of neglect from alcoholic parents who was later abused in foster care. We really appreciate her telling her story and welcome her back to her NAASCA family. Among other things, she's a Guardian Angel and a Lead Advocate for CFSI Missing (Center for Search & Investigations). Cricket is both a victim's advocate and a missing persons advocate. The US Dept. of Justice reports over 2,100 children go missing each day, and the FBI says one third will be victims of Child Trafficking. CFSI is an organization with a high success rate of bringing missing children aged 11- 16 home safely by assisting and training families and communities in facilitating the search and location efforts worldwide. CFSI's services are always offered free of charge to the parents of missing children whom meet the non-profit's criteria. CFSI for Missing Children is seeking advocates who can join its teams located in each state and assist with such efforts as raising awareness throughout social media, participating in grid searches, neighborhood canvases and blitzing your area with posters. "We hope that you will be willing to give a little of your time when a child in your area goes missing," it says on the web site. "Think about how much you would appreciate the help if your child were missing." Cricket says, "I am writing a book called 'I Should Be Dead: a survivor’s journey to becoming a voice for the voiceless.' With my book I'll want to empower others to empower themselves."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, a survivor of severe child abuse who's now a Minister and Chaplain. She'll appear on the 1st Thursday of each month and is the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story," her story of redemption. In 1997, Michelle writes that she, ".. was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. Her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Diane Jackson from Great Falls, Montana, a pioneer survivor and advocate for Human Trafficking. She's the author of 'The Girl With No Voice: A true story of child abuse, human trafficking, forced prostitution, and then miraculous freedom by the grace of God'. Reliving the painful days of her childhood and life, Diane shares her knowledge and advice to those who may be trapped in human-trafficking. She acknowledges her survival to God. Diane says. "Mama left at the age of three never to be seen again. My dad was a violent man. He would beat her. My Dad would send me to bed each night for years by squeezing my face and telling me I was the ugliest thing ever born. I struggle to this day feeling this." Diane goes on, "I have three siblings and was the black sheep in our house. Just say 'Cheryl did it!' and I would get punished." Her dad was cruel. "One story that still haunts me is when my dad seen me feeding kittens under a tree. He got a box to put them in and took me to a cliffside." He removed them one by one, shot them and threw them over cliff. I felt I was next." She started running away after that. "I felt so unloved and lonely it seems the only attention I got was when I was being sexually abused, by men, by women and my siblings. I was raped at 11 by an Airforce man. At age 13, I was set up by a girl who sold me to three business men who took me to Alaska. From 13 to 17 I was involved in Human Trafficking." Diane's been helping others for years. "I have talked to and helped some children escape abuse. I am a survivor."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Rev Henry (Hank) McGrath from Caroga Lake, New York, a child abuse survivor, author and NAASCA volunteer. Hank began life in a poor Irish family with 4 siblings in NY. Both parents were alcoholics. At 11 he was hustling to survive in Pittsburgh, PA with bookies, pimps, and prostitutes. It was dangerous for a child alone. Eventually he served time in the juvenile detention system and as a young adult in prison for crimes he'd committed. After decades of hard living and a few near-death situations, he began facing his childhood trauma and by the 90's was happily married. When his beloved wife died from cancer in 2001 Hank promised her to fight for others on the issues of child abuse. Since then, he has worked with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, as a court advocate for youth, and more. Today, Hank is a minister and is very active in his community. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Tonni Lea from Cañon City, Colorado, a best selling author who Coaches at Healing Hearts. Tonni 's a life coach, a recovery group leader, and a minister for healing broken women. She serves those who have been betrayed, traumatized, or abused from a sex addict, and are intimacy anorexic narcissist. "My heart is to help those that have been broken and lead them into healing, freedom and joy again," she says, "giving them tools to learn and apply to their life. No matter what the partner, the husband does, they are worthy of healing and becoming strong women." She explains, "I am a warrior, survivor and thriver from all abuse." Her sexual abuse started at the age of 5 from a family member and began again at the age of 13. In her senior year of high school she became pregnant. Her marriage was full of abuse from her husband, an alcoholic, mentally, emotionally and physically abusive. Tonni got a divorce after 7 years due to his unfaithfulness. Her next relationship started as an affair. She became pregnant. "He insisted on an abortion so that his reputation wasn't tainted. I hid that for 30 years." This husband was addictged to . "I later found out that he had 6 affairs during our time together." Tonni had an affair, too, looking for affection. His ongoing affair at the end of this marriage lead to a divorce but they got remarried. Three months later his affair was still going on. They had a final divorce. Tonni was in a 12 step recovery program for 4 1/2 years. She says, "It saved my live, and gave me the ability to carry on the message to others." She also developed a video course from the 12 steps on the Traverse TV app."
Tonight's special guest is Rachel Grant from San Francisco, California, a child abuse survivor and returning NAASCA family member. Rachel is the owner and founder of Rachel Grant Coaching and is a Sexual Abuse Recovery Coach. She has an M.A. in Counseling Psychology. She's also the author of Beyond Surviving: The Final Stage in Recovery from Sexual Abuse. Based on her educational training, study of neuroscience, and lessons learned from her own journey, she has successfully used the Beyond Surviving Program since 2007 to help survivors of childhood sexual abuse who are beyond sick and tired of feeling broken and unfixable break free from the pain of abuse and finally move on with their lives. Abused as a child, Rachel provides a compassionate and challenging approach for her clients, using coaching to help survivors of childhood sexual abuse let go of the pain of abuse and finally feel normal. Rachel asks, "Have you reached the point where you are no longer satisfied with just surviving your life?" She goes on, "If you have tried everything and just haven't been able to heal, then you are ready for an answer to the one critical question that is not being addressed by any of the books, therapists, or groups you've tried so far: 'So, what do I do about it? How do I actually heal and move on with my life?'" Rachel says, "My program, 'Beyond Surviving', is my answer, the culmination of everything I have learned along the way either by experience, through completing my Masters in Counseling Psychology and the study of neuroscience that led to my own healing. And I can help you do it, too."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest is Monica Boglin from Puyallup, Washington, a survivor of sexual, physical, and emotional child abuse. Her preditors were all family members, and her parents were intent on passing on to Monica the behavior that their parents had done to them. She also has lived with Lupus since she was 29, a painful autoimmune disease that has long been linked to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Monica became a life coach and a therapist and notes, “I've finally found a way to forgive the unforgivable and to firmly keep anyone and everything harmful out of my life been linked to." She's earned her Masters degree in metaphysical science and counseling and is well on her way to earning a PhD in the same field. "I hope to further use my story as a way to become of service and to help those along the path to their own healing, because I now know that hope and help is available.” ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guests will be Victoria Kelly from Minnesota and AmyAnna Soto from California. They are sponsoring a first annual event on Saturday, Oct 29th, on the topic 'Domestic Violence Affects Kids, Too'. It will point to how children are traumatized by growing up in such a family environment. The physical portion of the event will be in Minneapolis, in person, and the event will be available virtually via ZOOM. This FREE Event is open to everyone. "The grassroots organization 'A Helping Hand for Healing Souls' (AHHHS), which I founded, is sponsoring this event!," Victoria says. "Sharing this with your social media connections may help someone know they are not alone as I once was." The event Starts at 1:00 pm CEN. with speakers every half hour, beginning with Opening comments and Victoria's Story. There will be presentations on Missing Children, the Twin Cities Men's Center, and the National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse. Carrissa Daniels will appear as a Special Guest Speaker. At 4:30 an Open Mic Session begins with AmyAnna, followed by a 5:00pm Candlelight Vigil. All afternoon there will be a Silent Auction, a Clothesline Project Display, Resource Tables with AHHHS Buttons & Stickers for sale. Purple, Blue & Black Ribbon pins will be handed out. Purple is for Domestic Violence, Blue is for Child Abuse and Black is for those who died, either at the hands of their abusers or other issues resulting from their abuse.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest is Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Dr. Amy Saltzman from Santa Barbara, California, who says herstory is a bit atypical. "I began working with a life coach, Georgina Lindsey, at age 25, in 1989." Amy says, "In January of 2020 I asked to graduate, complete or transform the relationship. At that point she intensified her decades long gaslighting of me, telling me that either I had early Alzheimers, or was simply resisting my spiritual growth." She insisted Amy have a full neuropsychological evaluation. The evaluation included 7 hours of testing, the neuropsychologist speaking with Ms. Lindsey for 2 hours and Amy's husband for 1 hour. "Ultimately, the neuropsychologist determined that the relationship was one of undue influence/ covert emotional abuse/ coercive control," she explains. "In that moment I saw the entire web of decades of covert emotional abuse. As part of my healing, and to protect others from covert emotional abuse, which, data indicates, is as psychologically harmful or more harmful than physical and sexual abuse I created Spot A Spider." The intention of Spot A Spider is to protect people of all ages from all types of abuse covert emotional abuse (aka grooming) overt emotional, physical and sexual abuse.
Tonight's special guest is Laurie Purcell from Bay Shore, New York, a returning NAASCA family member from Long Island. Her abuse was severe .. physical, sexual and emotional. She says, "I was born into a family of severely mentally ill people, who weren't medicated." Jack, her father, was a violent pedophile. Gilda, her mother, was psychotic and violent to Laurie and her brother, Andrew, was brain damaged. "At 4 yrs old my brother threw me out his second story bedroom window. Gilda brought me into the house where she beat me with her fists on my broken back. I never saw a doctor and shouldn't have survived. My rib cage was twisted taking my intestines with it. The back of my head was crushed." All her life she's had problems. The neglect she experienced is a large part of the reason she's lived most of her life in full leg braces. At 17 her bother crushed the front of her throat in an attempt to kill her. Other injuries she sustained were multiple damaged discs, broken ribs and a broken collarbone. She's had severe fibromyalgia since she was 17. "I blew the whistle on all of them when my niece was born into the house," she explains. "I had to protect her from Jack. Nobody believed me until I talked to Jack's sister. He had a pedophile history and I've been advocating for abused kids ever since." Laurie concludes, "We all have a purpose, even if we don't like it, and the bottom line is you don't have to repeat what was done to you. We're all broken, but we can be fixed to a certain degree. Nearly 65, my body is in shambles, but I chose to help rather than hurt."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Dr Jamie Romo ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Lynn M Griesemer from Tampa, Florida, an anti prn advocate and author of an exciting new just published book, ' Free: How to Decrease the Demand for Prngraphy'. Lynn is the author of books on public speaking, marriage and childbirth, most available on Amazon. One day she vows to write fiction, but Lynn says the theme tonight might be: 'How We Can Create a Prn Free Society?' Combatting prnography is one of the most important missions of our time. In her book, Lynn tells her story of prn. Contemplate your prn story. We all have one if we've been exposed to prnography. It shapes behavior and leaves collateral damage. In today's show, Lynn will discuss why we should take prn seriously, how we can decrease the demand, and how we can raise the next generation to avoid prnography. In 2020, Lynn was struck with the question, “Why do so many 50 year-old men want to have sex with a 13 year-old girl?” That's not normal. She thought she was embarking on a journey to write a book about pedophilia, but her focus quickly turned to prnography, a contributing factor to sexual deviancy and crime. Prn is the “elephant in the room.” Prn isn't going to stop until we curb our appetite for it and stop viewing it. Your body and soul are worth more than what p*rnography offers." You may reach Lynn at lynn@lynngriesemer.com. If you would like tips and giveaways that you won't find on her blog or YouTube Channel (LynnGriesemer), please sign up for the “ Free” newsletter on her website, www.LynnGriesemer.com.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host is Cherie White ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Kelly Wallace from Portland, Oregon, a survivor and an employment consultant. She's a frequent podcast guest speaking about her experience as a child sexual abuse survivor and Kelly is at work on a memoir about her experience as an adult survivor of CSA. We'll want to discuss the new book. Her chosen career may have helped with Kelly's recovery, and no doubt she brings her experience to bear with her clients. She's written several articles about her experiences. One, 'Life After Abuse', tells the reader that, at eight, Kelly testified against her paternal grandpa, who was charged with her sexual abuse and rape. "My grandpa was found not guilty", she writes, "I took the not guilty plea hard." Kelly's life after the trial was challenging even with therapy. She struggled all the way through school and developed unhealthy coping mechanisms including drinking and an eating disorder. After college graduation Kelly returned to Oregon and she began to develop a consulting business which succeeded as she got into recovery for alcoholism. "The legal system has many flaws, she says, and often fails victims of child sexual abuse. I was one of those victims, but I am happy to say that I am in a better place today." Kelly has over 18 years experience with the successful Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation. She goes on, "I am a business owner and have overcome addiction. With continued therapy I am determined to grow stronger. I hope my story will inspire you." Kelly's a member of RAINN's Speakers Bureau, and recently penned a piece, "Kelly's Story". She's an active member of the Portland writing community.
Tonight's special guest is Darlene J Clark from Pulaski, Tennessee, a NAASCA family member. She's a survivor of severe child abuse and author of 'Born In A Living Hell,' about her tortuous childhood, and has recently written a second book, 'Shattered Innocence'. But Darlene isn't here tonight to tell her story, which she's told on our show many times (see SCAN 2906, 4/25/22). She's here tonight to lead a discussion on two topics, events we want to publicize are at the end of Oct: 1) a child trafficking marathon and 2) an event that highlights the trauma experienced by children who grow up in Domestic Violence homes. The first event, by TrafficingRescue.org, was created by a coalition of charities rescuing young people from the slavery they're living in. They will be building cyber units that track these criminals, work with police to capture them and release the victims of abuse. They'll also be building housing projects for the survivors. The second event, also on Oct 29th, is a free event held in Minnesota, and will also be on ZOOM, so anyone can attend. The theme is 'Domestic Violence Affects Kids Too' will be held 1pm to 4pm in Minneapolis, and will feature a number of topics; Speakers, an Open Mic, a Candlelight Vigil, resource Tables and a DV Clothesline Project. Please email Victoria Kelly for more info.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest is Jo from Florida, a date rape survivor, a psychologist and an ordained Christian minister. Tonight she'll be telling her story for the first time. Jo says, "I studied psychology and became ordained in order to be able to help people." Suggesting she'd like to volunteer with NAASCA, Jo says she is hoping that, ".. her participation would be something that is helpful to your organization and to the victims of abuse who you help. I am not altogether unfamiliar with their plight, so my compassion comes more from an empathetic standpoint. My sympathy goes out to you in your quest to make lemonade out of lemons. I have had to do this areas of my life as well." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest will be Jennie Delreeve from Wales, UK. She helps women around the globe who have experienced trauma from sexual abuse and are challenged with pelvic organ prolapse and urinary stress incontinence. "I have been a holistic health practitioner, life coach and law of attraction mentor for 16 years," she says. "I was abused several times by family members and various teenage boys between the ages of 3 and 8." She explains, "I spent my childhood in a really fearful and anxious state, sleeping with rows of toys all around my bed at night to protect me, constantly wetting the bed and feeling really alone. "I always had the memory of looking in my underwear and seeing blood as a child." Jennie goes on, "This led to me creating a strong emotional pattern of vulnerability and insecurity." At 15, she became anorexic and bulimic, highly anxious, and felt incredibly insecure about everything. "I desperately wanted to feel good and sought out validation from others to feel better. I took drugs and used marijuana but nothing filled that empty void inside of me. I was suicidal at times. I had a pattern of self-hatred and extreme people-pleasing." In her early thirties, Jennie qualified as a holistic health practitioner in California. "I was introduced to the concept of our thoughts and emotions creating physical issues in the body. It was then that I recovered my memories using meditation AND visualization techniques." She continues, "I suffered from a pelvic organ prolapse and was told I'd never heal it but via working on my emotional patterns I fully healed it without surgery and now help other women who have been abused to do the same."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Felisha Johnson from Miami, Florida, who has an incredible story of transformation. She was physically and sexually abused, taken from her family, and placed in the foster care system where she would stay for ten years. She emancipated out at age sixteen, facing multiple hardships. Felisha refused to allow her past to dictate her future, so she pushed through the pain to embark on her healing journey and began to see triumph in her trauma. "I am a survivor," she says. "At seven years old, I was sexually molested by an uncle, physically abused by my stepfather and labeled as a troubled child by my mother." Felisha became quite the advocate and activist. "I created the 'Heal Your Story' Foundation to help trauma survivors and to encourage at-risk youth to transition from their hurtful experiences to living and building a better life." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Dgirl from Savannah, Georgia and the Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas, area. She says, "My story is one that few would believe. It started with abuse that begin when I was only two. I was diagnosed with a very rare cancer and my parents gave permission to the United States and the national institutes of health for me to become a test subject and to be experimented on due to the fact that no one had ever survived the cancer. I have vivid flashbacks and recall being held down as I scream for mercy and beg for them to please stop stop what they were doing to me. They didn't stop for 20 years." She goes on, "In the meantime by the time I was about 7 I was home more than at the hospital when my step brother and his best friend began raping him molesting me in my own home. Mind you under the supervision of the woman that claims to be my mother. I don't know how much of my story you really would like to hear but I have quite a story so if you're interested please contact me I would love to share it with the world." Dgirl ends on a pensive note. "Maybe a little bit of publicity would help me in my fight for justice. I have supporting documents and evidence on everything that I say and look forward to your response."
Tonight's special guest is Aaron McGonigal from Idaho, who says, "I am a survivor/thriver of childhood sex abuse. I was NOT abused by my parent's however I was abused by a cousin of my dad's from the age of 5 until I started growing pubic hair (age 11). I am also a survivor of being bullied by multiple kid's when I was younger and growing up I was picked on by most of my uncles." Aaron reports, "I attempted to kill myself for the first time when I was 9 and then 3 other time's after that. I haven't attempted to do that again since the last time when I was 16 (I am now 43)." Now he's well on the road to recovery. "I consider myself to be an advocate for raising awareness to the majorly increasing problem of the normalization of pedophilia in the US and around the world these days. I have my own channel on YouTube called 'Get2Know' and it focuses on bringing PEDOPHILIA and the laws and punishments that our judicial representatives (judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys) pass down to these parasites. I also focus on the National Sex Offender Registry and speak about the MAJOR PROBLEMS with the NSOR in the US." His journey is a progressive one. "I have multiple mental issues that are directly related to the sex abuse I went through as a child. I would love to talk about my story of how I went from an innocent child, to victim, to survivor and the man that I have become today .. and the struggles that I have gone through in the process to becoming the thriving person I am now."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, a survivor of severe child abuse who's now a Minister and Chaplain. She'll appear on the 1st Thursday of each month and is the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story," her story of redemption. In 1997, Michelle writes that she, ".. was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. Her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Barbara Joy Hansen (Bobbie Joy) from Milford, Massachusetts, a child abuse survivor, activist and author. She's the International Award-Winning Author of 'Listen to the Cry of the Child', which gives a face and much insight into her world of violence that brings abuse into the light which is the first step to freedom & soul healing. Victimized from 2-8 by her grandfather, clergy sexual assault at a Christian camp at 11-12 by a youth pastor, raped at age 18 she suffered from domestic sexual addictions in her marriage which caused severe Complex trauma resulting with PTSD. After living a "silent scream" for 38 years she facilitates the Beauty Out of Ashes support group, teaching wounded outcasts including addicts & has had many media interview's including being invited on stage with the Dr. Oz Show with 20 survivor's of sexual assault in New York City. She as a God given passion, purpose & advocacy calling to help survivors everywhere including prisoner's & sex offenders all over the world. Eileen Dong of the Ms. Texas Show promoted Barbara as Survivors Against Violence Everywhere Ambassador, Massachusetts. Lena G. Clark, PhD, has promoted her with Miracle Mind Global expanded it's location with Barbara as Ambassador, New England. Barbara's Humanitarian Aid Work has taken her to the Philippines where a 4 minute YouTube documentary film of her life was made with CBN Asia the 700 Club Show.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Rev Henry (Hank) McGrath from Caroga Lake, New York, a child abuse survivor, author and NAASCA volunteer. Hank began life in a poor Irish family with 4 siblings in NY. Both parents were alcoholics. At 11 he was hustling to survive in Pittsburgh, PA with bookies, pimps, and prostitutes. It was dangerous for a child alone. Eventually he served time in the juvenile detention system and as a young adult in prison for crimes he'd committed. After decades of hard living and a few near-death situations, he began facing his childhood trauma and by the 90's was happily married. When his beloved wife died from cancer in 2001 Hank promised her to fight for others on the issues of child abuse. Since then, he has worked with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, as a court advocate for youth, and more. Today, Hank is a minister and is very active in his community. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is AmyAnna Soto from Modesto, California, a survivor of severe childhood trauma and a professional Somatic Mindful Guided Imagery® (SMGI®) guide. "My trauma includes childhood sexual abuse, physical and mental abuse, rape and long-term stalking. Growing up the adults in my life were self-labeled sadists. My world was a place of nightmares and terror, which turned darker when an abuser began to stalk and harass me." She spent the last 20 years reinventing herself, "..using various healing methods including therapy, art, journaling, writing, support groups both online and in-person, dreamwork, art therapy, and SMGI®. I was proactive in my healing reading books and learning all I could. This allowed me to take control of my healing and my life. As a former Certified Nursing Assistant, and sexual assault advocate, I have cared for many people in their most dire moments. All my experiences have led me to discover my inner truth and true passion. I love to help ease the stress and chaos of the aftermath of trauma. As an SMGI® Guide, I can help trauma survivors in a professional role. Until Covid came I ran my own art and craft support group for trauma survivors. I am an artist and published poet in a collaboration poetry book 'Hush No More! Healing Through Words'. I would like to focus mainly on the aftermath/healing of childhood abuse rather than the abuse itself. If you like I can read the two poems featured in the Hush No More Poetry book."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professionals Carol Levine and Michelle Bless, using an OPEN MIKE forum. Anyone can call in! We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Those who call in will form a discussion panel. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivors and professionals. who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Bill Murray from Los Angeles, our founder. Bill's recovery is 12 Step-based and spans over 3 and a half decades. Sexually abused by numerous clerics, all men, between the ages of 11 and mid-way through high school, a minor seminary, he was also the victim of pre-pubescent pn'ography and even a two week kidnapping. Bill was graced to have found Alcoholics Anonymous when he was 30 years old. The program not only helped him get clean and sober but also gave him a place to give up his secrets, and the tools by which he's recovered. He firmly believes one can use the 12 Step process to heal from child abuse trauma and to find a way to a comfortable life. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Carol C. Boyce from Sacramento, California, a child abuse survivor and an accomplished author, child advocate, and speaker. Her passions for child abuse prevention. Carol's book is, 'First, I Believe You; A True Story of Healing from Hidden Memories'. She has written about her resiliency and courageous battle to learn the truth of her past, ending her traumatic amnesia and family secrets. Carol says, "'First, I Believe You' walks the reader through my recovery from Complex PTSD and shows my healing from this horrible diagnosis. My trauma also occurred over a long period of time and is the devastating result of childhood sexual abuse." She explains, "We were the best family on the block as many saw it. But something was very wrong, something that I couldn't identify." Carol says, "In my thirties, with two young children, my life began dissolving." With nightmares and increasing moments of sheer terror and panic attacks, I knew I was losing my grip. But I had children to raise. I had vowed early on that my children would be raised in an emotionally healthy home as if my life depended on it." She searched for help from endless and clueless psychotherapists, but no one had any idea of what was causing her problems. As the terror continued and the eating addiction grew, she was finally able to put all of the pieces together. "I had been molested by my father and had had absolutely no memory of it until I was thirty-six. Upon that horrifying realization, the terror I'd lived through as a child began to pour out of me." She goes on, "Though my father denied all he'd done, labeling me a liar, and my siblings have refused to believe or support me, my own family thrived."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time!~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Victoria Kelly from Minneapolis, Minnesota, a returning guest. Victoria will soon be helping with Hosting these SCAN shows. She's also putting together a special event in Oct for Domestic Violence awareness in her home state. A child abuse survivor and long-time NAASCA family member / volunteer, Victoria was abused almost from birth in nearly every way imaginable even as a baby, an experience that was repeated by numerous predators and perpetrators and went on and on. In addition her alcoholic father beat both Victoria and her mother. But Victoria thought that was simply what happened to a child and a woman when they happened to be living on the wrong side of the tracks. She became reclusive and withdrawn, and there was little justice meted out to any of Victoria's predators. Early on she began to disassociate, a condition that was later in life diagnosed as MPD (Multiple Personality Disorder), now known as DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder). Victoria eventually spent years going in and out of mental hospitals, where she actually was grateful. At least the staff was kind and helpful. "I went to a wonderful psychiatrist and she help me for 13 years with MPD / the ID." She began drinking at an early age but sobered up with help from a 12 step group. Her sexual promiscuity led her to numerous bad adult relationships. It took a long time to find the right therapist and path to recovery but now she's integrated and years ago things finally started to come together. Life's still not perfect but now she's active helping the struggling. Among other things, Victoria works to end domestic and sexual violence, attends support groups, speaks out at rallies and conferences, supports police, volunteers at shelters, and works directly with women and children to get their basic needs filled: food shelter and clothing.
Tonight's special guest is Daria Heller from Middletown, Ohio, who works as a volunteer at the HopeHouse Homeless Shelter for Women. Her emphasis is on teaching life skills to facilitate women’s re-entry into the world, to create good life choices and to rise above their broken past. Daria said, “I understand what it's like to be broken and afflicted just like the women I serve because I am survivor of child abuse.” Each survivor of abuse has their own unique set of violations against their person which makes generalization on what constitutes child abuse impossible. How was Daria violated as a child? She endured absolute isolation, complete alienation, never developed all the skills one learns in a functional and healthy childhood. She just didn’t matter to her parents. At six years old she prayed God would take her that night so she would not have to face another day of unending, on-going, daily pain. Finally, on her 18th birthday, she tried to commit suicide because she could not imagine a life unlike the last 18 years. Life for Daria was a half-life. She was ashamed and she hid all the ways her childhood broke her. She mimicked the lives of those she considered “normal” but always falling back into the dark pits of despair, ruinous behavior, and suicide attempts. But this isn’t the story God was writing for her. Daria said, “God pursued me, fought for me, planned a spacious place for me. God never let go and never gave up on me. He saved me, transformed me, healed me, and brought me into his presence and peace.” Today, Daria is living out God’s message to her: Seek out my children who are alone, afflicted, and broken and I will shine my light on them through you.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Monica Boglin from Puyallup, Washington, a survivor of sexual, physical, and emotional child abuse. Her preditors were all family members, and her parents were intent on passing on to Monica the behavior that their parents had done to them. She also has lived with Lupus since she was 29, a painful autoimmune disease that has long been linked to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Monica became a life coach and a therapist and notes, “I've finally found a way to forgive the unforgivable and to firmly keep anyone and everything harmful out of my life been linked to." She's earned her Masters degree in metaphysical science and counseling and is well on her way to earning a PhD in the same field. "I hope to further use my story as a way to become of service and to help those along the path to their own healing, because I now know that hope and help is available.” ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Teresa Joyce from the UK, a returning NAASCA family member, author of 'There's a Fine Line', available as a free eBook which she says is a true story that ranges over a period of many years. Teresa explains the book, "covers the first married years of my mother's life, and the abuse she received from my now deceased father." Sadly, hardship just seemed to follow her around. Some years later she remarried, but unfortunately this union would "tear her once more into tiny pieces." Teresa explains she would spend many years hating not only herself, but everything around her. She swore to herself that she would leave all this behind. "The impact of sexual abuse varies from child to child for many the damage is enormous," she says, "with the impact still being felt into adulthood affecting all aspects of their life." Teresa continues, "Working through the memories of childhood abuse is painstaking work it will never happen overnight. But if we are ever going to be tested in our lives then this is one of the biggest test of all." Teresa explains, "We learn to process the memories that we remember as and when we can, because those traumatizing memories are not always remembered all at once on a conscious level. In truth it's your mind that is protecting you from confronting all those painful memories all at once. You will remember more when you are ready and able. With remembrance and time you find that you are working towards and able to see that positive outcome that can be yours. This is the right way – the one where you say to all that you alone stopped abuse in its tracks. Once you reach that feeling of completion you will understand fully – that yes it is indeed your life."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Cherie White from Covington, Tennessee, an anti bullying advocate and author of three books who uses her own story of being bullied and gaslighted to help those enduring the same abuse today. "In 6th grade I began a long lesson in the human predator/prey dynamic and a battle for my dignity, safety, and my very soul." At first she took the physical beatings, name-calling, and abuse. Cherie was a victim of what is called 'poly-victimization'. In just six months she went from being a kid who always made the honor roll, to an angry and bitter girl who made only C's and D's. "Who could concentrate on schoolwork?" she asks. Cherie attempted suicide at the age of fourteen. "Because I felt powerless, I began to bully those who were even weaker than me in attempts to grab back some of my power." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest will be Wilsdaryon (Wil) Presche from Houston, Texas, a survivor of child abuse and trauma. At seven years old he was placed into the foster care system due to trauma and abuse. He spent the next few years bouncing from foster home to foster home. Then, at twelve, Wil was placed with loving people who would eventually become his adoptive family. As Wil grew older, he developed a yearning to help individuals who have been in similar situations. He understood how navigating the foster system could be very challenging and that many were not as fortunate as he had been. Out of the deep, murky waters of neglect and abuse, Wil had used the power of music to find strength and heal, and to overcame the odds stacked firmly against him. In his book, 'This is Me Trying: Navigating Through A Lifetime of Trauma', he tells the story of a boy who has blossomed into the man he knew he could be, despite the darkness that engulfed him throughout his childhood and adolescence. Through the power of music, Wil was able to discover himself after losing touch with who he really was. With this newfound soundtrack of life, he was able to rise from the darkness and turn experiences that were once chaotic and traumatic into something beautiful. Wil has blossomed by overcoming various forms of abuse, coping mechanisms, and stigmas. Wil has spent the last four years studying mental health and substance abuse issues while working with at-risk youth in multiple organizations. During this time, he realized the effects of music therapy on a person's soul and emotional well-being; he is continuing his education to fulfill his dream of becoming a therapist. He hopes to share his experiences with others to show that something good can come out of an unfortunate situation out of his control.
Tonight's special guest is Alloysa Chong from Brooklyn, New York, who now lives in Ft Lauderdale Florida. "I am an OVERCOMER of childhood abuse, domestic violence, loneliness, depression, neglect, fear, manipulation, torture, confusion, insanity, suicidal ideation, believing lies as truth, the inability to identify/avoid unhealthy relationships, parenting my parents all my life and being trapped in complete bondage," she says. As the creator of Alloysa.com, she shares her personal journey through a variety of platforms to be a light to others suffering in similar situations, an ear to unheard voices while inspiring them to rise from powerless to purposeful. A renowned writer, she transcribed her miraculous life story into the pages of her groundbreaking autobiography FIGHT, representing all those who are suffering in silence, all those who are depleted and defeated and all those who desperately seek help and hope. "Though this is my journey, I know I am not alone," she says. "I invite you to live my life with me through these pages of how I went from battles to breakthrough, from sacrifice to surrender and from FIGHT to freedom." Alloysa lives to use her words, voice and actions to help others heal to hope, health and wholeness. Today, she is a strong, independent, intelligent, brave, bold, vibrant, resilient woman! She is an eloquent speaker, articulate writer and innate problem solver! She stands on truth, knows true love, lives in purpose, found purpose in pain, has clarity for her sanity and is free indeed! She does not consider herself a victim or survivor, but an OVERCOMER as JESUS continues to unveil her purpose towards destiny each and everyday in who she is and who she is called to be! Blessings! I AM ALLOYSA!
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Felisha Johnson from Miami, Florida, who has an incredible story of transformation. She was physically and sexually abused, taken from her family, and placed in the foster care system where she would stay for ten years. She emancipated out at age sixteen, facing multiple hardships. Felisha refused to allow her past to dictate her future, so she pushed through the pain to embark on her healing journey and began to see triumph in her trauma. "I am a survivor," she says. "At seven years old, I was sexually molested by an uncle, physically abused by my stepfather and labeled as a troubled child by my mother." Felisha became quite the advocate and activist. "I created the 'Heal Your Story' Foundation to help trauma survivors and to encourage at-risk youth to transition from their hurtful experiences to living and building a better life." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest will be Kristina 'Transparenci' Jones from Chicago, Illinois. Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, Kristina's passion is to help young girls and women acknowledge and heal from childhood trauma and sexual abuse, as she continues on her journey of redemption and recovery. Kristina enjoys sharing her testimony through poetry and spoken word, because “transparency transforms the lives of others (Brittany Jackson)”. Kristina released her first book titled, 'Suppressed Wounds: Redemption and Recovery' in March 2022. "She felt like she was always just good enough for sex, but not good enough to be the woman on a man's arm," she writes. "She had countless sexual encounters with men beginning at age 3. She fought sexual perversions aimlessly until she realized that she did not have to fight the sexual battles of perversions on her own. Being regenerated by the Holy Spirit, at age 15. The eyes of her heart and soul were opened and for the first time, and she was able to understand that she was fighting an invisible war. 'For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12)'. Pushing through stereotypical conundrums of, 'she just ain't got no daddy', she overcame, and is overcoming, what some have difficulty with acknowledging and addressing .. her past childhood and adulthood sexual traumas." You are invited to take a journey through this woman's redemption and recovery from suppressed wounds.
Tonight's special guest is TeResa from Memphis, Tennessee. She was abandoned by her mother at 1 year old. At age 14, she met her mom for the first time. TeResa was introduced to alcohol and drugs by her. She experienced child sexual abuse at the hands of her brother and his friends multiple times. One day she decided to tell her mom about the abuse caused by her brother but her mom didn't believe her, and kicked her out of the house. She is also a suicide survivor. TeResa is ready to continue walking in her healing, and is sharing her story tonight to help save others from victimization and shame. She gets called 'crazy' for telling her story and her family's secret, but she wants to break the stigma associated with survivors of abuse, incest abuse and mental illness from trauma. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Geraldine Cullum (Geri) from Indianapolis, Indiana. "As a child, I grew up not liking visits with my grandparents on my father's side, especially my grandpa," she says. "You see, he didn't kiss me as most my family members' (on the cheek, or forehead). He would stick his tongue in my mouth. One trip on the way home to Indiana, my sister and I heard sad words about grandpa. I tried to speak up, saying; 'I don't like the way gram-pa kisses me' and my mom spoke sternly saying, 'that's enough, that's non-sense'. I remember saying, 'and I don't like the way he puts his fingers in my baby sister's diaper's either.' I remember mom's words. 'Now hush, you're putting shame on your father,' and 'that's enough, that's ugly, hush now or we'll stop and get a switch'. I fell into sexual addiction, alcohol, food addiction in my young adult life to mid-life. The recovery process has been a lifetime of moving from one recovery group to another, never really succeeding until I found my sister of Joy, Barbara Henson. She opened my eyes to the materials in her recovery program she facilitates. I didn't remember my abuse anymore, not until I built my timeline, which opened the flood gates to my recovery. Her two books are called, 'Beyond the Darkness, Healing for Sexual Abuse,' and 'Listen to the Cry of the Child.' At first I rejected even the thought of sexual abuse begin present in my life. Now I help others in my surrounding community find their own words. In the future, I want to build a safe home for teens and young adults."
Open discussion with survivors and professionals who'll field topics including some which are brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Those who call in will form a discussion panel. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivors and professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Kim Lakin from Littleton, Colorado, a child abuse survivor and activist who's the founder of 'Soar On Eagles Wings', where she teaches about prevention and intervention. Kim's an Authorized Instructor and Certified Facilitator for Darkness to Light, Stewards of Children, as well as a facilitator for The Monique Burr Foundation. She was sexually assaulted her whole childhood. Kim says, "I will always be in the recovery process. I don't think that will go away. I feel that my work with facilitating has been a big part of my healing the past 6 years. I feel empowered and free when I am providing classes for the community." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's secial guest is special co-host will be Jo Rankin from Sarasota, Florida, a date rape survivor, a psychologist and an ordained Christian minister. Tonight she'll be telling her story for the first time. Jo says, "I studied psychology and became ordained in order to be able to help people." Suggesting she'd like to volunteer with NAASCA, Jo says she is hoping that, ".. her participation would be something that is helpful to your organization and to the victims of abuse who you help. I am not altogether unfamiliar with their plight, so my compassion comes more from an empathetic standpoint. My sympathy goes out to you in your quest to make lemonade out of lemons. I have had to do this areas of my life as well." Jo is destined to be a once a month co-host for our call in discussion shows, a survivor-professional or hyphenate who'll field topics including some brought to the episode by you, the listener. Those who call in will form a discussion panel. ~~ Jo will normally appear each month on the second Thursday of the month. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivors and professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Rev Henry (Hank) McGrath from Caroga Lake, New York, a child abuse survivor, author and NAASCA volunteer. Hank began life in a poor Irish family with 4 siblings in NY. Both parents were alcoholics. At 11 he was hustling to survive in Pittsburgh, PA with bookies, pimps, and prostitutes. It was dangerous for a child alone. Eventually he served time in the juvenile detention system and as a young adult in prison for crimes he'd committed. After decades of hard living and a few near-death situations, he began facing his childhood trauma and by the 90's was happily married. When his beloved wife died from cancer in 2001 Hank promised her to fight for others on the issues of child abuse. Since then, he has worked with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, as a court advocate for youth, and more. Today, Hank is a minister and is very active in his community. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Maedene Elizabeth Kaminsky from Oxnard, California, a survivor of child abuse and new NAASCA member. She's a wife, homemaker and a mom of two children, a 14 year old daughter and 10 year old son with Downs Syndrome" I've been in recovery for mental health and addiction issues since 2005, but I struggled on and off for most of those years to stay clean and gain some continuous clean time," she says. "I've found in my recovery that I struggled with childhood trauma, of losing my father at the age of 9. I was then abused by a relative and respected adult in my life, at the age of 12." She goes on to explain, "From that point on I lived in survival mode, until I found escape in drugs. I found the 12 Step Program in recovery." Maedene began to work on herself to heal of her mental health and from addiction issues. "I've come a long way in my recovery, learning to re-parent myself, and my own children in healthier ways. I work a program of recovery, I go to mental health groups, and I volunteer with the community when I'm able to." We know how important this is. "I also have a strong faith in God, and Jesus Christ and I try to live my life as best as I can, according to His will and by following a program of recovery!"
Tonight's special guest is Ashley Mallard from Canyon Country, California, a survivor of horrific child abuse in his youth. He says, "I raised my children without imposing abuse. Prevention is a key to stopping the wheel of abuse so many face." He ought to know. He's been through a lot. "My parents divorced when I was born. I was repeatedly sexually molested by my sister (10 yrs my senior) and beaten by my mother." His abuse included neglect, too. "I was hungry, scared and weary, all by five yrs old. My mother was a recovering drug addict who never recovered." This in itself had certain consequences. "Her way of parenting was benign. She offered no love at all, nor any friendship or understanding." His mother kept it up. "I was always alone, and beaten daily. I wasn't allowed to have an opinion or even a personality. I sat on the floor of the car and the dog got the seat .. and the bigger one!" Ashley says, "I was treated like a maid and used to do all the dirty work, like taking the tabs off vehicles in the Kmart parking lot to put on her car at 8 yrs old!" He continues, "I could go on for days." Eventually he pulled himself together .. for the sake of his kids. "I have three sons, all successful. I always taught my kids not to steal and lie. That helped. My mother (parents) failed me and I'm a success."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, a survivor of severe child abuse who's now a Minister and Chaplain. She'll appear on the 1st Thursday of each month and is the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story," her story of redemption. In 1997, Michelle writes that she, ".. was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. Her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Wendy Casper from Lawrenceville, Georgia, an adult survivor of child abuse and a volunteer with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). "My abuse started at age 2," she says, "and went on till age 29 when my psychotic mother died. My life consisted of being thrown against walls, and having my bead bashed into walls. I couldn't handle this so I shut down and my brain created alters. This is dissociative identity disorder and it saved my life. I ultimately called my alters 'others'. I had four." Wendy explains. "I was trained to please men no matter what and saying NO wasn't permitted. I was made to watch my mother have sex to learn how to please men and she would watch me have sex with those same men to ensure I had pleased and satisfied them. Of course I never did in her mind so I got beat. Ultimately, I was repeatedly raped by my father, two step fathers, my grandfather, her boyfriends, a GYN, a Dentist, a Pastor and a nurse in the local ER." Wendy had enemas forced on her, which she had to hold for hours. "I was made to cook her meals age 4, she would throw food at me while I sat in the corner. My meal was eating the food that was thrown at me. She hit me with pots, pans, hammers, anything with weight. I now have optic nerve damage and scar tissue from head injuries." Wendy goes on. "She chained my ankle to a wall in the furnace room. I would be there with no food or water for hours or days." Wendy is now a volunteer with NAMI, who recently got a Bachelor degree in Psychology. She shares both her survivor story and mental health story with others in hopes they will share theirs. "Counseling and God saved my life. I am passionate about speaking out on child abuse."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Bill Murray from Los Angeles, our founder. Bill's recovery is 12 Step-based and spans over 3 and a half decades. Sexually abused by numerous clerics, all men, between the ages of 11 and mid-way through high school, a minor seminary, he was also the victim of pre-pubescent pn'ography and even a two week kidnapping. Bill was graced to have found Alcoholics Anonymous when he was 30 years old. The program not only helped him get clean and sober but also gave him a place to give up his secrets, and the tools by which he's recovered. He firmly believes one can use the 12 Step process to heal from child abuse trauma and to find a way to a comfortable life. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Lang Martinez from Oxnard, California, a returning NAASCA family member. When the topic of homelessness is brought up in Ventura County, a single name comes quickly to mind: Lang Martinez. Martinez has built a reputation for himself as a the only homeless advocate to have come from the same streets he now walks through with his head held high. His peer-to-peer approach has cemented his name among other professionals in his field. Martinez’s methodology in the field, is shared through his writings in Citizens Journal, VC Star, Fillmore Gazette, La Crescenta Valley Weekly and other media publications. He is an ambassador advocate for survivors of sexual abuse, the 12 Step program, and recently celebrated his 4 year celebration of living drug and alcohol free. He continues to be a persistent advocate for those experiencing chronic homelessness and believes that if he can recover, others can too. It hasn't been easy. Though his entire adult life has been marred with risky behavior, drug addiction, imprisonment, and homelessness, he has managed to legitimatize himself with a career, family, and an unwavering passion to help others. Today, Lang shares his story of what it takes to recover from a serious methamphetamine addiction that left him homeless and dead on the streets of Oxnard. Lang Martinez is fighting for his life. He's fighting to stay sober. He's fighting to stay out of prison. He's fighting sudden blindness, and a civil court case against the man who raped him as a child. On the flip side he has surrounded himself with surrogate professionals who believe Lang can survive. But he lives like a candle blowing in the night searching for a destiny that is elusive, yet it lives deeply inside the salvation that will allow him to finally live in peace.
Tonight's special guest is Marita Murphy from Ballarat, Victoria, Australia, a CSA survivor currently in appeals court for assaults from almost 50 years ago. Marita's mother raised her and 6 older siblings after her father died of a brain tumor. By age 7 her mother became unwell and Marita temporarily lived with a community family where she was molested and raped by 2 teens. Her story is another Catholic cover-up, and she wrote a public testimony about growing up in the Maryknoll Catholic settlement separate from outside society and not understanding what happened until later .. when she learned what the word 'rape' meant. Marita remembers her behavior changing drastically, experiencing emotional rages, and cutting off all her hair in attempts to avoid attention from boys. She initially loved school, but it became a struggle, and at age 12 she dropped out. The church pushed ideas about “sins of the flesh” and “impure thoughts.” She suffered in silence until her mother's death when she felt free to make a police report, “It was really harrowing to relive the experience over again.” Later she confronted one of her abusers! “He got in my face and said, 'Do you know WHO I am?'" She replied, “I know for certain now who YOU are - you're the man who raped me when I was a little girl!” Marita has been married for over 33 years, raising their three children and training racehorses. She feels the courts have been failing her so far, but she isn't giving up. “Thank goodness for the Internet and Facebook, as it's the only platform left for me."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Monica Boglin from Puyallup, Washington, a survivor of sexual, physical, and emotional child abuse. Her preditors were all family members, and her parents were intent on passing on to Monica the behavior that their parents had done to them. She also has lived with Lupus since she was 29, a painful autoimmune disease that has long been linked to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Monica became a life coach and a therapist and notes, “I've finally found a way to forgive the unforgivable and to firmly keep anyone and everything harmful out of my life been linked to." She's earned her Masters degree in metaphysical science and counseling and is well on her way to earning a PhD in the same field. "I hope to further use my story as a way to become of service and to help those along the path to their own healing, because I now know that hope and help is available.” ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Victoria Valentino from Altadena, California, an author, a sexual assault awareness activist, and one of the many survivors of the sexual abuse and trauma caused by Bill Cosby. "No one wants to get famous for being sexually assaulted," she says. "But sometimes, it's not about you. Sometimes, it's about finally telling the truth." Victoria became the sixteenth woman to come forward and one of the five women interviewed in a Washington Post piece published on November 22, 2014. A year later, New York Magazine published their blockbuster issue that blew the lid off the Cosby story, 'Cosby: The Women - An Unwelcome Sisterhood'. The magazine cover has become iconic, depicting 35 of the survivors who were willing to tell their own stories. Since then, Victoria has been in demand not only to retell her shocking story of violent rape by one of America's most powerful celebrities but to also offer her viewpoint on his motives and modus operandi. Now, she is featured in Showtime's compelling new four-part series, 'We Need to Talk About Cosby' by W. Kamau Bell in which he expertly chronicles the performer's meteoric rise to the top along with his criminal timeline. Victoria's memoir, 'Dirty Diamonds: The Repurposed Life of a Playboy Icon and Cosby Survivor' will be out soon. It is not a story that is solely a retelling of the Cosby experience. Her life story as a survivor of childhood abuse, domestic abuse, multiple rapes as a young girl, made her the easy target for the man who would make her Playboy's Miss September 1963.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guests are Terrie MacClalus & Rev Henry (Hank) McGrath, both from upstate New York. Returning NAASCA family members, they requested appearing together. The middle child of 5, Terrie says, "At ten, my parents split up and we became a tug of rope. That was also the end of my innocence and the beginning of what would become sexual harassment and a feeling of unworthiness and just feeling dirty. Shame was heavily used to teach lessons." She goes on, "I also felt abandoned. I learned at an early age to escape painful feelings. I turned to drink to numb my heart. Of course that didn't work but it kept a husband happy." But she always felt the shame her mother had left her with. "If sexual abuse weren't such a taboo subject maybe she would have noticed the day of the triple rape. I was 14." Hank began life in a poor 2nd-generation Irish family with 4 siblings in NY. Both parents were alcoholics. By age 11 he was hustling to survive in Pittsburgh, PA with bookies, pimps, and prostitutes. It was dangerous for a child alone, and Hank carried trauma from it his whole life. He served time in the juvenile detention system and as a young adult in prison for crimes he'd committed. Terri eventually changed. "In my 50's after 11 years clean and sober, I decided I couldn't take the pressure anymore. The addiction was waiting for me. It would take years before I would dare to try to face my life again." Terri says. After decades of hard living and a few near-death situations, Hank began facing his childhood trauma and by the 90's was happily married. When his beloved wife died from cancer in 2001 Hank promised her to fight for others on the issues of child abuse. Today, Hank is a minister and is very active in his community.
Tonight's special guest is Dominic Prophete, JD, from Newark, New Jersey, Chief Executive Officer of Wynona's House Child Advocacy Center in Essex County. Donna Brown, his Administrative Assistant, may also appear. The mission is to promote justice, hope and healing for child victims of abuse and neglect throughout Essex County by coordinating investigation, prosecution, treatment, prevention, and supportive services utilizing the “child-centered” multi-disciplinary team approach. The vision of Wynona's House is to create a community where children are safe, families, are strong, and victims become children again. Fifteen years ago, Wynona's House was founded in Newark, New Jersey as a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to helping children who have been abused or neglected. Wynona's House revolutionized the process endured by children and families of Essex County coping with the aftermath of abuse and neglect. We are a collaboration of more than 70 multi-disciplinary advocates helping the children of Essex County who have been abused or neglected. Wynona's House coordinates a cross-systems collaboration that leverages both public and private resources to improve outcomes addressing the problem of child abuse, neglect and maltreatment within the 22 municipalities of Essex County. In a typical year, Wynona's House serves approximately 950 child victims of abuse or neglect from the 21 municipalities of Essex County and their non-offending caregivers/families. It's a best-practice model of public/private collaboration of multi-disciplinary teams including investigators, prosecutors, medical and mental health professionals, social workers and child/family advocates working together.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Dr Jaime Romo from San Diego, an educator, consultant, author, and Minister, who promotes prevention and healing from child sexual abuse, particularly abuse by religious authorities or in the context of religious settings. A workbook he wrote, Healing the Sexually Abused Heart: A Workbook for Survivors, Thrivers, and Supporters, is an integration of various disciplines that led Jaime to become a certified Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) facilitator. Jaime explains, “While it is no secret that I am a survivor of clergy abuse, it is the journey of integration, transformation and application that is most telling about my accomplishments and the life that I celebrate.” Please visit his web site: www.jaimeromo.org ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Reuben Stutzman from Minnesota, an active member of the Amish Rescue Mission who grew up with a father who commanded Reuben follow what the church wanted him to do. "He’d be extremely angry and beat me severely," Reuben said, "When I disobeyed the commands of the bishop I’d get punished!" Reuben started secretly reading the Bible to find God's name, and when he found it was Yahweh he started to call upon his name in prayer. "I stayed Amish but always felt the Amish are wrong how about upon promising to stay in the church." They'd seal it with a kiss to the bishop on his lips." The same is true of a lot of child molesters, who go to kiss the bishop. His family began to grow, but his Amish wife rebelled against her husband's questioning the Amish church. His wife didn’t believe in his 'strange God' as she called it (Yahweh) and she made false and true accusations to the Amish elders. Ruben says his wife was molested by her uncles as a child and hates men. But the Amish convinced her to take the children and leave him. "The Amish demanded I go to their counseling," He refused and went to Florida as a homeless, friendless and penniless man 4 years ago. "I realized again I am to be a witness to his people" He goes on, there are thousands of little Amish girls bring molested (sacrificed) by the Amish church who are hushed in silence! I was connected with Amish Rescue Mission and I jumped on board with them and helped them with their mission! Today I am in awe as thousands of people are joining the organization, and it’s growing! I am now free today, I feel happy blessed and free."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Cherie White from Covington, Tennessee, an anti bullying advocate and author of three books who uses her own story of being bullied and gaslighted to help those enduring the same abuse today. "In 6th grade I began a long lesson in the human predator/prey dynamic and a battle for my dignity, safety, and my very soul." At first she took the physical beatings, name-calling, and abuse. Cherie was a victim of what is called 'poly-victimization'. In just six months she went from being a kid who always made the honor roll, to an angry and bitter girl who made only C's and D's. "Who could concentrate on schoolwork?" she asks. Cherie attempted suicide at the age of fourteen. "Because I felt powerless, I began to bully those who were even weaker than me in attempts to grab back some of my power." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guests are Rachel Hawley and Eli Yoder from the Amish Rescue Mission. Rachel grew up in Southern Minnesota. The Amish community where she was raised was so sheltered that she didn't even know there were any other Amish. She still has a lot of unanswered questions. In 2020 a little 12 year old Amish girl got pregnant in Missouri, by one of her 4 brothers. Rachel said, "Okay God, I am listening. Where do I start?" Inspired by the Holy Spirit, she created a 'safe touch~not safe touch' poster for the Amish and Plain children, took advocacy training and became the Co-Founder of Amish Rescue Mission in hopes to give all God's children a voice. Eli Yoder grew up in a old order Amish community in Kenton, Ohio, where he experienced lots of physical abuse. "I wanted to run away at a very young age and I failed at every attempt of escape until 18 years when I could legally leave by law." He continues, "I thought for sure that I would go to hell but I wanted to get away from the abuse so badly that I thought hell might be just a little bit better." In 2017 he first laid his eyes on the English written Bible, and realized he'd been lied to his whole life. "After being out for 15 years I got to know many other former Amish on social media including Rachel." He'd discovered a path. "I knew that I had to be a part of helping victims who don't have a voice in these Amish communities." The Mission now has many different tools including safe houses, Dutch speaking interpreters and many other resources. The group has recently added a hotline -- 888 / 621-1985 -- and safe houses for those in need of rescue from current abusive situation.
Q & A call-in discussion with survivors and professionals who'll field topics including some which are brought to the episode by you, the listener. Included tonight will be Carol, Michelle and Bill, along with other survivors. ~~ Those who call in will form a discussion panel. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivors and professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with survivors and professionals who'll field topics including some which are brought to the episode by you, the listener. Included tonight will be Annie, Carol, Bill and Dr Nancy, along with other survivors. ~~ Those who call in will form a discussion panel. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivors and professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Harold D'Souza from Cincinnati, Ohio, co-founder of Eyes Open International, a non-profit group focused on combating human trafficking through empowerment. He explains, "We consult various levels of government and develop methods of cultivating resilience, hope, and freedom in vulnerable populations as well as organize and participate in talks, seminars, group discussions, and special events that promote human trafficking awareness and survivor-led methods." Harold is a Survivor-Advocate. His experience has given him a new purpose and meaning in life. Originally from India, Harold D'Souza is a survivor of labor trafficking and debt bondage in the United States of America. He came to the US following the advice and encouragement of a man who would become his trafficker. For over 18 months, Harold was exploited at the hands of the human trafficker, losing his freedom and struggling to keep his family safe. Modern slavery is almost invisible, yet it exists in areas all over the world including the USA. "We lead the charge against modern-day slavery", he says, "by using survivor-informed expertise to combat human trafficking. Our organization relies on grassroots methods to transform victims into survivors, inspiring them to lead a happy life free of bondage. We want to empower individuals and communities around the world so that they may forge their path forward with their Eyes Open." Harold strives to be the voice of courage, hope, and freedom for trafficking victims. He has been invited to speak throughout the United States and around the world. As of spring 2022, two different films are in production telling Harold's story.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Felisha Johnson from Miami, Florida, who has an incredible story of transformation. She was physically and sexually abused, taken from her family, and placed in the foster care system where she would stay for ten years. She emancipated out at age sixteen, facing multiple hardships. Felisha refused to allow her past to dictate her future, so she pushed through the pain to embark on her healing journey and began to see triumph in her trauma. "I am a survivor," she says. "At seven years old, I was sexually molested by an uncle, physically abused by my stepfather and labeled as a troubled child by my mother." Felisha became quite the advocate and activist. "I created the 'Heal Your Story' Foundation to help trauma survivors and to encourage at-risk youth to transition from their hurtful experiences to living and building a better life." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Steve McEvoy from Covington, Louisiana, who was first abused by a summer school teacher in the summer between 5th and 6th grade. His predator was a member of the clergy, a deacon. Steve was encouraged to be trained as an altar boy by this man who sometimes molested him as other students watched. Steve was trapped and did not know how to escape. "I could tell no one," Steve explains, "as we were taught that clergy was the next closest thing to GOD." When the new school year commenced, Steve found a way to start drinking which became even easier in high school. "I became a full time alcoholic, my first sobriety came in my early 20's and was sober for 15 years." Life moved forward with raising a family and working. In 2018 his life was thrown into chaos again, when he saw his original predator on the evening news. His breakdown came as a surprise to his wife, who had no idea what was going on. "2019 was my year of hell," Steve says, "blaming myself for what had happened and wanting to commit suicide again. I came home drunk by 10 in the morning begging for help from my wife." She took him to a behavioral hospital for help. "By midday I had signed myself in. It was here that I realized none of this was my fault, however I was once again 12 when my mind thought of the past. With the support of family, friends, co-workers and others I've gained more and more strength."
Q & A call-in discussion with survivors and professionals who'll field topics including some which are brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Those who call in will form a discussion panel. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivors and professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, a survivor of severe child abuse who's now a Minister and Chaplain. She'll appear on the 1st Thursday of each month and is the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story," her story of redemption. In 1997, Michelle writes that she, ".. was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. Her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Billy Joe Cain from Texas, co-founder of PBJ Learning and an expert in human trafficking prevention. Human trafficking is 'modern day slavery,' which is divided into Labor Trafficking and Sex Trafficking. It generally involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. The exception is if a child is under 18 years of age and trading sex for any value, that is automatically human trafficking. Informative human trafficking training lessons explain how human trafficking generates billions of dollars of profit per year, and is second only to drug trafficking as the most profitable form of transnational crime, worldwide. Billy Joe has spent 30 years in the interactive space, creating award-winning games, simulations, educational programs, and “gamified” training products. He delivered a flight simulator for the United States Air Force, and created and maintained online educational programs to improve critical thinking, math, and vocabulary skills. Now, his mission is to prevent human trafficking. Billy Joe has been building educational products to fight trafficking since 2017, because his children were being groomed by a sex predator, whom he had known as a friend for years. For his nonprofit, Radical Empathy Education Foundation, he developed an immersive Virtual Reality (VR) experience which, in 15 minutes, demonstrates how anyone could be psychologically manipulated into becoming a victim of human trafficking. Billy Joe co-founded PBJ Learning with his partner, David Deeds, to provide online certificate-level training around the world.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be be Rev Henry (Hank) McGrath from Caroga Lake, New York, a child abuse survivor, author and NAASCA volunteer. Hank began life in a poor Irish family with 4 siblings in NY. Both parents were alcoholics. At 11 he was hustling to survive in Pittsburgh, PA with bookies, pimps, and prostitutes. It was dangerous for a child alone. Eventually he served time in the juvenile detention system and as a young adult in prison for crimes he'd committed. After decades of hard living and a few near-death situations, he began facing his childhood trauma and by the 90's was happily married. When his beloved wife died from cancer in 2001 Hank promised her to fight for others on the issues of child abuse. Since then, he has worked with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, as a court advocate for youth, and more. Today, Hank is a minister and is very active in his community. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Amy Holly Campbell from Leeds, United Kingdom, telling her story here at NAASCA for the first time. Amy offers us her website. A lot of the abuse she experienced at first was violent. She shares, "My life started with a loving mother and an abusive father. He would beat my mother and me. On one occasion, was so frightened of him I wet myself, so he smacked me for doing this." Drugs and alcohol took their turns affecting the family. "A few years later my mum finally ended their relationship. Then mum got into the wrong crowd of friends, and started drinking heavily and taking illegal drugs. The drugs turned my mum into an aggressive and verbally abusive person towards me at the age of 9 years old, constantly hitting and wishing I was never born." Amy says she thought, "I ruined her life by breathing." She goes on, "During this time I was hit with some confusing and devastating news .. that my dad was not my biological father and that I had been living a lie. He disowned me after he broke the news to me. Not long after my devastating news about my father, I was sexually abused by a stranger. He was 18 and I was 9 years old. I never told my mum at the time. I was petrified of her. I waited 14 years after the person who abused me mocked me online." So I reported it, as I hated the thought of this person hurting another child and family." Amy says, "I have so much more to write about my turbulent childhood/present life, but it would exceed 300 words." She concludes, 'I am here to share my life story/experiences, and to inspire other trauma victims to come forward about their trauma/abuse. I want to have a career in helping others."
Tonight's special guest is Maria Vinci-Savettiere, Executive Director of Deidre's House in Morris County, New Jersey. Established in 1994, Deirdre's House is the only site in Morris County for child victims of abuse and/or neglect, and for children that have witnessed violence, where a child victim can be interviewed and digitally recorded by law enforcement, medically examined and treated by a pediatric abuse specialist, prepared for trial, and clinically counseled in English or Spanish—all under one roof, all free of charge. ince 1996, Deirdre's House has provided services in over 43,000 child visits. As Executive Director of Deirdre's House, Maria has combined her legal knowledge and business acumen to improve and add to the programs and services offered to child victims and their families. She has increased cooperation and collaboration among law enforcement, child welfare agencies and organizations investigating crimes against children and providing services to child victims. Maria also educates the community regarding child abuse prevention and reporting, and emerging issues in child welfare, through speaking engagements at schools, corporations, and community organizations. As if that weren't enough, Maria has been the chairperson of the Morris County Multidisciplinary Team since 2004. She is the child advocacy center representative to the New Jersey Governor's Child Advocacy and Multidisciplinary Team Advisory Board, the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Blair Academy, a member of the Board of Directors of the Greater Morristown YMCA, and a member of the Board of Trustees of Preschool Advantage, serving on their child placement and strategic planning committees.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Monica Boglin from Puyallup, Washington, a survivor of sexual, physical, and emotional child abuse. Her predictors were all family members, and her parents were intent on passing on to Monica the behavior that their parents had done to them. She also has lived with Lupus since she was 29, a painful autoimmune disease that has long been linked to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Monica became a life coach and a therapist and notes, “I've finally found a way to forgive the unforgivable and to firmly keep anyone and everything harmful out of my life been linked to." She's earned her Masters degree in metaphysical science and counseling and is well on her way to earning a PhD in the same field. "I hope to further use my story as a way to become of service and to help those along the path to their own healing, because I now know that hope and help is available.” ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with survivors and professionals who'll field topics including some which are brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Those who call in will form a discussion panel. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivors and professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is John DiGirolamo from Buena Vista, Colorado. His new book, 'It's Not About the Sex', features true stories of human trafficking so that ordinary citizens will become more aware about how this problem occurs under the radar in our society. John is a critically acclaimed author, speaker and anti-human trafficking advocate. He wrote this book because he believes that human trafficking is one of the most underreported issues of our day, that cuts across all economic, social, racial and political boundaries. He focuses on stories from rural and suburban America, seeking to shine a light on and create awareness of the evils of human trafficking. These stories of human trafficking profile different perspectives: an advocate, a law enforcement officer, a survivor and a brothel madam. The last chapter details what ordinary people can do and tips for parents. The various circumstances detailed are based on real-life experiences and are all too common. Unfortunately, human trafficking is pervasive throughout this country and throughout the world. The personal accounts in this book are based on actual events and provide an authentic glimpse into the evil hiding in plain sight within our neighborhoods. John's previous book, 'It's Not About the Badge', profiles the human side of policing, featuring rural officers. Police officers reveal a day on the job they'll never forget. The book features compelling personal and professional stories of small-town police officers and has a 5-star rating on Amazon.
Tonight's special guest is Terrie MacClalus from North Creek, in upstate New New York, raised as the middle child of 5. "At ten, my parents split up and we became a tug of rope," she explains. "That was also the end of my innocence and the beginning of what would become sexual harassment and a feeling of unworthiness and just feeling dirty. Shame was heavily used to teach lessons – perhaps too heavily." Since she took all her Mom's comments to heart, she didn't think she was good enough to deserve a normal, decent life, to have what others have. She tried anyway, over and over. "Since I can remember, I wanted to help children with abuse in any way I could. I was discouraged because it took 8 yrs of college and I was supposed to just take my shoes off, get married, and have kids. It's all I was raised for. I was told it was never going to happen. "I also felt abandoned," Terri said. "I learned at an early age to escape painful feelings. I turned to drink to numb my heart. Of course that didn't work but it kept a husband happy." But she always felt the shame her mother had left her with. "If sexual abuse weren't such a taboo subject maybe she would have noticed the day of the triple rape. I was 14." She goes on, "In my 50's after 11 years clean and sober, I decided I couldn't take the pressure anymore and since it was drink or leave, I left, and the addiction was waiting for me. It would take years before I would dare to try to face my life again. Today I thank God for opening my eyes when I asked Him to." Terri says she was returned to sanity and saw how wrong some of the things were as she grew up." They were things I needed to resolve. Now I want to help get resources out there for others who are wandering blindly, in the hope they won't do it for 50 years."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Dr Jaime Romo from San Diego, an educator, consultant, author, and Minister, who promotes prevention and healing from child sexual abuse, particularly abuse by religious authorities or in the context of religious settings. A workbook he wrote, Healing the Sexually Abused Heart: A Workbook for Survivors, Thrivers, and Supporters, is an integration of various disciplines that led Jaime to become a certified Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) facilitator. Jaime explains, “While it is no secret that I am a survivor of clergy abuse, it is the journey of integration, transformation and application that is most telling about my accomplishments and the life that I celebrate.” Please visit his web site: www.jaimeromo.org ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Nathan Spiteri, born in Australia, a survivor of male sexual abuse. He just released his memoir, 'Toy Cars'. Eight-year-old Nathan was enjoying the crowded swimming pool on a hot summer day. A man followed the boy into the changing room. “He looked like any other middle-aged white man,” says Nathan. What followed was a brutal assault that left the very small boy lying on the floor, bleeding and crying. “For me, this was just the beginning.” Over the next three years, Nathan experienced 'trauma bonding'. The 40-year-old pedophile claimed the boy's own parents and siblings hated him. After three years, Nathan found his abuser had moved. “I was heartbroken,” he says. “It was exactly like breaking up with someone you love.” He completely withdrew from his family. “I’d sit inside playing with my toy cars while my siblings played outside on the street.” In his teenage years his sexual urges focused mostly on men. “I’d ride my bike to strip clubs and lounges where I could have sex with men.” He moved to Sydney, a city that readily provided all the cocaine, heroin and sex he could handle. Eventually even Sydney became too small, so Nathan moved to New York City. By early 2011 his trauma became full-blown rage. He ended up desperate and using heroin. One day he told his story to a friend and a weight was lifted. He started one-on-one and group therapy. In 2016, Nathan’s psychologist suggested he write his experience down as a form of therapy. "I'm starting to do a lot more speaking engagements surrounding child abuse," Nathan says. "I have a Ted talk coming up and a movie script has been written about my story."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Cherie White from Covington, Tennessee, an anti bullying advocate and author of three books who uses her own story of being bullied and gaslighted to help those enduring the same abuse today. "In 6th grade I began a long lesson in the human predator/prey dynamic and a battle for my dignity, safety, and my very soul." At first she took the physical beatings, name-calling, and abuse. Cherie was a victim of what is called 'poly-victimization'. In just six months she went from being a kid who always made the honor roll, to an angry and bitter girl who made only C's and D's. "Who could concentrate on schoolwork?" she asks. Cherie attempted suicide at the age of fourteen. "Because I felt powerless, I began to bully those who were even weaker than me in attempts to grab back some of my power." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with survivors and professionals who'll field topics including some which are brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Those who call in will form a discussion panel. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivors and professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Dr Debra Warner, Psy.D., a long time NAASCA family member, who's a Los Angeles based Forensic Psychologist. She's also the founder of the annual SCRIPT Conference in Los Angeles. This year's event will be held at the USC Galen Center on July 21st & 22nd (full disclosure, NAASCA is an annual partner each year in The SCRIPT Conference!!). SCRIPT is a FREE two-day-long annual event that will be held in late July at the USC Galen Center. She'll be joined by several others, including some of her student SCRIPT volunteers and perhaps some of the SCRIPT presenters. An educator and violence prevention expert, Dr. Deb is author of the book 'His History, Her Story: a survival guide for spouses of male survivors of sexual abuse and trauma', available through her web site at DrDebraWarner.net. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Barbara Joy Hansen (Bobbie Joy) from Milford, Massachusetts. She's the International Award-Winning Author of 'Listen to the Cry of the Child' and Co-Host of NAASCA's 'Stop Child Abuse NOW' talk show providing a face & insight into her world of violence. Barbara learned personally that bringing abuse into the light is the first step to freedom & soul healing from incest at 2-8 by her grandfather, clergy sexual assault at 11-12 by a clergy, rape at 18 & sexual addictions in her marriage from family suicide causing Complex trauma's resulting in PTSD. Living a Silent Scream for 38 years she facilitates the 'Beauty Out of Ashes' Support Group teaching many wounded addicts. Invited on the Dr. Oz Show with 20 survivors of sexual assault/harassment she has a God given passion, purpose & advocacy calling to lift the stigma of shame including prisoner's & sex offenders globally. Barbara's Humanitarian Aid Work brought her to the Philippines where her film with CBN the 700 Club Show 4-minute YouTube documentary can be seen on her website, www.listentothecry.org ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals whose trauma-informed perspectives help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse and trauma. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with survivors and professionals who'll field topics including some which are brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Those who call in will form a discussion panel. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivors and professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Felisha Johnson from Miami, Florida, who has an incredible story of transformation. She was physically and sexually abused, taken from her family, and placed in the foster care system where she would stay for ten years. She emancipated out at age sixteen, facing multiple hardships. Felisha refused to allow her past to dictate her future, so she pushed through the pain to embark on her healing journey and began to see triumph in her trauma. "I am a survivor," she says. "At seven years old, I was sexually molested by an uncle, physically abused by my stepfather and labeled as a troubled child by my mother." Felisha became quite the advocate and activist. "I created the 'Heal Your Story' Foundation to help trauma survivors and to encourage at-risk youth to transition from their hurtful experiences to living and building a better life." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Justin 'Jae' Johnson from Houston, Texas. He was adopted and never really knew his biological family. "My adoptive father was an abusive man that beat my adoptive mother and me every time he was upset or drunk," said Jae. "He used guns or anything to serve as a weapon to hurt us. He goes on, "We lived in fear. We had no voice! We couldn't go anywhere." As a child, Jae was trapped in his family. "I had to stay there and endure his wrath until I was able to leave home." He decided to be everything his father wasn’t. "I wanted to make a name for myself but most importantly, I wanted to help empower others to use there voice and to believe in themselves." After having many jobs and many experiences and traveling the world for work, he decided to become a Global life coach and motivational speaker. "I am just a simple human that desires to spread love and kindness in this world," Jae says. "I created a business called Intangible Motivation as my social platforms to share my messages. I try to upload positive messages every day! The goal is to inspire others to believe in themselves, their goals, dreams and ambitions in life." He goes on, "We all need a little light when times are dark! I'm willing to be the light! We all need something or someone! My purpose is to make others life better or at least attempt to help as many people in this troubled world as possible!" Jae promotes Mental Health, and is against Bullying. "I stand for Self-Love, Care, Kindness, worth and investment!"
Q & A call-in discussion with survivors and professionals who'll field topics including some which are brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Those who call in will form a discussion panel. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivors and professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, a survivor of severe child abuse who's now a Minister and Chaplain. She'll appear on the 1st Thursday of each month and is the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story," her story of redemption. In 1997, Michelle writes that she, ".. was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. Her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Marcia Fritz from Sacramento, California, the co-author of 'A Wretch Like Me', a biography which covers her friend Judy Ray Herzog's life from birth to today. She is now 80 years old. Marcia is retired from her career as a CPA. She says she ".. watched our homeless situation worsen, and became interested in the 'invisible' people .. those who were poor and alone." Three years ago Marcia and her husband met Judy for dinner, and Judy asked if she could take a to-go box. When the waiter brought her a container she proceeded to scrape every last scrap from each of our plates into it. "I was surprised because Judy was well dressed and well mannered," Marcia thought. Judy revealed she was often starved as a child. In fact, she said she was violently and sexually abused as a child, and was eventually married to six different husbands. The abuse impacted the lives of her three children. "What is interesting to me is that Judy's troubles started with her narcissistic, abusive father. Yet Judy never stopped loving him, even today." Marcia writes, "With tear-stained cheeks, Judy watched her father—a charismatic grifter from a prominent Mormon family—beat her tiny mother into a shadow of a person. Her mother's unhealthy obsession with her sex-addict husband would set a precedent for Judy's choices." The biography 'A Wretch Like Me' is a compelling survival story about a remarkable woman, the lengths she went to eat, the marriages and beatings she endured never to go hungry again. Marcia notes, "Love is, perhaps, the most misunderstood emotion, yet it is the most powerful. We really need to acknowledge that love, never deny a child his or her love for their abusive parent."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Rev Henry (Hank) McGrath from Caroga Lake, New York, a child abuse survivor, author and NAASCA volunteer. Hank began life in a poor Irish family with 4 siblings in NY. Both parents were alcoholics. By age 11 he was hustling to survive in Pittsburgh, PA with bookies, pimps, and prostitutes. It was dangerous for a child alone. Eventually he served time in the juvenile detention system and as a young adult in prison for crimes he'd committed. After decades of hard living and a few near-death situations, he began facing his childhood trauma and by the 90's was happily married. When his beloved wife died from cancer in 2001 Hank promised her to fight for others on the issues of child abuse. Since then, he has worked with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, as a court advocate for youth, and more. Today, Hank is a minister and is very active in his community. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with survivors and professionals who'll field topics including some which are brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Those who call in will form a discussion panel. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivors and professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with survivors and professionals who'll field topics including some which are brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Those who call in will form a discussion panel. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivors and professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Bill Murray from Los Angeles, our founder. Bill's recovery is 12 Step-based and spans over 3 and a half decades. Sexually abused by numerous clerics, all men, between the ages of 11 and mid-way through high school, a minor seminary, he was also the victim of pre-pubescent pn'ography and even a two week kidnapping. Bill was graced to have found Alcoholics Anonymous when he was 30 years old. The program not only helped him get clean and sober but also gave him a place to give up his secrets, and the tools by which he's recovered. He firmly believes one can use the 12 Step process to heal from child abuse trauma and to find a way to a comfortable life. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Daphne Young from Scottsdale, Arizona, the Chief Communications Officer of Childhelp. Now celebrating it's 40th anniversary, Childhood features a hotline, 1-800-4-A-CHILD, that offers crisis intervention, information, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources. All contacts are confidential. There are also individual state-by-state hotlines to call, too. As Childhelp says, "Reporting child abuse can be scary. If you are a witness to or a victim of child abuse there is a huge benefit to making the report yourself. Being able to tell your story first hand gives the child care worker much better information than if it came from someone not involved. Your story could save a life." And they go on, "Our counselors are available to talk through child abuse situations if you have questions or need additional support. We can also help research additional resources that may be available to you." To learn the full story and history of Childhelp and its founders, Sara O'Meara and Yvonne Fedderson, click here. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is dedicated to the prevention of child abuse. It is primarily funded by individuals and companies, and has given assistance to more than 2 million help seekers. Serving the U.S. and Canada, the hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with professional crisis counselors who, through interpreters, provide assistance in over 170 languages. The hotline offers crisis intervention, information, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources. All contacts are confidential. As they say, "Bottom line, we are here to answer the call."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Dr Debra Warner, Psy.D., a long time NAASCA family member, who's a Los Angeles based Forensic Psychologist. She's also the founder of the annual SCRIPT Conference in Los Angeles. This year's event will be held at the USC Galen Center on July 21st & 22nd (full disclosure, NAASCA is an annual partner each year in The SCRIPT Conference!!). SCRIPT is a FREE two-day-long annual event that will be held in late July at the USC Galen Center. She'll be joined by several others, including some of her student SCRIPT volunteers and perhaps some of the SCRIPT presenters. An educator and violence prevention expert, Dr. Deb is author of the book 'His History, Her Story: a survival guide for spouses of male survivors of sexual abuse and trauma', available through her web site at DrDebraWarner.net. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Michelle M. Kang, PhD, from Saigon, Vietnam. Michelle was sexually abused at the age of 4 for the first time and had the worst time until the age of 8 as a victim of sexual abuse within her family. "Since then," she says, "I have been vulnerable to the abuse in the socio-cultural context where sexual matters were a taboo subject. It took me 40 years to face that my heart was in trouble." Read her book, 'Michelle’s Story'. Married in 1999, Michelle continued to struggle with challenges with communication and relationships. "During my stay in the U.S., my relationship with my ex-husband fell apart and I got divorced in 2011. Being on my own in the U.S., I relied heavily on alcohol to relieve the despair of not being allowed to contact my kids for about a year." Between 2012 and 2013, she became more active in her faith, allowing God to be a more active part of her life. "Through my prayers, I realized that my heart needed to be healed. Since I had been talking to God, I was able to gradually start sharing my own story with others. This led to my hope that I could dedicate myself to helping victims of sexual abuse with their healing and empowerment." In 2014, Michelle formed a non-profit, 'One Life One Heart' based on her own experience. "I chose the name to portray that one’s life goes with one heart that carries all of one’s stories whether happy or tragic. I point out that it is important to take care of our own and keep it functioning properly to enjoy a healthy life."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Dr Jaime Romo from San Diego, an educator, consultant, author, and Minister, who promotes prevention and healing from child sexual abuse, particularly abuse by religious authorities or in the context of religious settings. A workbook he wrote, Healing the Sexually Abused Heart: A Workbook for Survivors, Thrivers, and Supporters, is an integration of various disciplines that led Jaime to become a certified Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) facilitator. Jaime explains, “While it is no secret that I am a survivor of clergy abuse, it is the journey of integration, transformation and application that is most telling about my accomplishments and the life that I celebrate.” Please visit his web site: www.jaimeromo.org ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Cherie White from Covington, Tennessee, an anti bullying advocate and author of three books who uses her own story of being bullied and gaslighted to help those enduring the same abuse today. In sixth grade,,she says, "I began a long lesson in the human predator/prey dynamic and a battle for my dignity, safety, and my very soul." At first she took the physical beatings, name-calling, and abuse. Cherie was a victim of what is called 'poly-victimization'. In just six months she went from being a kid who always made the honor roll, to an angry and bitter girl who made only C's and D's. "Who could concentrate on schoolwork?" she asks. Cherie attempted suicide at the age of fourteen. "Because I felt powerless, I began to bully those who were even weaker than me in attempts to grab back some of my power." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Rai Maestro from New York, part 2. "My parents abused me," he says, "from a young baby to a teenager. They were in the closet, and my mother was an extreme homophobe. She hated my father and brother for being gay, and she made sure I would not become gay. I was an unwanted child, and my family hated me for being born. I was supposed to be abortion, and they always wanted a girl. I lived in a violent home full of witchcraft where my parents had mental problems and were institutionalized. My father was an alcoholic, and my mother enjoyed torturing me daily. I could never tell anyone anything because they brainwashed me into believing all families were the same. My mother threatened me daily, and they tried to kill me many times growing up. I also attempted to commit suicide many times, as a child and as an adult. Eventually I started therapy, on and off, in 2007, and in 2017, after a few more suicide attempts, and I went into intense therapy. I have fully recovered since 2019, and I engage in public speaking seminars and conferences locally whenever possible. My purpose is to help others and raise abuse awareness and prevention. I started going public in 2020 but am delayed because of Covid. I wrote two books not yet published. 1st book 'Fighting through the darkness' and the 2nd book: 'OMG, my mother is a witch'. My series 'Let's survive together' will be a series of about 10-12 books revolving around my life to help others recover. It's also the name of my website."
Q & A call-in discussion with survivor-professionals using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature survivor-professionals who'll field topics including some which are brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight those who call in will form a panel. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Monica Boglin from Puyallup, Washington, a survivor of sexual, physical, and emotional child abuse. Her predictors were all family members, and her parents were intent on passing on to Monica the behavior that their parents had done to them. She also has lived with Lupus since she was 29, a painful autoimmune disease that has long been linked to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Monica became a life coach and a therapist and notes, “I've finally found a way to forgive the unforgivable and to firmly keep anyone and everything harmful out of my life been linked to." She's earned her Masters degree in metaphysical science and counseling and is well on her way to earning a PhD in the same field. "I hope to further use my story as a way to become of service and to help those along the path to their own healing, because I now know that hope and help is available.” ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with survivor-professionals using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature survivor-professionals who'll field topics including some which are brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight those who call in will form a panel. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Felisha Johnson from Miami, Florida, who has an incredible story of transformation. She was physically and sexually abused, taken from her family, and placed in the foster care system where she would stay for ten years. She emancipated out at age sixteen, facing multiple hardships. Felisha refused to allow her past to dictate her future, so she pushed through the pain to embark on her healing journey and began to see triumph in her trauma. "I am a survivor," she says. "At seven years old, I was sexually molested by an uncle, physically abused by my stepfather and labeled as a troubled child by my mother." Felisha became quite the advocate and activist. "I created the 'Heal Your Story' Foundation to help trauma survivors and to encourage at-risk youth to transition from their hurtful experiences to living and building a better life." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Rai Maestro. "My parents abused me," he says, "from a young baby to a teenager. They were in the closet, and my mother was an extreme homophobe. She hated my father and brother for being gay, and she made sure I would not become gay. I was an unwanted child, and my family hated me for being born. I was supposed to be abortion, and they always wanted a girl. I lived in a violent home full of witchcraft where my parents had mental problems and were institutionalized. My father was an alcoholic, and my mother enjoyed torturing me daily. I could never tell anyone anything because they brainwashed me into believing all families were the same. My mother threatened me daily, and they tried to kill me many times growing up. I also attempted to commit suicide many times, as a child and as an adult. Eventually I started therapy, on and off, in 2007, and in 2017, after a few more suicide attempts, and I went into intense therapy. I have fully recovered since 2019, and I engage in public speaking seminars and conferences locally whenever possible. My purpose is to help others and raise abuse awareness and prevention. I started going public in 2020 but am delayed because of Covid. I wrote two books not yet published. 1st book 'Fighting through the darkness' and the 2nd book: 'OMG, my mother is a witch'. My series 'Let's survive together' will be a series of about 10-12 books revolving around my life to help others recover. It's also the name of my website."
Q & A call-in discussion with survivor-professionals who'll field topics including some which are brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Led tonight by Carol Levine, those who call in will form a panel. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivors and professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Greg DeVaux from Mashpee, Massachusetts. "At 18 I was involved in a fatal auto accident," he says, "breaking several bones including foot, tibia, pelvis, lower back 2 vertebrae, neck 2 vertebrae. I was paralyzed from the neck down, facing amputation and death. Death it was, my spiritual body left my physical body. I was comforted by God, who returned me to my physical body and restored the feeling back in my legs." God had him walking in 3 months, and by 9 months he was running three miles. "At age 27, I unknowingly married a narcissist for 24 years, having 4 children." The only narcissist he knew was Hitler, but that was extreme. Greg went through identity theft, bankruptcy and divorce. "When I read about the 10 traits of a narcissist, she was a 10 out of 10, lying, cheating, stealing, blaming it all on me or the kids." She could do nothing wrong. Turned all their kids against him. Today he's married to a new wife, and runs a carpentry business, building new homes and remodeling others. He's presently living in Cape Cod. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with survivor-professionals who'll field topics including some which are brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight those who call in will form a panel. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Rev Henry (Hank) McGrath from Caroga Lake, New York, a child abuse survivor, author and NAASCA volunteer. Hank began life in a poor Irish family with 4 siblings in NY. Both parents were alcoholics. By age 11 he was hustling to survive in Pittsburgh, PA with bookies, pimps, and prostitutes. It was dangerous for a child alone. Eventually he served time in the juvenile detention system and as a young adult in prison for crimes he'd committed. After decades of hard living and a few near-death situations, he began facing his childhood trauma and by the 90's was happily married. When his beloved wife died from cancer in 2001 Hank promised her to fight for others on the issues of child abuse. Since then, he has worked with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, as a court advocate for youth, and more. Today, Hank is a minister and is very active in his community. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with survivor-professionals using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional who'll field topics including some which are brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight those who call in will form a panel. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, a survivor of severe child abuse who's now a Minister and Chaplain. She'll appear on the 1st Thursday of each month and is the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story," her story of redemption. In 1997, Michelle writes that she, ".. was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. Her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Bill Murray from Los Angeles, our founder. Bill's recovery is 12 Step-based and spans over 3 and a half decades. Sexually abused by numerous clerics, all men, between the ages of 11 and mid-way through high school, a minor seminary, he was also the victim of pre-pubescent pn'ography and even a two week kidnapping. Bill was graced to have found Alcoholics Anonymous when he was 30 years old. The program not only helped him get clean and sober but also gave him a place to give up his secrets, and the tools by which he's recovered. He firmly believes one can use the 12 Step process to heal from child abuse trauma and to find a way to a comfortable life. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Talik Monroe is a co group facilitator at NAMI for black minds matter,peer,depression,anxiety,mens group and grief groups .I'm someone who has been through childhood trauma, suicidal thoughts and major grief. also a published author about my story on trauma to triumph.i use mypower tohelp people with my instagram mens mental healthpage @Menfighting4mentalhealth and my instagram live segments "mental health check in with Leek.I am a survivor of sexual asault and open about spreading awareness
Q & A call-in discussion with survivor-professionals Carol, Victoria, Nancy, Phil and Bill using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional who'll field topics including some which are brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight those who call in will form a panel. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with survivor-professionals Carol, Nancy, John, Annie and Bill using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional who'll field topics including some which are brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight those who call in will form a panel. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with survivor-professionals Jade, Phillip, Nancy, Carol and Kim using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional who'll field topics including some which are brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight those who call in will form a panel. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Jennifer Michele from Walker, Louisiana, a returning NAASCA family member whose 'New Daddy' came into the picture when her mother married her new husband when Jennifer was around 7 years old. "Life was never the same again," she says. "The grooming started before they married and finding every reason to hold me, sitting on his lap while touching, caressing and slipping hands in the wrong places." She goes on, "It quickly progressed to long soapy showers to make sure I was clean in the middle of the day then the fondling became more aggressive and intrusive. As well as teaching me how to make daddy feel better. He later raped me and let others do the same." Jennifer explains, "My parents weren't married for long after I was born. At months old my mom joined the service and she left me in my father's care while no one knew she'd joined the service or even that she left for boot camp. During her time away he left me alone in an apartment without supervision for over 24 hours at least. A call to my grandparents about a crying baby next door sent them to my rescue. They then took me into their care for years. My parents divorced and later my birth father left me at the doorstep for the last time never coming back since he remarried and started a new family when I was about 5 years old." She concludes, "After letting the damages of my silence sink in I started Lil Jens Voice FB page in 2017 and then I started a new blog, LilJensVoice.org. Those two outlets are geared for those who may be still in their own self destruction of silence and to share my own journey as I'm going through it myself."
Q & A call-in discussion with survivor-professional Carol D Levine, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional who'll field topics including some which are brought to the episode by you, the listener. The first discussion will come from David Pitman's 'Together We Can Heal' about the feeling of aloneness that all survivors feel and how it can lead into depression, risky behavior, alcohol, drug abuse andisolation. etc. Carol will explain there's a new treatment out; Harvard trained Depression help by using TMS; almost all insurance companies accept insurance, including Medicare. People who suffer from severe depression should inquire about it. ~~ Tonight those who call in will form a panel. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Dr Jaime Romo from San Diego, an educator, consultant, author, and Minister, who promotes prevention and healing from child sexual abuse, particularly abuse by religious authorities or in the context of religious settings. A workbook he wrote, Healing the Sexually Abused Heart: A Workbook for Survivors, Thrivers, and Supporters, is an integration of various disciplines that led Jaime to become a certified Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) facilitator. Jaime explains, “While it is no secret that I am a survivor of clergy abuse, it is the journey of integration, transformation and application that is most telling about my accomplishments and the life that I celebrate.” Please visit his website: www.jaimeromo.org ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with survivor-professionals Kim Laken and Nancy Brown, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. The first discussion will be about telling one's story online. ~~ Tonight those who called in formed a panel, and each person shafred some of their experiences. We were delighted to hear from Kimberly Houston for the first time as she took us through the story of her amazing. Everyone said she should return sometine soon as a 'special guest' wherer the sole focus would be her. And so we will !! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be ??? ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Elizabeth Gagnon (Liz) from Cornwall, Ontario, Canada, who's a survivor making a difference with a strong tea educating through the Teaching Educational Awareness (T-E-A) program. A survivor of extreme abuse, Elizabeth experienced trauma from childhood abuse, sexual abuse, domestic abuse and more. As a child she survived family danger, not 'stranger danger'. She was sexually abused at the age of four and became pregnant by a uncle at 14. She lost the child, a stillborn. Elizabeth was in and out of foster care homes. Early adulthood lead to even more abuse, of domestic violence and being sold to her now ex husband. "My healing started when I wrote in my first anthology book along side many others share their stories. I have written chapters of my life in the 'Sacred Hearts Rising' series," It addressed child abuse, mental health, domestic abuse. She wrote of her life as a butterfly transformation in 'Unstoppable Gems'. Elizabeth is the founder and creator of Miss Liz’s Tea Parties/Teatimes started in 2015, bringing awareness to the issues topics and individuals who are making a difference. "Today I am a best selling author, speaker and advocate for survivors who may hear my story and find the courage to get out and live a life of no more abuse. I use the tools I learned along the way and the services that supported me in my healing journey as my toolbox of staying strong." See her YouTube interview: https://youtu.be/THYLeTRVzAU
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Barbara Joy Hansen (Bobbie Joy) from Milford, Massachusetts. Her award winning memoir, 'Listen to the Cry of the Child,' describes her childhood world of violence. She was victimized from age 2 to 8 by her grandfather, sexually assaulted at 11-12 by a youth pastor, raped at age 18, and suffered sexual addictions in her marriage causing severe Complex trauma resulting with PTSD. After 38 years, Bobbie Joy now facilitates 'Beauty Out of Ashes' support group and has had many media interviews, including the 'Dr. Oz Show'. Her Humanitarian Aid Work has taken her to the Philippines, and a 4 minute YouTube film of her experience can be seen on her website, www.listentothecry.org. She has a God given passion, purpose & advocacy calling to help survivors everywhere including prisoner's & sex offenders all over the world. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Bob Marzullo from Shoreline, Washington, one of 12 siblings. When Bob was a young teenager, he began to be a victim of abuse by his older brother, three years older. "He fits the image of the classic sexual abuser" Bob says. "After me, he went after a younger brother (who is gay) and our youngest sister. I went into seminary in Oakland, CA, with the Dominican Order of the Western Province and was ordained a Catholic priest in 1978." It took years of therapy, but finally found a great therapist who had been a former nun. "She had a background in counseling working with individuals like myself who had been abused," he explained. The two worked hard on the issue. "I made the decision to confront the abuser, my older brother. We decided to 'role play' it at our session before, and SHE NAILED what eventually happened." Bob made the decision to tell the members of his Catholic religious community where he lived, too. "I decided to write out what I felt and PRESENT IT to my older brother." He also told his whole family, which is where he found out he wasn't the ONLY family member he'd abused. Finally he met with his brother and had him read the manuscript he'd written. "I saw his eyes EXPLODE when he read that I called him A RAPIST!" Bob continues, "In the years since, I preached about it, counseled individuals who have come to me who were struggling with it and I could hear them have a sigh of relief because they felt 'he understands what I'm feeling'." He writes, "I have found that others felt relief knowing they were not alone in their pain." He goes on, "I make sure to thank them for trusting me, because I found out to take that first step in the path towards healing isn't easy."
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Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Felisha Johnson from Miami, Florida, who has an incredible story of transformation. She was physically and sexually abused, taken from her family, and placed in the foster care system where she would stay for ten years. She emancipated out at age sixteen, facing multiple hardships. Felisha refused to allow her past to dictate her future, so she pushed through the pain to embark on her healing journey and began to see triumph in her trauma. "I am a survivor," she says. "At seven years old, I was sexually molested by an uncle, physically abused by my stepfather and labeled as a troubled child by my mother." Felisha became quite the advocate and activist. "I created the ' Heal Your Story ' Foundation to help trauma survivors and to encourage at-risk youth to transition from their hurtful experiences to living and building a better life." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Eileen Dong from Houston, Texas, a child abuse survivor and an advocate against domestic abuse, human trafficking, and sexual assault. Pageantry has become Eileen's platform for bringing awareness to the growing epidemic of gender-based violence, especially for filling in the gaps of culture stigma. As Ms. Texas, she's a community leader, keynote speaker, philanthropist, and survivor advocate, Eileen is the spokesperson of Hope Pyx Global, the host of The Ms. Texas Show, and the founder of Survivors Against Violence Everywhere (S.A.V.E.), Eileen uses her platform for awareness and prevention of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and sex trafficking, as well as to address cultural stigmas through her first-hand knowledge and experience with law enforcement and survivors. In the Asian culture, female abuse victims do not dare to speak up, neither is there an Asian voice who understands their culture. Gender discrimination has been a big problem in China which resulted in abortion, abandonment, and childhood abuse for girls. Eileen used to beaten up regularly and for no reason. Nothing was ever good enough. Later, she started working so hard her self worth. Eileen tirelessly volunteers over 2,000 hours a year. She has served over 11,000 people in the United States and all and the world. Featured on over 115 television stations, Eileen uses her platform for awareness and prevention of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and sex trafficking, as well as to address cultural stigmas through her first-hand knowledge and experience with law enforcement and survivors. Her work has been recognized by numerous government officials, including the United States Congress the Atlantic City Council and by Houston, where October 1st was proclaimed 'Eileen Dong's Day',
Q & A call-in discussion with survivor-professional Carol D Levine, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. The first dicussion will be about online predators and how they effect our children. ~~ Tonight those who call in will form a panel. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, a survivor of severe child abuse who's now a Minister and Chaplain. She'll appear on the 1st Thursday of each month and is the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story," her story of redemption. In 1997, Michelle writes that she, ".. was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. Her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Geraldine Cullum (Geri) from Indianapolis, Indiana. "As a child, I grew up not liking visits with my grandparents on my father’s side, especially my grandpa," she says. "You see, he didn’t kiss me as most my family members’ (on the cheek, or forehead); He would stick his tongue in my mouth. One trip on the way home to Indiana, me and my sister’s heard sad words about grandpa. I tried to speak up, saying; 'I don’t like the way gram-pa kisses me' and my mom spoke sternly saying, 'that’s enough, that’s non-sense'. I remember saying, 'and I don’t like the way he puts his fingers in my baby sister's diaper’s either.' I remember mom’s words. 'Now hush, you’re putting shame on your father,' and 'that’s enough, that’s ugly, hush now or we’ll stop and get a switch'. I fell into sexual addiction, alcohol, food addiction in my young adult life to mid-life. The recovery process has been a lifetime of moving from one recovery group to another, never really succeeding until I found my sister of Joy, Barbara Henson. She opened my eyes to the materials in her recovery program she facilitates. I didn’t remember my abuse anymore, not until I built my timeline, which opened the flood gates to my recovery. Her two books are called, 'Beyond the Darkness, Healing for Sexual Abuse,' and 'Listen to the Cry of the Child.' At first I rejected even the thought of sexual abuse begin present in my life. Now I help others in my surrounding community find their own words. In the future, I want to build a safe home for teens and young adults."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Bill Murray from Los Angeles, our founder. Bill's recovery is 12 Step-based and spans over 3 and a half decades. Sexually abused by numerous clerics, all men, between the ages of 11 and mid-way through high school, a minor seminary, he was also the victim of pre-pubescent pn'ography and even a two week kidnapping. Bill was graced to have found Alcoholics Anonymous when he was 30 years old. The program not only helped him get clean and sober but also gave him a place to give up his secrets, and the tools by which he's recovered. He firmly believes one can use the 12 Step process to heal from child abuse trauma and to find a way to a comfortable life. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with NAASCA survivors and professionals, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature and field open topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various folks, survivors and professionals who'll assist in addressing child abuse and trauma recovery questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivors and professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Dr Kat Smith from Dallas, Texas, a survivor, an author, a speaker who describes herself as a resilient survivor, and an authentic, creative, inspirer. Kat is a show host and former co-host of a syndicated morning radio show with ABC Radio Networks, Inc. She's an engaging expert guest who is transparent and honest in sharing her truth and talking about difficult topics. Her presentations are inspiring, transformative and she delivers with wit and humor where appropriate. Kat is a survivor of childhood molestation and date rape who learned early that life is not fair, it’s just life. One of twelve siblings from ten fathers, her early life challenges stemmed from her mother’s confusion about love and relationships, which created damaging patterns that were repeated by both Kat and her siblings. A native of New Orleans, Kat is an international speaker, and author of several books and programs. Using her life experience as a foundation, Dr. Kat’s focus includes working with individuals on healing from past trauma by re-educating on the difference between intimacy and sex as a way to break free of the pain that holds them back from developing loving, healthy relationships. Dr. Kat Smith, DHS, is a survivor, a human behavior expert, Author, TEDx Speaker and international presenter. She is a show host and former co-host of a syndicated morning radio show with ABC Radio Networks, Inc. Dr. Kat is an engaging expert guest who is transparent and honest in sharing her truth and talking about difficult topics. She produces her recent show, ResilientLivingTV.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Nissi Hamilton from Houston, Texas, was born to an adolescent mother who had herself been sexually trafficked by extended family members from 11 to 13. "When I was born I was left in the hospital," she says. "Where I was born is still a mystery to me still to this day." In foster care Nissi was abused starting at 14. "I was considered aged out foster care," she reports. "I lived in an empty apartment owned by housing authorities until I was officially kicked off of the property. At 15, I was homeless, no family, no food, no shelter and no one to call mom." But, "Today, I am a proud activist, motivational speaker, coach and life style influencer." Nissi goes on, "I teach young girls and woman how to not come into agreement with the spirit of poverty. Human trafficking is a type of poverty that requires a demonic contract." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Jennifer (Jenny) Murphy from Fort Meyers, Florida, a returning NAASCA family member and a Child & Family Therapist, Child Advocate, CSA & Sex Trafficking expert who was last with us in 2016. We were both surprised it had been that long and Jenny says she's done lots of things since then." I've been working with Sex Crimes victims/Survivors & offenders since 1987 throughout North America," she said. "There are many layers to the work we do locally and globally for kids & families in our communities." Jenny's work sounds surprisingly like NAASCA's, and includes Prevention, Protection and Prosecution. "Behind the scenes we do a lot of work to get laws changed or passed. We carry out investigations and call out the frauds, liars, and thieves." She goes on, "We have no currency. We are aligned with no one. We don't ask or beg for moneysom we can not be bought. We do this work because it is what was asked of us." Jenny explains, " We are currently focused on our End Demand Initiatives which includes 3 comprehensive End Demand .. Clinical, Educational & Social Programs." The three are 1. Sex Trafficking Offender Program or (STOP) for traffickers & repeat offenders. 2. Sex Crimes Offender Program Education or (SCOPE) which is a restorative justice behavior modification program to be used as a Diversion Program for 1st or 2nd time Misdemeanor sex buyers and 3. Sex Therapy & Education for Men (STEM) a therapeutic intervention for men trying to rid themselves of sex and/or addiction. Jenny says, "Until we address demand we will continue to have more and more victims."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Darlene J Clark from Tennessee, a child abuse survivor, author, NAASCA family member, volunteer and an activist. She's experienced just about all forms of abuse; sexual, physical, mental, monetary, psychological, domestic, and spiritual, and was abused by people in power who did not protect her. Her two books, 'Shattered Innocence' and 'Born In A Living Hell', are largely autobiographical. Darlene was born into a toxic and violent military family. "I was first neglected since birth," she says, "I was physically abused, abandoned, and sexually abused as well. I knew by age two it was useless to cry for help or even to speak in front of my parents." By 14 years of age, Darlene's father, Daddy Charles, had an accident at work from which he did not recover. "I chose to stay with my evil stepmother," Darlene explains, "instead of going to live in a world of prostitution with 'Mom Hilda'. Stepmom Sue use to drag me around by my hair among other violent behaviors and actions." She goes on, "I married to escape after hearing Momma Sue, Mae and Bart speaking of 'getting rid of me'. I was 18, a 12th grader, and now a housewife. Our marriage never grew because he was abusive." After 18 yrs, Darlene ran away to New York. "I felt like if I would have ran anywhere close, they would try to institutionalize me. I distrusted the law since they came and said he could hit me all he liked as long as he did not kill me." Now, besides her two books, Darlene stays active with NAASCA and has own radio program called 'FROM TEARS TO TRIUMPH' on BlogTalkRadio. "I will be involved in a telethon taking place in October against Human Trafficking."
Tonight's special guest is Marcus Miller from Pensacola, Florida. In 1967, desperate to flee an abusive father, he ran away from home at age eleven. His journey that would took him from central Oregon down to California, east into Nevada, and across the country to Florida, on freight trains, Greyhound Bus, and hitchhiking. The trek took one hundred and sixty-three days. It was not accomplished without many setbacks and obstacles. 'I was abused by hobos in a trainyard, was robbed by a woman after I helped fix her car, and kidnapped in KansasI was placed on a work farm with sixteen other kidnapped children. My youth quickly vanished and I arrived in Florida an older and much wiser young man." Marcus explains further, "In Miami I hired on as crew to a schooner and sailed into the Caribbean, arriving in St. Thomas V.I." He was eventually recruited and trained by a Panamanian based military contractor that was sanctioned by the U.S. State Department. "I worked with them for over twenty years rescuing kidnap victims from Colombia, Central America, and Mexico." Marcus explains, "My education was acquired from working and living on the streets, back alleys, fetid jungles, and dank ports in third world countries. Now I travel across the U.S. in an RV, writing action-adventure novels." Marcus currently has nine novels published and available on Amazon, and is presently nearing completion of book #10, 'Predators’ Highway', a novel about human trafficking. "I am 66 years old and enjoy fishing, hiking, camping, cooking, and researching my novels."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be ? ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Kara Witkowski from Elgin, Illinois, a victim of domestic violence and rape whose 2 year old son, James, died as a result of various serious injuries including an unexplained prolapsed rectum and a cervical spinal cord injury. An excellent BLOG, 'Suffer the Little Children', was written about the case. Kara says, "I can’t fathom how any of this was allowed to go on, let alone how it was enabled by a family court judge, a guardian ad litem, DCFS, and two police departments." She continues, "The supposed justice system has repeatedly failed myself and my children. My ex raped me and admitted to my rape in 5 different documented communications. I went to get an order of protection. It was immediately granted but on April 11th but they consolidated it into a family court case." Both her kids were abused. "My daughter was alleging sexual assault by other parties in the household. I was accused of coaching my daughter and being overprotective. A gal by the name of Julie Pirtle was pit on the case. She recommended full custody to my ex, Thomas Biel, who admitted to having sole property of child ography. When custody was taken from me my two year old James was hospitalized repeatedly 9 different times for a prolapsed rectum (his rectum was the size of an orange) and became incarcerated. The medics examining him suspected anal penetration. Two weeks later my son died. The cause of death was cervical spinal cord injury." Kara explains, "Right now I have custody of my daughter due to her alleging rape and molestation by her father who I believe is the same perpetrator who raped and killed my son.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Paul Howard from Studio City, California, a child abuse survivor who's a filmmaker, artist and activist. He loosely uses his own story in his newest film, 'Tomorrow', an award winning short film, written and directed by Karis Campbell. It now includes an 'Epilogue' companion piece where the two, along with child safety educator, Pattie Fitzgerald, discuss the film and its themes further. "We also discuss my experiences as a victim of abuse," Paul says, "and my journey into becoming a survivor." Paul discusses how 90% of abusers are someone we know. Children are taught stranger danger leaving them vulnerable, making it more difficult to come forward when it is the couch, teach or someone who sits at the dinner table. Paul himself, a brother and all the other children were abused violently in a multitude of ways at the daycare he was placed in from 6 months old until age 12. He talks of how it was a culture of fear, and he gives an honest and heartfelt reflection of how he thought the abuse was a norm because it was all he had known. He goes on to say, "It's important that we understand what a man goes through as a survivor. The first step is to be able to talk about it." Paul courageously brings forth a hard truth, those we trust and love can be our abusers too. "We must teach children to trust that inner feeling that says something doesn't feel right." As a man who is healing and recovered from his trauma he wants survivors to understand you too can heal and arrive at a good place in life. The film is wonderfully made, bringing forth so much insight on keeping our kids safe. "Telling is healing."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Barbara Joy Hansen (Bobbie Joy) from Milford, Massachusetts. She's the International Award-Winning Author of 'Listen to the Cry of the Child' and Co-Host of NAASCA's 'Stop Child Abuse NOW' talk show providing a face & insight into her world of violence. Barbara learned personally that bringing abuse into the light is the first step to freedom & soul healing from incest at 2-8 by her grandfather, clergy sexual assault at 11-12 by a clergy, rape at 18 & sexual addictions in her marriage from family suicide causing Complex trauma's resulting in PTSD. Living a Silent Scream for 38 years she facilitates the 'Beauty Out of Ashes' Support Group teaching many wounded addicts. Invited on the Dr. Oz Show with 20 survivors of sexual assault/harassment she has a God given passion, purpose & advocacy calling to lift the stigma of shame including prisoner's & sex offenders globally. Barbara's Humanitarian Aid Work brought her to the Philippines where her film with CBN the 700 Club Show 4-minute YouTube documentary can be seen on her website, www.listentothecry.org ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals whose trauma-informed perspectives help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse and trauma. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Katie Flaherty from upstate New York. "As a young girl, I experienced sexual abuse from a step relative," Katie says, "and nobody knew it was happening to me. I felt lost, confused and was instructed that this was normal. I was told to never tell anyone as this would result in serious consequences. So feeling alone was all I knew." She goes on, "Then as a teenager, I was constantly verbally abused and attempts were made sexually by a past boyfriend's father. I was told if I didn't do as I was told I would be kicked out." And she was. "I did end up homeless short-term as I refused to participate or be raped ever again. I learned how to be self sufficient and my strength grew from those experiences." Unfortunately due to her trauma, she grew up trusting nobody and ended up with a medical condition that ultimately affected her relationships as an adult. "I had to seek treatment and part of it cost well over $6,000. I felt ashamed and disgusted with myself. I attempted to take my own life a couple of times. I felt that the world would be better off without me. I couldn't even keep relationships." Then her world started to turn around. "Currently, I am taking care of myself with self love meditation, physical therapy, and opening up to others professionally and personally. I have started trusting others and accepting myself as someone who could be successful with love and relationships." In addition, Katie has found the benefit in serving other survivors to promote healing and spread awareness of sexual assault and trauma. "I never thought I would be in a place of healing and being able to accept and love myself let alone be able to share my story with the world."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Felisha Johnson from Miami, Florida, who has an incredible story of transformation. She was physically and sexually abused, taken from her family, and placed in the foster care system where she would stay for ten years. She emancipated out at age sixteen, facing multiple hardships. Felisha refused to allow her past to dictate her future, so she pushed through the pain to embark on her healing journey and began to see triumph in her trauma. "I am a survivor," she says. "At seven years old, I was sexually molested by an uncle, physically abused by my stepfather and labeled as a troubled child by my mother." Felisha became quite the advocate and activist. "I created the 'Heal Your Story' Foundation to help trauma survivors and to encourage at-risk youth to transition from their hurtful experiences to living and building a better life." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Victoria Kelly from Minneapolis, Minnesota, a returning guest. She's a child abuse survivor and long-time NAASCA family member / volunteer. Victoria was abused almost from birth in nearly every way imaginable. She was sexually assaulted starting as a baby, an experience that was repeated by numerous predators and perpetrators and went on and on. In addition her alcoholic father beat both Victoria and her mother. But Victoria thought that was simply what happened to a child and a woman when they happened to be living on the wrong side of the tracks. She became reclusive and withdrawn, and there was little justice meted out to any of Victoria's predators. Early on she began to disassociate, a condition that was later in life diagnosed as MPD (Multiple Personality Disorder), now known as DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder). Victoria eventually spent years going in and out of mental hospitals, where she actually was grateful. At least the staff was kind and helpful. "I went to a wonderful psychiatrist and she help me for 13 years with MPD / the ID." She began drinking at an early age but sobered up with help from a 12 step group. Her sexual promiscuity led her to numerous bad adult relationships. It took a long time to find the right therapist and path to recovery but now she's integrated and years ago things finally started to come together. Life's still not perfect but now she's active helping the struggling. Among other things, Victoria works to end domestic and sexual violence. She attends support groups, speaks out at rallies and conferences, supports police, volunteers at shelters, and works directly with women and children to get their basic needs filled: food shelter and clothing.
Tonight's special guest is Lora DeVore from St. Paul, Minnesota, a respected professional who has experienced trauma that once lay secreted in a dark inner world wrapped in shame, confusion and a ravaged nervous system. Lora is a survivor of abuse, sex trafficking, illegal pharmaceutical drug research, and institutional abuse: she can speak for those like her, who have been silenced for decades. She's learned how to navigate in the dark and the light. Lora is a writer and catalyst for transformational change for both individuals and systems. Her wisdom comes from the field of psychology, transpersonal development and spiritual psychology. Most importantly, it comes from the inside-out, from facing the darkest aspects of human experience and mining the dark for the treasures that can be found. In doing so she has not only moved through post-traumatic growth, but beyond as she is transcending all previous limitations to living a Luminous Life. Lora can show those who've experienced trauma the way through the dark. She also speaks as a respected healthcare professional to those who want another way, a more conscious way to see and work with others. Lora integrates her experience as a psychotherapist and educator in her role at PrairieCare in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and she has been a senior faculty member with the internationally recognized Center for Mind Body Medicine in Washington, D.C. for the past twenty years. Lora is the author of 'Darkness Was My Candle', a profound and compelling memoir that traces her life as a survivor of child abuse, sex trafficking, illegal pharmacological drug research, and institutional abuse. Now she devotes herself to spreading the word on these atrocities with this personal documentation of her story.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, a survivor of severe child abuse who's now a Minister and Chaplain. She'll appear on the 1st Thursday of each month and is the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story," her story of redemption. In 1997, Michelle writes that she, ".. was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. Her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Regla_girl from San Diego, California, a child abuse survivor and long-time NAASCA family member. In the past, she frequently participated as a panelist on many of our SCAN talk shows. We're looking forward to catching up with her! Regla_girl and both siblings were victims of ritualistic sexual abuse perpetrated by women in the family, one of them her mother. She thinks it started with her Aunt Lori when Regla_girl was visiting her grandmother's house when she was about 5 or 6. There had been violence in the family long before that. Her community was basically Irish Catholic. Among other things, Regla_girl naturally turned to drinking and using drugs. As she hid herself and stuffed her feelings she toughened up and became a comedic bully, climbing the social ladder at other people's expense. The alcohol use, her solution, was a big problem by the time she was 18 years old. Relationship issues made her get serious about healing and recovery. And in spite of having a good career she found herself struggling with just being okay. Her eating disorders were severe in her adulthood. She got up to almost 400 lbs and down to 125. Regla_girl recalls reading the Big Book, confused and still drinking, but inside of her began a question about God, and the existence of God. She understood that the spiritual experience was the thing that could save an alcoholic. Even while still drinking, she began to get honest with God. Little miracles were happening. She heard God say "I love you," and she began a 15 year period of being clean and sober. “Never give up,” she says. “And remember it's all about having a relationship with a loving God.” She concludes, “Just keep praying.”
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Dr. Tina Medina from Kansas City, Kansas, sexually molested as a child by her uncle. In recovery, Tina is now a professional writer specializing in public relations, community/media relations, technical and grant writing. "My book series explains how God is capable of healing the wounded spirit of a sexual abuse victim," she says. "The journey to sexual abuse recovery is all about taking tiny steps to release pent up feelings," Tina explains. For her, the spiritual aspect of inner healing is crucial for her full recovery. "My spirit is the essence of me and it needed to be healed in order for me to be creative and fulfilled. Walking those baby steps are huge healing steps because it is our version of walking on water. What was once thought to be impossible is now very much attainable. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Melanie Blow from Rochester, New York. As a survivor of incest, psychological abuse and a host of other childhood trauma, Melanie is the Executive Director of the Stop Abuse Campaign. The mission at the Stop Abuse Campaign is to prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) through public education and public policy. The ACE study looks at three categories of adverse experience: childhood abuse, which included emotional, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse; neglect, including both physical and emotional neglect; and household challenges, which included growing up in a household where there was substance abuse, mental illness, violent treatment of a mother or stepmother, parental separation/divorce or had an incarcerated household member. Respondents earn an ACE score between 0 and 10 based on how many of the 10 types one reports experiencing. Melanie has over two decades of legislative advocacy regarding children's issues. The Stop Abuse Campaign web site says that keeping these educational and advocacy campaigns running requires 'partnering with the best academic minds to turn great solutions into pilot programs and public policies. It requires delivering advocacy training programs and empowering the dedicated organizations that are working to protect children in local communities.' Melanie has been published in newspapers, magazines and blogs all across the country. She served with the Rochester Regional Coalition Against Human Trafficking, The Downstate Crime Victims Coalition Legislative Advocacy team and with Prevent Child Abuse, NY.
Tonight's special guest is Cindy Beth who hails from Arkansas, a child abuse survivor and author of the book 'Full Frontal Nudity', recently published as her memoir. The first thing Cindy told me was, "I was a child inside organized crime." She goes on to say, "The FBI and attorney generals have not been able to assist me. I want to talk to the public. I was severely ill for years from the abuse and I want to reach out to educate and to assist other survivors." She had many severe experiences and assaults. "When I was little, I found a dead body in the utility room of my grandparent’s Florida home. I was threatened that I would have my throat slit if I talked about it." Cindy was witness to horrible abuse. "At night, I would hear my grandfather on the phone threatening people, to tear them apart. There was a lady that worked for him who put strychnine in my food, which in small amounts works like a neurotoxin." It was supposed to keep her quiet. "My grandfather gave me to men for money, favors, or to set them up. I was eight years old when I was dressed up and left in a house alone to be abused. There was a camera hidden. We were given drugs to sedate us, confuse us, and affect our memories." Cindy has many dark memories. "I was a sex trafficked kid on Long Island and in Palm Beach. I was drugged so many times inside circles of wealthy politicians and celebrities." Cynthia is in an Epstein painting. "Being abused inside a group of high profile, respected in some cases, wealthy, politicians, and celebrities is not an easy thing to talk about. People might think it was a joke when it isn’t a joke."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Rae Luskin from Deerfield, Illinois, a survivor and activist and the CEO & Founder of 'The Winning Adventure'. "I am a thriver and mentor," Rae says. "I used creativity / art and service as healing tools." Rae is an award-winning artist, author, and creative mindfulness mentor. She is a true leader in using creative expression to nurture self-worth, resilience. A community activist for over 40 years, Rae passionately focuses her lens on improving the lives of women and children sharing her personal story of healing from childhood sexual abuse. Rae believes when we share our stories of resilience, people know they are not alone and it creates a positive ripple of hope. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Marvin T from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who'll be telling his story of emotional abuse and scapegoating during childhood. His first memory of his parents at 3 years old included acts of physical and emotional abuse as punishment for saying he didn't feel loved. This set the tone for an abusive relationship that lasted another 15 years, until he was 18 years old. Over the course of these 18 years, Marvin was the least favored of his siblings and was regularly subjected to acts of physical intimidation, violent threats, and humiliation. One act of humiliation involved his mother showering him when he was 11 under the pretense that dandruff was a sign of uncleanliness and "she needed to do the job herself." Despite being a straight 'A' student and generally kind-hearted by nature, Marvin was considered defective for his obesity and his queerness, as Marvin is bisexual (and proudly so). Marvin considers himself the family scapegoat, where all problems that can't be dealt with in a constructive way are blamed on a designated member of the family. He is also a family mascot, who brings narcissistic supply, status, and positive emotional support to the family at his own expense and despite being abused by said family. Marvin was raised with an intense sense of loyalty to his family, which kept him from sharing his story until his 29th birthday, almost 6 months after realizing his treatment as a child was abuse. While he still believes in the importance and value of family, Marvin is telling his story to finally break the toxic trauma bonds to his nuclear family in order to create space for healthier bonds based on love, compassion, and respect. He also feels a deep sense of comradery and compassion for other child abuse victims and shares his story as an act of solidarity and mutual support.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Bill Murray from Los Angeles, our founder. Bill's recovery is 12 Step-based and spans over 3 and a half decades. Sexually abused by numerous clerics, all men, between the ages of 11 and mid-way through high school, a minor seminary, he was also the victim of pre-pubescent pn'ography and even a two week kidnapping. Bill was graced to have found Alcoholics Anonymous when he was 30 years old. The program not only helped him get clean and sober but also gave him a place to give up his secrets, and the tools by which he's recovered. He firmly believes one can use the 12 Step process to heal from child abuse trauma and to find a way to a comfortable life. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Luke Wiersma from Dyer, Indiana. Luke was abused at 16 by an older woman aged 22 who was a 'friend' of someone he was in school with. For the next two years she provided intoxicants to the boys and either convinced or forced them to do sexual things with her and she'd perform sexual acts on the youngsters. Luke, an addict, got hooked, and says, "I was under her control. The choice was following her lead and be able to get high, or to object and be sick because of withdrawal. Manipulation was her greatest tool. I did not want to be sick, so I did what was necessary to get the drugs I so badly needed." He became desperate . "Usually, I was too messed up to fight much. None of this is hard to do with someone who is drunk or high. I was unable to consent. Even if I was, I was only sixteen and was legally unable to. She was twenty-two and she knew what she was doing was wrong. I remember hearing banging, the sounds of screaming in excitement, and laughter. I do not know who's but these details stick with me to this day. I remember the park and the bathroom where this all happened." As high school ended so did the abuse. "This continued until I reached the age of eighteen. At the age of eighteen it all suddenly stopped. I am still to this day unsure why, but I thank God for this. Only thing I could think was I aged out. There was at least one other victim I know of but due to discretionary reasons I cannot include that in these writings. I did see him at one point attempt suicide and I attempted unsuccessfully 4 separate times." Thankfully, Luke got sober instead.
Tonight's special guest is Amber Smith, originally from Austin, Texas, a CSA (child sexual abuse) survivor and author. She went through many forms of abuse. "My abuse started at an infant age of child molestation," she says. "I was born as a an infant with drugs in my system as well. As I got older I experienced family abuse, rape, verbal, physical, emotional and any other form of abuse you can name." She goes on, "This lead me into dark paths of dating narcist men and I went into domestic violence including verbal, mental and emotional abuse. I've experienced abandonment all my life as well as colorism from the world. I have now found my voice to help others and reach out to tell them the signs and forms of abuse also getting into self love self worth getting knowledge and wisdom to understand how to live life." Amber says, "I am now a published book author. Neveah Torrez is my author pen name and you can Google me." And she goes on, "I am looking to spread my testimony and journey to others." We at NAASCA welcome her to our family and appreciate her telling her story. God bless and keep you.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Nissi Hamilton from Houston, Texas, was born to an adolescent mother who had herself been sexually trafficked by extended family members from 11 to 13. "When I was born I was left in the hospital," she says. "Where I was born is still a mystery to me still to this day." In foster care Nissi was abused starting at 14. "I was considered aged out foster care," she reports. "I lived in an empty apartment owned by housing authorities until I was officially kicked off of the property. At 15, I was homeless, no family, no food, no shelter and no one to call mom." But, "Today, I am a proud activist, motivational speaker, coach and life style influencer." Nissi goes on, "I teach young girls and woman how to not come into agreement with the spirit of poverty. Human trafficking is a type of poverty that requires a demonic contract." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Darryl Smith from Dunedin, New Zealand, a survivor, advocate and author. He's a longtime NAASCA family member and our NAASCSA Ambassador to New Zealand. He's the author of many books appearing on Amazon. These range from autobiographical works to studies of any number of social issues. 'A Shattered Life' is a true story," Darryl says, "of a battle of a Survivor of child sexual abuse under the hands of the Roman Catholic Church, Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God and the New Zealand and the Queensland Government state system. in 1971 when I was 7 years old and again in 1975 when I was 15 years old. A man who was in both faith-based and state care wants the public to wake up to historical abuse and be concerned that it could still be happening. Darryl Smith, 57, first went into care at the age of seven at Maryland's School in Christchurch, which was run by the Catholic St John of God order. He later went into state care. Smith said countries are judged on how well they treat their children and New Zealand fails in this. "I believe it is up to a village to raise a child and if you see something going wrong with a child, you are supposed to go, 'what is wrong?' 'You are supposed to protect a child, not go, 'I'm not Catholic and it's not my problem.' That's the attitude in this country and it needs to change, because the minute you say it's not your problem, you are the problem,'' he said. "Survivors do not just want lip-service."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Jay Bachelor from Phoenix, Arizona. Originally from Georgia, we're delighted to have him join us as our newest NAASCA family member. He'll be telling us his child abuse story for the first time. "I am the youngest of 3 brothers," Jay explains. At a very young age my father would leave us in the care of addicts and other alcoholic adults. It was when I was four years old, when a strange man whose name I do not know, came into the living room and raped me." He was also abused violently. "After that time, sexual confusion and dysfunctional circumstances worsened, along with beatings," he says. "I played with dolls and was told by my very own cousins not to ACT like or BECOME A FAGGOT." Jay's father became more and more violent. "Often I was beaten by belts, tree branches and electrical cords." This behavior continued until early in middle school, when a nurse saw and recognized his bruising from abuse. Jay was immediately placed in various foster homes until the end of his 8th grade year. "I was then placed back into the same house with my father." His father was in rehabilitation and had sobered up. Jay was in some ways 'lucky'. Many children never experience a clean and sober parent. "Once high school started, I began to learn how to 'normalize' my life," he says. We hope Jay will stay close to NAASCA. It's our experience that those who get involved, especially through volunteering, do well. We all agree that we get more from giving ourselves to a newcomer than those who we seek to serve can understand.
Tonight's special guest is Mike Tikkanen from Hopkins, Minnesota, a returning NAASCA family member. Mike is all about working on prevention and intervention in his home state. The founder and President of 'Kids at Risk Action' (KARA), a non-profit action tank that supports the people, policies, and programs that improve the lives of at-risk children. Mike knows all the statistics of child abuse. He recently worked on a local PSA project, and asked us at NAASCA for ideas about how a survivor can 'Start a Recovery Group'. We recommend his book: 'Invisible Children: Pre-Teen Mothers, Adolescent Felons, and What We Can Do About It'. It's an uncomfortably close look at the American cycle of abuse and its cost. Mike explains, "The need for civic involvement of young future community leaders is the solution to America's 'At Risk Youth' problem. Without today's college students understanding and support, schools will continue to fail, streets to be unsafe, and jails to fill." Mike often speaks at local and national venues and has been the keynote speaker at business, community, and religious organizations. He's led a workshop at the UN in New York addressing the rights of children. Since 1996, he's volunteered in the Guardian Ad-Litem program as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and has worked with many 'Invisible Children' who are part of the County Child Protection System. Contact him at: Mike@Invisiblechildren.org
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Dr Jaime Romo from San Diego, an educator, consultant, author, and Minister, who promotes prevention and healing from child sexual abuse, particularly abuse by religious authorities or in the context of religious settings. A workbook he wrote, Healing the Sexually Abused Heart: A Workbook for Survivors, Thrivers, and Supporters, is an integration of various disciplines that led Jaime to become a certified Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) facilitator. Jaime explains, “While it is no secret that I am a survivor of clergy abuse, it is the journey of integration, transformation and application that is most telling about my accomplishments and the life that I celebrate.” Please visit his website: www.jaimeromo.org ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Wes Jackson from San Diego, California. He grew up in LA's suburbs, the oldest of three. His Mom was a homemaker and his Dad was an entrepreneur. Throughout his entire life, Wes knew nothing but punishment. He was repeatedly physically and verbally abused until he fell in line, focusing on school and spending as much time as possible with friends. He ironically became a glutton for punishment, feeling like he always had something to prove due to constant invalidation, Wes would proceed to continuously push himself past his limits to the point of burnout multiple times throughout his life. All of this led to him repressing his emotions and his authentic self, especially when in the face of authority. Shut up, keep your head down, and work. This was all he knew how to do, so when he wasn't working he was feeling bad about himself. Wes continued down this path into a life rife with codependency, a lack of self-love, and a void of self-esteem. He could no longer trust himself. This all began to change when he started to speak up and speak out, decades later at the age of 29. He realized he could reframe his trauma into a tool to help others heal. He also realized just how many people were struggling through life due to childhood trauma and a resultant lack of solid identity. Combining this with his several years of experience in marketing, he began giving presentations on personal branding - otherwise known as self-improvement. Wes now tries to spend most of his time coaching, speaking, and teaching online with the intention of helping others help themselves. He is currently developing a podcast with a close friend and fellow trauma survivor, titled 'Surviving Humanity: A Self-help Podcast' that is set to release in the first week of May.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Monica Boglin from Puyallup, Washington, a survivor of sexual, physical, and emotional child abuse. Her predictors were all family members, and her parents were intent on passing on to Monica the behavior that their parents had done to them. She also has lived with Lupus since she was 29, a painful autoimmune disease that has long been linked to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Monica became a life coach and a therapist and notes, “I've finally found a way to forgive the unforgivable and to firmly keep anyone and everything harmful out of my life been linked to." She's earned her Masters degree in metaphysical science and counseling and is well on her way to earning a PhD in the same field. "I hope to further use my story as a way to become of service and to help those along the path to their own healing, because I now know that hope and help is available.” ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Aland Stamps from Bay City, Michigan, a former foster youth who grew up in foster care during the late 70's and 80's after his mother, who was a heroin addict, eventually lost her parenting rights as a result of her addiction. After 11 years in foster care and 20 different placements (foster homes, group homes and institutions), Aland aged out of foster care and into homelessness. Within the first two and a half years of aging out, Aland couch-surfed, became a crack addict and alcoholic. He ate out of soup kitchens daily and bounced around from homeless shelter to homeless shelter on the streets of the Cass Corridor in Detroit. He was in a near-fatal car accident, sold drugs to support his own drug habit, was convicted of three felony drug charges and sentenced up to 20 years in prison for probation violations and felony assault. Aland served 7 of that 20-year sentence before being released. Aland shares his story and recovery principals to youth across Michigan and he has started the first-ever foster care recovery support group for anyone who has experienced foster care regardless of age. Foster youth are resilient. Finding jobs, building businesses, graduating from college, and other steps to success are all things a current or former foster youth can do with ease. They are naturally fighters. However, living, enjoying, and sustaining those things are a challenge for those who haven't found recovery. River Jordan, Inc. has a system that works because its programs and services have elements of best-practice models including 'California's First Place For Youth' housing model and the evidence based Peer Support model.
Tonight's special guest is Gidon Raz from Israel, a returning NAASCA family member who originally surprised us in 2011 by calling in from Jerusalem at first to talk about repressed memories of child abuse that he had recently uncovered. From age 2, Gidon grew up in what he describes as "a fog" in a dysfunctional and abusive family. He recalls, “I felt myself ‘falling’ and woke up in my crib, not knowing where or who I am. My first feeling/instinct was wanting to escape.” Gidon would later discover that his “fog,” which persisted throughout his life, was from being shaken as a baby. "There was a lot of violence, emotional and physical, all the time. My mother was a vicious bipolar narcissist. Scramming, beating and browbeating were part of the daily diet," Gidon writes of his family. "Since about twelve I have made many efforts to function and recover, but mostly the therapists could not grasp the depth of my dysfunctional family.” At 18 he learned about kibbutz. Discovering that the children were separate from the parents, he thought that it would be heaven. He moved to Israel and lived on kibbutz for 17 years, but left in 1992 to move to Jerusalem. Gidon joined an organization called re-evaluation counseling, which has been helpful for maintaining and advancing his "out of the fog" times, and has since been dedicated to recovery. Married with two children, he states, "I have found that one of the main problems is what I call denial and internalized denial, and I spend much time counseling people. Today I have a practice in vibrational (frequency) medicine, one-brain therapy and ozone. I also lead a support group for adult abused children in Jerusalem."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Cherie White from Covington, Tennessee, an anti bullying advocate and author of three books who uses her own story of being bullied and gaslighted to help those enduring the same abuse today. "When I became a target of severe and chronic bullying as a sixth grader at the age of twelve," she says, "I began a long lesson in the human predator/prey dynamic and a battle for my dignity, safety, and my very soul." At first she took the physical beatings, name-calling, and abuse. Cherie was a victim of what is called 'poly-victimization'. In just six months she went from being a kid who always made the honor roll, to an angry and bitter girl who made only C's and D's. "Who could concentrate on schoolwork?" she asks. Cherie attempted suicide at the age of fourteen. "Because I felt powerless, I began to bully those who were even weaker than me in attempts to grab back some of my power." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Tammy Kennington from Colorado Springs, Colorado, a survivor of a decade of childhood sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and domestic violence at the hands of her alcoholic stepfather. Years later, she lived under the shadow of PTSD and depression—disguising its impact from only those who knew her best. Now on the other side of the trauma, she speaks to women who are on their own healing journeys. As an experienced Intervention Specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the education management industry, Tammy has spoken both locally and regionally to women's groups and at educational conferences. Her publications include works published by Thriving Family, The Upper Room, and Light from the Word. She is currently working on a book about PTSD from a Christian survivor's standpoint, and writes a blog. In her September 5, 2019 blog, Tammy writes, “While a caterpillar is encased within its chrysalis, its growth leads to an incredible transformation until one glorious day it emerges with a final, determined struggle .. a new creation. One day, you and I will be gloriously and completely transformed–shaped by our response to both the good and bad circumstances in our lives.” With a master's degree in teaching from Colorado College, Tammy is also skilled in nonprofit organizations, coaching, early childhood education, editing, and volunteer management. "I'm also completing certificates in both trauma and life coaching," she shares. "My passion is for others to know there is hope for healing and life beyond the emotional pain of the past."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Felisha Johnson from Miami, Florida, who has an incredible story of transformation. She was physically and sexually abused, taken from her family, and placed in the foster care system where she would stay for ten years. She emancipated out at age sixteen, facing multiple hardships. Felisha refused to allow her past to dictate her future, so she pushed through the pain to embark on her healing journey and began to see triumph in her trauma. "I am a survivor," she says. "At seven years old, I was sexually molested by an uncle, physically abused by my stepfather and labeled as a troubled child by my mother." Felisha became quite the advocate and activist. "I created the 'Heal Your Story' Foundation to help trauma survivors and to encourage at-risk youth to transition from their hurtful experiences to living and building a better life." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
TOPIC: "Dealing with pain." Call in and join discussion with Kim Laken (CO), John Anderson (LA), Nancy Brown (GA) and Bill Murray (CA)! Just dial our dedicated phone number at: (646) 595-2118
Tonight's special guest is Peter Doherty from Llantwit Major, UK. He grew up in a spiritual family and became an altar boy. Around the age of 9 or 10 a member of the parish community took a shine to him and eventually one day things took a different turn. Peter says, "I really didn’t know what was happening at the time and was confused." He goes on, "To me it felt wrong and I knew that this was something that was not right. At the same time I liked him and wanted to continue his friendship. So when I got home and my mum asked if he'd touched me I said "no". The next time I saw him I told him I didn’t like 'the kissy stuff' and he agreed not to do it again." Many years later Peter learned he'd continued to do it, as he got arrested and was sent to prison for a short time. Peter grew up feeling angry, guilty and confused about his own sexuality. "I didn't know if I was straight or gay. I flunked all of my school exams and was told by my mum that she was very disappointed in me. I was completely lost. It was like I was stuck in childhood and unable to progress any further." Peter explains, "At school I got into trouble, and although I could get girlfriends I would push them away when I felt they were getting too close. I drank lots and I mean lots. I found it hard to stay in relationships; I always had to move around to feel safe; as though I had to hide my secret." Things eventually got better. "I started making inroads during my armed forces service. After I left I trained to become a counselor and counseled many people with all sorts of hidden trauma. My wife has helped me immensely and knows my past; my wife is My Rock. I have met fellow survivors with different experiences." Peter recommends survivors speak out.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, a survivor of severe child abuse who's now a Minister and Chaplain. She'll appear on the 1st Thursday of each month and is the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story," her story of redemption. In 1997, Michelle writes that she, "..was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. Her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Anita E. Wladichuk from New Westminster, BC, Canada, an activist and author of the book 'Anastasia and The Ghostly Owl', a story about a genuine journey of a young girl moving from the darkness to the light. 'I am a survivor" Anita says. "My personal goal is to provide encouragement and inspiration to any person in need because we all want to know that we have someone we can talk with and share our problems with. We need to listen to those who are troubled." She goes on, "I survived abandonment, abduction, and abuse (physical, verbal, emotional, mental, and sexual). My father left my mother a single mother of seven children. My upbringing was horrific. My father said and touched me in inappropriate ways and he did sexually assault me. Because of this, I was traumatized which took a lifetime of healing. My second oldest brother ended up committing suicide. My family never talked about what happened to them and about our brother." Anita continues, "My mother was verbally, emotionally, and mentally abusive. She would say things that would tear my heart out and lower my self-esteem and sense of self-worth. My brother was physically abusive." Anita got busy in recovery. I’m busy now marketing my book, 'Anastasia and The Ghostly Owl (The Choice Was Hers)'. I believe in my book. It is about child abuse but written metaphorically and inspirationally. It is my story, a true story. I’m also busily serializing my second book, 'Anastasia and The Ghostly Owl (The Sequel)' and marketing it as a Newsletter called. 'The Ghostly Owl'. I am currently involved in Toastmasters which has helped me to find my voice and return to school to obtain a B.Ed. Degree."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Dr. Tina Medina from Kansas City, Kansas, sexually molested as a child by her uncle. In recovery, Tina is now a professional writer specializing in public relations, community/media relations, technical and grant writing. "My book series explains how God is capable of healing the wounded spirit of a sexual abuse victim," she says. "The journey to sexual abuse recovery is all about taking tiny steps to release pent up feelings," Tina explains. For her, the spiritual aspect of inner healing is crucial for her full recovery. "My spirit is the essence of me and it needed to be healed in order for me to be creative and fulfilled. Walking those baby steps are huge healing steps because it is our version of walking on water. What was once thought to be impossible is now very much attainable. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Linda Lee Blakemore from Pittsburgh, PA, a child abuse survivor, author, speaker and advocate. Her first book: 'Kids Helping Kids Break the Silence of Sexual Abuse' tells the true stories of fifteen child survivors. The second is a memoir: 'Entrenched: A Memoir of Holding on and Letting Go' tells the powerful true story of the unhealthy relationships Linda chose, the past she had to confront, and how she she held on to the very thing she needed to let go .. the secret of her child abuse. "On average a woman will leave a destructive relationship seven times before leaving for good," Linda says. "Why? And why do we choose the wrong partner in the first place? If you've been there, or know someone who has, find a quiet spot and start reading." Linda continues, "We all have a past. When our past is cloaked in trauma, that trauma can and often leads us to unhealthy partners as a way to remember, to work through unresolved psychological issues, to gain control over something we couldn't control as a child, or as was my case, in an attempt to get the outcome we did not get as a child." When a destructive affair with an older, married boss ended in sexual assault, Linda was grateful that her husband took her back. The reconciliation was short-lived. Linda quickly found herself drawn over and over to other men. It was then she recognized her pattern with men and Linda knew she needed to seek help.
Tonight hosts Carol D Levine and Bill Murray are joined by Michelle Bless to discuss teen dating and violence in relationships. How do they effect us personally as survivors of child abuse? We all have relationship stories... what is yours? Or perhaps you'd like to talk of something else. Call in and let us know !
Call in number: 646 / 595-2118
How have you handeled relationships in the past and/or present. Have you ever been in a long term relationship? What is long term? Have you ever been divorced? Why is it so hard to communicate at times?
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Nissi Hamilton from Houston, Texas, was born to an adolescent mother who had herself been sexually trafficked by extended family members from 11 to 13. "When I was born I was left in the hospital," she says. "Where I was born is still a mystery to me still to this day." In foster care Nissi was abused starting at 14. "I was considered aged out foster care," she reports. "I lived in an empty apartment owned by housing authorities until I was officially kicked off of the property. At 15, I was homeless, no family, no food, no shelter and no one to call mom." But, "Today, I am a proud activist, motivational speaker, coach and life style influencer." Nissi goes on, "I teach young girls and woman how to not come into agreement with the spirit of poverty. Human trafficking is a type of poverty that requires a demonic contract." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Janet Bentley from Scottsdale, Arizona, an author, speaker and advocate. She is the founder of Courageous Survivors, offering support to survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA). Childhood Sexual Abuse leaves the victim with emotional scars that last a lifetime. Courageous Survivors provides a place for adult survivors to share, find resources and gain strength from knowing that they can heal; that there are ways to get past the effects of this abuse. Janet's best-selling memoir, 'Don't Expect Me To Cry', was published in 2018 and received several awards including a Readers' Favorite Gold Medal, two years running! The book has remained at the top of several Amazon Best-seller lists since publication. It is a powerful story of the horrors Janet experienced at the hands of multiple abusers, including her father, and the courageous journey of healing that brought her to a life that is inspirational to other survivors. Janet's resilience is evident as she tells her story in three parts, reflecting her thoughts and experiences at critical stages of her life. Janet is a registered speaker for RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) and is a trained facilitator for Stewards of Children education developed by Darkness to Light. Janet lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a regular speaker at various events and is featured on several podcasts.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight Hosts, Kim Lakin, John Anderson and Carol Levine, will discuss relationships and how they effect us personally as survivors of child abuse. We all have relationship stories... what is yours?
Call in and let us know how you have handeled relationships in the past and/or present. Have you ever been in a long term relationship? What is long term? Have you ever been divorced? Why is it so hard to communicate at times?
Tonight's special guest is Tanisha Bankston from Grenada, Mississippi, a returning NAASCA family member who's a child abuse and domestic violence survivor. She's also a newly published author of 'My Pain Is My Power'. She shares, “I was taken away from my mom at the age of 5. I failed kindergarten at the age of 5 because my mom didn't send me to school. My mom didn't feed us. We had lost a lot of weight. The welfare people came and took my brothers, sister, and me. We were placed with our family. My aunt got my baby brother and me. We didn't reunite until we were older and grown. I witnessed my mom getting beat up by men. Seeing her almost kill a man did something to me. She went to prison and was in prison most of our lives. I was raped by a man at the age of 9. No one believed me so the man didn't get locked up. My mom said I had to learn to walk again.” The sexual abuse continued throughout her childhood. Tanisha continues, “Then, my cousin's husband started coming to my aunt's house and started having sex with me. He got me pregnant at age 13. He was 33. I was scared to tell it. I lost my childhood at an early age. I became a mother at the age of 14 and 17. I have family secrets, including incest.” She says she hopes telling her story will help her get over her past, the pain and trauma. "I am seeing a therapist. I want to heal and get over my childhood trauma and past. My past affects my adulthood," Tanisha shares. "I am working on getting better and living a normal life. I didn't get to do the things I wanted to do in life. I want to start living life. I want to smile, laugh and be happy. I want to take control of my own life. Live, Laugh, Learn to be happy! I hope my story helps someone.”
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Dr Jaime Romo from San Diego, an educator, consultant, author, and Minister, who promotes prevention and healing from child sexual abuse, particularly abuse by religious authorities or in the context of religious settings. A workbook he wrote, Healing the Sexually Abused Heart: A Workbook for Survivors, Thrivers, and Supporters, is an integration of various disciplines that led Jaime to become a certified Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) facilitator. Jaime explains, “While it is no secret that I am a survivor of clergy abuse, it is the journey of integration, transformation and application that is most telling about my accomplishments and the life that I celebrate.” Please visit his website: www.jaimeromo.org ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Billy Giblin from Methuen, Massachusetts. Billy is a survivor of clergy abuse who'll be telling his story to us for the first time. The offending priest is still in a position of leadership and authority in his parish. Billy shares that his father died when he was 4 years old, and that his mother had a hard time bringing up 3 Kids by herself. "At age 14 I got in trouble," Billy says. He was assigned to a priest at St. Basil's Seminary in Methuen, Massachusetts. "It was there were I was assigned to do chores around the grounds," he explains, "and he would eventually have me come inside and clean the hall next to his office. That then led me into his office for face to face 'confessions'. That's where the sexual, physical, and emotional abuse happened. This is how I was introduced to sex .. 'By a Priest' a Man of Power and Trust." By his senior year Billy was using steroids. At age 40yrs old he lost a job after 19yrs. 'I thought I could quit drugs cold turkey, which I did. But there were memories clear as day." There were multiple suicide attempts in a 5 yr span. At age 45 yrs old he got into therapy with a woman who he put his trust in. "I was all in, he shares. "I wanted to change my life. I've been off drugs since 2015." On December 7, 2021 Billy went in front of the Joint Committee of Massachusetts to testify for a bill to change the child abuse laws. "These legal changes were sponsored by Senator Joan Lovely (a Survivor). "On my 53rd birthday I reported the priest to law enforcement. The Melkites have known about this priest since 2012 but continue to keep him at St, Basil's Seminary in Methuen." Billy concludes, "Therapy for me is helping others in the same position I was once in. We are all here to help each other."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Monica Boglin from Puyallup, Washington, a survivor of sexual, physical, and emotional child abuse. Her predictors were all family members, and her parents were intent on passing on to Monica the behavior that their parents had done to them. She also has lived with Lupus since she was 29, a painful autoimmune disease that has long been linked to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Monica became a life coach and a therapist and notes, “I've finally found a way to forgive the unforgivable and to firmly keep anyone and everything harmful out of my life been linked to." She's earned her Masters degree in metaphysical science and counseling and is well on her way to earning a PhD in the same field. "I hope to further use my story as a way to become of service and to help those along the path to their own healing, because I now know that hope and help is available.”~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is John Souza from Rhode Island, a new member of the NAASCA family, telling us his story for the first time. John's mother was a schizophrenic, and his dad an alcoholic who sexually abused him. John was also sexually assaulted by children from the neighborhood, friends of his brothers who were older than John. But the next molester he ran into was even worse. This man, a Lutheran pastor who John saw as a father figure, groomed him at the church for several months. Then he began to try using John sexually, slowly at first, but it lasted three or four incidents a week for 4 years. A lot of the molesting was done in the basement, but when the pastor's wife was gone he had John sleep with him in the master bedroom. Today the same pastor is still serving the community as a Lutheran minister, which as you can surely imagine is really upsetting to John. He relives the feelings of his child abuse, including not being able to trust. Child abuse survivors suffer 'trauma', which is the result of the experiences, not the abuse itself. Fortunately we NAASCA family members have many paths, tools, services and resources today, far more than there used to be. And we understand that this thing called 'recovery' needs to be talked about, not remain a secret. We believe that together we can do what we can not do alone, and we all deserve to be loved. As a family, we're delighted to be able to count John as a card-carrying member!
Tonight's special guest is Regla_girl from San Diego, California, a child abuse survivor and long-time NAASCA family member. In the past, she frequently participated as a panelist on many of our SCAN talk shows. We're looking forward to catching up with her! Regla_girl and both siblings were victims of ritualistic sexual abuse perpetrated by women in the family, one of them her mother. She thinks it started with her Aunt Lori when Regla_girl was visiting her grandmother's house when she was about 5 or 6. There had been violence in the family long before that. Her community was basically Irish Catholic. Among other things, Regla_girl naturally turned to drinking and using drugs. As she hid herself and stuffed her feelings she toughened up and became a comedic bully, climbing the social ladder at other people's expense. The alcohol use, her solution, was a big problem by the time she was 18 years old. Relationship issues made her get serious about healing and recovery. And in spite of having a good career she found herself struggling with just being okay. Her eating disorders were severe in her adulthood. She got up to almost 400 lbs and down to 125. Regla_girl recalls reading the Big Book, confused and still drinking, but inside of her began a question about God, and the existence of God. She understood that the spiritual experience was the thing that could save an alcoholic. Even while still drinking, she began to get honest with God. Little miracles were happening. She heard God say "I love you," and she began a 15 year period of being clean and sober. “Never give up,” she says. “And remember it's all about having a relationship with a loving God.” She concludes, “Just keep praying.”
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Felisha Johnson from Miami, Florida, who has an incredible story of transformation. She was physically and sexually abused, taken from her family, and placed in the foster care system where she would stay for ten years. She emancipated out at age sixteen, facing multiple hardships. Felisha refused to allow her past to dictate her future, so she pushed through the pain to embark on her healing journey and began to see triumph in her trauma. "I am a survivor," she says. "At seven years old, I was sexually molested by an uncle, physically abused by my stepfather and labeled as a troubled child by my mother." Felisha became quite the advocate and activist. "I created the 'Heal Your Story' Foundation to help trauma survivors and to encourage at-risk youth to transition from their hurtful experiences to living and building a better life." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Rachel Marietta a new NAASCA family member from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. "My mother was my first abuser," Rahael reports. "I was not only beaten by her up through age 19, but she would sexually gratify herself with me when I was a toddler. All of these years with my mother lead me to marry a man very much like her, but worse." She goes on, "It was a miracle that I escaped that 10 year marriage alive. Unfortunately my two very young children were forced to live with him because of corruption in the judicial system. I'd helped put him through law school but my mother sided with him .. in order to be able to see my children more." Rachel goes on, "I eventually remarried a kind man, and we have one child. A couple of years ago, I began to realize how damaging the sexual and mental abuse had been and entered a 12 step program." It opened her eyes. "In the beginning, I thought I had no part in the abuse that I endured. While I didn't ask for it or deserve it, I began to recognize that my part was holding onto the past, living my life in a victim mentality and that I had a very skewed version of the Higher Power, God or Creator. Today I sponsor women who have been sexually abused as children, using the Big Book of Alcoholic Anonymous, prayer, gratitude and Soul Care, when I am not spending time with my family. My relationship with God is the most precious thing I have. When I first sponsored other women, I struggled with codependency issues. Every person is different, and there are many roads to recovery, but as a sponsor, my main job is to help people navigate the steps, so that they can develop an amazing and intimate relationship with their Higher Power.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Mary Beth Holzwarth from Gettysburg, South Dakota, an activist who was stunned to learn her two children were being abused by an uncle at ages 8 and 5. "I started researching and was blown away by how many children are sexually abused and how few ever receive that justice," she says. "I have to give the credit to my sons, however; it is their courage and their desire to not have another child experience this that keeps me going." Mary Beth and her family live in a remote area where counselors and other experts are few and far between. "Because of this challenge, I have worked hard to learn as much as possible about what my kids feel, how best to help them, best counseling methods, coping methods, and keep a strong relationship with my sons." She goes on, "Three years ago, through several connections, I joined force with several senators and professionals and survivors and we drafted Jolene's Law. Our law was passed unanimously and signed into effect, establishing a task force to study how our state (South Dakota) is handling CSA." But she was hardly done, as similar legislation was brought to other states (California is set to bring it forward this next session). "In addition to that, I organize local public awareness events and team up with law enforcement and domestic violence shelters to hold trainings." Mary Beth concludes, "I want to offer hope for others that there are more good days than bad days now, but as we all know, this will continue to affect them the rest of their lives."
Tonight's special guest is Fire-Brown Gadsen from Atlanta, Georgia, a returning NAASCA family member. Originally from Newark, New Jersey, Fire-Brown, an adult survivor of child abuse, is the Founding Facilitator of ASCA-Atlanta (Adult Survivors of Child Abuse-Atlanta), a weekly self-help support group for adult survivors of childhood abuse that may be physical, sexual, mental and/or through neglect. Several years ago, Fire-Brown found herself triggered by memories, flashbacks and nightmares of her childhood sexual molestation. After struggling with the PTSD and traumatic impact of the abuse, she sought therapy and began to blog about her experience and healing journey. She found ASCA and began working their 21 Steps to recovery. "I have recently given a TEDTalk. My twelve minutes of fame was exciting and well received." She shares how she's gone from victim, to survivor to a thriver. Fresh off her TEDTalk, Fire-Brown is gaining a large following and support as a Survivor of childhood molestation and being a power voice for healing from the impact it has had on her life. Oprah Winfrey is quoted as saying of Fire-Brown that she ".. looked into an abandoned baby's eyes, saw herself and found her calling .." Fire-Brown herself notes, "After working with adult Survivors of child abuse for 5+ years, the one thing I've found most survivors struggle with is the frustration of NOT BEING BELIEVE when they told someone". This is at the heart of my advocacy. I'm standing for every Survivor to get back their power, freedom and innocence; to know they are NOT alone and that they are believed."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, a survivor of severe child abuse who's now a Minister and Chaplain. She'll appear on the 1st Thursday of each month and is the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story," her story of redemption. In 1997, Michelle writes that she, "..was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. Her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Beth Donahue from Port Richey, Florida, a returning NAASCA family member who's both a survivor and an activist. She'll be catching us up with any number of things she's been doing over the last year or so. "I have been targeted by my family and have lost friends and people I love," she explains, "mainly because I wouldn't waiver on my beliefs that children should be put first and no one has the right to ever abuse them in any way, shape or form." Beth has told us she has taken a copy of a bill from 'Protect Mass Children' to Washington, DC, to pass stronger laws to protect children from sexual predators and to educate the community on how to defend themselves from sexual predators, to end childhood sexual abuse and to be a voice for the victims. Many involved are survivors or victims of abuse and know firsthand the devastating effects sexual abuse has on victims and their families. Beth herself is a survivor who was sexually abused by 3 men as a child, but she's been an advocate for children most of her adult life. "I was involved with helping start the organization The Innocence Revolution," Beth reminds us, letting us know she's going to be starting it back up. But she's even doing more. "I'm going to try and get the NFL to do a day for us," she says! Beth's paid a price because of her advocacy, too. "I have been targeted by my family and have lost friends and people I love," she explains, "mainly because I wouldn't waiver on my beliefs that children should be put first and no one has the right to ever abuse them in any way, shape or form." We're delighted to have her back on the show!!
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Dr. Tina Medina from Kansas City, Kansas, sexually molested as a child by her uncle. In recovery, Tina is now a professional writer specializing in public relations, community/media relations, technical and grant writing. "My book series explains how God is capable of healing the wounded spirit of a sexual abuse victim," she says. "The journey to sexual abuse recovery is all about taking tiny steps to release pent up feelings," Tina explains. For her, the spiritual aspect of inner healing is crucial for her full recovery. "My spirit is the essence of me and it needed to be healed in order for me to be creative and fulfilled. Walking those baby steps are huge healing steps because it is our version of walking on water. What was once thought to be impossible is now very much attainable. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Maryellen Spoonhower from a small rural community in upstate New York, a returning NAASCA family member. "I married young and divorced young," she says. "I often found the strength to get by in the eyes of my four beautiful children. Now adults, they continue to be my greatest blessing." She goes on, "Have you ever asked yourself 'How is it that family members can perceive their childhood so differently?' I grew up with 5 siblings. If you were to ask them to describe our upbringing they would tell you a story of life in the country with many happy experiences, raised by a father who loved and cared for his children." But Maryellen's story is quite different. "As a very young girl my mother drove away leaving me to the hands of the man who ripped my childhood from me and tore at my soul with years of sexual abuse. I lived in fear and shame." As a child she internalized it. "There must have been something wrong we me. I thought I must not have been as valuable as my siblings. I was not deserving of being loved or protected." After many years of counseling, education and her own experience, she now knows the effects of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA). She says, "The list is lengthy and not limited to, depression, anxiety, abandonment, relationship issues, grief, eating disorders, post traumatic stress disorder, and a life of constant vigilance. The fact is I got through it and I know how to impart hope and a sense of strength in others!" Maryellen wants to help. "I have a voice and I will share my story." We can prevent other innocent children from acts of violence that touch the depth of their soul. "Every child should have the chance to be the beautiful spirit they were meant to be."
Tonight's special guest is David Brown from Duluth, Minnesota, a former paramedic and police officer, an abuse survivor and the author of six books: davidjbrownbooks.com. David explains his life story: "I experienced child abuse with daily beatings and starvation from both my parents in my early years at about 4 years of age. This continued until my dad sobered up when I was 10. The trust was broken and I could not feel safe with him or my mother as they both beat and starved me. I grew up to become reckless and fearless, at least that was my act. My 1st career position was that as a rescue paramedic in 1970. In 1978 I moved out to the Western States and became the uniform police officer. My lifetime motto became, "I can only reach just one soul." In 1991, at 43, I came out of an alcohol induced blackout with my duty weapon in my mouth. I put down my weapon and took an oath to change my life forever, and I haven't had a drink since then it's been more than 30 years. In 2009 my mother passed away, I was living in Colorado and she in Minnesota. I came back home for her funeral service. On my return trip back to Colorado I stopped for gas in Sheridan Wyoming. I saw a mountain cliff directly in front of me and something moved me and told me I had to go there, there was something special there that I had to experience. I can't tell you what transpired, all I know is it as I walked away back to my car a voice spoke to me and it said, "Write the book." From that day to this day I have authored 6 books all in the realm of Self Help and better living from depression, alcoholism and suicidal ideations."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Nissi Hamilton from Houston, Texas, was born to an adolescent mother who had herself been sexually trafficked by extended family members from 11 to 13. "When I was born I was left in the hospital," she says. "Where is still a mystery." In foster care Nissi was abused starting at 14. "When I was considered aged out foster care," she reports. "I lived in an empty apartment owned by housing authorities until I was officially kicked out. At 15, I was homeless, no family, no food, no shelter and no one to call mom." But, "Today, I am a proud activist, motivational speaker, coach and life style influencer." Nissi goes on, "I teach young girls and woman how to not come into agreement with the spirit of poverty. Human trafficking is a type of poverty that requires a demonic contract." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, Ohio, a returning NAASCA family member who's a survivor, activist, Minister and NAASCA volunteer. She's the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story" in which a young girl is abused by her family and ostracized for being associated with Satan. "Out of the Darkness" is her story of redemption. Born in the northeastern United States to parents from the Caribbean, Michelle was raised in a home of violence and suspicion. Her father beat her mother and siblings but spared Michelle because of her perceived association with Satan. Even so, this did not save her from other abuses. She witnessed incidents of violence, incest and other horrible, unthinkable acts. One hot summer day in 1997, Michelle writes, she, "was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. After two years of demonic attacks, she was fully delivered and never looked back. Today she lives for the Lord. Michelle says her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. She often participates as a volunteer and family member at NAASCA, and over time has contributed many appearances as a panelist for the "Stop Child Abuse Now" talk show.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Mike Chapman from Wilson, North Carolina, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and trafficking, and a survivor of sexual assault as an adult by clergy, and dealing with all the mess that comes with it, including PTSD, anger, anxiety, codependency, and addictive behaviors. As a young man in college (age 20, but looked like 16 - late bloomer) a Methodist Minister sexually assaulted him. "My mother never wanted children," he says. "She had a bad experience with her own mother and did not want to be responsible for other children. My father insisted. So they had 3 children: 2 girls and a boy. I was the youngest. Unknown to my mother, he was a pedophile. That means I was born was to satisfy his pedophilia." As Mike grew, the abuse continued. "Once we got old enough where he lost interest, he left us. My parents separated, then divorced when I was 7 or 8. I had no father figure and a lot of mess. My mother was now a single mother with 3 kids she originally never wanted." That's when the Methodist Minister sexually assaulted him. "When I was 30 (I am in my mid-50s now), I uncovered repressed memories of being sexually abused by my father at age 3. In 2019) I sought out additional therapy, including PTSD therapy. We ended up uncovering even more repressed memories, including the fact that I was trafficked by my father to other men, and that the abuse did not actually begin at age 3 but started much earlier - as an infant, about 7 months old. The trafficking abuse continued until age 8 (when I 'aged out')." Mike is currently a part-time Recovery Life Coach for both Polar Life Consulting [PolarLifeConsulting@gmail.com] and Husband Material [www.husbandmaterial.com].
Tonight's special guest Trish Valleys is joining us from Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, although she usually lives in Spain on the Costa del Sol. "Trish Valleys is my pen name," she says. "I was adopted as a child in the UK and much of my early trauma and loss was when I was pre verbal. From hypnosis and different therapies, (I have spent years on self development and dealing with these memories and feelings), it has been established that I have suffered several types of abuse." Trish goes on, "The biggest impact and damage has been from the emotional and psychological damage I suffered growing up. This also led to my adult behaviors of trying to please, being overly compliant and wanting to be loved." But she, like many of us, felt unworthy. This sense of herself inevitably followed through to an abusive marriage with a man she suspects was a narcissist. "It took many years before I got the strength together to leave and yet more to recover." Trish has just written a book about her experience, 'Without Prejudice?'. She wanted it to be a validation of her life, and offer some support to others who are on the same journey. "I am now understanding how early trauma and abuse has such an enormous impact on our later life."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Bill Murray from Los Angeles, our founder. Bill's recovery is 12 Step-based and spans over 3 and a half decades. Sexually abused by numerous clerics, all men, between the ages of 11 and mid-way through high school, a minor seminary, he was also the victim of pre-pubescent p'nography and even a two week kidnapping. Bill was graced to have found Alcoholics Anonymous when he was 30 years old. The program not only helped him get clean and sober but also gave him a place to give up his secrets, and the tools by which he's recovered. He firmly believes one can use the 12 Step process to heal from child abuse trauma and to find a way to a comfortable life. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Karen Leitzell from Silicon Valley, California, whose mother and aunts were abused by the men in their childhood home, after the girls lost their mother to breast cancer. "My mother suffered greatly and found solace in drinking until I was 19 when she entered AA. She was a very controlled alcoholic and dutiful mother. But she was profoundly broken and suffered deeply from her childhood abuse." She goes on, "In 2009, I began an endless quest to understand childhood abuse when it became apparent that one of my sons was suffering greatly with intrusive thoughts and bouts of depression." She goes on, "Quite honestly, I had a very vivid dream concerning this son at a Boy Scout campout. Of course I wanted to be wrong about any abuse he may have suffered in Boy Scouts. But I wasn't wrong." Her family was one of many. "Today, we are among the 84,000, tip of the iceberg claimants against the Boy Scouts of America. Abused In Scouting” attorneys have become dear friends and advocates for us." Karen goes on. "Many men, abused as boys, have helped us and stood by our family as we try to find ways to help and support our son. I felt it was time for me to give back to the community of men abused as boys so I began teaching a workshop in a men's recovery home. I have created a curriculum to teach relapse prevention to the men, and my husband and I have served for two years. I teach what I have learned from others and my husband bakes for the men. My workshop is called “More Than Conquerors: Trauma-Informed Recovery in Christ Jesus.” Serving in the Home is one of our greatest joys at this time in our lives. The man who runs the Home and the men are amazing. God is always good!"
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be ??? ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Pastor Deborah Schleich from Florida, a survivor, minister, pastor, and therapist. She's a long time NAASCA family member who volunteers to lead a monthly SCAN Q & A open discussion radio show. Pastor Deborah grew up all over the world in a military family. Her mother was mentally ill. She now is living in Pensacola, Florida, and is, of course, a hyphenate, a survivor and professional. Trained in 'Agape Love Is Here' ministry, mental health, and working with substance abuse patients, Deborah is also a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person or however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. She believes in working with the other professions to accomplish a TOTAL healing for the person. She blogs daily and has been developing the Church's YouTube Channel for world wide encouragement, teaching, deliverance and healing. Pastor Deborah believes everyone is valuable and an undeveloped leader/minister. She volunteers in the community with many Community Organizations as a pastor. She has had years of ministry with and to those who are suffering from religious abuse, cult abuse, childhood trauma, sexual abuse, gang membership, heavy metal, gothic lifestyles, and with those who are experiencing gender issues, and suicide. She works with the lonely and abandoned .. those left behind. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time!
Tonight's special guest is Teresa Strong-Myrick from St. Petersburg, Florida, a survivor of violent, sexual and emotional abuse. The abuse last all through her childhood. Teresa is now an author, speaker and Life Coach. "I credit it all to self-help books, counseling, the Life Recovery Process and Neuro-Transformational Coaching," she says. "I started addressing the results of my trauma in my 20's. I had moments when I thought I was good and finished with healing (Ha!) only to learn that it is an ongoing process. I am now building my Coaching business." My father was murdered by his best friend when I was about 2 years old. He died in my mom's arms. She subsequently got involved with my brother's father who was abusive. Every Friday there would be a physical fight, resulting in me and my brother huddled up in the corner of an adjacent room listening to the bumps, thumps, mumbles and grunts. This went on for 10 years. My mom finally had enough and put him out! She did not look back. We had a bit of a break until she met her next boyfriend. He touched and rubbed up on me inappropriately from my middle school to high school years. Currently I'm in a 13-year marriage, the mother of 3 boys (two adults, one teen), an author, speaker and Life Coach. I credit it all to self-help books, counseling, the Life Recovery Process and Neuro-Transformational Coaching. My motto:” Be good to you, so that you can be good to others.”
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Felisha Johnson from Miami, Florida, who has an incredible story of transformation. She was physically and sexually abused, taken from her family, and placed in the foster care system where she would stay for ten years. She emancipated out at age sixteen, facing multiple hardships. Felisha refused to allow her past to dictate her future, so she pushed through the pain to embark on her healing journey and began to see triumph in her trauma. "I am a survivor," she says. "At seven years old, I was sexually molested by an uncle, physically abused by my stepfather and labeled as a troubled child by my mother." Felisha became quite the advocate and activist. "I created the 'Heal Your Story' Foundation to help trauma survivors and to encourage at-risk youth to transition from their hurtful experiences to living and building a better life." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Wanda Marie Chandler from Orlando, Florida, an a buse survivor and author of the book 'Diamonds In The Rough', a compilation of healing and deliverance testimonies and stories about women who were used, abuse, and cast aside by the family and friends. She hopes to bring young girls and women back from the brink of darkness. Wanda is the 9th of 10 children born to Sylvion and Pastor Margaret Keith, both of whom are deceased, born and partially raised in the United States Virgin Island and finished growing up in Orlando, Florida. Wanda has a string of stories of early abuse. "I woke up from my sleep and the act was taking place," she explains. "The person is unknown to me because I kept my eyes shut." Later abuses came through her older brother and sister at different times, he at the beach and she at their house. Another early abuse involves the family across the street. "I don't know how I got over to the house, but I was surrounded by adults whose faces I can't recall .. only their feet." She goes on, "By the time I hit 12 I was sexually active." Her story is one of strength and overcoming. Wanda is the mother of 5. Having given birth at 13 to her first child and unable to raise the baby, he was placed up for adoption. “I was called by GOD," she explains, "to feed his sheep and through my testimony, I am an overcomer, a conqueror; strong and resilient, words used to describe what I became after GOD pulled me out and through. I owe it all to GOD, I give him the Glory for what HE did, done and continues to do. I look forward to sharing my testimony so that one may overcome by the word. AMEN!”
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Lori Golden from San Diego, California, a survivor and a private psychotherapist working with other trauma and abuse survivors. Lori shares, “I am a survivor of incest. My father sexually abused me from the age of 5 to 16. When the sun went down, I was filled with terror, hypervigilance, and waiting. Everything in my room came alive." Lori started using drugs in college at 18 and covered her worthlessness, aloneness and increasing desperation with bulimic exercising, food addiction and drugs, culminating in a suicide attempt at 27. "I am an incest survivor, an addict in Narcotics Anonymous for 33 years as well as Food Addicts Anonymous for 30", she tells us. Her book, 'My House Of Lies; Awakening from a Childhood of Sexual Abuse'. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Monica Boglin from Puyallup, Washington, a survivor of childhood sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. "My father was the primary abuser and an alcoholic, and my mother being a victim of spousal abuse inevitably became the classic enabler. The sexual abuse and molestation were from an older brother." Monica believes that both her parents, were abused and abandoned by their on parents, but they had no understanding that they didn't have to repeat the behavior done to them. "They had no one to teach them to identify abuse and/or to ascertain that abuse is wrong. They further failed my siblings and especially my brother.” The onset of Lupus around age 29 caused Monica to realize she had to move past the pain. She came to a deep self-actualization that she needed to practice self-care in order to manage the disease. Research denotes that autoimmune diseases have been linked to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Monica concludes, “I’ve finally found a way to forgive the unforgivable and to firmly keep anyone and everything harmful out of my life, thus allowing me to accept the hurt but to be more focused on healing. I will have Lupus forever and I will bear the scars of abuse forever, but now as a symbol of strength and perseverance and no longer as shame, anger, or harm. I am professionally employed as a teacher in the adult career education sector." Monica has now completed a Master's degree in metaphysical science and counseling and is well on her way to earning a PhD in the same field. "I hope to further use my story as a way to become of service and to help those along the path to their own healing, because I now know that hope and help is available.”
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, a survivor of severe child abuse who's now a Minister and Chaplain. She'll appear on the 1st Thursday of each month and is the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story," her story of redemption. In 1997, Michelle writes that she, "..was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. Her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is James Carey from Ireland, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. James was raised in a family of genocidal psychopaths who run the Irish government. He was sexually abused throughout his entire childhood, and will be discussing his story of trauma, betrayal and the power of overcoming. His is a fascinating story of endurance, resiliency and hope. ~~~ There are many different forms of trauma that occur after child abuse. Both severe sexual assaults and extreme violent behavior can be devastating to the child as he / she grows, and may become emotional trauma of the type our guest is speaking. NAASCA certainly wants to acknoeledge our commitment to all childhood traumas, which is evident in the first half of NAASCA's mission statement: 1) educating the public, especially as related to helping society get over its taboo of discussing childhood sexual abuse (CSA), presenting facts showing child abuse to be a pandemic, worldwide problem that affects everyone, and 2) offering hope and healing through numerous paths, providing many services to adult survivors of child abuse and information for anyone interested in the many issues involving prevention, intervention and recovery. Cases as extreme as James' will likely require years of therapy to work the symptoms out, and NAASCA recommends one seek out psychologists who devote themselves to helping patients come to terms with their trauma. Then again its not an easy thing from which to heal, and there will be benefits using various tools and techniques, including psychiatry early on and spirituality later. Meeting in group settings is also recommended.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Dr. Tina Medina from Kansas City, Kansas, sexually molested as a child by her uncle. In recovery, Tina is now a professional writer specializing in public relations, community/media relations, technical and grant writing. "My book series explains how God is capable of healing the wounded spirit of a sexual abuse victim," she says. "The journey to sexual abuse recovery is all about taking tiny steps to release pent up feelings," Tina explains. For her, the spiritual aspect of inner healing is crucial for her full recovery. "My spirit is the essence of me and it needed to be healed in order for me to be creative and fulfilled. Walking those baby steps are huge healing steps because it is our version of walking on water. What was once thought to be impossible is now very much attainable. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Michael Walter from Scottsdale, Arizona, a child abuse survivor and author. Michael shares, “My childhood was framed and formed by abuse. I was sexually assaulted by both parents beginning at the age of 5 and it continued until I was an early teen. Beatings were common. I was often hit with an open hand, backhand, leather belt, any item that was in easy reach. Psychologically, I was stripped of any sense of worth. I was subjected to hours of interrogations until I would collapse from exhaustion. I ran away from home on multiple occasions and attempted suicide several times.” Of his new book 'Stolen Innocence: A Childhood Lost', Michael relates, “I decided, over a decade ago, to put my experience down on paper. At first it was about therapy. For so many years I was tormented by the memories and I struggled to face them. Putting them down in written word forced me to, in a way, confront them face-to-face.” Michael wrote scores of pages. When it became too overwhelming, he placed all the pages at the bottom of his clothes drawer. Months later, he found the pages, read them, and started typing. Michael continues, “I began to think about others who have been abused. I thought of those being abused at that very moment. For two years, I typed those pages. As I began to know that my story could help others. I began to edit the words and decided to condense my story into a few incidents. To make a difference in someone else's life, I did not want to overwhelm them. I wanted to let them know, by describing a few of the things that had happened to me, they could feel as I was someone who could relate to what they had been through.”
Tonight's special guest is Charles (Chuck) Prinzen from Fairfield, California, a returning NAASCA family member. A survivor and activist, Chuck is an educator who's worked with youth for many years. His 'Me Inc Now' project offers guidance to teens (and their parents). In fact, in 2018 he was the Keynote Speaker at Banning High School addressing, the Los Angeles Unified School Board (LAUSB). Chuck says that he survived 'cycles of life' and says his story of abuse is no different than many others who have experienced abuse .. the same torment, pain, feelings of loneliness and despair. "It was not till I was older that I could clearly see the past. They say that hindsight is twenty-twenty, mine was not, it was blurry." He goes on, "The first step to seeing the past clearly was when a kindhearted gift of love was given to me by a stranger." Chuck's principal goal to help instill self-worth, self-esteem, and self-respect in today's youth, and that's that 'Me.Inc.Now' (me expressing I need change now) is all about. A brighter future can be achieved by incorporating cultural change in our youth of today through understanding lessons of the past to bridge the ever growing generation gap. Change is built upon a foundation of communication, listening, and love. 'Me.Inc.Now' is committed to inspiring positive thoughts and breaking cycles of anger and resentment that prevent young individuals from being the best version of themselves. "I am thankful for learning that 'love' is most the powerful tool in my emotional toolbox," Chuck writes, "no more sorrow and loneliness, no more bruises, no more pain, no more fear."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Bill Murray from Los Angeles, our founder. Bill's recovery is 12 Step-based and spans over 3 and a half decades. Sexually abused by numerous clerics, all men, between the ages of 11 and mid-way through high school, a minor seminary, he was also the victim of pre-pubescent ography and even a two week kidnapping. Bill was graced to have found Alcoholics Anonymous when he was 30 years old. The program not only helped him get clean and sober but also gave him a place to give up his secrets, and the tools by which he's recovered. He firmly believes one can use the 12 Step process to heal from child abuse trauma and to find a way to a comfortable life. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Eric B. Ramsey from Studio City, California, a returning NAASCA family member. He's a a child abuse survivor and awareness advocate. Eric is eager to return and we're delighted to have him back. A former professional athlete turned model, actor, writer, producer and director, he brings a lot of experience to the table. Eric is a child abuse survivor and awareness advocate, who has produced a film, 'Unspeakable Indiscretions.' It features four siblings who face the hard reality that despite the different paths and success in their professional lives. Their past will forever be entwined. The subject matter is ripped from the headlines. 'Unspeakable Indiscretions' is the story of four athletically inclined brothers, Thomas, Marlon, Victor and David, as they struggle to escape a dark secret from their youth brought on by their uncle, a well established pillar of the community. A recent headline brings the story close to home when it's discovered that the cycle of sexual abuse has plagued their high school sports program. It's a tale of murder, human weakness, frailties and individual deficiencies in us all. "The world was deeply shaken by the Penn State - Jerry Sandusky scandal a couple of years back," Eric says, "but the truth is that the molestation of young boys in this country remains a serious problem." Eric sheds light on this great tragic sin with his film. Eric invested heavily with his own time and money but did so thinking, "if it stops just one molestation it is also a great social good."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest will be Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, Ohio, a survivor of severe child abuse who's now a Minister and Chaplain. Michelle is here to tell her story this evening but she'll also appear on the 1st Thursday of each month as a regular on our Q&A discussion shows. She's also the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story," her story of redemption. Michelle has been abused in many circles, including her childhood and family years, as a member of the military and in her married life thru domrstic violence. In 1997, Michelle writes that she, "..was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. Her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. On the Q&A discussion episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guests are Dale and Faith Ingraham from Addison, NY. Dale is a pastor who began his ministry in 1983. In 2020, Dale began to devote himself fully to the ministry of 'Speaking Truth in Love', a 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry, along with Faith, his partner and wife of nearly 40 years. She is a a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. He is a speaker, trainer, author and strong advocate for victims and survivors of abuse. Working together they provide abuse prevention and response training to organizations, families, individuals and churches. They create safe places for growing and healing at conferences and speaking engagements, with printed materials, private consultation, and life coaching. In his book, 'Tear Down This Wall Of Silence', Dale Ingraham addresses the topic of sexual abuse in a way that examines hard areas while maintaining sensitivity for those who fear that this issue is too difficult for them to examine. The memoir-like recounting of Dale and Faith's own journey to understanding is woven throughout the various chapters of the book, from Faith's first revelation to Dale that she had suffered incest at the hands of her pastor father, to Dale's excommunication of his father-in-law in the church that he himself pastored. Through their non-profit, they express a desire that no-one need to experience being left without hope and healing or be damaged by physical, emotional, mental or spiritual abuse. The dynamics of the mission are to provide quality resources and materials to empower, encourage and equip the broken to heal. Simply put, they help build healthy men, women and children.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Nissi Hamilton from Houston, Texas, was born to an adolescent mother who had herself been sexually trafficked by extended family members from 11 to 13. "When I was born I was left in the hospital," she says. "Where I was born is still a mystery to me still to this day." In foster care Nissi was abused starting at 14. "I was considered aged out foster care," she reports. "I lived in an empty apartment owned by housing authorities until I was officially kicked off of the property. At 15, I was homeless, no family, no food, no shelter and no one to call mom." But, "Today, I am a proud activist, motivational speaker, coach and life style influencer." Nissi goes on, "I teach young girls and woman how to not come into agreement with the spirit of poverty. Human trafficking is a type of poverty that requires a demonic contract." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Jude M, a transgender man who grew up in the Southern United States in a Mormon, military family. Jake’s mom has histrionic personality disorder, and suffered from severe post-partum from Jake’s sister’s birth when he was eight. She spent most of his childhood either in bed ignoring the world, or professing her histrionic tendencies by leveraging her children's problems for attention with her church colleagues. Jake raised his much younger sister, and was responsible for her on all accounts. Jake’s father has narcissistic personality disorder and was in the military until Jake’s senior year in high school. Because of this, he was rarely home, and when he was, he was physically violent with Jake’s older brothers and their pets and was verbally dominating as a narcissist to everyone. Jake’s father also molested him when he was around 11 years old. When Jake told him mom about the molestation, she laughed audibly and told him to never mention it again. Over the years, Jake also found child ography and a number of chat conversations with sex workers on his dad’s laptop. Jake’s older brothers were physically violent with him as well as with his parents and their own intimate partners over the years. One brother is a diagnosed sociopath and the other has no official psychiatric diagnoses. From age eight, Jake spent most of his childhood running every aspect of the household. As an adult, Jake has faced disownment, homelessness, spousal rape, being held hostage by his ex-spouse, being stalked by that spouse, divorce, and poverty. He also has Autism, PTSD, OCD, BPD, ADHD, and is multi-disabled and chronically ill. He now runs his own business automating small business tech for other entrepreneurs and is an LGBTQ activist in his community.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Carol D Levine, New Jersey, longtime NAASCA family member, volunteer and talk show Host. In recovery for many years, Carol has a unique perspective on the issues and causes of child abuse trauma, especially child sexual abuse (CSA). She has played many roles at NAASCA and is frequently among the first to engage with newcomers because Carol's also on our Contact List .. where she serves as our 'night owl'. Sometimes she's on the phone all night! She certnaly knows her stuff, since she's served on the NAASCA Board as Vice President for several years. Carol was raised in New York City's Staten Island and was living in New Jersey when she joined the NAASCA family. If you're ever in the Garden State you might be luckey enough to attend one of Carol's presentations .. to churches univesitgies and the like. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show.
Tonight's special guest is Katherine B. Barner, LPC-S, from Houston, Texas, a licensed psychotherapist and a grief and trauma expert. On her website she asks, "Are you a woman searching for a way to finally heal from childhood sexual abuse? Do you need help moving forward with your life after loss? If so, you're in the right place." Katherine offers many services and is especially committed to serving black women survivors of childhood sexual abuse, helping them break cycles of silent suffering so they discover their voice and live in perfect peace. Katherine says, "I've spent my career helping my clientele pursue and achieve mental, emotional, and spiritual health." She offers counceling and coaching, and can participate at events as a Keynote Speaker or a Motivational Speaker, Emcee, & Host. A creative person, Katherine has penned a workbook, 'The Survivors Toolkit: On the Path to Perfect Peace', which is available through her website. " The Survivors Toolkit is filled with tips you'll need," she says, "to develop a plan for taking care of yourself as you do the hard work of reclaiming control of your life and discovering perfect peace." She goes on, "It's a must have for women with history of sexual abuse who have not previously addressed the negative effects on their experience. It's also a great resource to accompany treatment for those who are currently working toward healing."
Tonight's special guest is Rachel Grant from San Francisco, California, a child abuse survivor and returning NAASCA family member. Rachel is a counselor and Sexual Abuse and Trauma Recovery Coach at Rachel Grant Coaching. Abused as a child by her grandfather, Rachel provides a compassionate and challenging approach for her clients, using coaching to help survivors of childhood sexual abuse let go of the pain of abuse and finally feel normal. As Rachel says, "What you think, you create!" She brings a passionate belief that her clients do not have to remain trapped or confronted daily by the thoughts or behaviors that result from abuse. Her program, Beyond Surviving, has been designed to change the way we think about and heal from abuse. Rachel writes, "The Beyond Surviving program is based on what I have learned through my own journey of recovery from sexual abuse, my study of neuroscience, and my training in counseling psychology. We use my guidebook, Beyond Surviving: The Final Stage in Recovery from Sexual Abuse as the roadmap for our work." Last time she was here, Rachel was joined by Ashley Easter. The two had created a women's retreat called Emerge, which was planned for last February. They explained, “The retreat is open to all women and is focused on unleashing your empowered self, whether or not you've experienced abuse. It's a great opportunity to receive empowering coaching from experienced coaches, practical tools they can take home with them to better their lives, and much-needed self-care and sisterhood time.” We'll ask how it went.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host will be Dr Jaime Romo from San Diego, an educator, consultant, author, and Minister, who promotes prevention and healing from child sexual abuse, particularly abuse by religious authorities or in the context of religious settings. A workbook he wrote, Healing the Sexually Abused Heart: A Workbook for Survivors, Thrivers, and Supporters, is an integration of various disciplines that led Jaime to become a certified Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) facilitator. A four day online workshop will be held in October. Jaime explains, “While it is no secret that I am a survivor of clergy abuse, it is the journey of integration, transformation and application that is most telling about my accomplishments and the life that I celebrate.” Please visit his website: http://www.jaimeromo.org. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Patricia (Trish) McKnight from Breese, Illinois, a returning NAASCA family member who says, "Today I am a thousand miles away from the person my parents created in their forced slavery, destructive neglect, and constant violence fueled by mental illness and substance abuse." Trish lived the journey of survival patterns filled with drug use, alcohol, attempted suicide, parenting challenges; the constant chaos and life altering injuries that plagued more than thirty years of her life. Her history of relationships followed the pattern of tolerance until she took one last true chance to save her life. It was twenty years ago when she left her last abusive relationship to break the cycle and give her children a better home, a peaceful sense of life; a chance to create their own identity. Seeing the lasting impact they suffered, and then how her grandchildren were being affected, she began focusing her energy towards researching the connections between the traumas and the survivor's life patterns. Today she runs 'Butterfly Dreams Alliance', a community outreach charitable organization providing awareness, education and assistance for those affected by abuse, violence, sexual harm and human trafficking. Services are growing throughout the country. "Now we have a chance to live and thrive in a safe, empowering environment," she says. Trish is a voice in policy, standards of care, training law enforcement, healthcare, educators, and community members to recognize, report, and respond with trauma informed knowledge. A Regional Ambassador of NAASCA, Trish is also a member of Central Illinois Human Trafficking Task Force, End Demand Illinois, and collaborates with resources throughout her home state
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Lori Golden from San Diego, California, a survivor and a private psychotherapist working with other trauma and abuse survivors. Lori shares, “I am a survivor of incest. My father sexually abused me from the age of 5 to 16. When the sun went down, I was filled with terror, hypervigilance, and waiting. Everything in my room came alive." Lori started using drugs in college at 18 and covered her worthlessness, aloneness and increasing desperation with bulimic exercising, food addiction and drugs, culminating in a suicide attempt at 27. "I am an incest survivor, an addict in Narcotics Anonymous for 33 years as well as Food Addicts Anonymous for 30", she tells us. Her book, 'My House Of Lies; Awakening from a Childhood of Sexual Abuse'. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Wayne Filowitz from Boca Raton, Florida, a returning member of the NAASCA family who's CEO of WRPBiTV LLC. Wayne has been in the broadcast industry for the past 20 years. He has been an innovator in the Internet Radio and TV industry. Wayne has never let his past experience of being molested affect his drive and ability to succeed. Mr. Filowitz uses his past experiences in an effort to improve himself and help others with his constant devotion to community efforts and charity events. Wayne has had the pleasure of interviewing celebrities such as Chris Evert, Chevy Chase, Elizabeth Shue, Jeffrey Donovan and many others. In 2010 Wayne was hospitalize for one month and was not expected to live. Upon regaining his health he chose to talk about being molested as an 11 year old boy by his uncle. Speaking about this has caused riffs in his family but he is now speaking publicly about this experience and is helping others get through their experiences. Wayne is married and has a 28 year old daughter. Wayne was originally introduced to us by Sherry Friedlander from Ft Lauderdale, Florida, Founder and CEO of 'A Child Is Missing', a non-profit assisting law enforcement agencies in Florida and across the nation with cases of missing children, the elderly, the disabled, and other vulnerable individuals. While Amber Alert focuses on abducted children, specially trained technicians of 'A Child Is Missing' activate Alert Calls in the area where the person was last seen with personalized and specific details.
Tonight's special guest is Tonya Doolin, 49 years young, from Oxnard, California. She survived child abuse and many other traumas. She is a recovering addict who has lived a life of trauma and addiction to alcohol and other drugs. Generally speaking, women progress faster in addiction than men, face different barriers to getting help, and recover differently. At the age of 12, Tonya sought out the first 18 wheeler truck driver she could and used their radio to ask if anyone was going anywhere interesting. She became a state to state runner, and eventually a victim of human trafficking, not knowing where she was. Back to her home state of Texas at 14, Tonya was enrolled in runaway program/group home where attempted suicide and later be admitted to a mental hospital. At 15 Tonya started to dance topless because she remembered the words of her mother, ”Females should never be broke”. She was told marriage would get her out of trouble and since the age of 14 she has had several husbands, one after another, who only further worsened her situation. Her deep conviction of being self employed led her to become a renegade sex workers, working the streets without a pimp. Lonely and seeking validation and self worth, Tonya found herself drowning in her old habits. The core of her addiction and recovery experience has made her realize that by being through the hell of addiction and slowly working to make it back to the other side her story can help provide a sense of relief and give both hope and the opportunity to feel seen and perhaps a little less alone. Tonya hopes to get back into writing poetry about love and religion and to one day become a sponsor. She has dreams of writing her own book and looks to go back to school to help her do so. Tonya wants people to see that drugs and alcohol will only make things worse.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Barbara Joy Hansen (Bobbie Joy) from Milford, Massachusetts. Her award winning memoir, 'Listen to the Cry of the Child,' describes her childhood world of violence. She was victimized from age 2 to 8 by her grandfather, sexually assauted at 11-12 by a youth pastor, raped at age 18, and suffered sexual addictions in her marriage causing severe Complex trauma resulting with PTSD. After 38 years, Bobbie Joy now facilitates 'Beauty Out of Ashes' support group and has had many media interviews, including the 'Dr. Oz Show'. Her Humanitarian Aid Work has taken her to the Philippines, and a 4 minute YouTube film of her experience can be seen on her website, www.listentothecry.org. She has a God given passion, purpose & advocacy calling to help survivors everywhere including prisoner's & sex offenders all over the world. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Sean Wyman from Tallahassee, Florida, a survivor of both childhood emotional and physical abuse and now an activist. He wants to share his story of child abuse to help others. Sean's book, 'The Movement Process' shares the challenges of child abuse and how he finally overcame the aftermath to help others do the same. "I believe we all have a path to follow, Sean says. "The challenge is keeping our eyes forward and keeping our feet going in the right direction." Just like most of us he didn't know this at first, eventually he faced the challenges and the terror he faced from his step father being a drug dealer in Washington DC. "It was not until I realized I was missing the most important part of my brand that everything changed for me." In his book, Sean discusses the breaking point where he almost did something he would have regretted the rest of his life, and how he finally was able to let go of the hatred and resentment that was built up from this experience. "I started focusing on what my unique talents were, what God had blessed me with, and the path that I was meant to follow." He now has over 32 years experience working to transform others into their true self, and setting them on the right path. "I aspire to help people see the value, belief, and potential God created in each and everyone of us and help you communicate that to the world through your brand so you can share the gifts God gave you and make the difference you were meant to make." We're delighted to welcome him to the NAASCA family !!
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Dr. Tina Medina from Kansas City, Kansas, sexually molested as a child by her uncle. In recovery, Tina is now a professional writer specializing in public relations, community/media relations, technical and grant writing. "My book series explains how God is capable of healing the wounded spirit of a sexual abuse victim," she says. "The journey to sexual abuse recovery is all about taking tiny steps to release pent up feelings," Tina explains. For her, the spiritual aspect of inner healing is crucial for her full recovery. "My spirit is the essence of me and it needed to be healed in order for me to be creative and fulfilled. Walking those baby steps are huge healing steps because it is our version of walking on water. What was once thought to be impossible is now very much attainable. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is reglagirl from San Diego, California, a Jazz Vocalist, Composer, Songwriter, and Music Educator with a Master of Music degree from SUNY Purchase 2005. She's also a child abuse survivor and long-time NAASCA family member. In the past, she frequently participated as a panelist on many of our SCAN talk shows. We're looking forward to catching up with her! The whole idea of these shows is to use a member's personal story to help a newcomer identify. Generally we begin by asking our 'special guest' to tell us the story of their early life, what kind of family and community they were born into, and the types of child abuse they experienced. For many it's sexual assaults of a variety of kinds, but each act of sex between and adult and a child is a criminal offense. Others are abused physically, emotionally and / or through neglect. We point out that the child is NOT responsible in any way, yet we understand many folks who are new to recovery will feel a sense of misplaced shame, guilt, embarrassment or responsibility. We know how they feel. Following their young childhood, we frequently explore a person's teenage and adolescent years, asking if the abuse they went thru effected how they felt while growing up. Then we'll discuss young adulthood up to the time a 'special guest' turned the corner into healing. Finally, we want to reserve time during each episode to talk about the solution, about our guest's personal healing journey and what they are doing today. We're delighted to have Regla_girl here tonight!
Tonight's special guest is Rob Maniscalco from North Charleston, South Carolina, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. Abandoned by his mom when he was very young, Rob was groomed and assaulted by his sister's boyfriend, a doctor at the children's hospital, who “infiltrated” his family when Rob was 14. Ignored by parents and church leaders, with his childhood derailed, Rob developed feelings of abandonment, guilt and worthlessness. Rob became an overachiever in the arts to prove his worth and gain the needed affirmation, mostly from women. Rob wrote a coming-of-age book about what led to the abuse and a fictional future asking “what if I confronted the perpetrator?,” called, The Fishfly. Rob describes his journey, "Recovery is a lifelong process. Just when I think I'm ‘healed' I'm triggered back into chaos. You can only fail when you stop trying, unless you've made a disgusting mess, in which case you should just quit while you're ahead." Rob is a nationally renowned artist, gallerist, author, teacher, and actor/director of his original play, Vincent John Doe. His recent dramatic reading of a poem, from the perspective of the perpetrator, might be played during the show: https://www.maniscalcogallery.com/the-destroyer/. These days Rob's focus is on being the best portrait artist and fine artist he can be, being a loving husband and raising his two amazingly insightful kids. He says, “They teach me every day (or should I say every weekend) about being alive.”
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host will be Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, a survivor of severe child abuse who's now a Minister and Chaplain. She'll appear on the 1st Thursday of each month and is the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story," her story of redemption. In 1997, Michelle writes that she, "..was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. Her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Kevin Barhydt from Niskayuna, New York, a child abuse survivor, activist and author. He is a YouTube creator where he creates a safe space for survivors of child sexual abuse, abandonment and addiction to explore the healing process, and the author of 'Dear Stephen Michael's Mother'. Abandoned by his mother at birth, Kevin was enveloped in a labyrinth of adoption, addiction, and child sexual abuse. By age 20, a shell of the boy he once was, Kevin succumbed completely to a suicidal lifestyle of drug dealing and prostitution. "I was adopted at birth, and my childhood was stolen from me when I was molested at 9 years old, which led down a road of alcohol and drug abuse." Smoking at 10, drinking at 11, and overdosing on barbiturates at 12, Kevin was put in the back of a cop car at 13. He explains, "I taken from my home when I was 14, lived in two foster homes, a group home, a detention center. I was raped when I was 15, my oldest daughter was born when I was 16, my youngest was born when I was 17." Kevin's book, “Dear Stephen Michael's Mother”, chronicles the unfolding of these stories. The interwoven perspectives offer an unflinching look at the myriad ways life can cloak us in darkness and helplessness yet still resonate with joy and recovery. Kevin's life is summed up with these eight words: to be of service to God and others. As a YouTube creator, actor, educator, and disability technology evangelist - as a son, husband, father and friend - he gives of himself with one expectation: that you can only keep what you have by giving it away.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Bill Murray from Los Angeles, our founder. Bill's recovery is 12 Step-based and spans over 3 and a half decades. Sexually abused by numerous clerics, all men, between the ages of 11 and mid-way through high school, a minor seminary, he was also the victim of pre-pubescent ography and even a two week kidnapping. Bill was graced to have found Alcoholics Anonymous when he was 30 years old. The program not only helped him get clean and sober but also gave him a place to give up his secrets, and the tools by which he's recovered. He firmly believes one can use the 12 Step process to heal from child abuse trauma and to find a way to a comfortable life. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Cindi Taylor from Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. "My sexual abuse started at age 7 and continued until I was 15 by my stepfather," she reports. "My mother asked me one day after school if something was happening / did happen between the two of us [but] I didn't get away until I moved our if the house I grew up in. I was confused, scared. I knew this wasn't happening to my girlfriends." Cindi explains, "I didn't get away until I moved our if the house I grew up in. I was confused, scared. I knew this wasn't happening to my girlfriends. I have complex PTSD, ADHD. I am completely at peace with the abuse. I know that the abuse was put upon me because I kept a positive attitude, determination and sheer grit about processing through it all and not only surviving, but thriving in spite of everything." Now she's an active advocate. "I have started a foundation called 'A Positive Survivor'. It's on FB and soon to be LinkedIn & Instagram. I have begun to book talks with local AA groups, women's shelters & schools to tell my story. They all need to remain positive and take their individual journey one day at a time. Always breathe, pray and walk daily to help your mind process, digest and work through all things: negative or positive!!"
Tonight's special guest is Nancy V Brown from Atlanta, Georgia, a child abuse survivor, advocate, coach and new NAASCA volunteer. Nancy is also an author. 'My Costa Rican Hummingbird Sings' is the story of her life journey. From her earliest days in Costa Rica, to her current life as an entrepreneur, she has faced countless challenges. At age 5 she experienced sexual child abuse at the hands of a trusted family member. She was told not to tell anyone and became ashamed and scared to tell anyone. The abuse continued for some time until she got enough courage to tell her mom. The abuse left her broken, ashamed and some of the family members did not believe her. Nancy was moved to her grandmother's care, who introduced her to knowing Christ and the Holy Spirit, relationships that saved her life a few times over. In school she experienced bullying, hazing and racism. She dealt with depression and attempted suicide as a teenager. She went through the criminal justice system and went into the foster care system. At her lowest points her personal relationship with God kept her grounded. As an adult she went through a failed marriage, narcissistic abuse, alcoholism and depression. In her memoir, 'My Costa Rican Hummingbird Sings', Nancy shares her life story to help guide others in their personal journeys. The book offers a tapestry of life's stories—stories of family, abuse, teenage pregnancy, divorce, single motherhood, racism, alcoholism, depression, sickness, loss, and through it all, the unending power of God's unconditional love. She also founded her program, "Brave Girls Rise UP," which is dedicated to empowering, supporting and building confidence for young girls.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Nissi Hamilton from Houston, Texas, was born to an adolescent mother who had herself been sexually trafficked by extended family members from 11 to 13. "When I was born I was left in the hospital," she says. "Where I was born is still a mystery to me still to this day." In foster care Nissi was abused starting at 14. "I was considered aged out foster care," she reports. "I lived in an empty apartment owned by housing authorities until I was officially kicked off of the property. At 15, I was homeless, no family, no food, no shelter and no one to call mom." But, "Today, I am a proud activist, motivational speaker, coach and life style influencer." Nissi goes on, "I teach young girls and woman how to not come into agreement with the spirit of poverty. Human trafficking is a type of poverty that requires a demonic contract." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is John Anderson from River Ridge, Louisiana, a child abuse survivor, NAASCA volunteer and cofounder of SCSA (Survivors of Childhood Sex Abuse). "My abuse started at the age of nine at St. Matthew in River Ridge, Louisiana," he explains. "It continued for three weeks in class in front of other students. I was threatened and scared. My friends saw Brignac abusing me with their own eyes. So did many other students," he says. "It took the help of one of the witnesses to tell my parents. I couldn’t." John goes on, "I started breaking down. My life would never be the same. 6 different schools later I barely graduated. My mother was in her third trimester with my brother while trying to convict George Brignac. We had him arrested and with a bench trial Brignac was acquitted for the reasons of conspiring to expose his celibacy. I had two witnesses. Brignac managed to get 26 victims after me. I was the first." Today he's getting better. "I suffer extensive damage physically and mentally. C-PTSD, fibromyalgia, permanent nerve damage, depression and anxiety. I have been going to doctors since I was 10. Today I am disabled, but help run www.scsaorg.org as Vice President and co-founder with two other New Orleans survivors. I use my experience of 45 years to help any and all victims." John goes on, "I am a musician on Facebook where I play songs of healing daily. I have been seen in Sports Illustrated, Big Easy New Orleans magazine, NOLA.com, and the NO Advocate newspaper), as well as our local TV station here in New Orleans."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Dr. Jaime Romo from San Diego, California, a long time NAASCA family member and volunteer who can be heard once a month on NAASCA's "Stop Child Abuse Now" talk radio show. Jaime is a 'hyphenate', a survivor-professional (an educator), who Co-Hosts the discussion show every third Thursday of the month. In his youth he experienced CSA (child sexual abuse) by clergy. Jaime advocates for adult survivors and child victims of religious child maltreatment by standing as allies and supporters in conversations and confrontations with religious institutions that perpetuate harm against them. Jaime is a long time active member of the NAASCA family, and leads the the Child-Friendly Faith Project is largely survivor-led and works at local, state, and national levels. We advocate for adult survivors and child victims of religious child maltreatment by standing as allies and supporters in conversations and confrontations with religious institutions that perpetuate harm against them. The hallmark of the CFFP public awareness campaigns work to raise awareness of dangerous religious practices that are pervasive in today’s America. Dr Romo wrote, 'Healing the Sexually Abused Heart: A Workbook for Survivors, Thrivers, and Supporters', an integration of various disciplines that led Jaime to become a certified Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) facilitator. “While it is no secret that I am a survivor of clergy abuse," he explains, "it is the journey of integration, transformation and application that is most telling about my accomplishments and the life that I celebrate.” Please visit: www.jaimeromo.org.
Tonight's special guest is Dominic Prophete, the Executive Director of Wynona's House in New Jersey, a Child Advocacy Center (CAC) where the mission is to promote justice and healing of child victims of abuse and violence by coordinating investigative, prosecutorial, treatment, and prevention services. The vision of Wynona's House is to create a community where children are safe, families, are strong, and victims become children again, by: 1) reducing the number of times a child is interviewed during the investigation phase to a single interview conducted by a specially trained interviewer in a child-friendly environment, 2) increasing successful prosecution through improved evidence collection, victim-witness advocacy, and partnerships with municipal law enforcement, 3) promoting the research and development of innovative evidence-based behavioral health treatments for children and families, and 4) strengthening the safety net for children through community outreach, education, and prevention efforts. Wynona's House serves the Essex County community and beyond, and the Metro RDTC is one of New Jersey's four state-designated multidisciplinary centers for the evaluation and treatment of abused and neglected children. They primarily serve children and families who reside in Essex County. The team of physicians, social workers and psychologists are experts in the field of child maltreatment, anf they work closely with the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P), the county prosecutor's offices, the Office of the Public Defender Division of the Law Guardian, as well as hospitals, physicians, the courts, community groups and other organizations dedicated to restoring the health and well-being of abused and neglected children throughout New Jersey.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host will be Dr Jaime Romo from San Diego, an educator, consultant, author, and Minister, who promotes prevention and healing from child sexual abuse, particularly abuse by religious authorities or in the context of religious settings. A workbook he wrote, Healing the Sexually Abused Heart: A Workbook for Survivors, Thrivers, and Supporters, is an integration of various disciplines that led Jaime to become a certified Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) facilitator. A four day online workshop will be held in October. Jaime explains, “While it is no secret that I am a survivor of clergy abuse, it is the journey of integration, transformation and application that is most telling about my accomplishments and the life that I celebrate.” Please visit his website: http://www.jaimeromo.org. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Annie Margis from Long Beach, California, a survivor of incest in her childhood. She's the author of the book and producer of the film 'The Ugliest Word', about a little girl who survives childhood incest. "As a survivor myself," Annie says, "one of the things that gave me strength was my ability to find community through sites like Facebook. Many victims are so ashamed of the stigma of abuse that they can never find true healing." She explains, "I wrote The Ugliest Word because I realize acknowledging the crime of incest is necessary in fighting it." The book, available on Amazon, tells the story of a little girl named Lark whose father is molesting her, as she navigates childhood, and the woman she becomes. As a grown woman, Lark learns to cope with her past but her healing is disrupted when she receives word that her father is dying. Maybe he'll apologize in a death-bed confession. Maybe she'll forgive him. But maybe she won't. 'The Ugliest Word' is for anyone who has survived childhood incest, and for everyone who loves a survivor, is friends with or works with one. There's a promotional video about the movie on YouTube. As a childhood incest victim, Annie is working to end the taboo against talking about incest. In 2012, with the help of a cadre of volunteers, she created and ran an ongoing phone conference line where adult victims of childhood incest from around the world connect with fellow survivors and share their stories. Having heard thousands of tragic personal histories, Annie is a front-line expert on the life-long impact of childhood incest.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Sharyn Higdon Jones, a licensed psychotherapist for over 35 years with individuals, couples and families who have experienced the trauma of abuse. In her words: “The pain of being sexually abused is deep and profound. The abuse experience touches the core of a woman's being in ways she could never have predicted. She has been violated on so many levels." Sharyn is also the author of the book 'Healing Steps; a Gentle Path to Recovery for Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse,' written in a workbook format with exercises. Sharyn says, “Healing Steps is a perfect step-by-step process that evolved out of groups of women molested as children. It is the perfect format either to be facilitated by a mental health professional or could be used as a guide in a peer support group.” ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Emily Samuelson, Ph.D., from Baltimore, Maryland, a returning NAASCA family member and the Director of the 'Soaring Project.' A psychologist who specializes in treating trauma, she's also a survivor of incest in her childhood and has written a book about her experience, "Soaring Above the Ashes: Thriving After Childhood Sexual Abuse." Emily was sexually abused as a child by her father, whom she adored. She explains, "Somewhere in my childhood, I boxed up the memories and lost my connection to the truth of what happened to me. It wasn't until I was 39 years old that my memories broke through. "This was after a betrayal when my daughter was 5 weeks old, and separation and eventual divorce 6 months later; a breast cancer scare; a job where I was a scapegoat; and news that my mother had two different kinds of cancer. That's what it took to break me open." She goes on, "I got PTSD and lived in a nightmare of flashbacks for many months. I worked on healing for the next 20 years." Her book, "Soaring Above the Ashes," has stories of women and men survivors from face-to-face interviews all over the country. Each story has a black and white portrait. They are proud faces, free of shame. Each face says, “Look me in the eye. It happened, but it didn't break me.” Emily shares, "The story of my healing journey is woven between the chapters. Although I am now thriving, I continue to work on becoming more whole, my deepest wish." She's a passionate activist on behalf of sexually abused children and adult survivors. Emily knows it is possible to heal.
Tonight's special guest is Steve McEvoy from Covington, Louisiana, who was first abused by a summer school teacher in the summer between 5th and 6th grade. His predator was a member of the clergy, a deacon. Steve was encouraged to be trained as an altar boy by this man who sometimes molested him as other students watched. Steve was trapped and did not know how to escape. "I could tell no one," Steve explains, "as we were taught that clergy was the next closest thing to GOD." When the new school year commenced, Steve found a way to start drinking which became even easier in high school. "I became a full time alcoholic, my first sobriety came in my early 20's and was sober for 15 years." Life moved forward with raising a family and working. In 2018 his life was thrown into chaos again, when he saw his original predator on the evening news. His breakdown came as a surprise to his wife, who had no idea what was going on. "2019 was my year of hell," Steve says, "blaming myself for what had happened and wanting to commit suicide again. I came home drunk by 10 in the morning begging for help from my wife." She took him to a behavioral hospital for help. "By midday I had signed myself in. It was here that I realized none of this was my fault, however I was once again 12 when my mind thought of the past. With the support of family, friends, co-workers and others I've gained more and more strength."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Barbara Joy Hansen (Bobbie Joy) from Milford, Massachusetts. Her award winning memoir, 'Listen to the Cry of the Child,' describes her childhood world of violence. She was victimized from age 2 to 8 by her grandfather, sexually assauted at 11-12 by a youth pastor, raped at age 18, and suffered sexual addictions in her marriage causing severe Complex trauma resulting with PTSD. After 38 years, Bobbie Joy now facilitates 'Beauty Out of Ashes' support group and has had many media interviews, including the 'Dr. Oz Show'. Her Humanitarian Aid Work has taken her to the Philippines, and a 4 minute YouTube film of her experience can be seen on her website, www.listentothecry.org. She has a God given passion, purpose & advocacy calling to help survivors everywhere including prisoner's & sex offenders all over the world. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Amber Johnson Smith, a returning NAASCA family member from Orlando, Florida, 32 years old, and author of a new book, 'When In Life Battling With The Enemy Remember But GOD'. Amber says the list of abuses she endured in life is long. "I've been through family abandonment, rape, domestic violence abuse, verbal, mental, narcissistic abuse, young pregnancy, premature labor, and health complications. I have even ran into a romance pimp. I only survived by God's grace and mercy for me and my children." Amber has sent us an extensive list of her life experiences. She goes on, "I was lost. Life had sucked me in. I was almost at my breaking point after almost losing my life for the 3rd time and then GOD stepped in teaching me self-love, self-worth, how to love others, how to trust again and how to be happy again. But the most that I love is peace. It's everything I've written in a new autobiography about my life. I hope to inspire and motivate others on survival skills, just like God has given me. I am strong enough now to identify what I need to see and how I should move in life. It's nobody but God who gives me the sense enough not to use drugs and heal my pain I don't have to entertain the enemy. I am in charge of my happiness and I stand firm on that with God. I am changing to heal me, showing my kids what I wasn't shown in life, the right way to live life. IT'S ONLY UP FROM HERE AND I'M NOT LOOKING BACK. I'M DESTINED TO HELP OTHERS GET OUT OF DARKNESS."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Lori Golden from San Diego, California, a survivor and a private psychotherapist working with other trauma and abuse survivors. Lori shares, “I am a survivor of incest. My father sexually abused me from the age of 5 to 16. When the sun went down, I was filled with terror, hypervigilance, and waiting. Everything in my room came alive." Lori started using drugs in college at 18 and covered her worthlessness, aloneness and increasing desperation with bulimic exercising, food addiction and drugs, culminating in a suicide attempt at 27. "I am an incest survivor, an addict in Narcotics Anonymous for 33 years as well as Food Addicts Anonymous for 30", she tells us. Her book, 'My House Of Lies; Awakening from a Childhood of Sexual Abuse'. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Special topic: LOCAL PUBLIC SAFETY. A general discussion show featuring topics of community public safety for our young children, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature survivors, professionals and NAASCA family members who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, and survivor-professionals who assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. We encourage listeners to call in with questions and comments that everyone on the show can answer. Included will be prevention, intervention and law enforcement techniques. Many of our partipants have their our own personal experience. Our NAASCA web site's filled with materials and web sites that deal with these topics and issues, that will send a person to local, regional and National services and groups that will inform the listeners. Our trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the www.NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Dr. Lori Pitts from Los Angeles, California , whose first abuser was her uncle who was also her god father. This relationship greatly impacted her relationship with the divine. Lori was sexually violated 3'x throughout her life with the first assault starting at the tender age of 5. She was gang raped during high school and was convinced that this was her fault causing feelings of self-doubt. She survived an attempted rape yet again at age 26, during the pregnancy of her youngest child by yet another family member. The primary feelings Dr. Lori experienced were extreme guilt, shame, and confusion of why this continued to happen to her. She was beginning to believe that this was what she was placed here for, to be sexually violated by men. As a former clinical counselor, Dr. Lori is an advocate for mental health and has been in counseling dealing with her abuse for 10+ years. She has most recently dealt with forgiveness of her parents and other adults in her life that did not protect her as a child. Further, she has been working through forgiving herself while removing the guilt and shame associated with the assault. Dr. Lori is currently working on a book to be published later this year, that tells her story shedding light on the many areas of her life that were effected by being sexually violated. Dr. Lori regularly shares her story during the Women's Wellness Circle that is held the first Saturday of each month as well as on social media platforms. Dr. Lori most recently shared her story of Alchemy during the invitation of the Anu Practice where she was the key note speaker for their Sunday Service.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host will be Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, a survivor of severe child abuse who's now a Minister and Chaplain. She'll appear on the 1st Thursday of each month and is the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story," her story of redemption. In 1997, Michelle writes that she, "..was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. Her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Matt Paknis from Marion, Massachusetts, a survivor of child abuse when he was 9 and a senior management consultant with six years of college football coaching, ten years of playing football, and five championship seasons, whose focus is on lessening bullying in the workplace. He was a former assistant coach at Penn State under Joe Paterno and has spoken publicly about being abused as a child. When Matt was nine years old, young Matt's mom was diagnosed with a melanoma. She underwent immediate, extensive, hospital stays and surgeries, requiring over 2000 stitches, to remove her infected lymph system. His family's stress and domestic violence skyrocketed, increasing surprise beatings from his massive and powerful father. As is often the case with families in crisis, a predatory neighbor then targeted and sexually molested Matt who, after almost four years of experiencing hell on earth with trauma and related mental health issues, transcended his bad childhood and the death of his young mom with exceptional counseling, growth, faith, teamwork, and leadership. He has dedicated over twenty-five years of consulting to helping global clients embrace healthy management practices to thrive. Bullying has been a major topic for Matt in his global consulting practice which is all about building thriving cultures with healthy leadership skills. Some of the poignant bullying cases he addresses were released in a book "Successful Leaders Aren't Bullies" in September 2018.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Dr. Tina Medina from Kansas City, Kansas, sexually molested as a child by her uncle. In recovery, Tina is now a professional writer specializing in public relations, community/media relations, technical and grant writing. "My book series explains how God is capable of healing the wounded spirit of a sexual abuse victim," she says. "The journey to sexual abuse recovery is all about taking tiny steps to release pent up feelings," Tina explains. For her, the spiritual aspect of inner healing is crucial for her full recovery. "My spirit is the essence of me and it needed to be healed in order for me to be creative and fulfilled. Walking those baby steps are huge healing steps because it is our version of walking on water. What was once thought to be impossible is now very much attainable. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Nick Bryant from New York City, a returning NAASCA family member and a child advocate for 30 years. Nick will have 35 years of recovery on March 23. As an author he spent seven years investigating a coast-to-coast child trafficking network, and authored ‘The Franklin Scandal: A Story of Powerbrokers, Child Abuse, & Betrayal.' He has also investigated the Jeffrey Epstein network, and he published Epstein's "Little Black Book" on the Internet in 2015, four years before the case broke nationally. NAASCA is happy to be among the organizations helping to support Epstein's victims. Bryant has contributed a chapter on child trafficking to ‘Global Perspectives on Dissociative Disorders: Individual and Societal Oppression,' a book addressing various facets of dissociative disorders that features chapters from an international panel of psychiatrists and psychologists. For the last 18 years, Nick has been attempting to demonstrate the reality of powerbroker pedophile networks, and it's been an arduous task. He also presented at the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation's international convention last year, and he will be presenting at this year's upcoming ISSTD convention in San Francisco.
Tonight's special guest is Shirley J Davis from Springfield, Illinois, a survivor of child abuse and a writer for blogs, magazines and websites. Shirley is the survivor of severe and repeated childhood trauma that included physical, emotional and sexual abuse. "The abuse I endured began when I was a newborn and lasted until I was fifteen years old," she says. "There was [enough] severe neglect and torture involved that made it impossible for my mind to form a cohesive whole 'I'. Instead, I formed dissociative identity disorder, what was once known as multiple personality disorder." It is in this area, DID or Dissociative Identity Disorder, that is the subject of much of the material Shirley writes. "My ego states were kept separated at the developmental stage where they should have come together. So, when I am triggered, an ego state or alter is triggered to life," she explains. "It has taken me more than twenty-five years of arduous work in therapy to overcome the chaos that was my life." She goes on, "I have had six books published that are mental health related," she says. Shirley also contributes to a blog and provides motivational sayings for a smartphone application. "I now spend my time working with others in the DID community and writing to spread truthful information about dissociative identity disorder. My goal is simple, to help others who are struggling to live calm and fruitful lives." We're delighted she's doing so for our NAASCA family!
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Nissi Hamilton from Houston, Texas, was born to an adolescent mother who had herself been sexually trafficked by extended family members from 11 to 13. "When I was born I was left in the hospital," she says. "Where I was born is still a mystery to me still to this day." In foster care Nissi was abused starting at 14. "I was considered aged out foster care," she reports. "I lived in an empty apartment owned by housing authorities until I was officially kicked off of the property. At 15, I was homeless, no family, no food, no shelter and no one to call mom." But, "Today, I am a proud activist, motivational speaker, coach and life style influencer." Nissi goes on, "I teach young girls and woman how to not come into agreement with the spirit of poverty. Human trafficking is a type of poverty that requires a demonic contract." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Nikki Adams from Manchester, Connecticut, a returning NAASCA family member and a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. "I was molested by my real father at 7 or 8 and then a stepfather from the age of 9 years old to 16", she says. Nikki broke her silence to her mother when she was 12 but didn't feel believed. "My mom stayed with him and the abuse continued until I was 16." She explains, "He did end up serving 15 years, and I heard he passed away recently. My life just took a dramatic turn during and after his sentencing. Now 10-12 years later after a whole bunch of other traumas and hardships I decided I was going to get my life back together for once and for all and I realized healing is not a destination it's a journey but a beautiful and exciting one. Especially when you are able to help others." Now in recovery, Nikki has a special way of helping others. She's become a Trauma informed Yoga Teacher! "I always felt so light and empowered after. I've always had this calling on my life to help other survivors but I didn't know how," she says. "I own 'Beauty for Ashes Wellness Cultivation'. I help Survivors of childhood sexual abuse empower themselves to heal, love and trust their bodies. Through wellness and yoga I create an inspirational, safe, space for survivors to naturally break through."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Stephanie L. Mann from Henderson, Nevada, a returning NAASCA family member who's a Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant and Host of 'The Safe Kids Now Show' on AauMedia from NY. She's also the author of 5 books on Safety. Her life's mission started in 1969 in her hometown of Orinda, California, where she worked with community leaders and helped spearhead a citywide crime-prevention program. In 1975, with the support of California's first lady at the time, Nancy Reagan, and the California Youth Authority, Stephanie and Shirley Henke published Alternatives to Fear: Guidelines to Safer Neighborhoods, a guidebook which helped popularize the 'Neighborhood Watch' Program nationwide. Ms. Mann eventually saw the need to co-author another book. In 1993, she wrote Safe Homes Safe Neighborhoods: Stopping Crime where You Live (Nolo Press) with Mary Claire Blakeman. Stephanie's work continued to expand in the 1990s. “I realized child safety needed to be the primary focus for communities,” she says. "My work with the homeless in Oakland exposed me to the legacy of childhood neglect, abuse and social isolation." Street Safe Kids was published in 2000 as a ten-step guide to give parents practical tools to help young people become safe and spiritually strong. Stephanie continues to speak out on the need for individuals to take responsibility for neighborhood and community safety to protect children. She's been working nationally to strengthen families and to keep cities safe ever since!
Tonight's special guest will be Dr. Lena G. Clark from Alpharetta, Georgia, a Domestic Violence survivor, coach and author. She's an expert in the area of mental health. "My abuse was domestic abuse by my husband," she explains, "who committed suicide after being diagnosed with depression and schizophrenia." She goes on, "I started my healing journey a couple of years after my husband's death. I started writing my book, entitled 'An Amazing Mind'. Lena is now at peace. "I assist others by coaching and mentoring. Currently, I'm a Mindset Coach and I have a Ph.D. in mental health care." Lena speaks at various groups, churches and schools. A reader on Amazon describes her book saying, 'This is one of the most heartfelt books I have read. Lena's takes you on her journey of love, frustration, pain, and the infinite love of God as she tells you her story. Her words illuminate strength and the courage to reach out to others who may be struggling trying to understand a major mental health issue such as suicide. I feel her passion and respect the work she has done to bring this issue to the forefront.'
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host will be Dr Jaime Romo from San Diego, an educator, consultant, author, and Minister, who promotes prevention and healing from child sexual abuse, particularly abuse by religious authorities or in the context of religious settings. A workbook he wrote, Healing the Sexually Abused Heart: A Workbook for Survivors, Thrivers, and Supporters, is an integration of various disciplines that led Jaime to become a certified Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) facilitator. A four day online workshop will be held in October. Jaime explains, “While it is no secret that I am a survivor of clergy abuse, it is the journey of integration, transformation and application that is most telling about my accomplishments and the life that I celebrate.” http://www.jaimeromo.org. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Marianne Smith from Torrance, California, a new NAASCA family member who's telling her story for the first time on the radio show tonight. Marianne had a difficult home life. Her father died when she was 10 and her mother, who struggled with mental illness, eventually lost custody of her four kids. At 13, Marianne was placed in foster care and began to suffer sexual abuse. Foster care kids are among the most abused groups, along with indigenous children and those living in our poorer inner city neighborhoods. About 60% of sexually abused kids are abused by their own family and and extended family (mom's new boyfriend for example) and 30% are assaulted by their own 'caregiver' community (baby sitters, teachers, clergy coaches, camp councilors). Less than 10% of sexually molested kids are assaulted by strangers to them or the community. Marianne had a lot of trauma in her adulthood, including CPTSD (Complex Post Traumatic Stress disorder). As children we often don't know at first just what is happening. Once we realize that the adults around us are being abusive, we often have a hard time, being heard, being believed. For many people the obsessive use of alcohol, food, gambling to excess, and sexual promiscuity, can last for decades, and often stands in the way of recovery. Marianne, in fact, had a difficult time just remembering her previous life. But she's now reconstituted her self, and at 64 seems ready to take on this healing journey .. and we're delighted to have her as the newest member of the NAASCA family.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Sharyn Higdon Jones, a licensed psychotherapist for over 35 years with individuals, couples and families who have experienced the trauma of abuse. In her words: “The pain of being sexually abused is deep and profound. The abuse experience touches the core of a woman's being in ways she could never have predicted. She has been violated on so many levels." Sharyn is also the author of the book 'Healing Steps; a Gentle Path to Recovery for Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse,' written in a workbook format with exercises. Sharyn says, “Healing Steps is a perfect step-by-step process that evolved out of groups of women molested as children. It is the perfect format either to be facilitated by a mental health professional or could be used as a guide in a peer support group.” ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Penelope Benis from Bellevue, Washington, a returning NAASCA family member and a survivor of childhood domestic violence and sexual abuse. Born into multi-generational abuse, she endured extreme and multiple forms of maltreatment. The abuse was physical, mental, emotional and sexual in nature. As a survival technique in her childhood, Penelope completely dissociated the abuse via depersonalization. Her primary care doctor took notice and gently urged her to seek trauma-informed therapy. Five years ago her healing process began through intensive cognitive therapy and other modalities (such as hiking, yoga and meditation), which enabled her to begin the process of healing. Penelope considers herself to now be in recovery, which she defines as a lifelong process. Living in Bellevue, WA, with her husband and three sons, she works as an instructor at Bellevue College, holds a license as a Certified Ace Health Coach and is an avid activist in the prevention of child abuse. Penelope, a Certified Yoga Instructor (RYS200), has been Trauma Informed Trained in Yoga through Yoga Behind Bars in Seattle, WA. Penelope has published “Healing from Abuse; How Outdoor Exercise Can Energize and Awaken Our Minds, Lift Our Spirits, Enhance Our Cognitive Performance, and Help Alleviate Depression,” which can be found on the NAASCA website. Penelope, a member of NAASCA, serves on NAASCA’s Board, holds the title of NAASCA’s Washington State Ambassador, and hosts the Monday and Wednesday editions of NAASCA’s “Stop Child Abuse Now” talk radio show.
Tonight's special guest is Aland Stamps from Bay City, Michigan, a former foster youth who grew up in foster care during the late 70's and 80's after his mother, who was a heroin addict, eventually lost her parenting rights as a result of her addiction. After 11 years in foster care and 20 different placements (foster homes, group homes and institutions), Aland aged out of foster care and into homelessness. Within the first two and a half years of aging out, Aland couch-surfed, became a crack addict and alcoholic. He ate out of soup kitchens daily and bounced around from homeless shelter to homeless shelter on the streets of the Cass Corridor in Detroit. He was in a near-fatal car accident, sold drugs to support his own drug habit, was convicted of three felony drug charges and sentenced up to 20 years in prison for probation violations and felony assault. Aland served 7 of that 20-year sentence before being released. Aland shares his story and recovery principals to youth across Michigan and he has started the first-ever foster care recovery support group for anyone who has experienced foster care regardless of age. Foster youth are resilient. Finding jobs, building businesses, graduating from college, and other steps to success are all things a current or former foster youth can do with ease. They are naturally fighters. However, living, enjoying, and sustaining those things are a challenge for those who haven't found recovery. River Jordan, Inc. has a system that works because its programs and services have elements of best-practice models including 'California's First Place For Youth' housing model and the evidence based Peer Support model.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Barbara Joy Hansen (Bobbie Joy) from Milford, Massachusetts. Her award winning memoir, 'Listen to the Cry of the Child,' describes her childhood world of violence. She was victimized from age 2 to 8 by her grandfather, sexually assauted at 11-12 by a youth pastor, raped at age 18, and suffered sexual addictions in her marriage causing severe Complex trauma resulting with PTSD. After 38 years, Bobbie Joy now facilitates 'Beauty Out of Ashes' support group and has had many media interviews, including the 'Dr. Oz Show'. Her Humanitarian Aid Work has taken her to the Philippines, and a 4 minute YouTube film of her experience can be seen on her website, www.listentothecry.org. She has a God given passion, purpose & advocacy calling to help survivors everywhere including prisoner's & sex offenders all over the world. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Felisha Johnson from Miami, Florida, who has an incredible story of transformation as someone physically and sexually abused, taken from their loved ones, and placed in the foster care system where she would stay for ten years. She emancipated out at age sixteen, facing multiple hardships. Felisha refused to allow her past to dictate her future, so she pushed through the pain to embark on her healing journey and began to see triumph in her trauma. "I am a survivor," she says. "At seven years old, I was sexually molested by an uncle, physically abused by my stepfather and labeled as a troubled child by my mother .. so anything that I did or said was terrible." It turned out one day she was at school, sitting at her desk when a teacher took one look at her and immediately took her to the front office. "I thought I was in trouble, and it felt like forever sitting there in the front office. The school administration asked me why I had multiple bruises on my body," she says."That's when life changed for me. On that day I was taken from the only family I knew and placed in the foster care system by the Department Of Children's & Families." Felisha became quite the advocate and activist. "I created Heal Your Story, LLC & LAP Foundation Inc to help trauma survivors and to encourage at-risk youth to transition from their hurtful experiences to living and building a better life." Now a mother to 6 beautiful children, a wife to an amazing husband, with a successful business, she says, "You can live a beautiful life after trauma", concluding," "I help survivors transition from painful experiences to live and create a better life!"
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Lori Golden from San Diego, California, a survivor and a private psychotherapist working with other trauma and abuse survivors. Lori shares, “I am a survivor of incest. My father sexually abused me from the age of 5 to 16. When the sun went down, I was filled with terror, hypervigilance, and waiting. Everything in my room came alive." Lori started using drugs in college at 18 and covered her worthlessness, aloneness and increasing desperation with bulimic exercising, food addiction and drugs, culminating in a suicide attempt at 27. "I am an incest survivor, an addict in Narcotics Anonymous for 33 years as well as Food Addicts Anonymous for 30", she tells us. Her book, 'My House Of Lies; Awakening from a Childhood of Sexual Abuse'. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Peter Elsley from Chatham-Kent, Ontario, Canada, a child abuse survivor originally from New South Wales, Australia. Peter says his abuse began at 3 years old, at the hands of his mother, followed by his dad and later by his own sister. An older cousin sexually abused him from 13-14 years old. "My cousin lured me. He sexually molested, sexually abused, forced sexual incest, gang molestation, and committed physical and verbal child abuse. I was being kept home from school due to all the abuse that included my own sister. At school, I was bullied, teased and called names. Peter explains, "I thought the sexual abuse had stopped once [I was] around 14 years," he says, "however, I was wrong. My second event of sexual molestation happened with a music teacher." The 'fee' was sexual touching and sex. "While teaching, he would from time to time touch me between my legs while I was playing and concentrating on my lesson." Peter continues, "My third time of sexual abuse happened when I was sentenced to a boy's prison for a crime I never did." His own father threatened him with a loaded shotgun to get his version of truth. "I lived with my grandparents when I was 17 to 26 years," he says. "I survived the horrors of my abuse and yet was diagnosed in 1990 with HIV due to my childhood molestation. Almost 8 years ago, I reached out for counseling to seek the support and guidance from my horrible ordeal of child sexual molestation. My counseling is still continuing." Peter concludes, "I have thrived because I am strong, I have faith and the power by the Holy Spirit my Father in Heaven and my friend Jesus Christ."
Tonight's special guest is Marlisse (Lisa) Hardamon from Beavercreek, Ohio, a returning NAASCA family member and a child abuse survivor who refers to herself as a 'victor'. From 5 years old through her teenage years Lisa was mentally, emotionally, sexually and physically abused. At 16, while she was babysitting for a family friend, she was once again sexually assaulted when the man of the house raped her. She says, "Today I dance in the light of my life, not as a victim, but a victor. I have learned to not only forgive my perpetrators but to forgive myself. I have learned to move past my pain ." Lisa's first book is entitled, 'Tapestry of A Victor: From Trauma to Triumph'. See her website: www.TransformationSpeaks.com. Marlisse explains her life, "Yes, I was abused and suffered from the result of that abuse. Yes, I cried and I even tried to end my life, several times. I hated myself and everyone, else. I was bitter and angry. I lived in a place of darkness, it covered my soul. I drank and smoked, just to numb the pain. I lived in the world of victimization, unable to heal and forgive." She's much better now. "I have been able to transform my life, using my pain as a platform to show women, how to live a transformed life, to move beyond their current situation into a place of wholeness, peace, and joy, as a minister, a public speaker, and a teacher. I am not a victim," she says, "I did not let my life destroy me, they [sic] made me strong and taught me how to truly live life." Marlisse is an engaging communicator. She has been honing her craft for 19 years as a High School teacher and a minister. She learned the value and strategies of engagement.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host will be Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, a survivor of severe child abuse who's now a Minister and Chaplain. She'll appear on the 1st Thursday of each month and is the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story," her story of redemption. In 1997, Michelle writes that she, "..was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. Her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Robert Kahn from Fernley, Nevada, who will introduce us to his children's safety book series. Currently there are eight (8) books, developed these books from his Children's Safety Program which he taught as a D.A.R.E. Officer with a County Sheriff's Department. "Over my sixteen (16) year career" he says, "this program saved 44+ children from abduction." He goes on, "I was a 6th Grade Teacher and a Reserve Deputy Sheriff. I became concerned with the problems plaguing young people. I was offered the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) position in the county I taught in. I was driven to prevent children from making the wrong choices, so I changed careers from teaching to law enforcement." It was a wise decision. "Considering the data on child endangerment, it is abundantly clear that more proactive education is needed. My books are written in a friendly way and explain how children can be safe when they aren't with a trusted adult. The themes include: Stranger Danger, Bullying, Good Touch/Bad Touch, Don't Hide Abuse, Suicide Prevention, Children Coping with Divorce, Bicycle Safety and Halloween Safety." Robert concludes, "Children would know what to do in dangerous situations before they are victimized. To be forewarned is to be forearmed!"
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Dr. Tina Medina from Kansas City, Kansas, sexually molested as a child by her uncle. In recovery, Tina is now a professional writer specializing in public relations, community/media relations, technical and grant writing. "My book series explains how God is capable of healing the wounded spirit of a sexual abuse victim," she says. "The journey to sexual abuse recovery is all about taking tiny steps to release pent up feelings," Tina explains. For her, the spiritual aspect of inner healing is crucial for her full recovery. "My spirit is the essence of me and it needed to be healed in order for me to be creative and fulfilled. Walking those baby steps are huge healing steps because it is our version of walking on water. What was once thought to be impossible is now very much attainable. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Andrew Pari, LCSW, trauma specialist, from San Diego, CA, a returning NAASCA family member who is the founder and Executive Director of Sexual Assault Awareness. He's been called the ‘nation's leading authority on the arousal mechanism in sexualized violence,' and a pioneer in sexual assault treatments that bridge the gap from the world of psychology to the world of hidden sexual expression often expressed in the kink/BDSM realm. Andrew is a psychotherapist with nearly 30 years' experience treating female survivors of sexual abuse and assault, including sex workers. He is a Board Member and Certification Program Director with the Center for Positive Sexuality, speaks and trains nationally on "taboo" aspects of rape and sexualized violence, and a contributor to '#MeToo: Counsellors and psychotherapists speak about sexual violence and abuse.,' where Andrew tells his own story for the first time. Andrew became interested in these issues when working with a colleague and found it was quite common for survivors to delay recovery due to feelings of shame or guilt, and a sense of self-responsibility for childhood sexual assaults. Children are helpless, innocent, and powerless against predators. The 'responsibility' belongs to the predators .. not the child. "I had assumed this was common knowledge in the field. I have since learned that there is still so much to do in basic education on arousal for survivors."
Tonight's special guest is Maria Vinci-Savettiere, Esq, from Morris County, New Jersey, Executive Director of Deirdre's House since 2003. Deirdre's House is a nationally accredited child advocacy center and is the only site in Morris County, New Jersey, where child victims of abuse and/or neglect can be forensically interviewed and prepared for trial by law enforcement, medically examined and treated by a pediatric abuse specialist, and clinically counseled-in English or Spanish—all under one roof, all free of charge. Since 1996, Deirdre's House has provided services in over 40,000 child visits. Deirdre's House means that a child victim will not have to be interviewed and processed at a police station, examined in a hospital emergency room, and counseled at yet another location. It means that an already badly traumatized child will not be retraumatized by the very system that is trying to assist them. It means that free, state of the art care is available on an immediate basis, because the longer a child victim waits for treatment the less likely they are to fully recover from the trauma they have experienced. Most importantly, it means that a child's life may be altered by abuse, but not defined by it. As Executive Director of Deirdre's House, Maria has combined her legal knowledge and business acumen to improve and add to the programs and services offered to child victims and their families. She has increased cooperation and collaboration among law enforcement, child welfare agencies and organizations investigating crimes against children and providing services to child victims. Maria also educates the community regarding child abuse prevention and reporting, and emerging issues in child welfare, through speaking engagements at schools, corporations, and community organizations.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Bill Murray from Los Angeles, our founder. Bill's recovery is 12 Step-based and spans over 3 and a half decades. Sexually abused by numerous clerics, all men, between the ages of 11 and mid-way through high school, a minor seminary, he was also the victim of pre-pubescent ography and even a two week kidnapping. Bill was graced to have found Alcoholics Anonymous when he was 30 years old. The program not only helped him get clean and sober but also gave him a place to give up his secrets, and the tools by which he's recovered. He firmly believes one can use the 12 Step process to heal from child abuse trauma and to find a way to a comfortable life. ~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Debra Hunt from Glendale, Arizona, a NAASCA family member and volunteer. Among other things, Debra is now one of our HOSTS on our "Stop Child Abuse Now" talk radio shows. She began life in Fontana, California, in a childhood home marked by mental and emotional trauma. Yes, she was given opportunities participate in normal childhood activities like choir, dance, and cheer-leading .. to look like a shining star. But meanwhile Debra experienced a home-life filled with ridicule, hatefulness, belittling, and silence .. deafening silence. There was extreme physical and mental abuse. Invisible but enduring scars of childhood trauma laid the path for adolescence. Feeling alone, scared and unloved, she embarked upon her teen years in true rebellious style. She began sneaking off. Debra began seeking attention and validation through drug and alcohol use, and risky sexual encounters. She was molested and raped as a teen, and later, in young adulthood, she endured Domestic Violence and more victimization. After graduation she got married and had a child. When her husband left her homeless with a baby, Debra picked up her life and moved on. In 1994 she met the second man she would wed. After the first seven years she noticed an abusive pattern in her life. She'd brought childhood feelings of emptiness and worthlessness into adulthood. Debra had learned that to 'feel safe' she had to shut up and take it. However bad things seemed, she believed the alternatives, real or imagined, would be worse. Debra realized these thoughts, this seeming truths, were the result of trauma from an abusive childhood. But things are improving now. Currently, after a 23 year marriage, Debra's survived a divorce. She's determined to heal, and is documenting her journey in a book she's writing, “I Am Hunt.”
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Amber Jewell, LMSW, from Kansas, a returning NAASCA family member and a survivor of many kinds of child abuse, neglect and hurt. She spent many years in foster care along with being in homes fueled by addictions and mental illness. Amber endured a social stigma that many at-risk kids experience as she fought the years of psychological and emotional abuse. As a young adult, Amber faced the risk of death due to long-term effects of child abuse. It was at that time that Amber really began trampling through a deep, adult process towards her own healing. 'Finding Hope: The 12 Keys to Healing Hardship, Hurt, and Sorrow' is Amber's newly released self-help book, available at www.amberjewell.org. Through it all, Amber has held hope in the path to creating changes, find value in those who made an impact, and change the intergenerational patterns of abuse. Now, Amber is a master level social worker. For 15 years she has worked in a variety of fields relating to foster care, education, mental health, spiritual well-being, and advocacy. She and her husband are also foster and adoptive parents. In addition, Amber is a motivational speaker who speaks with professionals who work with people who come from hard places. She currently works as a school social worker grades K-12. As an educator and an advocate for promoting change for and value within people, Amber works to inspire and motivate others to grasp their own power in the process of hope towards healing. She has a book coming out in December that talks about what lessons have taught her to make it through hard times and gives tools for others to do the same. As Amber says, "Life is tough but SO ARE YOU!"
Tonight's special guest is Jillian Coburn from Lago Vista, Texas, an abuse survivor and author of the memoir 'My Ugly Truth: Life Beyond Abuse'. When Jillian was 18 and unexpectedly got pregnant, her life changed. With little support from the baby’s father, a pill habit to feed, Jillian soon found herself in a cycle of addiction, psychological, and physical abuse. In the years following, she went from one bad relationship to the next. Eventually, she found her saving grace in her Catholic faith, her husband Lonnie and her children, and her determination to stay clean. 'My Ugly Truth: Life Beyond Abuse' is a riveting story, about not just the social and emotional realities of addiction, but also the monetary and opportunity costs of single parenthood and the secret lives of abusers and the abused who live to tell their stories. Jillian is an entrepreneur, a two-time published author (the other book is a cook book, 'Spicy, Cajon Love'), an activist and advocate, an inventor, outdoorswoman, wife and mother of three. She is a co-owner of NOLA Prestige Electric, a women/minority/disabled veteran-based contracting company. Jillian was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of SCSA, and serves on a committee where she and her colleagues recently triumphed, passing Bill 492, allowing victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse to have their day in court. The Statue of Limitations has been completely eliminated, and there is a three year retro (look-back window), which now covers all survivors and victims.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Dr. Lena G. Clark from Alpharetta, Georgia, a Domestic Violence survivor, coach and author. She's an expert in the area of mental health. "My abuse was domestic abuse by my husband," she explains, "who committed suicide after being diagnosed with depression and schizophrenia." She goes on, "I started my healing journey a couple of years after my husband's death. I started writing my book, entitled 'An Amazing Mind'. Lena is now at peace. "I assist others by coaching and mentoring. Currently, I'm a Mindset Coach and I have a Ph.D. in mental health care." Lena regularly speaks at various groups, churches and schools. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Victoria Kelly from Minneapolis, Minnesota, a long-time NAASCA family member / volunteer. She will be accompanied by a couple friends who are helping her with the AHHHS Event on Sat, Sept 25 (A Helping Hand for Healing Souls). The day-long event (10am to 8pm) will be held both locally, in Fridley, Minnesota, and virtually over ZOOM. It will include multiple presentations for adults (parents and survivors) and for children. Many notable speakers will be featured, too. Contact Victoria for more detailed information: AHHHS1@yahoo.com. She certainly knows her stuff! Victoria was abused almost from birth in nearly every way imaginable, sexually, physically and mentally. Eventually she became reclusive and withdrawn, and began to disassociate, a condition that was later in life diagnosed as MPD (Multiple Personality Disorder), now known as DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder). Victoria eventually spent years going in and out of mental hospitals, where she actually was grateful. At least the staff was kind and helpful. "I went to a wonderful psychiatrist and she help me for 13 years with MPD / the ID." She'd been drinking in her youth but sobered up with help from a 12 step group. Her sexual promiscuity led her to numerous bad adult relationships. It took a long time to find the right therapist and path to recovery but now she's integrated and years ago things finally started to come together. Life's still not perfect but now she's active helping the struggling. Among other things, Victoria works to end domestic and sexual violence. She attends support groups, speaks out at rallies and conferences, supports police, volunteers at shelters, and works directly with women and children to get their basic needs filled: food shelter and clothing.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, a survivor of severe child abuse who's now a Minister and Chaplain. She'll appear on the 1st Thursday of each month and is the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story," her story of redemption. In 1997, Michelle writes that she, "..was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. Her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Darlene J Clark from Pulaski, Tennessee, a returning NAASCA family member. She's a survivor of severe child abuse and author of 'Born In A Living Hell,' about her tortuous childhood, and has recently written a second book, 'Shattered Innocence'. She relates, “I was abused, basically since birth. As a child, I had believed everyone gets abused during growing up." She explains, "From the army line-up being whipped either with a switch, belt or whip to being shot at in my dad's crazy game of hide and go seek, and worrying about whether this was going to be the day they murdered.” When she was 4, her aunt grew tired of picking up the five kids (ages 2 through 6) repeatedly abandoned by their mother at a grocery store, so her mom and dad divorced. Her father remarried, as Darlene describes, “Dad met my stepmom who I loved because we have a meal every day, a bed to sleep in, instead of having to eat raw oatmeal from a box because both parents abandoned seven of us for a week. My stepmom later was crude. She would dip my nose in manure, drag me through the house by my hair, kick me in the rump while doing dishes, and held me down while her son raped me. I even got beaten for sneaking out to worship God.” Overhearing her stepmother, stepsister and stepbrother planning to kill her and make it look like suicide, Darlene married her boyfriend before the plan could be enacted. An online support group inspired her to write her first book. It talks about just some of the events Darlene endured as a child to 18 years old. She shares. "I am triumphant over the abuse, so now I share my story to help others."
Tonight's special guest is Aland Stamps from Bay City, Michigan, a former foster youth who grew up in foster care during the late 70's and 80's after his mother, who was a heroin addict, eventually lost her parenting rights as a result of her addiction. After 11 years in foster care and 20 different placements (foster homes, group homes and institutions), Aland aged out of foster care and into homelessness. Within the first two and a half years of aging out, Aland couch-surfed, became a crack addict and alcoholic. He ate out of soup kitchens daily and bounced around from homeless shelter to homeless shelter on the streets of the Cass Corridor in Detroit. He was in a near-fatal car accident, sold drugs to support his own drug habit, was convicted of three felony drug charges and sentenced up to 20 years in prison for probation violations and felony assault. Aland served 7 of that 20-year sentence before being released. Aland shares his story and recovery principals to youth across Michigan and he has started the first-ever foster care recovery support group for anyone who has experienced foster care regardless of age. Foster youth are resilient. Finding jobs, building businesses, graduating from college, and other steps to success are all things a current or former foster youth can do with ease. They are naturally fighters. However, living, enjoying, and sustaining those things are a challenge for those who haven’t found recovery. River Jordan, Inc. has a system that works because its programs and services have elements of best-practice models including 'California’s First Place For Youth' housing model and the evidence based Peer Support model.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Dr Jaime Romo from San Diego, CA, an educator, consultant, author, and Minister, who promotes prevention and healing from child sexual abuse, particularly abuse by religious authorities or in the context of religious settings. A workbook he wrote, Healing the Sexually Abused Heart: A Workbook for Survivors, Thrivers, and Supporters, is an integration of various disciplines that led Jaime to become a certified Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) facilitator. A four day online workshop will be held in October. Jaime explains, “While it is no secret that I am a survivor of clergy abuse, it is the journey of integration, transformation and application that is most telling about my accomplishments and the life that I celebrate.” Please visit his website: http://www.jaimeromo.org. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Claudia P Marulanda from New York City, New York, who is originally from Colombia. Her child abuse started early. "I was abused by two individuals when I lived in my country," she says. "One was a family member, my mother's cousin, and I believe the abuse started when I was very young. I might have been four or five years old, possibly younger. The second person who abused me was a man who lived in the house and I was about 7 years of age." Claudia was also abused in America. "When I was 10 years old, I came to live to the USA, and this is when my stepfather sexually abused me." Claudia explains, "At 19 I became pregnant with my son. Luckily I was able to finish college and graduated with an Art and Advertising degree. I became an Art Director in the Publishing industry until I hit an emotional rock bottom, as I like to call it." She continues, "My healing journey started right before age 40. I had hit an emotional rock bottom and it led me to enroll in a self-development course. This is where the opportunity to speak about what had happened came up. I refused to talk about it at first, but something within me told me to let it out." Claudia has been doing well. "I’m a visual artist and I realized that art played a huge roll in my healing journey. I started drawing and painting when I hit the emotional rock bottom. Art is basically what has helped me express myself and it has helped me reflect on my life. I’m now beginning to do art workshops and courses to support women in their healing using art as the vehicle."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Lori Golden from San Diego, California, a survivor and a private psychotherapist working with other trauma and abuse survivors. Lori shares, “I am a survivor of incest. My father sexually abused me from the age of 5 to 16. When the sun went down, I was filled with terror, hypervigilance, and waiting. Everything in my room came alive." Lori started using drugs in college at 18 and covered her worthlessness, aloneness and increasing desperation with bulimic exercising, food addiction and drugs, culminating in a suicide attempt at 27. "I am an incest survivor, an addict in Narcotics Anonymous for 33 years as well as Food Addicts Anonymous for 30", she tells us. Her book, 'My House Of Lies; Awakening from a Childhood of Sexual Abuse'. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
SPECIAL SHOW: Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-family member, using an OPEN MIKE forum. ~~ Led by Penelope Benis, members of our NAASCA Board will take a deep dive into NAASCA's mission of child abuse intervention, prevention and recovery. We will take a close look at the breadth of NAASCA's programs such as our Global Recovery Group, Worldwide Ambassador Program, the Recovery Groups on ZOOM and BlogTalkRadio talk shows, our healing as an adult recovery resources and so much more. We will let you know how to navigate through our website to find articles, statistics, protecting our kids, about our founder and how to become more involved as a volunteer at NAASCA. It's going to be an informative and enjoyable show. How well are we doing? What could be eliminated and what added to contribute to our mission statement? MISSION: We have a single purpose at NAASCA, to address issues related to childhood abuse and trauma including sexual assault, violent or physical abuse, emotional traumas and neglect .. and we do so with only two goals: (1) educating the public, especially as related to helping society get over its taboo of discussing childhood sexual abuse (CSA), presenting facts showing child abuse to be a pandemic, worldwide problem that affects everyone, and (2) offering hope and healing through numerous paths, providing many services to adult survivors of child abuse and information for anyone interested in the many issues involving prevention, intervention and recovery ~~ Are we helping the community .. the survivor? ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Chrissy Marie from Turlock, California, born the only child of parents who were very loving and are still married, going on 53 years. "My older cousin was my abuser," she says. "I do not recall anything before the abuse. My earliest memory is preschool age." Chrissy goes on, "I remember being so confused and feeling scared anytime he was around, and he was around me a lot. It lasted until after I was married and only stopped when I came out about the abuse. I was 26 then, for a total of over 20 yrs." Chrissy started therapy for the first time in her mid 20s. Professional services helped her a lot. "I have spent a lot of time in patient in the psych hospital as well I have been in therapy on and off thru my adult life. Currently I'm in therapy and have 8 ½ years clean from meth & opiates I still have a lot of flashbacks. I've grown a lot in the past couple of years. I feel stronger than I ever have but still feel angry often." Chrissy has not yet started talking to help adult survivors of child abuse victims today, but says she'd like to in the future. Nor has she yet spoken to groups, saying, "Not yet, but I'm so thankful to be participating in this [talk show].
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host will be Barbara Joy Hansen (Bobbie Joy) from Milford, Massachusetts. Her award winning memoir, 'Listen to the Cry of the Child,' describes her childhood world of violence. She was victimized from age 2 to 8 by her grandfather, sexually assauted at 11-12 by a youth pastor, raped at age 18, and suffered sexual addictions in her marriage causing severe Complex trauma resulting with PTSD. After 38 years, Bobbie Joy now facilitates 'Beauty Out of Ashes' support group and has had many media interviews, including the 'Dr. Oz Show'. Her Humanitarian Aid Work has taken her to the Philippines, and a 4 minute YouTube film of her experience can be seen on her website, www.listentothecry.org. She has a God given passion, purpose & advocacy calling to help survivors everywhere including prisoner's & sex offenders all over the world. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Crista Johnston from Nashville, Tennessee, a child abuse survivor, an activist and a future writer. Christa was adopted when she was 3 weeks old, " .. to take care of my adoptive dad's sexual gratification needs," (for all the things her adoptive mother would not do). "So I was raped hundred of times," she says, beginning at 4 or 5 and lasting for 8-9 years. "I was trafficked, exploited, enslaved, and abused mentally, emotionally, physically and sexually." After she came forward to the police and confessed, but they did nothing, and her father was allowed back into the house in 30 days. "Pure hell! I felt fear, hurt, and betrayed," she explains. "I moved from home as soon as I graduated from high school and moved to Chicago 10 years later." Crista reports, "I have anxiety, depression, insomnia, and C-PTSD and have been in therapy since I was 13 years old. "But I really started healing when I had my abuser arrested last year on my birthday. Now I look forward to healing on a daily basis for the rest of my life." Crista is moving forward. "I just completed a training where I am now a Tennessee Certified Peer Recovery Specialist. I am working with mental health diagnosis, specializing in Trauma and Child Abuse. I want to help survivors heal because my case is the second in all of TN that had my abuser arrested after decades (there is an 11 year window with no SOL). I have spoken about my abuse in groups which has only happened over the past year. I am no longer ashamed of what happened to me." She's working on her new website: www.fromvictimtosurvivor.org, and hopes to write her memoir, a 'tell all' book.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Dr. Tina Medina from Kansas City, Kansas, sexually molested as a child by her uncle. In recovery, Tina is now a professional writer specializing in public relations, community/media relations, technical and grant writing. "My book series explains how God is capable of healing the wounded spirit of a sexual abuse victim," she says. "The journey to sexual abuse recovery is all about taking tiny steps to release pent up feelings," Tina explains. For her, the spiritual aspect of inner healing is crucial for her full recovery. "My spirit is the essence of me and it needed to be healed in order for me to be creative and fulfilled. Walking those baby steps are huge healing steps because it is our version of walking on water. What was once thought to be impossible is now very much attainable. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Holly Davy from Saginaw, Michigan. She was sexually abused from age 5 to 10 by an older male cousin, a violent young man who later killed 4 men and is currently serving life in a Super Max prison. "I didn't speak of my abuse to anyone until I was 26 years old," she says. "I finally told my mother when I was 34. I felt so much shame, guilt, disgust and fear about it that I feared anyone knowing so deeply that I could not bring myself to discuss it with anyone. I held in all the pain, which now crushes me because I have a daughter who is 6 years old and I cannot wrap my head around someone her age holding all that in." Holly goes on, "Shortly after my abuser moved away my younger sister was diagnosed with Leukemia and treated at a hospital 3 hours from our home. The next 5 years my parents were non-existent in my life. My older sister had a boyfriend she spent all her time with, so from the age of 11-16 I was basically left to fend for myself. This left me with abandonment and neglect issues on top of the sexual abuse." Fortunately, Holly found her way to recovery. "I'm finally FREE and at peace and have self love. I hate to use the word grateful, but it's the closest word to describe how I feel about my past because it's made me be able to truly understand others in times of suffering and has given me the ability to help others through their struggles wherever they may be, and that is so powerful and a true gift. It's made me realize what I want to do and how I want to spend the rest of my life."
Tonight's special guest is Teresa Syms from Woodstock, Ontario, a returning NAAACA family member. Teresa is a survivor of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. She was the youngest child born with a physical disability that delayed her ability to walk and was raised on a tobacco farm by a hard-working alcoholic father and an unstable deaf mother neither who knew how to love or nurture their children. She recalls being forced "to kneel on beer bottle caps nailed to plywood in front of a full-length mirror” as a frequent punishment. As a teen, Teresa used alcohol and tranquilizers to numb emotional pain and once attempted vehicular suicide. In 2003, Teresa walked away from her lifetime of abuse, neglect and trauma, the domestic abuse from a marriage of 23 years and a life that was slowly killing her. Not long into her second marriage, a marriage of 'true love', she was in a severe auto accident resulting in chronic injuries for 9 years. Having faced death, she found courage to break the cycle of generations of abuse and began her healing process. She wrote the award-winning book 'A Century of Secrets', detailing her journey to uncover the lies and overcome the adversity. Today she is a multiply certified empowerment coach who founded Teresa Syms Coaching where she specializes in offering programs for personal and professional growth to survivors of trauma. She is also certified as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist and in Neurolinguistic Programming. Teresa uses her story as living proof to other survivors that “through courage and determination you can give yourself a brilliant future.” We are so glad to have Teresa return!
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, a survivor of severe child abuse who's now a Minister and Chaplain. She'll appear on the 1st Thursday of each month and is the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story," her story of redemption. In 1997, Michelle writes that she, "..was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. Her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Lisa Zarcone from Massachusetts, a returning NAASCA family member and the NAASCA Ambassador for her state. A child abuse survivor and activist, she's the author of 'The Unspoken Truth, A Memoir.' Her book is about childhood neglect and abuse at the hands of her severely mentally ill mother and others. Lisa says, "I wrote my story to promote awareness for mental health issues, child safety and to bring a voice to so many who have the same unspoken truth as myself." She uses three words to describe her childhood experiences: horrific, disgusting and hideous. Her home life left a lot to be desired. "My mother would bring all types of strange people into our home, which set me up as prey." Lisa buried the abuse deep inside herself for years. In the 'The Unspoken Truth', she shares her story through the eyes of a child, giving the reader a first-hand view of abuse through the child's perspective. This is a profound look at her life as it has unfolded. Lisa gained her voice by validating her story, and she healed through the process. By looking at the views and perspective of the people in her life that hurt and abused her, she found understanding and forgiveness. It was a difficult journey to get to this point in her life, but she dug deep into her past and sifted through the rubble piece by piece. Lisa is passionate about advocating, raising awareness and pushing for change! Her motto is 'Embrace The Journey', because you never know what will fall into your path, and every moment is a valuable lesson.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Bill Murray from Los Angeles, our founder. Bill's recovery is 12 Step-based and spans some 3 and a half decades. Sexually abused by numerous clerics, all men, between the ages of 11 and mid-way through high school, a minor seminary, he was also the victim of pre-pubescent ography and even a two week kidnapping. Bill was graced to have found Alcoholics Anonymous when he was 30 years old. The program not only helped him get clean and sober but also gave him a place to give up his secrets, and the tools by which he's recovered. He firmly believes one can use the 12 Step process to heal from child abuse trauma and to find a way to a comfortable life. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Luke Wiersma from Dyer, Indiana. Luke was abused at 16 by an older woman aged 22 who was a 'friend' of someone he was in school with. For the next two years she provided intoxicants to the boys and either convinced or forced them to do sexual things with her and she'd perform sexual acts on the youngsters. Luke, an addict, got hooked, and says, "I was under her control. The choice was following her lead and be able to get high, or to object and be sick because of withdrawal. Manipulation was her greatest tool. I did not want to be sick, so I did what was necessary to get the drugs I so badly needed." He became desperate. "Usually, I was too messed up to fight much. None of this is hard to do with someone who is drunk or high. I was unable to consent. Even if I was, I was only sixteen and was legally unable to. She was twenty-two and she knew what she was doing was wrong. I remember hearing banging, the sounds of screaming in excitement, and laughter. I do not know who's but these details stick with me to this day. I remember the park and the bathroom where this all happened." As high school ended so did the abuse. "This continued until I reached the age of eighteen. At the age of eighteen it all suddenly stopped. I am still to this day unsure why, but I thank God for this. Only thing I could think was I aged out. There was at least one other victim I know of but due to discretionary reasons I cannot include that in these writings. I did see him at one point attempt suicide and I attempted unsuccessfully 4 separate times." Thankfully, Luke got sober instead.
Tonight's special guest is Nikita Bacote from Florence, South Carolina who was in the Foster Care System. Her goal now is to give a voice to those who have none. "My abuse started since I can remember," she says, ".. at 5." She continues, "My mother had men in and out of her life. The last one would almost beat us to death." But it got worse when she married Nikita's step-father. "While they were married he would abuse her then they would beat us so badly we would bleed through our clothes .. for years. It wasn’t until one day she couldn’t take it no more she went into a mental hospital and we went to Foster Care!!" She felt, ".. lonely, lost, hurt and just not wanting live anymore. I said no child should have to go through this." Nikita goes on, "I had to get plenty of counseling. I had to learn that those things that happened to me were not my fault, and to love myself, because no one never told us they love me unless they were told to. I still have moments of trying to slip back but now I am a mother of two beautiful girls I want them to know it’s ok to have your moments but that I don’t let it take me back to those dark place. God put people in my life to keep me motivated and push me out of my comfort zone." She concludes, "Every day is a fight to stay alive. But I push through it everyday through Grace and Mercy and God. Now I am an advocate for those who don’t have a voice in the Foster Care System and everyone who needs my help has someone to speak to them."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host will be Nissi Hamilton from Houston, Texas, was born to an adolescent mother who had herself been sexually trafficked by extended family members from 11 to 13. "When I was born I was left in the hospital," she says. "Where I was born is still a mystery to me still to this day." In foster care Nissi was abused starting at 14. "I was considered aged out foster care," she reports. "I lived in an empty apartment owned by housing authorities until I was officially kicked off of the property. At 15, I was homeless, no family, no food, no shelter and no one to call mom." But, "Today, I am a proud activist, motivational speaker, coach and life style influencer." Nissi goes on, "I teach young girls and woman how to not come into agreement with the spirit of poverty. Human trafficking is a type of poverty that requires a demonic contract." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Chrissy Mariie from Turlock, California.
-- much more info to come --
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Pam Geoffroy from Temiskaming Shores, Ontario, a child abuse survivor and an early years practitioner at Timiskaming Child Care Early Years Centre which provides a safe, positive learning environment for children and their families, respecting their cultural and linguistic differences. The agency's goal is to provide programs and services that will help promote the optimal growth and development of children. Pam was molested beginning at age 9 by a male friend of her aunt. "As soon as I was able, age 16," she says, "I moved out of the house. I was depressed and suicidal but determined to get out. I left for the summer and returned in the fall, when school started. I left again the following spring and was living on my own before my high school graduation." One can guess wat happened next. "I abused drugs and alcohol, and lived in a physically abusive relationship, but worked two and three jobs to be able to stay out of the family home. At age 18 I began to attend counselling. I wanted to protect others, so talked about it to anyone who would listen." Pam took her perpetrator to court. "At age 36 I found out he had molested several of my cousins, and it was then that I pressed charges. It took 2 years + to get through the court system, and it cost me some family members who choose to side with him and my mother, or who didn't want to ‘rock the boat.'" He was not convicted but that didn't stop Pam from serving the community. "I love working with families and children. And my passions include child abuse prevention and empowering women."
Tonight's special guest is Brian Morrison from Scotland, UK, whose child abuse began at home. His mother struggled with mental problems and his father disappeared. He spent the bulk of his childhood in state-run care (similar to the US foster system) and he actually thinks of this time as a good experience. But he was dismissed from care as he was becoming 16, later finding out that kids who were still in the system at 16 became wards of the state. Brian found he was wasn't able to be comfortable at home so he took off to London. He fell in with less than upscale 'friends' and companions. Brian says, "Coming from a background of being brought up children's homes as a child, abuse, mental health, homelessness and 20 years of daily drinking / alcohol addiction till being given approximately 6 months to live in March 2005 due to my alcohol dependency, before entering alcohol treatment on 30th June 2005." He goes on, "Having now been alcohol free since 30th June 2005 (15+ years) I have been helping as many people as possible, by mentoring those struggling with alcohol or new to recovery PLUS sharing my life story on Stages, TV and Radio to show there is a light at the end of the very dark tunnel of alcohol addiction." Brian may also write his own book "THE LIFE OF BRIAN" to share his story in the hope of it helping others. In any case he's staying busy. "I have also set up a social enterprise (community interest company) recently, by the name of BizSocial Networking, which aims to support those in recovery following struggles with alcohol addiction." Brian tell us he's the Founder of M.A.S.C.A. (Male Adult Survivors of Child Abuse), a new charity being set up in Scotland.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Dr Jaime Romo from San Diego, California, an educator, consultant, author, and Commissioned Minister, who promotes healing from abuse and the prevention of child sexual abuse, particularly abuse by religious authorities or in the context of religious settings. A workbook he wrote, Healing the Sexually Abused Heart: A Workbook for Survivors, Thrivers, and Supporters, is an integration of various disciplines that led Jaime to become a certified Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) facilitator. Jaime explains, “While it is no secret that I am a survivor of clergy abuse, it is the journey of integration, transformation and application that is most telling about my accomplishments and the life that I celebrate.” Please visit his website: http://www.jaimeromo.org. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Stephen McEvoy from Covington, Louisiana, who was sexually abused by clergy member at 12 yrs old. He says, "Today, as I reflect more and more about so many things throughout my past, it's a wonder that I survived. Raped as a child, became an alcoholic, felt suicidal, got sober, raised a family, owned businesses, suffered a fractured back, survived a stroke, was bitten by a poisonous snake, and relived the sexual abuse in my mind, leading once more to suicidal thoughts and feelings." He continues, "So much has happened over the past year and a half - states of deep depression, drinking, and having to confront the hell of the last 43 years. As each day passed, I wondered if and when it would all end." Stephen explains, "God may not answer me through his voice, but he answers through my family, friends, and even strangers who have come into my life, and those voices are strong. I thought God had abandoned me when I was abused. But it was the church who allowed it to happen, something I could not comprehend as a child. Instead my mind focused with tunnel-like vision on the person who assaulted me and the school where it happened. I don’t know if I will ever feel comfortable stepping foot inside a church again, but at least I’m now able to have a relationship with God that isn’t dictated by my past." Things are better now. "With the support of family, friends, co-workers and others, I’ve gained more and more strength. I realize now that my tears, when this topic takes center stage, are tears of joy, and not just pain, because of the support I’ve gained throughout this process. Finally, I have no more fear. I am a person, a son, a husband, a father, an uncle, and a grandfather."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co host will be Sharyn Higdon Jones, a licensed psychotherapist for over 35 years with individuals, couples and families who have experienced the trauma of abuse. In her words: “The pain of being sexually abused is deep and profound. The abuse experience touches the core of a woman's being in ways she could never have predicted. She has been violated on so many levels." Sharyn is also the author of the book 'Healing Steps; a Gentle Path to Recovery for Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse,' written in a workbook format with exercises. Sharyn says, “Healing Steps is a perfect step-by-step process that evolved out of groups of women molested as children. It is the perfect format either to be facilitated by a mental health professional or could be used as a guide in a peer support group.” ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Holli Kenley from Rancho Mirage, California, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a California State Licensed Teacher. She holds a Master's Degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage, Family, and Child. Holli currently works in the field of psychology as a speaker, and a workshop presenter. Through her gentle but powerful informative and restorative approach, Holli engages clinical and lay audiences, empowering them with strategies to embrace well and whole ways of being. She has been a six time peer presenter at the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists’ Annual State Conferences and a featured or keynote speaker at college level clinical programs, state and national advocacy organizations, and educational institutions speaking on the topics of betrayal, cyber bullying, screen dependence, the power of self-worth, relapse, and sexual abuse recovery. She's also the author of multiple books, including 'Daughters Betrayed By Their Mothers: Moving From Brokenness To Wholeness' which is an intimate exploration into the lives of daughters who were wounded by their mothers and who chose wellness over victimhood. Another book is 'Breaking Through Betrayal: And Recovering The Peace Within', a ground-breaking book providing the readers with a proven process tailored specifically for recovery from betrayal injury of any kind. For the first time, those who have experienced 'betrayal' will understand why they have felt 'confused' and 'worthless'; and 'powerless'; and will be provided tools for 'breaking through their betrayal' and restoring their mind, body, and spirit.
Tonight's special guest is Annie Handy Prater from Tampa, Florida, abused by her older brother starting at age 7. "My abuse was incest, rape, and there was some torture as well," she says. "The worst feeling I had was FEAR; however, I experienced shame, guilt, hopelessness, helplessness, anxiety, worthlessness, weakness, hurt, despair, and most of the time, I felt empty/numb." She knows there's a lot of work to do. "My healing journey is far from over, unfortunately. I still have a lot of shame and other negative feelings. I am currently doing talk therapy and EMDR with an amazing therapist. I had an open case against my brother for about 7 or 8 months, but they recently decided they cannot take my case. I still have issues with self-harm and overcoming all of the lies that he fed me." Annie explains, "Right now, I post on my Facebook about different feelings and ways of coping (healthy or not) that I have. I just try to be real about my journey. I wrote to the senate and congressman in the state of Missouri to try and bring attention to the shortcomings of the justice system. I have started a book, but who knows if that will ever get published." Annie hopes to inspire others. "It takes such incredible strength and bravery to break the silence after abuse. It is NEVER too late to heal, and if you don't give up, healing exists for every one of us. I know first-hand how painful and lonely and hopeless this journey feels, so please know that there are people out there who will sit with you IN the darkness and be your light. The most important piece I had to learn the hard way is that the only way out, is THROUGH."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Dr. Lena G. Clark from Alpharetta, Georgia, a Domestic Violence survivor, coach and author. She's an expert in the area of mental health. "My abuse was domestic abuse by my husband," she explains, "who committed suicide after being diagnosed with depression and schizophrenia." She goes on, "I started my healing journey a couple of years after my husband's death. I started writing my book, entitled 'An Amazing Mind'. Lena is now at peace. "I assist others by coaching and mentoring. Currently, I'm a Mindset Coach and I have a Ph.D. in mental health care." Lena regularly speaks at various groups, churches and schools. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Jessica Brown from Huntington, West Virginia. As a very young child she endured severe child sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, domestic violence and complex trauma at the hands of her biological father and older brother. "I was isolated and was not permitted to have friends, which was strictly enforced by whatever means necessary," she says. "My only friends were cats." Jessica goes on, "A radio played in the basement constantly so the neighbors couldn't hear the screams. He would tell me not to cry because it didn't hurt when he would beat me. There were constant battles with the neighbors where my dad would pull guns on the neighbors if they turned around in our driveway, which was at the end of a dead end street." It was a horrible life .. and only got worse. "Breaking the forced silence, I lived in and attempting to get help when I was 10 years old nearly cost me my life, but I knew he had to stop because my dad was dangerous." She goes on, "My brother picked up where my dad left off and he blamed me for the things that my dad did to him. Until the day he died in 2020, my brother made it his life's mission to punish me for what my dad did to him, everything from beating me with a belt and stealing my identity to trying to kill me with a butcher knife." Jessica's healing now. "We all have a story, you are not alone, life is a blank page waiting to be written, it's up to us to decide how we want our story to read. The one thing no one can ever take away from you is what you know and you never know what is possible if you never try."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Lori Golden from San Diego, California, a survivor and a private psychotherapist working with other trauma and abuse survivors. Lori shares, “I am a survivor of incest. My father sexually abused me from the age of 5 to 16. When the sun went down, I was filled with terror, hypervigilance, and waiting. Everything in my room came alive." Lori started using drugs in college at 18 and covered her worthlessness, aloneness and increasing desperation with bulimic exercising, food addiction and drugs, culminating in a suicide attempt at 27. "I am an incest survivor, an addict in Narcotics Anonymous for 33 years as well as Food Addicts Anonymous for 30", she tells us. Her book, 'My House Of Lies; Awakening from a Childhood of Sexual Abuse'.~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Cathleen Pizzutello from Robertsdale, Alabama, born in a New Jersey ghetto to a 15 year old prostitute and heroin addict. Given over to her mentally ill grandmother, her home life was torture with her hateful two sisters and her tortuous mother. "At 17 I moved out with my first room rental," Cathleen explains, "and the married couple's husband raped me. Many photographers approached me to photograph me, often drugging me." That was just the beginning, but now she's better, serving the community. "I dedicate my life to educating the world on the way our government trafficking children through our courts, embassies and Missing and Exploited Bureau. My mother after 63 years of denial reluctantly and privately admitted to not only what I had insisted happened in the family with my great grandfather (in great detail) of incest but also bestiality." Her grandmother was mentally ill. "I thought [she] was my mother, [and she] did regular enemas on me. I remember screaming and crying." At one point Cathleen thought of this as preparation for future abusers. "Occasionally my young mother would come to visit. I would observe furniture throwing and fighting. Grandfather would try to remove me," she says. "One day she invited me and my sisters to ride in her car but said I would have to be blindfolded. It was the last I saw the people I thought were my parents." Now in recovery she says, "It has only been my pursuit of Christ and His Mercy that my sons and I are alive today. I am looking to finish and publish our story."
Tonight's special guest is Nic Grover from Hutto, Texas, who was abused physically, verbally and emotionally by her parents, primarily by her mother. Nic says, "The abuse started when I was 4, until the day I left for college (with my mom). And when it came to my dad, it continued until my early 20s." Diagnosed with PTSD, she recently started therapy. "I don't look at myself as a victim or survivor," Nic explains. "I guess, I don't identify as either. For me, it came down to restoring my faith in Christ, and really growing in my relationship with Him." She goes on, "Because of my abuse I isolated myself a lot and didn't have a lot of friends until I left for undergrad. I never felt valued or loved. For me it came down to writing and allowing myself some form of expression that no one could take away." Like many abused children, Nic survived because she left the area, out of her predators' reach. "I left for college, and for me it meant going 12 hours away from home. I recently started therapy. I was diagnosed with PTSD, and have had a few pretty bad breaks, causing me to reevaluate certain aspects of my life. It wasn't until 2020, when a lot of the world shut down and I finally realized that I couldn't do that anymore. It's a work in progress. It's hard, sometimes seems impossible, but I'm working on myself."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, a survivor of severe child abuse who's now a Minister and Chaplain. She'll appear on the 1st Thursday of each month and is the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story," her story of redemption. In 1997, Michelle writes that she, "..was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. Her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Shannon McGraw Carr from Kingwood, Texas. Her grandfather raped several generations of the family. She was so young when the abuse happened that her early memories are in bits and pieces. But she does recall that, "I was raped in high school and raped again in college, and I do believe that in some way that is related to the fact I was abused by my grandfather. As I stated, my boundaries were all messed up." Shannon explains, "I began the first part of my healing journey when I came out with the rape in college (I was 19 years old) I began therapy and even spoke about date rape for the college." Shannon goes on, "My abuser only liked young children. And my mom did keep us to where we only saw him once or twice a year. When I was raped in college I told my parents and that's when my mom finally came out with what happened with her dad. That's when she told her brothers (she was the only daughter in the family) and from that point we didn't see that side of the family for 25 years." She lived as a ‘victim' for many years, until she was 27. "Then I found the way to recognizing that I could survive this," she says. "Through therapy, EMDR, etc. and speaking to audiences, writing books. I went from surviving to thriving. I began Hopeful Hearts Ministry 9 years ago and we help survivors of abuse find their voice." Still not satisfied, she went back to school. "I have been a Mental Health Peer Specialist for about 4 years now and I've been running the nonprofit for almost 10 years. In helping others, writing books, and speaking about the abuse and the effects have led me to a great amount of peace, forgiveness, and even understanding."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co host will be Dr. Tina Medina from Kansas City, Kansas, sexually molested as a child by her uncle. In recovery, Tina is now a professional writer specializing in public relations, community/media relations, technical and grant writing. "My book series explains how God is capable of healing the wounded spirit of a sexual abuse victim," she says. "The journey to sexual abuse recovery is all about taking tiny steps to release pent up feelings," Tina explains. For her, the spiritual aspect of inner healing is crucial for her full recovery. "My spirit is the essence of me and it needed to be healed in order for me to be creative and fulfilled. Walking those baby steps are huge healing steps because it is our version of walking on water. What was once thought to be impossible is now very much attainable. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Dr. Asa Don Brown, a returning NAASCA family member from Quebec and upstate New York. An author, speaker, and clinical psychologist, it was during his formative years that he endured a number of hardships and personal challenges. Yet, he would not allow these hardships or challenges to prevent him from reaching his ultimate ambitions in life. He's been a featured columnist and an occasional editor for more than 450 publications. Dr. Brown's work has been featured in a variety of professional and popular journals, magazines, and online columns. As someone with an eclectic ethnic background, Dr. Brown has always tried to learn as much as he could about his heritage. As a proud Native American, Dr. Brown appreciated learning about his ancestral lineage. Being born and raised in Oklahoma, his formative years taught him to appreciate the value of human life and life in general. It was during his formative years that he endured a number of hardships and personal challenges. He has a passion for cooking. It is not uncommon for Asa to experiment on his family and friends with new recipes and recipe concepts. He really enjoys spending time with his children in the kitchen teaching and exploring with them the art of cooking. As a clinician, he has frequently recommended cooking as a therapeutic approach to solace, solitude, and comfort. The atmosphere of Asa's kitchen is a place of calmness, cheer, and capable of rejuvenating the inner-person. Dr. Asa Don Brown is the author of Interpersonal Skills in the Workplace, Finding Solutions that Work, Waiting to Live and The Effects of Childhood Trauma on Adult Perception and Worldview, 2008. Dr. Brown is ambitious to complete his first novel by the end of 2021.
Tonight's special guest is Richard Windmann from Fort Worth, Texas, who was sexually abused in Boy Scouts by four leaders who passed him around, by a sex crimes detective who worked on his case who was later jailed himself, and later by the janitor and a priest at a Jesuit high school. Richard's childhood was filled with sexual abuse. "I was a typical mid-city kid." Unbeknownst to his mother the boy scout troop he joined was started by pedophiles and all four of his Boy Scout leaders raped him. Men would fly in from out of town to have sex with me. It was two years before detectives would find this pedophile ring. Then he contacted two police officers and one told him not to call back. "As a kid I did not know to call the District Attorney," he explains. "Then the sex crimes detective also raped me and scarred me by showing me a picture of a dead teen. I was then called in to a court case against this sex crimes detective. The court found that my testimony was believed over the detective's testimony." Richard stays busy helping others. "I find my healing through helping others find their voice," he says. "I am the president of a group which helps adult survivors of child abuse try to get justice and tell their story. The name of the organization is 'Survivors of Childhood Sex Abuse'." SCSA is an advocacy and support group for victims and survivors of childhood sex abuse. They offer resources and support free of charge to victims and survivors. The mission of Survivors of Childhood Sex Abuse is to empower victims to become survivors and thrive. "Through understanding, empathy, education and advocacy, we support you and your loved ones in your healing journey," he says. "We will listen to you, believe you, and we support you."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Angela Maskevich from Childproof America, where the mission is to educate, equip and empower America's parents in the protection and defense of their children, and improve the quality of aid to impacted families. As advocates, they provide legislative pathways for concerned Americans to enforce harsh penalties to those violating the innocence of our children. The vision is to have a community free of sex trafficking where evildoers know they are not welcome and our children are safe. Angela pursued her degrees in criminal justice and psychology with the goal of ending human trafficking and heal those affected. She also volunteered as a Sexual Assault Advocate, assisting those affected by sexual assault find a safe space in their healing journey. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Dianna Bellerose from Los Angeles, California, originally from Bulgaria, who was physically and emotionally abused by her father. "I remember one time when I lied that I would be at a friend's house and went to see a movie," she says. "I saw him coming towards us, and I started shaking. He approached us and grabbed me by the hand and started to kick me in front of everyone. I fell on my face and when we got home, he spanked me to the point where I could not sit for a long time." In adulthood, Dianna repeated her mother's mistake. "I got in a relationship with the someone who treated me the same as my dad. I could not stand any of the abuse. My healing journey has started after my abusive relationship ended." She goes on, "I started to help victims of abuse and domestic violence in 2008 with my first book, 'Fire and Ice', which is based on my life experiences." She's now become an activist. "I felt the freedom and relaxation of my body and soul. Staying away from a toxic environment is the key to healing and rebuilding yourself." Being in recovery's great. "Right now, I feel so good, no matter what, thankfully I am given the strength to cope with everything. I have never felt so strong and confident in my life, and I am not afraid of anything that life throws my way. Every time I am able to overcome something, I am capable of conquering even the scariest things." Dianna stays busy. "I share with victims and tell them never allow yourself to be treated with disrespect and made to doubt your opinion, who you are and what is right for you. Do not settle for anything less than love and respect."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Natasha Mason from East Haven, Connecticut, who reports, "The abuse began when I was about 5 years old by my mother's boyfriend/current ex-husband." She explains, "I basically wore a mask when I was home, I went with the flow of how things went at home. Most of the time I was in my room or I would spend the weekend at my grandmother house whenever I could and occasionally go outside. As time went on the physical abuse began. I was afraid at night, especially the nights that he drank because I didn't know what to expect when he came in. I did not get out of the abuse until I was 28 years old." Natasha gives more detail in her book, 'The Secret Everyone Knew'. "There were times I was depressed. I tried to commit suicide twice. I had low self-esteem and I did not like myself. I had a feeling that if I didn’t leave he would kill me. A week before I left he had come in one night and he had been drinking and he was threatening me with a weight. Then he said, 'I’m scared of what I’m going to do to you'.” She believed him. "My healing journey began when I started going to a support group for domestic violence. From there I had the desire to share my story, I begin going to domestic violence conferences and started writing my book. The purpose for writing my book was to let those that have experienced what I have that know that they were not alone." Natasha considers herself a work in progress in some areas. "I know some areas of recovery may take longer than others. I have peace within myself, but I still think about children that have gone through abuse and are adults now and I think about the children that are still going through and I pray for them."
Tonight's special guest is Lang Martinez from Oxnard, California, who was violently and sexually abused as a teenager in Los Angeles. He was often seduced with cocaine and forced to perform sexual acts while underage. He also became a cocaine dealer inside a network of nightclubs and homes for Hollywood's Elite. Throughout his entire adult life, Lang has been trapped inside a life filled with risky behavior, drug addiction, imprisonment, and homelessness. He's had moments in his life where he managed to legitimatize himself with a career and family, only to destroy it all with his addiction and criminal-minded activity. Today, Lang is recovering from a serious methamphetamine addiction that left him homeless and dead on the streets of Oxnard, California. During his recovery, he found the energy to fight and advocate for better homeless services in Ventura County while struggling for his own stability as he continues to reach out to help others and essentially help himself become a better person in the process. Lang is a freak of nature; a street pariah with nine lives. His wealth of knowledge comes from his lived experience through imprisonments, hospital stays, and mental health services. Unfortunately, the sexual abuse and allegations made by his perpetrator severely wounded his brilliant mind. His life of crime, addiction, and homelessness leaves him in a category of degenerates and undesirable found on skid row in Los Angeles. Nonetheless, Lang is purposefully and quickly trying to reinvent himself so he can help others who are victims of child sexual abuse. He’s learning along the way as he tries to heal himself by becoming stable and a respected member of society.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host will be Nissi Hamilton from Houston, Texas, was born to an adolescent mother who had herself been sexually trafficked by extended family members from 11 to 13. "When I was born I was left in the hospital," she says. "Where I was born is still a mystery to me still to this day." In foster care Nissi was abused starting at 14. "I was considered aged out foster care," she reports. "I lived in an empty apartment owned by housing authorities until I was officially kicked off of the property. At 15, I was homeless, no family, no food, no shelter and no one to call mom." But, "Today, I am a proud activist, motivational speaker, coach and life style influencer." Nissi goes on, "I teach young girls and woman how to not come into agreement with the spirit of poverty. Human trafficking is a type of poverty that requires a demonic contract." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Elaine Crocker from Fredericksburg, Virginia, who was sexually abused in her family starting at about 5 years old, as well as being raped later by neighborhood boys at 11. She says, "I experienced drug addiction for about 10 years, I would say that I am hyper vigilant, I don't trust easily, I'm very careful about my interactions with men. I have been in therapy in the past for short periods at a time. I am writing my autobiography and felt that therapy wouldn't hurt as I writing about things that bring up feeling and thoughts, so I am beginning therapy again. "She goes on, "My journey started with drug rehab, I had to get off the drugs first and foremost. In rehab I began to get counseling and opened up about my experiences with sexual abuse. Talking about it was helpful. After rehab I was very involved in the Narcotics and Alcohol Anonymous program, where I was able to share and hear other people's stories and healing process which helped me tremendously in getting my life on track." Elaine explains that she's much better now. "For the most part I am at peace, my life is calm and quiet, I have a few close confidants, my faith in God sustains me more than anything else. I volunteer with RCASA (Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault), I've spoken on panels for them, I was involved in some SAAM online events, I work on their online Support Group." What does she now know? "First, it was not my fault. I carried blame and shame that did not belong to me. The road to recovery is long but worth it. Tell, tell, tell. Seek/accept help. I was a victim but I am a survivor. Yet I Stand!"
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co host will be Sharyn Higdon Jones, a licensed psychotherapist for over 35 years with individuals, couples and families who have experienced the trauma of abuse. In her words: “The pain of being sexually abused is deep and profound. The abuse experience touches the core of a woman's being in ways she could never have predicted. She has been violated on so many levels." Sharyn is also the author of the book 'Healing Steps; a Gentle Path to Recovery for Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse,' written in a workbook format with exercises. Sharyn says, “Healing Steps is a perfect step-by-step process that evolved out of groups of women molested as children. It is the perfect format either to be facilitated by a mental health professional or could be used as a guide in a peer support group.” ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Talia Fletcher from Clemson, South Carolina, who was abused by both her father and mother. "I am in a better place emotionally than I have ever been in my life," she says now. "I am still conflicted, as my brain tries to keep me in the same abusive programming. It is a daily struggle of being aware of what I am thinking so that I can catch myself when I start falling into that old programming. There are layers and layers of pain that I am working through, and probably will continue to work through for the rest of my life." Some of what she does is writing. "I left business coaching and started to focus on my blog. I wasn’t sure what it morphs into (still not sure, but it is out there), but I have heard from people that it has helped them, and that I have helped them. Finally, I really feel like I am helping people." Recovery is satisfying to Talia. "I am helping by telling my story. I hope it encourages others to tell their stories. There are differences in everyone’s story, but there are commonalities too. We no longer need to stand or feel alone. What happened to you, to me, changed the way our brains developed. The neural pathways that were created during our childhood abuse were designed to protect us. But we don’t have to stay in that survival mode. It is possible to retrain our brains.
Tonight's special guest is Brenda Crompton from Toronto, Ontario, a physical and emotional abuse survivor who suffered both at home and in foster care. Her schizophrenic mother burned her as an infant and beat her when she was 3-4. Brenda was taken by children's aid on her 8th birthday. "The abuse made me feel powerlessness, confusion, not understanding why other kids did not get beaten," she says, "not understanding why this was happening to me, not understanding why everyone in my life (except my dad) hated me." After many years of adult trauma, Brenda now shares her story as an activist. "I have received lots of therapy of different types (talk, cognitive, energy, EDMR, neurofeedback to stop being in fight/flight, biofeedback (to calm my physiology), somatic healing, inner child work. I had lots of emotions trapped in my body, showing up as illnesses not front language-based trauma, still have flashbacks of people hitting me but far less common now. For a long time, I would collect blame from others, like stepping in front of a business topic 'bullet' and take the blame. Until I realized what I was really doing and that I don't deserve that, so I don't do that anymore." Brenda further explains, "As children we are incredibly resilient and need to first do whatever we need to do so that we can survive the trauma, and then trust ourselves and give ourselves permission to let go of the trauma. We need to each out for help, it's a sign of strength. The importance of forgiveness, not for them who wronged us, the forgiveness is for ourselves." Brenda is active in the survivor community. "I am writing my book and I have spoken to groups as large as 250 people about my story of trauma and how to create a wonderful life after it."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Dr Jaime Romo from San Diego, California, an educator, consultant, author, and Commissioned Minister, who promotes healing from abuse and the prevention of child sexual abuse, particularly abuse by religious authorities or in the context of religious settings. A workbook he wrote, Healing the Sexually Abused Heart: A Workbook for Survivors, Thrivers, and Supporters, is an integration of various disciplines that led Jaime to become a certified Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) facilitator. Jaime explains, “While it is no secret that I am a survivor of clergy abuse, it is the journey of integration, transformation and application that is most telling about my accomplishments and the life that I celebrate.” Please visit his website: http://www.jaimeromo.org. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Allen Vandever, a returning NAASCA family member from Chicago, Illinois. Allen is a contemporary artist who's turning the tragic stories of his youth into his life's passion. "I wake up every morning and open up a coffee shop [joined by his wife Dawn] where unexpected people walk in to get a free cup of coffee,” Allen explains. "We talk to them about the epidemic of child sexual abuse. We give them flyers with information." Many sign up for their newsletter. Childhood Fractured is a non-profit humanities-based human rights initiative centered on preventing the sexual abuse and exploitation of children, through contemporary art. Allen explains, "Our initiative operates on a multitude of levels to best foster civic engagement. We bring up our mission in an upbeat way. We are proud we are survivors and even more proud of what we are doing. Instead of the dark clouds that normally come into the room when this subject is brought up, the sun shines on all of us and we are able to talk about one of the worst things in the world and have a smile on our face and flaming passion in our souls." He goes on, "When there are no customers, we have a whole team making art, writing books, reaching out to sponsors, writing grants, and working on social media, prevention, awareness, and educational programs. Our big goal is getting survivors to become activist warriors for children's rights. As children, we had no voice. As adults and as survivors, we have a voice, and united we can change things and we will fight for children's rights to not be molested, to not be abused, to not have their innocence stripped away from them."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Lori Golden from San Diego, California, a survivor and a private psychotherapist working with other trauma and abuse survivors. Lori shares, “I am a survivor of incest. My father sexually abused me from the age of 5 to 16. When the sun went down, I was filled with terror, hypervigilance, and waiting. Everything in my room came alive." Lori started using drugs in college at 18 and covered her worthlessness, aloneness and increasing desperation with bulimic exercising, food addiction and drugs, culminating in a suicide attempt at 27. "I am an incest survivor, an addict in Narcotics Anonymous for 33 years as well as Food Addicts Anonymous for 30", she tells us. Her book, 'My House Of Lies; Awakening from a Childhood of Sexual Abuse'. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Becky Ianni from Burke, Virginia, a victim of childhood sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. "In 1965, when I was 8, a newly ordained priest, Father Reinecke, joined our parish," she says. Father Reinecke used this trust and love to sexually abuse me. I think this is one of the aspects of being abused that hurts the most. He was my friend, my own personal representative of God and he betrayed me. "Father Reinecke abused me in my own basement and in the vestry of the church. I never told anyone as a child. His sexual abuse made me feel dirty and at fault. It was implied that if I told anyone God would be mad at me and I would go to hell." She got help instead. "I was in a very dark place. Another victim of my perpetrator suggested I contact SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests). I called SNAP and that phone call changed my life. I began to go to their support groups and by listening to others stories I began to heal. I was in therapy for 8 years and my therapist gave me many tools to help me help myself." Becky goes on, "As I got stronger, I began to volunteer with SNAP. I have answered the helpline, helped organized our national conference, trained other leaders and have been a board member for the past 5 years." Becky's message is clear, "My support to those just starting their journey is that there is hope. Your journey is yours alone and everybody's path to healing is unique. I am here to support you. You are not alone. It wasn't your fault and I believe you."
Tonight's special guest is Keith Hoerner from Murphysboro, Illinois, who had 11 siblings. Two of them, including Keith, were 'Targeted Children', selected by their mother for severe physical and mental abuse. "My childhood, witnessing my sister getting abused, and in turn—myself—was the baseline for all known memory as a child," Keith explains. "This led me to alcoholism and a diagnosis of PTSD. But I proved resilient: growing relatively strong though on a withering branch. The abuse never ends; survivors learn to manage it." He's an author now whose latest book is a memoir, 'The Day the Sky Broke Open'. "My childhood, witnessing my sister getting abused, and in turn myself, was the baseline for all known memory as a child; this led me to alcoholism and a diagnosis of PTSD," he says. "But I proved resilient: growing relatively strong though on a withering branch. The abuse never ends; survivors learn to manage it. I have been in and out of therapy my whole life. I am now 59 and do see a psychiatrist still, but mainly to oversee/manage my medications. Healing through writing has been key to my health in all ways. I learned that my only 'escape' was to forgive; this was not to accept the abuse as justifiable in any way, but to not allow her to own/hold my heart anymore." Keith's live is better now. "My wife and I celebrate 30 years of marriage in four months, no children. I published a memoir / novella after getting my MFA entitled 'Missing the Mark', which spoke to my abuse. At the encouragement of readers who 'wanted more,' just last month Adelaide Books in New York published a novel-length memoir of my story: 'The Day the Sky Broke Open.'"
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest is Dr. Lena G. Clark from Alpharetta, Georgia, a Domestic Violence survivor, coach and author. She's an expert in the area of mental health. "My abuse was domestic abuse by my husband," she explains, "who committed suicide after being diagnosed with depression and schizophrenia." She goes on, "I started my healing journey a couple of years after my husband's death. I started writing my book, entitled 'An Amazing Mind'. Lena is now at peace. "I assist others by coaching and mentoring. Currently, I'm a Mindset Coach and I have a Ph.D. in mental health care." Lena regularly speaks at various groups, churches and schools. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Amber DeAnn from Reno, Nevada, who was emotionally and physically abused by her mother from birth. It didn't let up until Amber went off to college. "The mental putdowns and the emotional belittling left me feeling worthless, and helpless which grew into constant anger and hate of my Mom and a strange financial codependency," she says. "I lost all connection to who I was, what I wanted, what I liked. It was like living in a dark cave with no opportunity to see or walk in the light of day and feel happy." Today she's much better, succeeding as a Coach! “'I can't cope with life' was the message from my parents and so when Mom was in an angry state about her life she would beat me and emotionally belittle me. My Dad and brother just ignored me. The abuse started when I was born though I don't remember much about it and the emotional putdown lasted until Mom died when I was in my mid 40's." There have been many repercussions. "Currently I'm recovering from PTSD, scoliosis, and fibromyalgia which developed from my trauma, beatings, and inner emotional conflict about my value. I found spirituality through a 12 step program when I was in my 30's and that program forced me to be honest about my feelings toward my parents, my revenge actions, my buried self-image, self-respect issues." Amber goes on, "I believe it is essential for us survivors to identify our imprints (accepting the mindset, habits and lifestyle patterns of our caregivers) and learn how to shift them so we can feel worthwhile, have fun and lead a life of creating as explained in Law of Attraction."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co host will be Dr. Tina Medina from Kansas City, Kansas, sexually molested as a child by her uncle. In recovery, Tina is now a professional writer specializing in public relations, community/media relations, technical and grant writing. "My book series explains how God is capable of healing the wounded spirit of a sexual abuse victim," she says. Tina has been developing counselor's guides. She began her healing with the help of the Pentecostal Church in 1998. "The journey to sexual abuse recovery is all about taking tiny steps to release pent up feelings," Tina explains. "My spirit is the essence of me and it needed to be healed in order for me to be creative and fulfilled. What was once thought to be impossible is now very much attainable". ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Michelle Bond from Mansfield, Ohio, who grew up a latchkey kid but unfortunately she and her twin were left to the mercy of their older brother. He abused them mentally, physically, and verbally. "The abuse lasted 28 years in my family," she says, "even though my social worker knew about the abuse from my brother was continuing to abuse me. I felt scared and fearful of my brother. I felt shame and helplessness. This pain caused me to act out as well." Michelle offers a free book entitled 'Mind, Body, Soul, Survivor'. "I was attacked when I was 20-year-old by a woman and man with a knife in an empty apartment. After the attack and tempted rape, I began seeing a trauma informed therapist," she says. "I have been in therapy all my life. I currently see a therapist for PTSD. I am disabled because of the PTSD. I am working part-time and now have a non-profit. It’s a website blog that has my book for free." Michelle explains, "I still have flashbacks, anxiety, but time has tamped down fear and I use grounding techniques such as phoning a friend. I'm a life-long learner about myself through therapy and spent 5-6 years of nursing to achieve a BSN. I was an Army National Guard in Ohio for 6 years." She concludes, "Speak about your trauma to heal which will cause you to shine. Report and don’t wait any child abuse as an adult. Check on Statute of Limitations and report to police to make society aware of the statistics."
SPECIAL SHOW -- Tonight's special co-host, Dr. Debra Warner, Psy.D., is a long time and engaged NAASCA family member who's a Los Angeles based Forensic Psychologist and a professor at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She'll help lead tonight's discussion. Dr. Deb will be with us to do this episode about The SCRIPT Conference (full disclosure, NAASCA is an annual partner in The SCRIPT Conference!!). SCRIPT is a FREE two-day-long annual event that will be held in mid July via ZOOM, in much the same way the normally in-person event was held last year. She'll be joined by several others, including some of her student SCRIPT volunteers and perhaps some of the SCRIPT presenters. An educator and violence prevention expert, Dr. Deb is author of the book 'His History, Her Story: a survival guide for spouses of male survivors of sexual abuse and trauma', which is available through her web site at DrDebraWarner.net. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, a survivor of severe child abuse who's now a Minister and Chaplain. She'll appear on the 1st Thursday of each month and is the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story," her story of redemption. In 1997, Michelle writes that she, "..was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. Her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Victoria Kelly from Minneapolis, Minnesota, a returning guest. She's a child abuse survivor and long-time NAASCA family member / volunteer. Victoria was abused almost from birth in nearly every way imaginable. She was sexually assaulted starting as a baby .. an experience that was repeated by numerous predators and perpetrators and went on and on. In addition her alcoholic father beat both Victoria and her mother. But Victoria thought that was simply what happened to a child and a woman when they happened to be living on the wrong side of the tracks. She became reclusive and withdrawn, and there was little justice meted out to any of Victoria's predators. Early on she began to disassociate, a condition that was later in life diagnosed as MPD (Multiple Personality Disorder), now known as DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder). Victoria eventually spent years going in and out of mental hospitals, where she actually was grateful. At least the staff was kind and helpful. "I went to a wonderful psychiatrist and she help me for 13 years with MPD / the ID." She began drinking at an early age but sobered up with help from a 12 step group. Her sexual promiscuity led her to numerous bad adult relationships. It took a long time to find the right therapist and path to recovery but now she's integrated and years ago things finally started to come together. Life's still not perfect but now she's active helping the struggling. Among other things, Victoria works to end domestic and sexual violence. She attends support groups, speaks out at rallies and conferences, supports police, volunteers at shelters, and works directly with women and children to get their basic needs filled: food shelter and clothing.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Bill Murray from Los Angeles, our founder. Bill's recovery is 12 Step-based and spans some 3 and a half decades. Sexually abused by numerous clerics, all men, between the ages of 11 and mid-way through high school, a minor seminary, he was also the victim of pre-pubescent ography and even a two week kidnapping. Bill was graced to have found Alcoholics Anonymous when he was 30 years old. The program not only helped him get clean and sober but also gave him a place to give up his secrets, and the tools by which he's recovered. He firmly believes one can use the 12 Step process to heal from child abuse trauma and to find a way to a comfortable life. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Dr. Lena G. Clark from Alpharetta, Georgia, a Domestic Violence survivor, coach and author. She has two sisters, and is the mother of four beautiful children. "My abuse was domestic abuse by my husband," she explains, "who committed suicide after being diagnosed with depression and schizophrenia." She goes on, "Often I was verbally and emotionally abused due to his sickness. I would often experience my husband going through tremendous mood swings. I was able to get away from my husband after he passed." Today she considers herself healed from her negative feelings. "I started my healing journey a couple of years after my husband's death. I started writing my book, entitled 'An Amazing Mind'. Lena is now at peace. She says, "I assist others by coaching and mentoring. Currently, I'm a Mindset Coach and I have a Ph.D. in mental health care." As author of 'An Amazing Mind', she speaks at various groups, churches and schools. A reader on Amazon describes the book saying, 'This is one of the most heartfelt books I have read. Lena's takes you on her journey of love, frustration, pain, and the infinite love of God as she tells you her story. Her words illuminate strength and the courage to reach out to others who may be struggling trying to understand a major mental health issue such as suicide. I feel her passion and respect the work she has done to bring this issue to the forefront.'
Tonight's special guest is Jessica Wesley from Houston, Texas, a survivor of child abuse who grew up in Christian Science. "My mother was neglectful and abusive because of her mental illness and alcoholism. I blamed myself for my situations and felt all of it was my fault," she says, "especially when my parents divorced when I was fifteen. I then began to mask the overwhelming pain with drugs and alcohol." After her father died, Jessica began to seek out the attention of men to fill the emptiness that drugs and alcohol could not satisfy. "I was high every day, XTC, cocaine, LSD, marijuana, alcohol. I would stop at nothing to mask the pain and feel 'normal'. My mom started drinking alcoholically to cope with the divorce." Trying to support her alcoholic mother and a younger brother, Jessica found work as a waitress. A friend told her about a job at a local gentlemen's club. "I stayed for 10 years." Jessica became a blackout drinker and cocaine user. One night she woke up in the wee hours of the morning and found she had been sleeping on a pool table. "That whole day I was unable to keep any food or water down. Almost like my body was purging itself." She goes on, "I drove myself to the emergency room. Dehydrated and desperate for it to all end I felt my body shutting down and feared the worst." It was perhaps the best decision Jessica ever made. "It was there in the hospital that my life changed forever. I knew at that moment I had met my Savior and experienced God's amazing power of healing immediately. The old life was dead and I was made a new." It was a life changing experience. "I was transformed, fully restored, redeemed." After intense Christian counseling she's much better. "I now work with women and strippers to come out of that lifestyle."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host will be Nissi Hamilton from Houston, Texas, was born to an adolescent mother who had herself been sexually trafficked by extended family members from 11 to 13. "When I was born I was left in the hospital," she says. "Where I was born is still a mystery to me still to this day." In foster care Nissi was abused starting at 14. "I was considered aged out foster care," she reports. "I lived in an empty apartment owned by housing authorities until I was officially kicked off of the property. At 15, I was homeless, no family, no food, no shelter and no one to call mom." But, "Today, I am a proud activist, motivational speaker, coach and life style influencer." Nissi goes on, "I teach young girls and woman how to not come into agreement with the spirit of poverty. Human trafficking is a type of poverty that requires a demonic contract." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Benjamin Duveneck from Pewaukee, Wisconson, who was introduced to sexual life through one of his older brothers. "I was separated from my brothers and parents, put into foster care at the age of 2 because of abuse and neglect," he explains. "I would go back and forth between my biological mom and foster mom and at the age of 6-8 is when my eldest brother started exposing me to himself and masturbation. Not to mention my mom would have various partners she would frequently have sex with openly."All of this wasn't easy. "I believe as a result hidden depression and anxiety were just symptoms of the underlying issue of feeling not good enough, less than, guilt and shame and unresolved grief for lost time. I battled sharing my heart and authentic experience with others and masking the pain because it would otherwise become such a distraction that I would feel I couldn't maintain my status or be perceived as normal. It was very deep." He bounced around a lot. "I went to 3 different high schools, asked to leave all of them, and 5 different colleges, therapy, counseling, a therapeutic boarding school and even military school. I consider myself a survivor, overcomer and victorious despite challenges. I am a lifelong learner, continuing to stay immersed in positive transformation to achieve success in every area of life. I have a personal life coach, support groups and I am constantly working to master what I learn and share it with others." Things are looking up. "I currently feel joy, hope, tremendous gratitude (which is authentically what I felt all along, but never seemed to be able to share with others because it would hit me so hard with grief) I feel free, and courageous, and a lot happier."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Simon David from Chicago, Illinois. His mother was his early perpetrator, starting the sexual abuse when Simon was 5. "It ended at age 12," he says. "Therefore, I was and am, a survivor of incest." He further explains, "My life was quite awful, as I used to feel very shamed about my body throughout the incest. I felt awkward with myself and didn't know why. In addition, I was ashamed of Mother being so ill-appearing (alcoholism), that I could not bring any friends over to play. I felt ashamed, humiliated, afraid, unsure, tense, worried, anger, confusion and terrified." Simon still works on problems. "I presently deal with many both physical and mental health issues. Many feelings are present as I deal with numerous health matters. My very first 1-1 therapy started when I began to work full time, right after college. I have been on-and-off therapy since then, depending on the availability and financial cost. I am recently back in therapy." It's gotten better. "I could say my healing journey truly started when I started therapy in my early 20s; however, I would say it started after 3 full years of therapy, when I recalled my 1st incest memory and shared it with the social worker. But this was stunted due to the serious blunder that the therapist made when he invalidated my shared memory of my mom's act, by saying that I “fabricated” it with my vivid imagination. This delayed my dealing with the memories for 12 years!" Simon concludes, "I plan to become a public speaker specifically about this topic. I have written two personal short stories about myself, bringing to the surface, some of the many effects on me from the early incest experiences."
Tonight's special guest is Michelle Goetsch from Los Angeles, California, a child abuse survivor who shares that she was 6 years old the first time saw semen. "My step-father took off my underwear," she says, "rubbed his penis against me and masturbated until ejaculation." Michelle goes on, "I was isolated as the abuse progressed to daily molestation. By the age of 10, I was severely depressed. I prayed that God would take me in my sleep. She says, "We moved to Oregon; and, for a couple years, lived far off the grid. I was isolated as the abuse progressed to daily molestation. By the age of 10, I was severely depressed. When I was 11, Children's Services came to my school to interview me, but I denied abuse out of fear. Later, after my step-father was arrested for beating my mother (again) a doctor suspected I had been abused. I nervously acknowledged the 5 years of daily abuse." She's getting better now. "My healing journey began when I was given the opportunity to put him in jail long term, and keep him from abusing another child. My testimony in court led to a conviction of 1st degree Child Molestation, Sodomy and 1st degree Rape of a child under 12. I've been in therapy at different times throughout my life; and, upon discussing my childhood, have been told that my mental health is remarkable. Yet, I have made many unhealthy life choices that (in retrospect) were definitely driven by the abuse." As Michelle says, "The abuse need not define us. However, we neither can, nor should, pretend it isn't part of who we are. Only by embracing all parts of ourselves can we truly heal and have anything to bring to the table."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Dr Jaime Romo from San Diego, California, an educator, consultant, author, and Commissioned Minister, who promotes healing from abuse and the prevention of child sexual abuse, particularly abuse by religious authorities or in the context of religious settings. A workbook he wrote, Healing the Sexually Abused Heart: A Workbook for Survivors, Thrivers, and Supporters, is an integration of various disciplines that led Jaime to become a certified Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) facilitator. Jaime explains, “While it is no secret that I am a survivor of clergy abuse, it is the journey of integration, transformation and application that is most telling about my accomplishments and the life that I celebrate.” Please visit his website: http://www.jaimeromo.org. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Stacey Blanchet from San Diego, California, sexually abused by her uncle who's now an activist and an author. In her mid 20s she became a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for Foster youth, working in the court system with at-risk kids. She later put together a documentary, 'The Journey to Myself', all about her life. Stacey has shared her written story as well. Her teaches us how important it is to believe in ourselves, no matter what, and as Stacey puts it in the documentary "to be a work in progress" until the day she dies. "I was 11 years old and it was my uncle on my dad's side," she says. "I was staying the summer in Montana with my aunt and uncle. It was a very confusing and frightening time as I did not understand what my uncle was doing and I was scared of him coming into my room. It lasted almost nightly for two months. He would come into my room and wake me up and have me watch him while he was touching me." That was a while ago. "I am almost 40 years removed from that time period in my life. It has been therapy and love of friends and family and actually dealing with my uncle in the court process as I fought back when I was 19 years old and saw my justice." Stacey explains, "I believe it is very important to fight for the victim. If nobody will fight for you, you will need to and as hard as it would be, you need to cut yourself lose from the family or situation that this person who has hurt you (in some cases they killed the person you could have been) and build a new life. Learn to love change."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co host will be Sharyn Higdon Jones, a licensed psychotherapist for over 35 years with individuals, couples and families who have experienced the trauma of abuse. In her words: “The pain of being sexually abused is deep and profound. The abuse experience touches the core of a woman's being in ways she could never have predicted. She has been violated on so many levels." Sharyn is also the author of the book 'Healing Steps; a Gentle Path to Recovery for Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse,' written in a workbook format with exercises. Sharyn says, “Healing Steps is a perfect step-by-step process that evolved out of groups of women molested as children. It is the perfect format either to be facilitated by a mental health professional or could be used as a guide in a peer support group.” ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is John Anderson from River Ridge, Louisiana, a child abuse survivor and cofounder of SCSA (Survivors of Childhood Sex Abuse). "My abuse started at the age of nine at St. Matthew in River Ridge, Louisiana," he explains. "It continued for three weeks in class in front of other students. I was threatened and scared. My friends saw Brignac abusing me with their own eyes. So did many other students. They would climb on top of garbage cans to watch him through the windows in the hall. It took the help of one of the witnesses to tell my parents. I couldn't." John goes on, "I started breaking down. My life would never be the same. 6 different schools later I barely graduated. My mother was in her third trimester with my brother while trying to convict George Brignac. We had him arrested and with a bench trial Brignac was acquitted for the reasons of conspiring to expose his celibacy. I had two witnesses. Brignac is the Louisiana's most prolific rapist, managed to get 26 victims after me. I was the first." Today he's getting better. "I do suffer extensive damage physically and mentally. C-PTSD, fibromyalgia, permanent nerve damage, depression and anxiety. I have been going to doctors since I was 10. Today I am disabled, but help run www.scsaorg.org as Vice President and co-founder with two other New Orleans survivors. I use my experience of 45 years to help any and all victims." John is happier now, "I am a musician on Facebook where I play songs of healing daily. I have been seen in Sports Illustrated, Big Easy New Orleans magazine, NOLA.com, and the NO Advocate newspaper, as well as our local TV station here in New Orleans."
Tonight's special guest is Lavinia Masters from Dallas, Texas, whose mother divorced her father when she was 2 months old. "My childhood sexual abuse had to start at an early age, before 5 years of age," she says. "I do not remember who the abuser or abusers were because the memories did not return into my late 30's after I started advocating for victims and the rape-kit backlog," explaining, "I was brutally raped at the age of 13 years old by a stranger that broke into our home." She also has a book: 'Breathe Again'. "I was very angry and bitter to the point that I trusted no one. I do not remember getting away from my abuser, I just remember that when we moved to Dallas that I stop having bed wetting accidents and the I have better memories since the age of 7 years old. When it comes to the rape, I held that fear of that stranger for over a decade as he told me that he knew me and my family and he would come back and kill me if he saw the police come out." She goes on, "I am now an outspoken advocate for victims of sexual violence and abuse as well as the rape kit back log of which a law was named after me here in the State of Texas, HB THE LAVINIA MASTERS ACT. I have also started the Hope S.A.V.E.S. Ministry - www.hopesavesminisrtry.org - that empowers victims to find and use their voices through resources, programs and various initiatives and collaborations." Lavinia's spiritual life helps. "I believe that God gives us all the power to live above our abuse with powers given to us and one of the greatest powers is our voice."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host is Dr. Lena G. Clark from Alpharetta, Georgia, a Domestic Violence survivor, coach and author. She's an expert in the area of mental health. "My abuse was domestic abuse by my husband," she explains, "who committed suicide after being diagnosed with depression and schizophrenia." She goes on, "I started my healing journey a couple of years after my husband's death. I started writing my book, entitled 'An Amazing Mind'. Lena is now at peace. "I assist others by coaching and mentoring. Currently, I'm a Mindset Coach and I have a Ph.D. in mental health care." Lean regularly speaks at various groups, churches and schools. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Jane Epstein from San Mateo, California, an activist now whose sexual abuse began when she was six years old. "My brother, my abuser," she explains, "was 12 when it started. The sexual abuse went on and off for six years." She goes on, "I have been in and out of therapy most of my life. It started when my parents got divorced, but the sexual abuse did not come up until I was severely depressed at age 45." Negative effects still linger and she can't be intimate. Jane explains, "My father was a public-school psychologist, and my mother was an elementary school teacher. I had two older siblings, brothers. One was four years older, the other, six years older than me. I honestly did not realize I was being sexually abused. He left when I was 12. And what he left behind was a child who desired sexual touch and had nowhere to get it, so I became obsessed with having boyfriends." She continues, "One day I woke up in a pool of depression, and I did not understand why. My life looked perfect from the outside. Two kids, a stay-at-home mom in a nice neighborhood, but I wanted to die. I made a conscious decision to quit drinking alcohol and turn over everything in my life by journaling from the very beginning. It was there I discovered the answers and understood why my life was so out of order." Jane is better now. "I am healthy, no longer in therapy or depressed. I am now on a mission to be an advocate for sibling sexual abuse survivors and prevention and awareness. I am reaching out to the media any way I can to bring about awareness to this silent epidemic."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Lori Golden from San Diego, California, a survivor and a private psychotherapist working with other trauma and abuse survivors. Lori shares, “I am a survivor of incest. My father sexually abused me from the age of 5 to 16. When the sun went down, I was filled with terror, hypervigilance, and waiting. Everything in my room came alive." Lori started using drugs in college at 18 and covered her worthlessness, aloneness and increasing desperation with bulimic exercising, food addiction and drugs, culminating in a suicide attempt at 27. "I am an incest survivor, an addict in Narcotics Anonymous for 33 years as well as Food Addicts Anonymous for 30", she tells us. Her book, 'My House Of Lies; Awakening from a Childhood of Sexual Abuse'. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Alisa Starr from Seattle, Washington, who was molested at 13 by a 22-year-old family friend. It lasted for 9 months. "It was the first time a boy had had feelings for me Alisa says, "so at first I felt flattered. But there was shame and secrecy in the 'relationship'." She goes on, "My abuser wanted to marry me. Promising to marry someone at 13 quickly lost its luster. And he was an emotional succubus. I ended our relationship after 9 months." But that wasn't the end of it. "He stalked me. And then started to molest my sister." Their abuser went to jail for molesting them .. for 11 months. "When he got out, he continued to stalk my sister and I. He moved his work to 2 blocks away from us. He called our house. He was in a wedding with my brother. He was still friends with my father. I wasn't free of him until I was 19." Alisa goes on, "I've had 20 years of therapy. I had flashbacks, anxiety, panic attacks and depression. I don't have those feelings anymore. I started therapy at 17. I went to group therapy, worked The Courage to Heal and continue with therapy until today. I've helped other survivors through their flashbacks, new relationships, panic attacks and depression. I'm also writing a book called 'What To Do After Your Kid Is Sexually Attacked: A Handbook', and I've written greeting cards on healing and how to heal." She concludes, "You can't undo the trauma of a sexual attack. But you can love someone through their trauma and accept all of their feelings and stories as they try to recover. Loving them will help heal them. Creating a network of support around abuse survivors and their families is the most important part of recovery."
Tonight's special guest is Brian Toale from New York City, NY, who grew up in a middle-class suburban Catholic family on Long Island. He explains, "I went to Catholic School through high school, where I was sexually abused by the Amateur Radio Club's moderator for most of my senior year." Brian goes on, "Senior Year is supposed to be a time of college preparation and has far-reaching effects on one's future career and life, especially in an elite private school like mine." He explains, "Because I was being sexually abused during this time and spent that year trying to emotionally survive living with the abuse, terrified anyone would find out, I was crippled instead of prepared for my life after graduation." There were many unexpected consequences. "I spent the next 20 years crashing and burning at anything I tried to do to redeem myself in my own eyes, without ever once thinking the abuse had anything to do with my failure at living. After 13 years of marriage, a career that resulted from finally holding a job for a reasonable length of time, and a five-year-old daughter, I hit my worst bottom ever and entered 12 Step Recovery and started therapy." Brian's better now. "I reached a turning point almost five years ago when I sent a letter to my former high school's current administration, the Bishop, and law enforcement to report the abuse and its effects on my life. It was a symbolic giving back the shame I had carried on my back for 45 years to the institution that hadn't kept me safe. That simple act changed my life and started me on a road of advocacy that included lobbying for the NY Child Victims Act, speaking at press conferences, creating a personal website and blog, and becoming a SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests) Leader in Manhattan, NY."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, a survivor of severe child abuse who's now a Minister and Chaplain. She'll appear on the 1st Thursday of each month and is the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story," her story of redemption. In 1997, Michelle writes that she, "..was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. Her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Amanda Blackwood from Thornton, Colorado, a child abuse victim, activist and author, who grew up in a military family and has lived all over the world. Her father was physically violent (ages 3 to 18), her mother was emotionally and psychologically abusive (ages 0 to 32) and her my brother abused Amanda both sexually and emotionally (age 4 and age 12). "I was sexually abused by my uncle (age 13)," she says. "The childhood abuse started for me at such a young age that I never really knew what life was like without it." Amanda further explains, "I started running away at 15 but the police kept taking me home. Eventually I moved away from home at 18, and my parents bet one another that I would return within three to six months. I did not. Instead, I found myself in much more abusive situations for the next two decades." Now a three-time survivor of human trafficking and seven-time published author, Amanda devotes her time and energy to helping fight human trafficking in several different ways. She sits on the board for one anti-trafficking group in the Denver area and participates in survivor-led leadership for another. Her autobiography, titled 'Custom Justice' will be available worldwide through Amazon on her 10-year anniversary of freedom from trafficking, June 19th, 2021. Amanda says, “I am, at long last, at peace. It's been a long journey to arrive where I am, but having written my full autobiography allowed me to have patience with myself and to understand more about my own reactions to different societal and social triggers. I'm now better able to control my anger and I'm regaining my self-confidence.”
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co host will be Dr. Tina Medina from Kansas City, Kansas, sexually molested as a child by her uncle. In recovery, Tina is now a professional writer specializing in public relations, community/media relations, technical and grant writing. "My book series explains how God is capable of healing the wounded spirit of a sexual abuse victim," she says. Tina has been developing counselor's guides. She began healing with the help of the Pentecostal Church in 1998. "The journey to sexual abuse recovery is all about taking tiny steps to release pent up feelings," Tina explains. For her, the spiritual aspect of inner healing is crucial for her full recovery. "My spirit is the essence of me and it needed to be healed in order for me to be creative and fulfilled. What was once thought to be impossible is now very much attainable." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Gregory Williams, Ph.D, from Houston, Texas, a child abuse survivor and author of the book 'Shattered by the Darkness: Putting the Pieces Back Together after Child Abuse'. An activist now, he was abused in his family. "My first memory of being sexually abused by my father was when I was 4 years old and the last time was right before my 17th birthday. My dad sexually abused me every day of my childhood and then around 12 years old started involving his friends and several times I was ganged raped by them." He goes on, "I have two older brothers, one five years older than me and ten years older than me. My middle brother sexually abused me for a couple of years during my teenage years along with his girlfriend. In my early years, I literally thought that my abuse was “normal” and everybody's father abused them. But during my teenage years when other abusers came into the picture, life became increasingly more difficult and darker." Things are better now. "I am in a great place today emotionally and have never been more at peace in my entire life. I wish that I had released the pain years ago, but now taking advantage of this freedom as much as possible. I earned my doctorate in Counseling seven years ago and counsel many survivors. I now travel the country and share my story and help people deal with their trauma." Gregory's next two books, 'Overcoming the Darkness: The Road Map to Hope' and the youth version, 'When Dark Clouds Come: The Road Map to Hope' will be released in Spring of 2021.
Tonight's special guest is Janet Simmons from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, an American, born in Japan in the mid 1950s and raised there with her siblings. Their parents had moved there to do missionary work. A well known marine biologist and teacher, Jack Moyer, famed for publishing a book with Jane Goodall, began sexually abusing Janet while she was only eleven years old. "The abuse started very covertly with a walk with the dogs, a cup of coffee, a massage," Janet explains. "Quickly it escalated to inappropriate touching and then full blown sexual assault lasting for three years." She goes on, "The abuse left me feeling confused, disoriented, elation, wonder, favorite, special, chosen, popular, special, uncertain, scared, fear of loss, fear of failure, fear of lost status." At night he'd place her futon next to his. It went on for years. "I have had extensive therapy over the years, fortunately, doing the work of writing a blog," she says. "Following through and partnering with many others who had been abused by him, has allowed my healing process to rapidly increase. Occasionally, I experience relapse issues related to his abuse and I suffer from high blood pressure." Janet goes on, "Life is stressful, however, I have worked through the pain, confusion, anger, hate, and many more emotions that a sexual abuse victim feels. My peace comes from my relationship with God and I am able to have a full life of success thanks to Him." Janet works with many fellow survivors, and is President and CEO of HOPE Ministries, a nonprofit in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, that supports and helps those less fortunate to meet their basic needs and move forward through workforce development.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co-host will be?. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Jennifer Michele from Walker, Louisiana, whose 'New Daddy' came into the picture when her mother married her new husband when Jennifer was around 7 years old. "Life was never the same again," she says. "The grooming started before they married and finding every reason to hold me, sitting on his lap while touching, caressing and slipping hands in the wrong places." She goes on, "It quickly progressed to long soapy showers to make sure I was clean in the middle of the day then the fondling became more aggressive and intrusive. As well as teaching me how to make daddy feel better. He later raped me and let others do the same." Jennifer explains, "My parents weren't married for long after I was born. At months old my mom joined the service and she left me in my father's care while no one knew she'd joined the service or even that she left for boot camp. During her time away he left me alone in an apartment without supervision for over 24 hours at least. A call to my grandparents about a crying baby next door sent them to my rescue. They then took me into their care for years. My parents divorced and later my birth father left me at the doorstep for the last time never coming back since he remarried and started a new family when I was about 5 years old." She concludes, "After letting the damages of my silence sink in I started Lil Jens Voice FB page in 2017 and then I started a new blog, LilJensVoice.org. Those two outlets are geared for those who may be still in their own self destruction of silence and to share my own journey as I'm going through it myself."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Randy Lail from Charleston, South Carolina, who was abused by his father. He explains, "My abuse started when I was 3 and ended at 14. A lot of my abuse memories were repressed for many years but through therapy I have recovered most of them. The early years were just with Dad. I didn’t like what he was doing to me. On some level it felt wrong, but it also had a weird sense of normalcy to it." Randy explains, "I am 60 this year. I was the youngest of 4, a sister and 2 brothers. My parents are both deceased. Dad, my abuser, was a larger than life figure who strangely enough I looked up to until he died at the age of 75. My Mom was the consummate Southern Belle, lived by the adage; don't tell anyone your problems, especially the family secrets. Our family was always perfect on the outside." She goes on, "I am no longer in any ongoing therapy; I do see my therapist on an as needed basis to talk through new memories (last time was a year ago). Biggest thing I struggle with today are post effects from all the conditioning I underwent during the later years of my abuse (sexual manipulation & Satanic rituals, i.e.: Moloch)." Randy concludes, "I came to believe and understand the abuse wasn't my fault!!! For many years I could never grasp that truth. For me, healing is a “HEART” issue. Intellectually I knew it wasn't my fault but deep down my heart believed it was my fault. I have learned that without a whole and vibrant HEART, our soul will never truly heal and our SPIRIT can never sore."
Tonight's special guest is Diana Strong from Hot Springs, Arkansas, who was abused by her step-father from 3 years old until just before she turned 18, when she finally ran away from home. "Then I married a man that continued the abuse cycle," she says. "I have been diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder, PTSD, Depression and Anxiety. These are 'scars' I carry with me every day. Only those that get really close can see them. At 54 years old, I still struggle in my relationships due to the psychological damage caused from all those years of abuse." Diana explains, "I have been in therapy most of my life which has enabled me to 'present' as somewhat 'normal' in everyday life. Today I am a Certified Self Defense Instructor. I turned my feelings of helplessness into a passion for empowerment. I teach self-defense to all ages and abilities. I also offer my services free to women and children's non-profits and fundraisers and as an outreach to encourage all people to be proactive with their personal safety rather than reactive, when it is too late." She continues to work on getting the word out. "I am currently writing my biography, 'Diana Strong; My Journey from Multiple Personalities to Choosing My Identity', in which I talk in detail about my abuse in detail and my journey navigating life with the repercussions such as experiencing frequent flashbacks and complications from “switching” combined with persistent bouts of amnesia. I spend my time and energy helping others have hope that what has happened to them in the past does not need to define them. I CHOOSE to walk with my head held high and train up Warriors to walk after me for many generations to come."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Dr Jaime Romo from San Diego, California, an educator, consultant, author, and Commissioned Minister, who promotes healing from abuse and the prevention of child sexual abuse, particularly abuse by religious authorities or in the context of religious settings. A workbook he wrote, Healing the Sexually Abused Heart: A Workbook for Survivors, Thrivers, and Supporters, is an integration of various disciplines that led Jaime to become a certified Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) facilitator. Jaime explains, “While it is no secret that I am a survivor of clergy abuse, it is the journey of integration, transformation and application that is most telling about my accomplishments and the life that I celebrate.” Please visit his website: http://www.jaimeromo.org. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Dr. Laura Jean McGuire from New York City, a nationally recognized sexuality educator, trauma-informed specialist, and inclusion consultant who has worked with young adult survivors as well as teen parents struggling to break the cycle of abuse. Although not a survivor of child abuse, Laura did survive domestic violence. Her personal experiences and her work with others has led her to see connections between all forms of abuse. She now has made the goal of “creating a trauma-informed, culturally humble, and gender equitable world is my life's ambition and calling.” NAASCA's family members, mostly survivors, also include many activists and professionals who are a valuable part of the organization. They lend us their own specific experience, strength and hope. We're delighted to have their professional expertise, and they, in turn, learn a lot from survivors! Dr. Laura is glad for the opportunity to interview with NAASCA stating, "NAASCA is an incredible organization doing vital and very pertinent work as to what is going on in cultural discussions right now." Laura continues, "I feel so blessed to know that every day I am working towards being part of the solution instead of the problem." We invite all our NAASCA family to call in with questions or comments for Dr. Laura, as we talk about creating trauma-informed sex/prevention education and having a healthy sex/love life after childhood trauma. Laura has an ongoing column called “Ask Dr. Laura” in 'Out Smart: Houston's LGBTQ Magazine' where she openly addresses sexuality questions while promoting gender equity, queer competency, and cultural humility.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co host will be Sharyn Higdon Jones, a licensed psychotherapist for over 35 years with individuals, couples and families who have experienced the trauma of abuse. In her words: “The pain of being sexually abused is deep and profound. The abuse experience touches the core of a woman's being in ways she could never have predicted. She has been violated on so many levels." Sharyn is also the author of the book 'Healing Steps; a Gentle Path to Recovery for Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse,' written in a workbook format with exercises. Sharyn says, “Healing Steps is a perfect step-by-step process that evolved out of groups of women molested as children. It is the perfect format either to be facilitated by a mental health professional or could be used as a guide in a peer support group.” ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Claire O’Leary from New Castle, Colorado. "I was raised in a catholic family by my natural parents," she says, "with six kids (3 boys and 3 girls), I being right in the middle. The first time I was abused was at 5-years-old by my uncle. The second time was much more painful with my father abusing me from 16 to 18 when I finally was able to leave home after graduating from high school." She goes on, "I was angry all the time but didn't really know why until I went to therapy. After years of therapy, I moved on to alternative therapies, movement, journaling, and expressive arts which finally enabled me to speak openly about my abuse." Claire is better now. "Today I create a safe space for sexual abuse survivors to share their survivor and recovery story through creativity and writing. I founded Voices Heard, the interactive e-Zine that empowers sexual abuse survivors to shatter their long held silence through story-telling and expressive arts. I share my story of abuse as a speaker and writer in order to help heal others." She wants to get her story out. "I am also currently writing a book which is a combination of memoir and self-help to help other survivors find their voice. I recently wrote a blog which was published in IncestAware's blog." Claire concludes, “Don't wait like I did until you're 58 to heal from your unresolved trauma. The sooner you share your experience and seek help, the sooner you can live a joyful life.”
Tonight's special guest is Makayla Boatman from Stephenville, Texas, who grew up in a physical, emotional, spiritual and sexually abusive household. "My father physically, mentally and spiritually abused us," she says. "My nana mentally abused us. My oldest brother sexually abused me. I cannot honestly remember a time in my life where there was no abuse." She left the family as soon as she could. "When I was 18 the morning after I graduated high school (May 2019) I moved out and have not looked back since." In recovery now, she has been in Christian counseling for almost two years. "Life was hard to say the least and honestly if it were not for my relationship with Christ I would not be here today. I struggled with depression and anxiety my whole life," she says. "I never felt truly loved and cared for by any of them but God. I always felt like we were all my dad's puppets, knowing if we objected to anything our life would be even more miserable. Although at the age of 16 I finally stood up 100% for what I believed in." Today Makayla is doing much better. "I feel at complete peace with my decision to completely cut out my family, it was what God showed me was best for my health. I have spoken at Fields of Faith; I have spoken to groups of youth kids at church camps/D now. I have written many things on Facebook. Also have written many poems on my experiences but never published, I've only shared with people God put on my heart. Like my youth girls I teach at my church and some women I've taught at my church that have gone through similar abuse or the same that I have."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Barbara Joy Hansen from Milford, Massachusetts, a child abuse survivor and Violence Prevention Expert. Her book, 'Listen to the Cry of the Child,' is where she shares her journey. As an activist, Barbara can regularly be found carrying the messages of prevention, intervention and recovery on podcasts, as an invited speaker and in various groups. Please find her list of numerous upcoming Current Events on her web site! In addition, she and her husband work in prisons, homeless shelters, domestic violence conferences, etc, and she facilitates a survivors support group called Beauty Out of Ashes (many members are former alcoholics or addicts). Barbara has amazing energy and a lot of information and experience to offer! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is HelenMarie McCracken from Tucson, Arizona, telling her story with us for the first time. HelenMarie serves as the NAASCA Ambassador program's Pacific Southwest Regional Director. She says, "My children and my life experience are what attracted me to become an activist and advocate for domestic violence and child abuse." There was sexual assault in her family, too, but while domestic violence is typically not included in the legal definitions of child abuse, NAASCA recognizes the devastating consequences it has for children. Being raised around domestic violence causes trauma even if the child experiences no direct physical harm. Emotional, psychological, and developmental impacts can affect a person throughout their life. HelenMarie is a long-term survivor of narcissistic abuse and domestic violence. For several years now she has been extremely active in educating herself to understand personality disorders and DV. It wasn't until after she finally had the courage to leave the marriage, that she learned truth of what her life had become. She did not know what a narcissist was or realize that she was in a domestic violent marriage. HelenMarie wants our youth to be educated with the proper tools for life so they can Recognize, Avoid and Prevent (R.A.P.) a narcissistic, DV relationship. She is dedicated to “breaking the silence on domestic violence” and personality disorders by educating our youth with the DV Youth Awareness Week Campaign and program designed for high school level kids. And to create a law, BriElen's Law, which would mandate every high school in the US to provide Domestic Violence Youth Awareness Week.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Lori Golden from San Diego, California, a survivor and a private psychotherapist working with other trauma and abuse survivors. Lori shares, “I am a survivor of incest. My father sexually abused me from the age of 5 to 16. When the sun went down, I was filled with terror, hypervigilance, and waiting. Everything in my room came alive." Lori started using drugs in college at 18 and covered her worthlessness, aloneness and increasing desperation with bulimic exercising, food addiction and drugs, culminating in a suicide attempt at 27. "I am an incest survivor, an addict in Narcotics Anonymous for 33 years as well as Food Addicts Anonymous for 30", she tells us. Her book, 'My House Of Lies; Awakening from a Childhood of Sexual Abuse'. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Denise Bossarte from Houston, Texas, abused by her maternal grandfather beginning in elementary school. She explains, "I was always afraid to be alone around my grandfather although I never really understood why as a child. I went from an outgoing, creative kid to a shy, ashamed kid afraid of people. The abuse lasted until I was in high school." Denise says, "I still carry a lot of stress in my body, my body remembers being afraid and is constantly prepared for getting hurt again. I am no longer in therapy but went through individual and group therapy in college and grad school." Denise is one of two daughters. "My father was an M.D. and my mother has a graduate degree and ran a dog kennel as I was growing up. I was deeply ashamed and felt I was a bad kid and that it was my fault; there was something really wrong with me for it to happen. My grandfather got prostate cancer and died when I was a freshman in high school." Denise is quite the author, as explained by her web site, 'Thriving After'. Whether writing on overcoming trauma in her nonfiction work or recasting her real-life experiences into award-winning dark urban fantasy in four novels—Glamorous, Beginnings, Return, and Readings—Denise tackles the dark side of things with courage, fearlessness, and compassion. Her self-published book Glamorous was a bronze medalist in 2019's The Wishing Shelf Book Awards in Adult Fiction, and her success with Glamorous earned her membership into the Horror Writers Association and the International Thriller Writers.
Tonight's special guest is Amanda Goudeau from Houston, Texas, whose parents began to abuse her when she was three years old. "About the age of 7," she says, "I was molested by the husband of a babysitter. I was isolated and in a constant state of fear. The physical abuse lasted for 21 years. However, 22-25 years old was emotionally, verbally, and psychologically abused via phone calls and text messages." Now Amanda tries to help others on YouTube. "The major feelings that I experienced during abuse was fear, loneliness, and felt detested by my parents," she explains. "When my fiancé (now husband) gave me a plane ticket to move out of state to avoid harassment, I was able to leave the house with my parents. They still had phone and text access to me, however, because I believed they could improve. I relocated back to the same state as them four years after we married because I felt they had improved. However, after a few days, the verbal, psychological, and fear of violence returned, and I decided I could not bear it any longer and went no contact. I'm working on overcoming my fear of failure as well as the trauma-related (PTSD symptoms)." Amanda concludes, "Now that I'm no longer in that dysfunctional relationship with my parents, I'm at peace and serenity. However, I still have ambitions to make my work align with my passion, which is to help people heal and build healthier relationships with God, themselves, and others. I have a podcast called "Abuse Exposed" that offers listeners insight into the various types of abuse through audio examples."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, a survivor of severe child abuse who's now a Minister and Chaplain. She'll appear on the 1st Thursday of each month and is the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story," her story of redemption. In 1997, Michelle writes that she, "..was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. Her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Lisa Zarcone from Springfield, Massachusetts, a returning NAASCA family member and the NAASCA Ambassador for her state. A child abuse survivor and activist, she's the author of 'The Unspoken Truth, A Memoir.' Her book is about childhood neglect and abuse at the hands of her severely mentally ill mother and others. Lisa says, "I wrote my story to promote awareness for mental health issues, child safety and to bring a voice to so many who have the same unspoken truth as myself." She uses three words to describe her childhood experiences: horrific, disgusting and hideous. Her home life left a lot to be desired. "My mother would bring all types of strange people into our home, which set me up as prey." Lisa buried the abuse deep inside herself for years. In the 'The Unspoken Truth', she shares her story through the eyes of a child, giving the reader a first-hand view of abuse through the child's perspective. This is a profound look at her life as it has unfolded. Lisa gained her voice by validating her story, and she healed through the process. By looking at the views and perspective of the people in her life that hurt and abused her, she found understanding and forgiveness. It was a difficult journey to get to this point in her life, but she dug deep into her past and sifted through the rubble piece by piece. Lisa is passionate about advocating, raising awareness and pushing for change! Her motto is 'Embrace The Journey', because you never know what will fall into your path, and every moment is a valuable lesson.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Hilda Thomasine Wren from Frederick, Maryland, a strong voice on behalf of adult survivors of child abuse and a member of the clergy. She worked at Maryland hospitals with rape victims and is a chaplin who works with hospitals and hospice. She is healed now after staying on her healing journey for many years. She is the author of the book 'A Plain Brown Wren'. Her autobiography is about growing up in a household of terror from alcoholics, drug addictions and a aunt who began prostituting her at age 12. She was sexually, verbally, emotionally and physically abused by many adults. Hilda relays that her childhood was very hard, because of her alcoholic parents and the physical, emotional and sexual abuse from her stepfather. Hilda lived in a world of people who drank, took advantage of her and used her as a sex object. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Kathleen Niestadt from Louisville, Kentucky. "My paternal grandfather was my abuser," she reveals. "The abuse started right before my 5th birthday. The feelings I had growing up was mostly numbness, depression, anxiety, and fear." Kathleen further explains, "My family was in the next room in my view when he told me he knew I liked what he was doing because I was not making him stop. He continued doing things to me and when I was 7, he first raped me." Healing hasn't been easy. "The current status of my recovery process is good and still difficult for me. I have been in therapy since the end of 2005. I feel hopeful, and happy to help others who have gone through what was done to them, and to educate those who have never experienced this." Life was extremely hard, and she struggled in every aspect of life. "I developed unhealthy dissociation to help me endure the pain," she says. "I was in constant turmoil. The abuse lasted for about 6 1/2 years total before my grandfather died and then it stopped." Kathleen has been diagnosed with Severe Depressive Disorder, Panic Disorder, Dissociative Identity Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Complex PTSD. "I am in therapy and have been in therapy since 2006," she explains. Kathleen has spoken about her abuse many times. "I have spoken at the University of Louisville's Human Trafficking Conference and the Southern Indiana Human Trafficking Conference. One insight I will share with other survivors' is 'Do not give up'. Work on your healing in your way, and try new things, journaling, drawing, poetry, movement, breathing, there are so many things you can put in your tool belt to help you move down the road of healing."
Tonight's special guest is Ed Squire from Denver, Colorado. " My father, his brothers, and sister were sexually abused as children by their stepfather," Ed reports, "who was the same man that sexually abused me. I was sexually abused from age four until ten by three different men." He goes on, "I mostly felt confused when I was four years old because I didn't understand what was happening to me and I learned how to disassociate while I was being abused as I got older, but I remember the feeling of always wishing someone would walk in and discover what was going on." Now he's able to manage his life in a way that is productive, as healthy as it can be, and says, "I have a tremendous amount of gratitude and thanksgiving to be alive and for who I've become." Helping others, Ed runs a non profit organization, 'MeTooWhatNow' and has a YouTube channel. "I'm currently in a relaunch phase where I'm working on a documentary about a lawsuit I filed against the school board and the teacher back in Canada, I'm writing my memoir, and I'm creating an online video course for survivors to help them work through their trauma." Ed is certainly staying busy. "My first written published work is a chapter I contributed to a book called ‘World Changers' in collaboration with an author from South Africa which is in the final stages of the publishing process. I speak as often as I can to other advocacy groups, nonprofit organizations, as well as podcasting and social media summits, since I'm heavily invested in social media and have a podcast of my own."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Bill Murray from Los Angeles, our founder. Bill's recovery is 12 Step-based and spans some 3 and a half decades. Sexually abused by numerous clerics, all men, between the ages of 11 and mid-way through high school, a minor seminary, he was also the victim of pre-pubescent ography and even a two week kidnapping. Bill was graced to have found Alcoholics Anonymous when he was 30 years old. The program not only helped him get clean and sober but also gave him a place to give up his secrets, and the tools by which he's recovered. He firmly believes one can use the 12 Step process to heal from child abuse trauma and to find a way to a comfortable life. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Jeremy Bryant from Austin, Texas. Jeremy is the baby of 7 kids, and his abuse started at the age of 6. He was molested by his step brother, the oldest of the 7 siblings. The abuse lasted 10 years. At the age of 16 Jeremy reported the abuse to his family. His family told him that he was lying and just wanted money. Jeremy took off from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, at that time and went to California and became a male prostitute. Jeremy chose an alternative lifestyle for years. He has finally after 33 years forgiven. After years of addiction and alter egos Jeremy is healing. Jeremy has been in trauma therapy for years. He states that therapy has saved his life. He's currently processing this all in EMDR and is on the road to freedom. The fight he has fought for the past 30 years has brought attention to child sexual assault. In Oklahoma, Jeremy is currently proceeding with a civil case against his molester. There is a House Bill in Oklahoma that is in Congress that will change the Statue of Limitations to no age limit whatsoever to prosecute child predators. Jeremy is married to his high school sweetheart and is a father and husband. Jeremy wants all survivors to know that, “ .. all survivors must speak up and out [because] there is justice and healing."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Kirsten Oliver from Ft Worth, Texas, who has memories of sexual abuse at age of 3 to 8 years old. "I was molested by my mother's best friend's boyfriend," she says. "My mother let this man babysit me. I would numb myself and I was terrorized and disgusted. I would throw up afterwards. I peed my pants a lot." Kirsten was later abused by her stepmother. "I am working through a lot of pain and heartache and loneliness. I started on my healing journey when I was 41 because started coming about the severity of being raped and sexually abused." She goes on, "My little dog helped me a lot and watching Mr. Rogers on TV. I would see sex parties between my mom and her friends. There was violence with guns and physical fighting from different people they would bring in. I saw my mom bust out windows with her fist when she was drunk or high. I felt a lot of anger so when I went to my mother's moms house, I would break her toys." Kirsten explains, "I felt like I was this dirty little disgusting girl. I still cry and cry for that little girl and deal with it by not running away from the pain but continue on my healing journey by dealing with it. I felt real loneliness." She thought she was the only one who went through the sexual abuse. In recovery now, Kirsten's getting better. "I am seeing a trauma based Christian counselor who is spirit filled. I went three times to a women's retreat for women who have been sexually abused and more. I am still feeling apprehensive and feel overwhelmed because I am right on the edge of diving deep into my healing."
Tonight's special guest is Angela Turpin from Fresno, California, a child abuse survivor, coach and author. She was abused emotionally, mentally, physically, and sexually, emotional and mentally by her mother. "My mom married the man that was abusing me sexually which started was around 3 years old," Angela says. "The sexual and physical abuse stopped around 7 or 8 years old. I endured mental and emotional abuse until I was 18." After struggling in her personal life and not knowing why, Angela was raped for a second time at 27, and she began to have flashbacks of the sexual abuse. Now she's a 'Breakthrough Coach', blogger and author. "Truth is," she explains, "I didn't really understand any of it was abuse until I was much older. When I looked back on it, when I had gotten older, I just thought it was normal that people grew up with their mothers like that. When I was 27 and had flashbacks of the sexual abuse, I couldn't remember the details. [But] I did remember the physical abuse." Recovery means everything to her. "I am very grateful for my ability to overcome things. I am at peace with my abuser, my past, and myself. That's something I never thought I was going to find." Angela advises that survivors should always hold onto their truth. "People will question it and make you question it. That's okay. That's part of the process. Hold onto your truth despite what everyone tells you and keep moving forward. Don't be afraid to leave behind what doesn't serve you." Angela empowers women to strive for their best lives no matter what they have been through.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Our survivor/ profeesional guest tonight is Pamela Elaine Lockridge. She was pimped by her mother to her second husband; as a child sex slave from the age of 4-18. She understands the depths of terror and long-lasting mental anguish that comes along with this type of trauma. Her story tells of her finding complete closure and mental healing. Pamela is a Social Worker with a Masters Degree. ~~ There may be many hurting individuals listening and wanting to bring up different topics on the show who are at different places in life on their healing journey of survival and / or healing from trauma such as child sex abuse, rape, domestic violence and other trauma. All who call into the show will receive tremendous support, love, and acceptance by the NAASCA family. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Kim Lakin from Littleton, Colorado, a child abuse survivor and activist who's the founder of 'Soar On Eagles Wings', where she teaches about prevention and intervention. Kim's an Authorized Instructor and Certified Facilitator for Darkness to Light, Stewards of Children; as well as a facilitator for The Monique Burr Foundation. She speaks from her own experience, "My abuse started when I was 5 years old, with the cousin of my friend, who lived across the street. It continued throughout my childhood by a cousin, by my stepdad and then a stranger." Now she says, "I will always be in the recovery process. I don't think that will go away. I feel that my work with facilitating has been a big part of my healing the past 4 years. I feel empowered and free when I am providing classes for the community." Kim explains, "My mom worked for a judge and my step dad worked for Animal Control. Things appeared normal on the outside; however, reality was, my parents were doing drugs in the evening and weekends. I believe God was a big part of my healing journey from the beginning. It gave me the ability to forgive." Her life is different today. "I am an Instructor and Facilitator for Darkness to Light, Stewards of children. A two-hour class for adults that teaches the 5 Steps to Protecting Children. 1. Learn The Facts; 2. Minimize Opportunity; 3. Talk About It; 4. Recognize the Signs; 5. React Responsibly. I am also a facilitator for The Monique Burr Foundation for children. I was recently in Stories of Roaring Faith and I’m working on writing a book. I have spoken for MOPs groups and churches, in addition to the classes I facilitate. I’ve also been on a few podcasts."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special co host will be Sharyn Higdon Jones, a licensed psychotherapist for over 35 years with individuals, couples and families who have experienced the trauma of abuse. In her words: “The pain of being sexually abused is deep and profound. The abuse experience touches the core of a woman's being in ways she could never have predicted. She has been violated on so many levels." Sharyn is also the author of the book 'Healing Steps; a Gentle Path to Recovery for Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse,' written in a workbook format with exercises. Sharyn says, “Healing Steps is a perfect step-by-step process that evolved out of groups of women molested as children. It is the perfect format either to be facilitated by a mental health professional or could be used as a guide in a peer support group.” ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Lindsay Songer from Kentucky, whose mother was sexually abused by her mother’s second husband from the age of four to eighteen. "Her PTSD is what I had to deal with during my early years of development until I left home at age 17," Lindsay reports. "This meant that all my childhood and adolescent growth was hindered by mental and emotional second hand trauma." She explains, "My first memory of being emotionally abused by my mother was when she homeschooled me in second grade." She says of her mother, "She was really depressed and slept all the time which made me feel alone and neglected even though I received a lot of negative attention. She spanked me for not doing schoolwork right at times and this made me scared of her. It also appeared she wanted me to be a child prodigy." Childhood was hard. "I felt anxiety, anger, resentment, rebellious, bad attitude, I felt like I was being indoctrinated at times when my mom made me do and say things over and over again as she tried to live vicariously through me." Lindsay goes on, "I have been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and I have PTSD. I still have bad dreams and certain situations I encounter remind me of my abuse, and I still have to watch for triggers when my mom texts me religious stuff." And today? "I am very busy raising two children. I am a Marine Vet and I consider this part of my life as giving me strength to cope and stay busy not having to deal with my past. I work as a nurse in the Operating Room at a hospital. I have managed an inpatient behavioral health unit dealing with mania, psychosis and detoxing from alcohol and drugs."
Tonight's special guest is Sean Wheeler from Loveland, Colorado. He says, "Being groomed and sexualized even before entering kindergarten was confusing and fearful. Traffickers like to keep their victims afraid and they did a good job with me. Three things summarize those feelings: shame, guilt and fear." Sean continues, "When my parents divorced and my mom found a new job in another state I was able to escape that network, but the damage was done. There was not just one abuser, and I was offered up to both men and women. There are no outward physical injuries, though I was beaten by the abusers." He explains, "My abuse started with the grooming before age 5, but I was actively networked from 5 to just before turning 10. After that we moved away from that town, however I still encountered predators and the last time I was 'gotten' I was age 19." Sean goes on, "In 2010 I met a lady in my former church who turned out to be a Christian Counselor with survivors of abuse. She started me on a healing process that continues to this day, which I describe in my book 'Wretch – Haunted by Shadows, Rescued by Jesus'." Sean's doing much better today. "How I feel now is a lot better than I ever have in my entire life. I still work off and on with Christian counselors, because while the 'network' I was in lasted for part of my growing up years, it created in me a person who was vulnerable. Later on if people hit on me I complied, because I believed a lie of the enemy that it's what I was created for. I didn't know I had a choice, and quite honestly to a kid who felt alone I figured fake love was better than nothing."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Dr Jaime Romo from San Diego, California, an educator, consultant, author, and Commissioned Minister, who promotes healing from abuse and the prevention of child sexual abuse, particularly abuse by religious authorities or in the context of religious settings. A workbook he wrote, Healing the Sexually Abused Heart: A Workbook for Survivors, Thrivers, and Supporters, is an integration of various disciplines that led Jaime to become a certified Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) facilitator. Jaime explains, “While it is no secret that I am a survivor of clergy abuse, it is the journey of integration, transformation and application that is most telling about my accomplishments and the life that I celebrate.” Please visit his website: http://www.jaimeromo.org. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Doug Probst from Long Beach, California, a professional musician who survived horrible child abuse, in and out of the system, in prison and on the streets. He chronicled his story in his book, 'Mayotte: Musings Of A Narcissist: A Survivor's Story', saying, "It's a brutally honest description of my childhood, which was scarred with physical and sexual abuse by my parents, priests, probation officers and others who were my authority figures in the LA County Probation System." Now 55 and in recovery, Doug explains, "As long as I wake up grateful every day thanking God for another chance to begin over, I feel very good about the day. I take each day one day at a time. Today is a gift with no guarantees." He goes on, "I was born into addiction with an alcoholic mother and a child rapist father. Later, I was placed into boys' homes where some adults required sexual favors for proper care." This was in Northern California. "My father was a cold, scary man and a child rapist. He raped and beat me and my sister many times from the age of two until I was taken out of the home by authorities at age 12." Healing started in Doug's 50s. "When my son was born in 1990, he changed my life. I was now living for him and I sacrificed my career in music to take care of him full time. I wasn't the perfect parent as I still had a lot of unresolved anger BUT - I NEVER HIT HIM. I couldn't imagine hitting him. Joshua is 31 today and we have a great relationship. I've been a California substance abuse counselor for five years and I facilitate groups on how to heal from sexual assault as a child."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Lori Golden from San Diego, California, a survivor and a private psychotherapist working with other trauma and abuse survivors. Lori shares, “I am a survivor of incest. My father sexually abused me from the age of 5 to 16. When the sun went down, I was filled with terror, hypervigilance, and waiting. Everything in my room came alive." Lori started using drugs in college at 18 and covered her worthlessness, aloneness and increasing desperation with bulimic exercising, food addiction and drugs, culminating in a suicide attempt at 27. "I am an incest survivor, an addict in Narcotics Anonymous for 33 years as well as Food Addicts Anonymous for 30", she tells us. Her book, 'My House Of Lies; Awakening from a Childhood of Sexual Abuse'. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Mike Tikkanen from Hopkins, Minnesota, a returning NAASCA family member. He's perfect for appearing in April, Child Abuse Awareness month. Mike is all about working on prevention and intervention in his home state. The founder and President of 'Kids at Risk Action' (KARA), a non-profit action tank that supports the people, policies, and programs that improve the lives of at-risk children. Mike knows all the statistics of child abuse. He recently worked on a local PSA project, and asked us at NAASCA for ideas about how a survivor can 'Start a Recovery Group'. We recommend his book: 'Invisible Children: Pre-Teen Mothers, Adolescent Felons, and What We Can Do About It'. It's an uncomfortably close look at the American cycle of abuse and its cost. Mike explains, "The need for civic involvement of young future community leaders is the solution to America's 'At Risk Youth' problem. Without today's college students understanding and support, schools will continue to fail, streets to be unsafe, and jails to fill." Mike often speaks at local and national venues and has been the keynote speaker at business, community, and religious organizations. He's led a workshop at the UN in New York addressing the rights of children. Since 1996, he's volunteered in the Guardian Ad-Litem program as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and has worked with many 'Invisible Children' who are part of the County Child Protection System. Contact him at: Mike@Invisiblechildren.org
Tonight's special guest is Tona Buck from Trenton, New Jersey, whose father was never in her life. "I started being sexually abused at the age of 3 by my mom's then-boyfriend I called him dad," she says. "I was young so being abused was normal, this was the way my abuser showed me how he loved me, as he would abuse me, he would tell me how I was a good girl and how much he loved me. I was abused until I was 7 years old. Eventually, I was able to get away from my abuser when he moved out." Tona recognized at a young age that she loved helping people. She began assisting the Trenton community by taking on many endeavors. The theme of community empowerment is echoed throughout all of Tona's work. "I started an organization called R.O.S.A (Rising Over Sexual Abuse)," she says, "[where] the mission is to empower children, break the silence against sexual abuse and be the voice for the voiceless." She recently finished composing the documentary, 'Why We Didn't Tell,' a narrative about African American sexual assault survivors. Tona explains, "This year will be our 4th sexual assault month walk." Tona wants the audience to know that not just survivors, but the unaffected community as well, have the ability to choose to be powerless or powerful when it comes to protecting children. "Talking about it is the biggest part of my recovery," she says, "by sharing my stories with others, as I let others know that my pain." Tona concludes her work, ".. has turned into my passion and my purpose. Society must be educated on how to protect children by being watchful and involved."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Barbara Joy Hansen from Milford, Massachusetts, a child abuse survivor and Violence Prevention Expert. Her book, 'Listen to the Cry of the Child,' is where she shares her journey. As an activist, Barbara can regularly be found carrying the messages of prevention, intervention and recovery on podcasts, as an invited speaker and in various groups. Please find her list of numerous upcoming Current Events on her web site! In addition, she and her husband work in prisons, homeless shelters, domestic violence conferences, etc, and she facilitates a survivors support group called Beauty Out of Ashes (many members are former alcoholics or addicts). Barbara has amazing energy and a lot of information and experience to offer! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Cathlene Miner from St. Augustine, Florida, whose mother had her at 15. They lived across the street from her grandparents. "Mom grew up in a very abusive home, her father would abuse my grandmother and all of the children." She says, "For my grandmother it lasted till she passed away from a brain injury." Cathlene explains, "From being exposed to domestic abuse as a third-party since a very young age I always wondered why people stay and why abusers do what they do. After raising four children I went on to be certified as a domestic violence advocate and started my own nonprofit ('Hopeful Handbags')." She goes on, "Being exposed to domestic abuse as a third-party since a very young age I always wondered why people stay and why abusers do what they do. I started my own nonprofit 'Hopeful Handbags' to raise hope, help and support to those getting back on their feet from domestic abuse, spreading prevention and awareness, opening the very important conversation so that those still in abusive situations feel safe and confident to reach out for help. We do this by starting with once-loved handbags filled necessities and donating them to those getting back on their feet. That just opens the conversation." According to Cathlene, "A key goal is educating and getting communities involved in domestic abuse awareness and what to look for. 'Hopeful Handbags' is active in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Caribbean, Uganda and South Africa. There have been numerous magazine articles and consistent social media content daily since 2017."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Thomasine Wren from Frederick, Maryland, a strong voice on behalf of adult survivors of child abuse and a member of the clergy. She worked at Maryland hospitals with rape victims and is a chaplin who works with hospitals and hospice. She is healed now after staying on her healing journey for many years. She is the author of the book 'The Wren Rises from Trauma to Triumph'. Her autobiography is about growing up in a household of terror from alcoholics, drug addictions and a aunt who began prostituting her at age 12. She was sexually, verbally, emotionally and physically abused by many adults. Thomasine relays that her childhood was very hard, because of her alcoholic parents and the physical, emotional and sexual abuse from her stepfather. Thomasine lived in a world of people who drank, took advantage of her and used her as a sex object. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Nicole Fontaine from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, the youngest of 10 children. "My parents are residential school survivors," she says, ".. they grew up in Church run schools. Unhealthy relationships are a norm in our community so the abuse was always there. I was sexual abused by a close family member around the age of 5." Nicole goes on, "I grew up in a home that had unhealthy family dynamics, abuse was happening all around. It was mental, emotional, sexual and spiritual. This lasted right up into my adult years and it is still occurring as I look in from the outside. When the abuse occurred I thought it was a normal everyday thing that children experienced, it was happening all around our community." She continues, "I lived with PTSD for all my life, I was stuck in my trauma. In my twenties (after my first child was born) I was fortunate to meet some great helpers along the way, this is when my healing began. I visited with many therapists and also relied on pharmaceuticals to help with depression and anxiety. Nothing seemed to help because I never dealt with my wounded inner child. I am creating healthy boundaries for me and my family." Nichole is busy now. "I work with social services and deliver parenting and domestic violence workshops. I teach my clients and empower them to use their voices to escape from abusive relationships. I share my life story with clients when we are working on genograms and our history as Indigenous people. It is not our fault that abuse happened to us, that took me almost 40 Years to accept that and believe it. We have the power to be in healthier relationships and to be happy."
Tonight's special guest is Dr. Teresa Van Woy from Benicia, California, a survivor of physical, emotional and neglectful child abuse, along with eight siblings, at the hands of their mother. The impoverished family lived in a camper and later at a homeless shelter in San Francisco. "My mother finally found a studio apartment for us in the slums of the Tenderloin district," she says, "amongst the drug dealers and prostitutes. And it was here that my life changed forever. At the age of 7, I was now in charge of taking care of my mother, my older sister, and my younger twin brothers." Teresa, now a Podiatrist, has written a compelling memoir, 'Wildflower: A Tale of Transcendence'. All about her childhood abuse, it's an inspirational memoir, written from a child's perspective, so it includes her adventures and fantasies of living a better life. "My healing began when I started writing my book. My secret had been locked away all my life, hidden from myself and from the world. When that pen touched the paper, unleashing all my past trauma, that's when the healing journey began." Teresa's past is the past. "My mother's abuse to me was rampant, throwing things at me, punching me, kicking, tossing me against the walls, throwing plates of food at me, kicking me outside naked, etc. My only refuge was school and my adventures around the city. Life was very scary." Now she's better. "I am right where I want to be in life." Happily married with three beautiful daughters, she says, “I hope to inspire them to believe in themselves.” She's also an activist in her community, and has spoken at the Solano County First Five event about her abuse.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, a survivor of severe child abuse who's now a Minister and Chaplain. She'll appear on the 1st Thursday of each month and is the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story," her story of redemption. In 1997, Michelle writes that she, "..was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. Her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is John-Michael Lander from Kettering, Ohio, who grew up in a poor family in a small farm community in Ohio. "My parents were barely living from paycheck to paycheck, feeding and raising six children," John-Michael says. "Springboard/platform diving was an expensive sport" he goes on. "When I was fifteen years old, I took eight in the Junior Olympics and dreamed about the Olympics when a lawyer presented my mother an offer she could not refuse. Through the lawyer, I was introduced to my coaches, the medical team, and sponsors who sexually abused me." Now he speaks out about his experiences. "My life was in shambles, filled with secrets, and confusing. I was filled with such shame and continuously berated and blaming myself as being my fault. I had no one to turn to because when I tried to tell my mom, she slapped me and said that it wasn't nice to make up lies about people." John-Michael is getting the word out in many ways. "I have written the serial ''Surface Series based on my traumatic experience, including 'Surface Tension', 'Cracked Surface', and soon to be published, 'Broken Surface'. I have had the honor to speak at the 2019 and 2020 National Coalition to End Sexual Exploitation Global Summit in Washington, D.C.; on the Discussion panel twice for the Netflix film, 'Athlete A'; provided testimony for CHILD USA's End Game and to Maryland Legislation's Statute of Limitation Policy; and I have spoken in England and Canada. I broke my silence in October 2018 when I shared my story on the TEDxDayton stage."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Bill Murray from Los Angeles, our founder. Bill's recovery is 12 Step-based and spans some 3 and a half decades. Sexually abused by numerous clerics, all men, between the ages of 11 and mid-way through high school, a minor seminary, he was also the victim of pre-pubescent ography and even a two week kidnapping. Bill was graced to have found Alcoholics Anonymous when he was 30 years old. The program not only helped him get clean and sober but also gave him a place to give up his secrets, and the tools by which he's recovered. He firmly believes one can use the 12 Step process to heal from child abuse trauma and to find a way to a comfortable life. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Charles (Chuck) Prinzen from Fairfield, California, a returning NAASCA family member. A survivor and activist, Chuck is an educator who's worked with youth for many years. His 'Me Inc Now' project offers guidance to teens (and their parents). In fact, in 2018 he was the Keynote Speaker at Banning High School, addressing the Los Angeles Unified School Board (LAUSB). Chuck says that he survived 'cycles of life' and says his story of abuse is no different than many others who have experienced abuse .. the same torment, pain, feelings of loneliness and despair. "It was not till I was older that I could clearly see the past. They say that hindsight is twenty-twenty, mine was not, it was blurry." He goes on, "The first step to seeing the past clearly was when a kindhearted gift of love was given to me by a stranger." Chuck's principal goal to help instill self-worth, self-esteem, and self-respect in today's youth, and that's that 'Me.Inc.Now' (me expressing I need change now) is all about. A brighter future can be achieved by incorporating cultural change in our youth of today through understanding lessons of the past to bridge the ever growing generation gap. Change is built upon a foundation of communication, listening, and love. 'Me.Inc.Now' is committed to inspiring positive thoughts and breaking cycles of anger and resentment that prevent young individuals from being the best version of themselves. "I am thankful for learning that 'love' is most the powerful tool in my emotional toolbox," Chuck writes, "no more sorrow and loneliness, no more bruises, no more pain, no more fear."
Tonight's special guest is Rodney Calmes from Cornell, Michigan, who says, "I met my wife when I was 29 and dated her for about 2 years and got married when I was 31. She had listened to me and became a great blessing in my life. She stands behind me when I run my page and share my story because she knows it will bring healing and help others heal. My wife is a great support." He further explains, "I realize that the things I have been through and the things I have learned from what I have been through had to be unlearned, along with many behavior patterns, self-destructive behavior, thought patterns, and I had to relearn the correct way of doing things. This is a daily process." Rodney details his young life, saying, "From the time I was born until I was 4, my mother and dad were married. My mother was a good mother to me. My dad was an absentee father. I was slow to catch on to things, and my dad showed more favor to my brother during that time. When I was 4 years old, I lived with my grandparents who used to spank me with a 3-foot stick until I could not feel the stick hitting my butt anymore for every little thing. I got at least one round spankings a day." Adult life was tough, too. "I felt that if too many people discovered that I was abused, that they were going to think there was something wrong with me." Now he's healing. "I now realize that God has made me into a beautiful, loving person who even cares for strangers as much as I care for myself. God gave me that heart. I also realize God's love for me, and His love for others, and every person is precious to Him."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Hilda Thomasine Wren from Frederick, Maryland, a strong voice on behalf of adult survivors of child abuse and a member of the clergy. She worked at Maryland hospitals with rape victims and is a chaplin who works with hospitals and hospice. She is healed now after staying on her healing journey for many years. She is the author of the book 'A Plain Brown Wren'. Her autobiography is about growing up in a household of terror from alcoholics, drug addictions and a aunt who began prostituting her at age 12. She was sexually, verbally, emotionally and physically abused by many adults. Hilda relays that her childhood was very hard, because of her alcoholic parents and the physical, emotional and sexual abuse from her stepfather. Hilda lived in a world of people who drank, took advantage of her and used her as a sex object. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Morgan Whiting from Louisville, Kentucky. She experienced emotional and physical abuse growing up, but did not realize the level of abuse she'd experienced until she was much older. "From one of my parents, I remember being hit and smacked with switches," she says. "But the emotional abuse is what stuck and continues to be a part of life today. I am also a survivor of adult domestic violence and sexual violence. Some of my major feelings we confusion, a high sense of anxiety, and isolated-where do I turn? Who can I trust?" Morgan explains, "I was adopted at 2 weeks old to two mommas and grew up in Corydon, Indiana. I have 2 brothers, 2 sisters, several nieces and nephews and extended family. But for my story, my chosen family is incredibly important because I had to find safety and support." As she says, "I will forever live with my trauma. I had not effectively moved into my healing until 2020. I had been through numerous therapists but none that truly helped until this last year. I go to therapy with my trauma and leave with it. What I am working hard to learn is how to be my best self while living with my trauma and how to transform it into good." Morgan is now an activist. "Today, I serve as the Statewide Sexual Assault Response Team Coordinator for the Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking. I train teams made of up prosecutors, law enforcement, advocates, and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners to respond effectively to sexual violence cases in their counties. I am co-chair the Southern Indiana Human Trafficking Coalition and train community members [about] human trafficking."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Christine Samad from Valrico, Florida. She explains, "My foster parents emotionally and psychologically abused me. I was placed in foster care at three days old. They had six of their own biological children who were older and not living in the house (except for the youngest daughter). I lived in fear. I stayed quiet and isolated." She's healing now. "I started healing during the pandemic when I started recognizing my feelings, and giving myself permission to grieve and feel angry. I started using better help, and when I was ready for in person therapy, my counselor helped me and supported me through the change." Christine explains, "I have a biological father who passed in 2011. I would visit him monthly. He was struggling and working hard with no support. He was trying to raise my sister and not lose us both. He struggled with depression and anger. My biological mother has not been in my life. She has schizophrenia, and set our house on fire when I was a baby." Home life was always difficult. "I lived in a house that was filled with domestic violence, racism, substance abuse and secrets. I learned how to stay quiet and follow the rules to stay safe. I felt unidentified, isolated, depressed." Now on her healing journey, Christine says, "I am currently making art and sharing my story. I have started creating YouTube videos as well. I have made goals to speak to parents who want to foster children, and on social media I am creating awareness about emotional trauma. I am writing a poetry and art book and will be publishing it later this year. This will be my third self-published poetry book. They'll be available on Amazon."
Tonight's special guest is Jessica Reilly from Glenmoore, Pennsylvania. "I was born in London to American parents who were both adult children of alcoholics", she says. "High WASP and highly dysfunctional upbringing! My father was a pedophile and began abusing me when I was a toddler. The abuse lasted until I was 6 years old - my mother flew back to the USA for her brother's funeral and came back to catch my father in the act of abusing me. He left and my mother pretended everything was OK and refused to address this or any other unpleasant subjects. I learned how to fake everything and wear a mask." She explains, "I learned how to disassociate and compartmentalize at an early age. The abuse started so young I blocked out memories until I was ready to face them and deal with the trauma in middle age. After living in chaos and self-destructive tendencies my entire life, I realized I kept re-traumatizing myself in picking the wrong romantic and business partners." Jessica goes on, "I developed a drinking problem that landed me in evidence-based rehab with the nation's best trauma therapy program. I can't believe I'm the same person...my entire perspective has shifted." As she says, she's growing. "I'm currently working on my first novel - a murder mystery which I hope will bring awareness to this important issue. Pre-COVID, I spoke regularly to local recovery groups and institutions about my journey of recovery and hope." Jessica wants to help others. "It is time to stop the cycle of abuse! We are the lucky ones. We have each other and these forums for support. Our predecessors (and perhaps our own abusers) didn't have that outlet or opportunity. We are too many to be ignored. It is time to speak out and prevent the next generation from the devastating, lifelong effects of child abuse."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Dr Jaime Romo from San Diego, California, an educator, consultant, author, and Commissioned Minister, who promotes healing from abuse and the prevention of child sexual abuse, particularly abuse by religious authorities or in the context of religious settings. A workbook he wrote, Healing the Sexually Abused Heart: A Workbook for Survivors, Thrivers, and Supporters, is an integration of various disciplines that led Jaime to become a certified Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) facilitator. Jaime explains, “While it is no secret that I am a survivor of clergy abuse, it is the journey of integration, transformation and application that is most telling about my accomplishments and the life that I celebrate.” Please visit his website: http://www.jaimeromo.org. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Dr. Lori Pitts from Los Angeles, California, whose first abuser was her uncle who was also her god father. This relationship greatly impacted her relationship with the divine. Lori was sexually violated 3’x throughout her life with the first assault starting at the tender age of 5. She was gang raped during high school and was convinced that this was her fault causing feelings of self-doubt. She survived an attempted rape yet again at age 26, during the pregnancy of her youngest child by yet another family member. The primary feelings Dr. Lori experienced were extreme guilt, shame, and confusion of why this continued to happen to her. She was beginning to believe that this was what she was placed here for, to be sexually violated by men. As a former clinical counselor, Dr. Lori is an advocate for mental health and has been in counseling dealing with her abuse for 10+ years. She has most recently dealt with forgiveness of her parents and other adults in her life that did not protect her as a child. Further, she has been working through forgiving herself while removing the guilt and shame associated with the assault. Dr. Lori is currently working on a book to be published later this year, that tells her story shedding light on the many areas of her life that were effected by being sexually violated. Dr. Lori regularly shares her story during the Women’s Wellness Circle that is held the first Saturday of each month as well as on social media platforms. Dr. Lori most recently shared her story of Alchemy during the invitation of the Anu Practice where she was the key note speaker for their Sunday Service.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest will be Sharyn Higdon Jones, a licensed psychotherapist for over 35 years with individuals, couples and families who have experienced the trauma of abuse. In her words: “The pain of being sexually abused is deep and profound. The abuse experience touches the core of a woman's being in ways she could never have predicted. She has been violated on so many levels." Sharyn is also the author of the book 'Healing Steps; a Gentle Path to Recovery for Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse,' written in a workbook format with exercises. Sharyn says, “Healing Steps is a perfect step-by-step process that evolved out of groups of women molested as children. It is the perfect format either to be facilitated by a mental health professional or could be used as a guide in a peer support group.” ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Mary Knight from Bellingham, Washington, is a survivor of various forms of familial human trafficking, including child ography produced by her parents. She is a retired social worker and has been a full-time writer and filmmaker since 2010. Knight tells about the path she took to the great life she now has in her personal documentary 'Am I Crazy? My journey to determine if my memories are true'. Mary explains, "My parents were church leaders who took me to church three times a week AND they were my pimps." She's also a survivor of child ography produced by her parents. As a clinical social worker, Mary Knight, MSW, placed over 100 children in adoptive homes, provided therapeutic services for traumatized children, and, by court appointment, conducted 400 divorce custody evaluations. She has been a full-time writer and filmmaker since 2010. She tells about the path she took to the great life she now lives. "I reevaluated my recovered memories," she says, "on camera." Included are psychiatrist Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, noted psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Loftus and survivor/advocate and fellow NAASCA family member former Miss America Marilyn Van Debur. Mary wants copies of her film 'Am I Crazy?' in the right hands. "Free downloads are available to survivors who can't otherwise easily afford them."
Tonight's special guest is Dr. Tina Medina from Kansas City, Kansas. She was sexually molested as a child by her uncle. In recovery, Tina is now a professional writer specializing in public relations, community/media relations, technical and grant writing. "My book series explains how God is capable of healing the wounded spirit of a sexual abuse victim," she says. "I have a book for preschoolers, schooled aged children, teenagers, and adults. I have writing journals and am developing the counselor's guides at this time." As Tina tells her story, "I was scared when my uncle touched me and was frightened because he woke me up in those instances. Although it only occurred three to five times, and only for 10 seconds or so, I still do not like to be woke up and I do not like for a man to touch me without my permission." Years later, she began her healing through the help of the Pentecostal Church in 1998. "The journey to sexual abuse recovery is all about taking tiny steps to release pent up feelings and when they are gone," she explains, "then the fruit of the Holy Spirit can come in and all is well. The spiritual aspect of inner healing is crucial for full recovery. My spirit is the essence of me and it needed to be healed in order for me to be creative and fulfilled. Walking those baby steps are huge healing steps because it is our version of walking on water. What was once thought to be impossible is now very much attainable. That is the hope of God."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Barbara Joy Hansen from Milford, Massachusetts, a child abuse survivor and Violence Prevention Expert. Her book, 'Listen to the Cry of the Child,' is where she shares her journey. She and her husband work in prisons, homeless shelters, domestic violence conferences, etc, and she facilitates a survivors support group called Beauty Out of Ashes (many members are former alcoholics or addicts). Barbara has a lot of information and experience to offer! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Elizabeth Sullivan from Stillwater, Minnesota, a returning NAASCA family member and survivor of childhood sexual abuse and rape and the founder. She's the director of EmpowerSurvivors, a peer-led nonprofit organization that supports those that have experienced the crimes of childhood sexual abuse and rape. "In 2013 at the age of 42 I broke my silence," Elizabeth says. "Kind of a forced breaking of silence because it came out due to several triggers that ended up putting me in ICU for two days with a heart rate that couldn't be regulated, chest pain and dry heaves. After two days the flashbacks started in, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, hyper vigilance and all of the rest." Her PTSD was basically out of control. "This begun the breaking of silence for me, the two day a week therapy sessions, group therapy and a lot of ups and downs and suicidal thoughts." Elizabeth goes on, "Breaking my silence was the best thing I ever did, and the hardest thing I ever did, and now I want to empower other survivors to do the same and find healing." Elizabeth is a certified peer support specialist. "I am someone that advocates for those that haven't found their voice," she says, "particularly adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse or any person that is poor in spirit or vulnerable. My objective is to help others on their journeys of healing from childhood sexual abuse and trauma as I also progress on my personal journey. My hope and dream are to somehow raise enough money to create a healing center on a ranch geared specifically for those who were sexually abused as children offering something different then the regular clinical setting."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Annie Margis from Long Beach, California, who grew up in a large Catholic family. Most of her five siblings fell victim to a variety of abuses. "My parents never made me feel protected and I lived in sheer terror. I was a social misfit and had terrible social anxiety. My biological dad began molesting me at 3 years of age," she says. "I told the priest at confession that I had sinned against my dad but he told me to go back home and obey my dad. I felt caught in sin permanently and hopeless to get to heaven. I was doomed to go to hell." She explains, "Today I have no shame. My book is a non-graphic novel entitled 'The Ugliest Word'. I am doing research about what keeps people locked away from being able to discuss child abuse. We know how hard it was to live but we don’t know how hard it is for someone who has never had to face it as a reality in society before." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Chris Scramuzzo from Denver, Colorado, who says his dad was a sociopath. "My dad told me uncles had sexually abused him. He lived his life lying to gain emotion and innocence." He explains, "His abuse started to me when I was born, he tried to smother me, beat me, sexually abused me, and indented my skull at my soft spot to damage my blood brain which started the vein to fill with toxins until the vein rupture and I had my stroke. It took 29 years to collect in my blood vein to rupture." He goes on, "School was even more of a problem for me because my dad set up my friendship styles which were in lieu. His guilt was laid on my shoulders by making his memories be my memories (ie gaslighting, narcissism). All the way through my school years I had to tell the truth. He would make me be the criminal through identity theft .. it was not my identity it's my dad. My dad wanted me to go to jail or for me to die in jail." Now things are different. "I see a psychiatrist now. I will be reaching out to a trauma-based therapist. Once I started on ADHD meds I seemed to get better. I only began to realize I was on my healing journey in 2018. I went from darkness to light during this time where I began to understand more about what was real in my life and what was illusion from my past. And I also have the recovery from my stroke going on." Chris' advice? “Look for truth, look for security, be firm in what you know, reach out to others who understand and that you can trust.”
Tonight's special guest is Tara Flynn from Naugatuck, Connecticut, the younger of two children and who were raised by a single mother. "The father of the children that I babysat for abused me," Tara says. "The abuse occurred over the summer of 2002 between the ages of 14 and 15. I continued babysitting for the family, thinking it was my fault, keeping the dark secret between him and I. Guilt, shame, fear. I felt it all and nothing, at the same time." Now she's changed. "I see how valuable it is for people to put a face to a survivor and be able to relate." Tara explains, "What truly started my healing journey was when my perpetrator was released from prison and off parole and I learned that there were no protections in place. I reached out to a local sexual assault counselor and started seeing her. After about a year, I gained the courage to join 'Jane Doe No More'. There I became part of a family of truly incredible survivors that have help me in more ways than I can mention, throughout the years. They taught me how to share my story. Healing is not a sprint it is a marathon. And I am in it every day." She continues, "I am now an Outreach member with 'Jane Doe No More'. JDNM has been instrumental in my healing. I also co-chair the advocacy committee, where we work on legislation, community & SAAM events, and anything to help advocate for survivors. I work with survivors to share their stories, advance their healing, and help educate others. I have shared my story with anyone who will listen."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~Tonight the special co-host will be Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, a survivor of severe child abuse who's now a Minister and Chaplain. She'll appear on the 1st Thursday of each month and is the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story," her story of redemption. In 1997, Michelle writes that she, "..was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. Her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Francine Anne Umaru from Crofton, Maryland, also known as 'Sistah Fran', was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Englewood, New Jersey. She is proud of her Jamaican heritage. Francine was saved by the pen at a tender age, while suffering from childhood sexual, physical, and verbal abuse by her biological father. "When I was about 12 or 13 years old, I was emotionally, physically, and sexually abused by my biological father," she says. "My mother was complicit and is still married to him. The home I grew up in felt like a place in hell." Francine continues, "The unresolved trauma and toxic stress I carried manifested into Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which I struggle with every day. I started my healing journey in October 2020. I have been seeing a trauma-informed therapist twice a week since then. I am still a work in progress and healing is not a linear process." Her passion for poetry has continued into adulthood. As the founder of 'Break the Silence and Bloom', she carries out her mission to facilitate and normalize conversations around child abuse and neglect; to encourage adult survivors to share their truth in safe spaces and promote healing so they can bloom. "In July 2017, I published my first book of 30 poems, 'Break the Silence & Bloom: My Poetic Testimonies'. There is a process between breaking your silence and blooming -- it is called "healing". We cannot bloom until we do the inner work first."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest is Hilda Thomasine Wren from Frederick, Maryland, a strong voice on behalf of adult survivors of child abuse and a member of the clergy. She worked at Maryland hospitals with rape victims and is a chaplin who works with hospitals and hospice. She is healed now after staying on her healing journey for many years. She is the author of the book 'A Plain Brown Wren'. Her autobiography is about growing up in a household of terror from alcoholics, drug addictions and a aunt who began prostituting her at age 12. She was sexually, verbally, emotionally and physically abused by many adults. Hilda relays that her childhood was very hard, because of her alcoholic parents and the physical, emotional and sexual abuse from her stepfather. Hilda lived in a world of people who drank, took advantage of her and used her as a sex object. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Cindi Taylor from Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. "My sexual abuse started at age 7 and continued until I was 15 by my stepfather," she reports. "My mother asked me one day after school if something was happening / did happen between the two of us [but] I didn’t get away until I moved our if the house I grew up in. I was confused, scared. I knew this wasn’t happening to my girlfriends." Cindi explains, " I didn't get away until I moved our if the house I grew up in. I was confused, scared. I knew this wasn't happening to my girlfriends. I have complex PTSD, ADHD. I am completely at peace with the abuse. I know that the abuse was put upon me because I kept a positive attitude, determination and sheer grit about processing through it all and not only surviving, but thriving in spite of everything." Now she's an active advocate. "I have started a foundation called 'A Positive Survivor'. It's on FB and soon to be LinkedIn & Instagram. I have begun to book talks with local AA groups, women's shelters & schools to tell my story. They all need to remain positive and take their individual journey one day at a time. Always breathe, pray and walk daily to help your mind process, digest and work through all things: negative or positive!!"
Tonight's special guest is Dwight Hurych from Greensboro, North Carolina, author of the new book, 'Who Else Can Love You?'. Dwight's primary abuse was the emotional neglect inflicted upon him by his mother, his custodial parent. Since infancy, he received no affection, appreciation or unconditional love from his mother, and hardly any recognition. This continued until after he graduated from high school. Trying to connect with his mother only left him feeling utterly frustrated by her indifference and tremendously distraught from her complete lack of compassion. He reports that after a lifetime of struggling with relationships and two failed marriages, he sought therapy and support, so he didn't really 'get away' from the effects of the emotional neglect ingrained in his body until later in life. In relationships Dwight felt like a misunderstood misfit, often exhibiting needy behavior because he was so desperate for attention. Dwight explains he started therapy and Al-Anon about two decades ago. Later, he learned about inner child work and recovery from C-PTSD. Today, he continues inner child therapy for greater embracing of all his inner parts, living more authentically and wholeheartedly than ever before. He recently published a book of poetic affirmations of self-love from the perspective of his delighted inner child. The book is called, 'Who Else Can Love You?' and is suitable for any child, inner or outer. The purpose of this particular show is for me and my guests to discuss the value of inner child therapy in order to give adult survivors tools and options for their own therapeutic healing journey.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Dr Wanda McKinley from Dallas, Texas, founder and CEO of 'We Are Survivors Foundation', an International non-profit Organization for abused men, women and children. Wanda was a victim of abuse for 24 consecutive years. Her biological father began to molest her as early as six. Then at the age of thirteen her biological father and stepfather raped her .. until the age of eighteen. With her ex-husband from the age of nineteen, she endured physical, mental, verbal, sexual and financial abuse until she found the strength to leave at the age of thirty-one. Due to the trauma that she experienced; she began to become an example for others. Wanda is the best-selling author of the 'We Are Survivors Workbook Series'. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Caroline Pugh-Roberts from London, Ontario, Canada. Born in South Africa, her family traveled extensively. She was first sexually abused at 8, when she was assaulted while swimming in a lake by a 13 year old boy. "I climbed out of the water and never said a word," she says, "but I was never the same child again." Raped at 14, 16 and 18, she fought back by pushing her last rapist out an 8 story window, killing him. "I had to, it was him or me," she says. "I was also trafficked for 8 years." Now she works full time with those who have been, are or at high risk of being trafficked. "I have struggled with Depression, anxiety, DID, conversion disorder, colitis, migraines. I have had over 10 years of therapy to get to the point where I can now be an advocate." She explains, "The day I finally got away, I stopped the drugs and got serious about not hurting anymore. I am far more at peace with myself. I work full time with those who have been, are or at high risk of being trafficked." Caroline concludes, "I have spoken to and educated over 40 thousand people on this issue, and am writing a book for survivors covering things like, 'Why do I still love him?' I am writing a curriculum that will be mandatory for all residents in the hospitals here. One of the big parts will be how to separate a minor victim from a guardian in order to ask the right questions."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Sharyn Higdon Jones, a licensed psychotherapist for over 35 years with individuals, couples and families who have experienced the trauma of abuse. In her words: “The pain of being sexually abused is deep and profound. The abuse experience touches the core of a woman's being in ways she could never have predicted. She has been violated on so many levels." Sharyn is also the author of the book 'Healing Steps; a Gentle Path to Recovery for Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse,' written in a workbook format with exercises. Sharyn says, “Healing Steps is a perfect step-by-step process that evolved out of groups of women molested as children. It is the perfect format either to be facilitated by a mental health professional or could be used as a guide in a peer support group.” ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Susan Glandon from Owens Crossroads, Alabama, who came from a mostly loving family, but was abused by her step-father from about 3 or 4 years old, just after as he married her mother. "The abuse lasted my entire childhood," she says. "The sexual abuse abated physically, when I was about twelve or thirteen, but the physical, mental, and predatory abuse continued until I told my grandmother. My age was then 21, and I was suffering from severe PTSD." She wrote a book about her abuse entitled 'Eighteen Years: Childhood with a Sex Predator'. "I have always counselled and cheered people on," Susan continues. "I escaped my abuser every chance I got. Even as a child, I would leave the house, to play, early in the mornings, and not return until late. I was pregnant and married, by the time I turned eighteen. Leaving the house for the first time. I disconnected, or fought the abuse, and there were no feelings attached, as I had no idea what to think. Only to do my best to get through it." She further explains, "I am a sociology minor, loved psychology, read all I can get my hands on, and have made it my mission to literally feed street people, support foodbanks, etc. I get the feeling that homelessness happens after abuse happens. My main insight is that this could have been prevented if my aunt would have spoken up. She was his sister. He abused her, and we have to get rid of the cloak of silence that protects abusers, not victims. He kept me quiet, as well, in childhood, but certainly not in adulthood."
Tonight's special guest is David A Washington from Hagerstown, Maryland, who was raped by two strangers at a local park in his community. "The assault was of such a nature that I was taken to the hospital and the police was involved," he says. "As a result of this more predators sought me out and I experienced sexual abuse until high school. I began to use substances while in the 9th grade and was able to move to a crowd that offered protection to some extent." David is featured on video in The Bristlecone Project. He explains, "The major feeling was shame and that I was evil, a sinner, a criminal (the police took me to the hospital, not an ambulance, and my understanding as a kid was that only bad guys go in the car with the flashing lights). I knew people in the community knew what had happened. One because of the police involvement and two because of the court hearing." David began his recovery at 25 when he stopped using substances and went to an inpatient program that specialized in sexual trauma. "It was there that I admitted that I was a survivor and received a diagnosis of PTSD. I am a member of a 12 step fellowship for 29 years now." But, he goes on, "It was not until I was 45 that I was asked to share on Capitol Hill for a Congressional Hearing in 2011 that I went public on a large scale. I have talked about the trauma throughout my life but never in a public setting. This opened the door for me to be heard in conventions and conferences across America. As David says, “We don’t have to be silent anymore and you are not alone.”
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Dr Jaime Romo from San Diego, California, an educator, consultant, author, and Commissioned Minister, who promotes healing from abuse and the prevention of child sexual abuse, particularly abuse by religious authorities or in the context of religious settings. A workbook he wrote, Healing the Sexually Abused Heart: A Workbook for Survivors, Thrivers, and Supporters, is an integration of various disciplines that led Jaime to become a certified Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) facilitator. Jaime explains, “While it is no secret that I am a survivor of clergy abuse, it is the journey of integration, transformation and application that is most telling about my accomplishments and the life that I celebrate.” Please visit his website: http://www.jaimeromo.org. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Jeanette Golden from Hemphill, Texas, whose abuse started at an early age (about 4 years old). She wrote a book, 'The Warrior Inside', about her experiences. "It was sexual, verbal, emotional, physical abuse, by my stepfather, brothers, uncles, and neighborhood men," she shares. "It was like being in a deep hole, lonely, desperate, hellish, fearful, insecurity. I had terrible nightmares with animals coming at me. I had built walls and even today I am still dealing with some of it." She goes on, "At the age of 14 I decided to leave home in the middle of the night to live in the streets because I didn’t trust anyone. I was homeless for about six months. I left because I knew I HAD to leave. I had already failed suicide. I could see that if I stayed, my future would hold more of the same, as well as prison because of the things my family required of me – such as shoplifting, theft. I felt more comfortable in the streets – I wasn’t scared living in the streets." But she's better now. "I’ve been set free and set free from the snares of the enemy. I am walking free and confident in the power of God’s love and provision for me. I do have great mentors that I can go to if I need to. I am the co-pastor of Only Believe Ministries and I speak in various conferences as invited." Jeannette is Vice President of Lighthouse Development, North Texas Region area board, with Aglow International. “I fight my battles through God.”
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Ross Stewart from Auckland, New Zealand, who suffered from various kinds of child abuse both in and out of foster care. "Now more than ever I find that I am being re-traumatized every day by such events as it may be a spoken word, a news media item that is constantly being re-lived in my mind for which I have had to seek counselling for to assist in coping with the horrors I went through as a child." He goes on, "It effected my life in so many ways even to this day as it’s a cruel life sentence which I don’t ever want to happen to any other kiwi child, whether it be male or female." Then came foster care. "At aged 18 months old I was removed from my biological mother by the New Zealand DSW (department of social welfare) and placed in foster care homes until finally ending up with a foster family that decided to adopt me at age 7. My memories of the various foster homes were of mostly psychological abuse and some physical abuse which consisted of beatings for bed wetting, these situations continued when adopted. Ross continues, "Aged 8, I was sexually abused by a neighbor's daughter who sodomized me and even raped me many times. At age10, I was sent to a special Government institution for disturbed children where I endured more abuses committed against me by a man who was my dormitory house master. I spent over two years at the hands of the house master's whim even in his quarters each night until I was released back to my adopted parents as being adjusted to lead a normal life."
Tonight's special guest is Lovern Gordon from Avon, Massachusetts. "I grew up watching my father abuse my mother," she says, "then I fell into a relationship at 21 with my abuser. The abuse lasted 2 years and felt like life was slipping away with each day that it progressed. I felt isolation, fear, low self-esteem. I escaped in the wee hours of the morning as he slept to go to the hospital to seek help for the injuries I had sustained from the last attack. I still suffer from PTSD and I am now in therapy." Lovern is currently finishing up a DV Memoir entitled 'The Legacy He Left Me to be released on June 1st of this year via Paperclip Publishing. "When the hairs stand up on the back of your neck about something," she says, "listen to it, listen to your gut. Where you are now, if toxic, it’s not where you are destined to be." Ms Gordon is the founder of Love Life Now Foundation, Inc. which promotes year-round awareness around domestic violence (DV), via its initiatives, points people in the right direction for help and helps bridge the gap between DV shelters and communities they serve. She has appeared on numerous radio and television shows including 'CBS This Morning' nationally and NBC’s 'This is New England locally.' "It took a few years to get back to the business of me and realize none of it was my fault," remarks Lovern, "but between prayer, fellowship and trusting my gut, I am more alive than I ever was then.”
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Barbara Joy Hansen from Milford, Massachusetts, a child abuse survivor and Violence Prevention Expert. Her book, 'Listen to the Cry of the Child,' is where she shares her journey. She and her husband work in prisons, homeless shelters, domestic violence conferences, etc, and she facilitates a survivors support group called Beauty Out of Ashes (many members are former alcoholics or addicts). Barbara has a lot of information and experience to offer! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Sandra Speer from Gulfport, Mississippi, a survivor of child abuse who was was born into a dysfunctional family. Her father, mother and 'golden child' brother abused her violently, emotionally and through neglect. Sandra lived without her mother's love. "I left the family at 17 and was raped by a man that my father moved into the house," she says. "The rape caused me to feel insecure and convinced I wasn’t meant to be happy. I was convinced by both my parents that I would never amount to anything which caused me anxiety and want to commit suicide." Sandra goes on, "I struggled with an eating disorder that has caused me digestive problems all my life and anxiety about food. I had two failed marriages and lost my children but was able to get them back. I felt I never deserved to be happy but I learned to only care what I feel about myself and forget what others thought of me. I began my healing journey as a 58-year-old woman." Things are better now. "Recovery has helped me have the strength to live my dream of helping others. Recovery is rough but worth it. I earned my Ph.D. in Public Safety, which helped to build my self-esteem. Through my company, Life’s Answers, LLC (Site), I offer Life Coaching and Legal Advocacy. Knowing what most survivors are going through and need, I help survivors find the beautiful person they lost."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Lori Golden from San Diego, California, a survivor and a private psychotherapist working with other trauma and abuse survivors. Lori shares, “I am a survivor of incest. My father sexually abused me from the age of 5 to 16. When the sun went down, I was filled with terror, hypervigilance, and waiting. Everything in my room came alive." Lori started using drugs in college at 18 and covered her worthlessness, aloneness and increasing desperation with bulimic exercising, food addiction and drugs, culminating in a suicide attempt at 27. "I am an incest survivor, an addict in Narcotics Anonymous for 33 years as well as Food Addicts Anonymous for 30", she tells us. Her book, 'My House Of Lies; Awakening from a Childhood of Sexual Abuse'. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Teresa Myrick from St. Petersburg, Florida, a survivor of violent, sexual and emotional abuse. The abuse last all through her childhood. Teresa is now an author, speaker and Life Coach. "I credit it all to self-help books, counseling, the Life Recovery Process and Neuro-Transformational Coaching," she says. "I started addressing the results of my trauma in my 20's. I had moments when I thought I was good and finished with healing (Ha!) only to learn that it is an ongoing process. I am now building my Coaching business." My father was murdered by his best friend when I was about 2 years old. He died in my mom's arms. She subsequently got involved with my brother's father who was abusive. Every Friday there would be a physical fight, resulting in me and my brother huddled up in the corner of an adjacent room listening to the bumps, thumps, mumbles and grunts. This went on for 10 years. My mom finally had enough and put him out! She did not look back. We had a bit of a break until she met her next boyfriend. He touched and rubbed up on me inappropriately from my middle school to high school years. Currently I'm in a 13-year marriage, the mother of 3 boys (two adults, one teen), an author, speaker and Life Coach. I credit it all to self-help books, counseling, the Life Recovery Process and Neuro-Transformational Coaching. My motto:” Be good to you, so that you can be good to others.”
Tonight's special guest is Evangelia Vensel from Washington State, a child sexual abuse survivor. "Life for me while I was growing up in an abusive family and environment was living in a constant state of fight or flight, Evangelia says. "Anxiety, insomnia, scared to be a kid, lots of physical, verbal and mental abuse, daily. Being neglected, ignored, bullied, called names, left behind, forgotten, emotionally abandoned, and denial of being molested. Silenced. I was always scared or felt alone. I became an addict at age 15." She goes on, "The physical abuse continued up until I moved out when I was 18. But all other forms of abuse continued till I ended my relationships with them all in 2018." That year, Evangelia detoxed and chelated her body from bad bacteria, viruses, unresolved infections, toxins, metals and chemicals from all the pharmaceutical drugs and street drugs left in her body and brain. "I had stem cells treatments to repair all the damage my issues caused by not treating the root cause. Trauma compromises the immune system which keeps us compromised." In recovery now, she says, "Positive thinking brings positive results. If you surrender to the universe it will come full circle and it will reward you with all your desires!!!" Evangelia describes herself as "a fireball always full of energy, always scoping peoples hair out and always, always trying to help others out! I'm married to the most incredible man on earth and I know he is my soulmate! We have two amazing beautiful children together and our love just gets deeper as the years go by! I am one lucky lady!" Evangelia believes you're only as old as you feel, saying, "Age ain't nothing but a number! Moments become memories!"
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, a survivor of severe child abuse who's now a Minister and Chaplain. She'll appear on the 1st Thursday of each month and is the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story," her story of redemption. In 1997, Michelle writes that she, "..was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. Her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Sharonda Hankins Davis from North Carolina, whose incest started when she was 5 years old, continued into her teens years, and caused her to suffer tremendously .. as childhood sexual abuse does. "For a long time, I thought I was ok," she says. "However the damage was severe. My abuse affected every area of my life. With the help of NAASCA and the NAASCA family, things I didn’t know to ask that were key to my healing has been answered." I joined the NAASCA family right at a year ago. Since joining, I have been abundantly blessed in so many ways. NAASCA is not just “a group”, NAASCA is family & we care for one another. It’s wonderful to be able to open up & share without being judged. I have discovered & released so much anger & resentment that I didn’t even realized I had. NAASCA has helped me to understand me. My incest started when I was 5 years old & continue into my teens years &caused me to suffer tremendously as abuse does. For a long time, I thought I was ok however the damage was severe. My abuse affected every area of my life. With the help of NAASCA & the NAASCA family, things I didn’t know to ask that were key to my healing has been answered. I feel such a sense of peace. I strongly encourage everyone to open up & share your story & join NAASCA.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest is Hilda Thomasine Wren from Frederick, Maryland, a strong voice on behalf of adult survivors of child abuse and a member of the clergy. She worked at Maryland hospitals with rape victims and is a chaplin who works with hospitals and hospice. She is healed now after staying on her healing journey for many years. She is the author of the book 'A Plain Brown Wren'. Her autobiography is about growing up in a household of terror from alcoholics, drug addictions and a aunt who began prostituting her at age 12. She was sexually, verbally, emotionally and physically abused by many adults. Hilda relays that her childhood was very hard, because of her alcoholic parents and the physical, emotional and sexual abuse from her stepfather. Hilda lived in a world of people who drank, took advantage of her and used her as a sex object. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Timothy Phelps from Somerset, Kentucky, survivor of violence and neglect. In elementary school, Timothy remembers coming home one day and seeing hate and pure darkness radiating from his mothers eyes. He would spend much time with his nose in a corner, with his hands held high. If he became tired and allowed his arms to lower, he would receive a blow from whatever his mother could get her hands on, or simply have his head slammed into the wall. This abuse caused many self doubts, anxieties, fears, and a strong desire to die. Phelps would begin seeking a relationship with God after almost being successful in his suicide attempt, only coming back to life after hearing a voice say, “I’m not done with you yet.” In 2019, after feeling called to tell his story, Phelps wrote his book 'The Invisible Child: Overcoming the Odds', published in 2020. He has forgiven his parents, has built a relationship with them, and received their blessing in his journey to help others, by telling of his experiences. He is the founder of Phelps Can Help, LLC, where he coaches and helps others with their own personal transformation, for the lifestyle they truly deserve.
Tonight's special guest is Annie Margis from Long Beach, California, who grew up in a large Catholic family. Most of her five siblings fell victim to a variety of abuses. "My mother was very verbally abusive and harsh with me. My parents never made me feel protected and I sheer terror. I was a social misfit and had terrible social anxiety. My biological dad began molesting me at 3 years of age," she says. "I told the priest at confession that I had sinned against my dad but he told me to go back home and obey my dad. I felt caught in sin permanently and hopeless to get to heaven. I was doomed to go to hell." She remembers her mom telling her to take naps with her dad. "My boyfriend raped me at 18 and I became pregnant," she continues. "I gave the baby up for adoption but deep darkness and depression made me go back for my boy. I eventually married my child's dad, but he turned out to be verbally abusive and unfaithful." Now far into her healing and recovery, her therapist sent Annie to a peer 12-step incest recovery group. "I still see a therapist, psychiatrist and medical doctor for fibromyalgia related to my sexual abuse," she says. "Today I have no shame. My book is a non-graphic novel entitled 'The Ugliest Word'. I am doing research about what keeps people locked away from being able to discuss child abuse. We know how hard it was to live but we don’t know how hard it is for someone who has never had to face it as a reality in society before.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Dr Wanda McKinley from Dallas, Texas, founder and CEO of 'We Are Survivors Foundation', an International non-profit Organization for abused men, women and children. Wanda was a victim of abuse for 24 consecutive years. Her biological father began to molest her as early as six. Then at the age of thirteen her biological father and stepfather raped her .. until the age of eighteen. With her ex-husband from the age of nineteen, she endured physical, mental, verbal, sexual and financial abuse until she found the strength to leave at the age of thirty-one. Due to the trauma that she experienced; she began to become an example for others. Wanda is the best-selling author of the 'We are Survivors Workbook Series'. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Wendy Jay from Iowa, whose child abuse started at about 4 years old and lasted through her mid-teen years. Raped at 15, she was first given alcohol by her abuser. "I became a drug addict later," she says. "I suffered suicidal thoughts constantly. I wrote morbid poetry and I was impulsive and homeless. I gained attention and love through sex. I had little value for myself. I started my healing in a treatment facility." She continues, "I actually had moved out and into my mom’s house around 13. From 11-13 I usually spent the night elsewhere so I wasn’t home to be abused. I took on other family’s traits trying to be normal, and wanted to be anywhere but my home. From 13-15 at my moms, I learned to forgive and thought maybe my perpetrator was mentally off. I begin to trust him and even say I love you, because he was my father and I wanted a normal father. Then one night he gave me a bunch of alcohol which I thought was cool, and when I became incredibly intoxicated, he raped me. I never forgave him again, though I have tried through God’s grace. My mom found out after reading my diary and kicked me out at 14." Her life has gotten better. "I’ve definitely struggled through the years but I learn to talk about it and not to be ashamed! I learned it wasn’t me. Luckily today I am a recovering addict, with an amazing husband, and 3 kids. I am blessed to stay home. I still battle depression and insecurities. My kids are never alone with any family members or friends. I’m always on high alert, I don’t want my kids to ever feel the way I have and continue to do at times."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Audrey May Prosper from Colorado Springs, Colorado. In 2009, Audrey suffered a horrific attack by her first husband, leaving her burned over 80% of her body. Soon after coming home from the hospital she began speaking out and educating people globally on how to overcome adversity. Her story of redemption through the Father and her willingness to break her silence inspired a movement that has now touched the lives of millions. Over the last 10 years her story, perspective, and advocacy work has been shared through outlets such as: Dr. Phil, Anderson Cooper, The Doctors, 48 Hours, I Survived, and many more. More recently she founded a faith-based women’s network and academy called, Your Thrive Tribe -- designed to educate, equip, and empower women entrepreneurs to thrive in life, career and Christ by providing them with the necessary training, tools, resources, and supportive sisterhood they need to succeed. She also just co-founded a ministry with her husband David Prosper called, Shepherd Revolution Community Center -- to make disciples and teach them to live Biblically, so that we can restore His divine design. Others describe her as AUTHENTIC, empowering, tenacious, inspiring, compassionate, and an advocate for many. Her mission in life is to be the change we want to see.
Tonight's special guest is Timika Chambers from Portland, Oregon, a survivor of sexual abuse. Timika says, "For approximately five years, from ages 5-10, two male family members violated our relationship's boundaries by forcing and manipulating me to have sex with them. Throughout the sexual abuse, I continued to do the things many children do, such as play with friends and my toys and watch television. After the secret was out, many thoughts visited me, including feeling like trash, scared of men, and how I denied following the Voice within to tell." Timika's experience is not unusual. Many children suffer in silence, waiting it out. She goes on, "At the crossroads of what I do now, I chose to align myself with nature and develop a relationship with God. I consumed the King James Bible and learned the Lord's prayer. Jesus was my first superhero. In my 20's, I saw a therapist for one visit because I thought I had to. I feel blessed that God loves me and that I have my health and sanity. I want to help people find their healing path and live out their divine purpose in life. I am currently finishing up 'Bent Not Broken', a memoir outlining my healing process."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Dr Jaime Romo from San Diego, California, an educator, consultant, author, and Commissioned Minister, who promotes healing from abuse and the prevention of child sexual abuse, particularly abuse by religious authorities or in the context of religious settings. A workbook he wrote, Healing the Sexually Abused Heart: A Workbook for Survivors, Thrivers, and Supporters, is an integration of various disciplines that led Jaime to become a certified Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) facilitator. Jaime explains, “While it is no secret that I am a survivor of clergy abuse, it is the journey of integration, transformation and application that is most telling about my accomplishments and the life that I celebrate.” Please visit his website: http://www.jaimeromo.org. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Elizabeth Gaskins Knight from Savanna, Illinois, a Native American. Elizabeth says, "I was kidnapped at age 6 and sexually abused by a neighbor. Next I was sexually abused at age 14 by a community adult man age 22. I have not ever received any justice. I felt violated, helplessness, anxiety and PTSD but I always remembered what I recall my psychiatrist telling me. He was a board-certified sexologist and he would tell me no matter what anyone does to me or says to me, 'I'm still a worthwhile person'." Many indigenous people from around the world have suffered child abuse (and adult injustice) at numbers that are far higher than others in the community. “I began my healing journey and talking about my abuse through writing. I am a published author and I have a special poem that really set me free.” Elizabeth is a court-appointed advocate for the Americans of Invisible Disabilities. She speaks about sexual abuse and advocates for others to talk about their abuse on her blog and also on radio shows. "I believe adult survivors need to be believed and their voice heard," Elizbeth says. "I think when survivors open up, they begin to be able to do self-care and find therapists who will help them keep the mental damage from damaging them physically, mental and physical go hand in hand.”
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Dr Debra Warner from Los Angeles, Forensic Psychologist and professor at the Los Angeles campus of the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. 'Dr Deb' is well known to NAASCA members and we welcome her back to the show. Among other things, she is known as a male trauma expert, spouse of a male survivor and author of 'His History, Her Story: a Survival Guide for Spouses of Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Trauma'. Tonight we'll be promoting her upcoming participation in the FBI's Community Outreach program on January 25, 2021, on ZOOM, a conference on 'Community Collaboration & Human Trafficking' from 2pm to 4pm PAC time. The event is FREE to the community. Currently, Dr Deb's research focuses on diversity issues connected to forensic community mental health and male survivor trauma. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Nicole Moehring from Hinckley, Ohio. Nicole’s daughter and son, who is autistic, were both victims of sexual abuse and assault. As a mother suffering through this unbelievable nightmare, Nicole witnessed the differences in the justice system of how her daughter was believed and treated so well, and her son was not. Nicole quickly began to realize how difficult the road to justice is for an individual with a disability. Nicole was made to feel as if what happened to her son did not matter. She says the current justice system is not equipped to handle these cases. It’s difficult enough to learn your child was sexually abused by someone you knew, and then to learn there is very little help, if any, for children like Nicole’s son. The psychological effects on the victim and their family are insurmountable. It’s a mother’s worst nightmare, one a parent never wakes up from, because the effects of child abuse of any kind last a lifetime. Nicole and her daughter Maci founded 'Voices of Change 2018', a unique organization, advocating, educating for prevention, and empowering children with disabilities who have been impacted by sexual abuse. Many changes need to be made to stop the epidemic of children with disabilities being abused. Nicole says, "We need to remove the stigma of this topic in order to move forward." Nicole graduated Magna Cum Laude, with a Bachelor's Degree in Health Service Administration. She has over 25 years of experience in corporate, non-profit and healthcare environments as both an Admissions Director and Development Director.
Tonight's special guest is Peter Elsley from Chatham-Kent, Ontario, Canada, a 50 year old originally from Australia, who's been living in Ontario, Canada for 17 years of his life. "I am also a long time survivor of 30 years living with HIV; due to, sexual abuse and other forms of abuse," Peter reveals. "Both my parents had government jobs, they were both alcoholics and gamblers." Peter was 6 years old when he was first sexually abused by an older cousin. It's his understanding that his own sister was also molested by their cousin, beginning at age 3. The molesting happened for many years, until Peter was 14 years. "Silence was never broken from me, news came about over a phone call I had with my mother, when I told her, but right away I was never believed and told I needed to stop the lying. My mother told me over the phone about what my sister had shared. I discovered that my cousin had the AIDS virus." Peter continues, "I endured the HIV virus from my cousin. I never was healed, because I had nobody to believe me. My grandparents, perhaps, were the only people who had believed me. Today, I am still haunted with nightmares, I am on suicidal watch by my specialist / therapist." Peter courageously shares his story to heal and so, others may understand the effects of childhood sexual abuse.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Barbara Joy Hansen from Milford, Massachusetts, a child abuse survivor and Violence Prevention Expert. Her book, 'Listen to the Cry of the Child,' is where she shares her journey. She and her husband work in prisons, homeless shelters, domestic violence conferences, etc, and she facilitates a survivors support group called Beauty Out of Ashes (many members are former alcoholics or addicts). Barbara has a lot of information and experience to offer! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Sherrie Allsup from Kansas City, Kansas, a survivor of long-term incest, as well as physical and emotional abuse, by her father. Her abuse started when she was 8 years old, and continued for nine years, until she was 17 years old and moved out of her parent’s home. Sherrie kept her secret from everyone including her husband and children until she was 35. When she disclosed her abuse, she started therapy to begin to heal her past wounds. Sherrie’s husband of twenty-three years was unwilling or unable to deal with her PTSD and deep trauma and divorced her. In addition to her abuse, Sherrie is a suicide attempt survivor. After years of therapy and healing, Sherrie is now married to an amazing man, Gary. With hiss support and encouragement, Sherrie is now the CEO and founder of the non profit Courage Starts With You – By Sherrie Allsup. She travels and speaks at high schools and colleges, suicide conferences, housing conferences, women’s conferences, and has the awesome privilege of educating Police Officers on trauma and sexual assault including how they present. Sherrie has completed over 120 hours of continued education in sexual assault and trauma from agencies such as the FBI, KBI and GBI. She is a speaker for the Texas Department of Justice Impact Panel, she has completed training to go into the Texas prisons and share her story of hope and healing with inmates. Sherrie is NAASCA Ambassador for the state of Kansas and a member of Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN) and currently completing the process to be an expert witness for sex crimes and is starting her first book.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Lori Golden from San Diego, California, a survivor and a private psychotherapist working with other trauma and abuse survivors. Lori shares, “I am a survivor of incest. My father sexually abused me from the age of 5 to 16. When the sun went down, I was filled with terror, hypervigilance, and waiting. Everything in my room came alive." Lori started using drugs in college at 18 and covered her worthlessness, aloneness and increasing desperation with bulimic exercising, food addiction and drugs, culminating in a suicide attempt at 27. "I am an incest survivor, an addict in Narcotics Anonymous for 33 years as well as Food Addicts Anonymous for 30", she tells us. Her book, 'My House Of Lies; Awakening from a Childhood of Sexual Abuse'. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Jordan Masciangelo from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse perpetrated by a close family friend. "After years of coping with my trauma through drug addiction, self harm and sex work," he says, "I began to find hope and healing. I began telling my story in partnership with the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada as part of their inaugural male victimization conference." He goes on, "I began to find hope and healing. I began telling my story in partnership with the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada as part of their inaugural male victimization conference. After 25 of these successful conferences, my passion for advocacy took root and I joined many support initiatives across North America including End Child Prostitution & Trafficking Canada, The Canadian Centre for Abuse Awareness, Corrections Canada, Male Survivor, and more, as well as many First Nations support centers." After spending 3 months in the wilds of South America, Jordon discovered the power of travel and adventure in his own healing and started the Kilimanjaro Expedition Challenge - where He climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, raising over $10K for Men Healing - a national organization dedicated to helping men heal from sexual victimization. Jordan now serves on the Board of MenHealing, acting as the Special Projects Manager. He also has a short YouTube video about his life experiences.
Tonight's special guest is Pix Jonasson from Dee Why, New South Wales, Australia. Unbeknownst to her loving parents, Pix endured several years of childhood sexual abuse by an evil predatory neighbor. She has learned from her childhood trauma and subsequent personal tragedies that your past does not define you or your future. Pix coaches others who are stuck in past issues of abuse, shame, guilt, anger and emotional pain to breakthrough and live a life of peace and purpose. Many survivors who are healing eventually see the benefit of using their story to help others. Pix is an example of one who uses her experience to be of service .. just as many NAASCA members do! Overcoming significant life-threatening and life-altering challenges, Pix is an ever-positive, community-minded leader and entrepreneur, who is a sought-after online and offline speaker and guest on various podcasts around the world. Alongside her speaking and coaching career, she is a best-selling author, 'Yes, I Can', with an upcoming podcast, The Couragepreneur, due out at the end of August. She is also building a successful global health and wellness business. As if she wasn't busy enough, Pix works with people who are not where they want to be personally or professionally. Her ideal clients are driven, passionate, heart-centered, kind, caring, loving and spiritual people of integrity with a can-do work ethic, who want to make a positive difference in their life and the lives of others. Pix fits right in with our NAASCA family and we look forward to a long relationship with her there in Australia.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Michelle Bless from Cincinnati, a survivor of severe child abuse who's now a Minister and Chaplain. She'll appear on the 1st Thursday of each month and is the author of the book "Out of Darkness: the Michelle Bless Story," her story of redemption. In 1997, Michelle writes that she, "..was introduced to the Lord and denounced Satan," thus beginning the process of giving her life to God. Michelle is on a mission to bring as many lost souls to God as possible. Her firsthand knowledge of how low a life can plummet to the depths of despair enables her to understand and relate to what others are facing as they struggle to find God in their lives. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Nick Murray from Jarrettsville, Maryland. He grew up in an upper middle class family, typical nuclear family. Nick was molested when he was 12 by a 14 year old. Now he's an entrepreneur working on developing a business around helping survivors of abuse share their stories on social media, by sharing his own experience, and educating others. Nick explains about his abuser, "He groomed me and talked about male anatomy. We could go on vacations as a family and I only can really remember that my mom would not always be present because she would be working. She definitely paid more attention than then she does now. I feel like I hold resentment towards my parents," Nick says, "because I never felt support from them emotionally. I don’t have many negative emotions associated with the abuse because I was so young and didn’t realize how bad it really was until the past few years." He's moving his life ahead. "I am an entrepreneur working on developing a business around helping survivors of abuse share their stories on social media, by sharing my own experience, and educating others. I feel like this is the biggest part of my healing, sharing my own experience on social media and hearing others share theirs." This idea is relatively new to Nick. "At first, I just wanted to make money playing video games and live streaming. But then I found a greater purpose, which is to eventually narrow down to helping gamers share their abuse stories. Because I know I used games as an escape and probably many others do."
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight's special guest is Hilda Thomasine Wren from Frederick, Maryland, a strong voice on behalf of adult survivors of child abuse and a member of the clergy. She worked at Maryland hospitals with rape victims and is a chaplin who works with hospitals and hospice. She is healed now after staying on her healing journey for many years. She is the author of the book 'A Plain Brown Wren'. Her autobiography is about growing up in a household of terror from alcoholics, drug addictions and a aunt who began prostituting her at age 12. She was sexually, verbally, emotionally and physically abused by many adults. Hilda relays that her childhood was very hard, because of her alcoholic parents and the physical, emotional and sexual abuse from her stepfather. Hilda lived in a world of people who drank, took advantage of her and used her as a sex object. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Suzi Patrick from Texas, a survivor of child abuse, spousal abuse and legal abuse. "Now my son is suffering the same abuses at the hands of his father," she reports. "As a child I want through physical and emotional abuse at the hands of my mother who for some reason always seemed to resent me. If it weren’t for my grandmother and my uncle, I don’t know where I would be today." Suzi goes on, "None of this ever happened to my brother. He seemed to never be able to do anything wrong. So obviously this takes an emotional toll on you as well as physical. I then moved into two abusive marriages. The second abuser, even though we’ve been divorced since 2012, continued there’s abuse through the Family Court system and now through the guardianship court." She's not just thinking of herself. "My immediate concern is for my son Shane, who has special needs. He’s gone through childhood abuse and continues to be abused as an adult that has special needs. His father has mastered the art of legal abuse and continues to use the legal system to abuse both of us now through the guardianship court. We went through Family Court abuse for years. As we all know, the legal system wants to keep you bound for as long as they can." But Suzi remains hopeful. "On the bright side, I have been in my first healthy relationship for about six years now. Jim is a good man and has been an amazing help in my healing process. I am nowhere near completely healed but having someone who knows what a healthy relationship is like is a very good start."
Tonight's special guest is Charmaine "Tigria" Carter from Richmond, Virginia. She says her childhood was a tragedy. "I was raped by my babysitter when I was 6, molested by my uncle, gang raped by my cousins and brother, and physically abused by multiple family members all before I turned 18. All those things lead to low self-esteem issues, suicide attempts, self-sabotage, drug addiction and prostitution." Charmaine Carter, CEO, Carter Entertainment, LLC, an organization committed to promoting awareness of the effects of emotional, physical and sexual abuse by educating communities primarily through various media formats. (See www.mycarterentertainment.com). She's the author of two published books, one called “Black Family Lies” and the other “Ashley Terrace Murder”. In June 2009, Ms. Carter hosted an internet radio talk show and a cable TV talk show called “Survivors of the Lion’s Den,” designed to serve survivors of abuse. The “Survivors of the Lion’s Den” TV show was on air for 3 seasons. She created a 60 minute, performance monologue in 2011 titled “Black Family Lies Performance Monologue of Abuse & Redemption,” which is based on her book “Black Family Lies,” an autobiographical account of her abusive past. She also wrote a screenplay based on the same book. She was former Editor/Chief and owner of a local Newsletter called Richmond Addiction News (RAN) that had a readership of approximately 2,400. In April 2012 awarded “Vagina Warrior” trophy for her work in the Domestic Violence field. In 2017, she was the Screenwriter and Executive Producer for two short films entitled: A Moment in Space and the Sitter who loved me.
CELEBRATION !! -- Q & A call-in discussion with NAASCA family members for New Year's Eve, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature survivors and professionals who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Let's take the opportunity to celebrate the coming New Year .. and ring out the OLD ONE! A lot of folks can't wait to see 2020 pass, and are looking forward to a chance for a better experience in 2021. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivors and professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivors and professionals will help guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Amber Johnson from Abilene, Texas, 31 years of age. The list of abuses she's endeared is long. "I've been through family abandonment, rape, domestic violence abuse, verbal, mental, narcissistic abuse, young pregnancy, premature labor, and health complications. I have even ran into a romance pimp. I only survived by God's grace and mercy for me and my children." I was lost. Life had sucked me in. I was almost at my breaking point after almost losing my life for the 3rd time and then GOD stepped in teaching me self-love, self-worth, how to love others, how to trust again and how to be happy again. But the most that I love is peace. It's everything I've written an autobiography about my life. It's in editing now. I plan to inspire and also motivate others on survival skills, just like God has given me. I am strong enough now to identify what I need to see and how I should move in life. It's nobody but God who gives me the sense enough not to use drugs and heal my pain I don't have to entertain the enemy. I am in charge of my happiness and I stand firm on that with God. I am changing to heal me, showing my kids what I wasn't shown in life, the right way to live life. IT'S ONLY UP FROM HERE AND I'M NOT LOOKING BACK. I'M DESTINED TO HELP OTHERS GET OUT OF DARKNESS.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Bill Murray from Los Angeles, our founder. Bill's recovery is 12 Step-based and spans some 3 and a half decades. Sexually abused by numerous clerics, all men, between the ages of 11 and mid-way through high school, a minor seminary, he was also the victim of pre-pubescent ography and even a two week kidnapping. Bill was graced to have found Alcoholics Anonymous when he was 30 years old. The program not only helped him get clean and sober but also gave him a place to give up his secrets, and the tools by which he's recovered. He firmly believes one can use the 12 Step process to heal from child abuse trauma and to find a way to a comfortable life. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Toyin Okunuga from Essex, UK, a child abuse survivor and new member of the NAASCA family. Toyin is the author of a new memoir, 'Hush to Roar: a true story of love, childhood trauma and recovery', about her recovery from childhood experiences, particularly, but not exclusive, to sexual childhood abuse. She has created a business, 'Hush to Road', where she helps women take holistic action steps to recovery from childhood trauma, and see a light at the end of the tunnel. Her clients work towards having thriving health and mental wellness. They become unstuck from their deep-rooted hurt and pain. 'Hush to Roar' was number one on Amazon in 4 different categories. It’s 1972, and the most amazing white family fosters two-month-old Bas. She is the only black child in an all-white village in the UK, growing up surrounded by the unconditional love of her foster family. Suddenly her idyllic, carefree childhood is shattered when her birth parents decide to take her to Nigeria. Thrown into an alien and confusing world, eight-year-old Bas is renamed Toyin and has to adapt to survive her new life in West Africa. Toyin is an inspirational speaker and coach of her business, also called Hush to Roar. The Hush to Roar business and book were manifested through Toyin’s personal story, haven undergone several unimaginable Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), including sexual childhood abuse within the family.
Christmas show with special guest Pamela Lockridge. ~~ The all-volunteer National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse (NAASCA) has a single purpose, to address issues of child abuse and trauma including sexual assault, violent or physical abuse, emotional traumas and neglect; and this is done from two specific perspectives: (1) educating the public, and (2) offering hope and healing. We seek to build a survivor / activist community, all of which from the president on down are volunteers, believing that together we can do what we cannot do alone. ~~ Our special guest tonight is Pamela Elaine Lockridge. She was pimped by her mother to her second husband; as a child sex slave from the age of 4-18. She understands the depths of terror and long-lasting mental anguish that comes along with this type of trauma. She will share her story of finding complete closure and mental healing. ~~ There may be many hurting individuals listening and wanting to be heard on the show who are at different places in life on their healing journey of survival and / or healing from trauma such as child sex abuse, rape, domestic violence and other trauma. All who call into the show will receive tremendous support, love, and acceptance by the NAASCA family. ~~ Finally, because the show happens to fall on Christmas night, at some point in the show Pamela will take some time to share with the audience some historically significant information for all to discuss and bring their knowledge to the table; in order to end the show on a more positive note.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Felicia Dawn Parr. "I suffered much abuse, neglect, and felt extreme fear when my mom and dad fought," she says. "After my mom and dad divorced, I was molested by my uncle; starting at the age of 5. My dad remarried a woman who abused me mentally, verbally, and physically. She began telling me 'no one wants you'. She goes on, "I ran away several times, and eventually became a child of the streets. I became anorexic, when I connected with a childhood friend who abused me and kidnapped me several times after leaving him. I went into a women's shelter." She explains, "I made amends with my father and recently married a Christian man. After searching, I found the right therapist for me. He sees me for Complex PTSD, insomnia and co-dependency. I am an advocate for those who are in recovery. I believe unconditional love conquers all hurt. I always try to be the person I needed." ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Marlisse (Lisa) Hardamon from Beavercreek, Ohio, a child abuse survivor who refers to herself as a 'victor'. From 5 years old through her teenage years Lisa was mentally, emotionally, sexually and physically abused. At 16, while she was babysitting for a family friend, she was once again sexually assaulted when the man of the house raped her. She says, "Today I dance in the light of my life, not as a victim, but a victor. I have learned to not only forgive my perpetrators but to forgive myself. I have learned to move past my pain." Lisa is writing her first book entitled, 'Tapestry of A Victor: From Trauma to Triumph'. See her website: www.TransformationSpeaks.com. "I could introduce myself by calling myself a victim, because, at the age of 5, I became a victim of mental abuse,: she says. "I was forced to hide in a closet, while my mother was beaten regularly by my father. I have strong memories of my mother putting me into the closet and telling me to be as quiet as I could until she came to get me. But today, I would like to introduce myself, Lisa, a victor. Yes, I was abused and suffered from the result of that abuse. Yes, I cried and I even tried to end my life, several times. I hated myself and everyone, else. I was bitter and angry. I am not a victim, I did not let my life destroy me, they made me strong and taught me how to truly live life." Marlisse is the Advocate of the Year for 2019, and she is developing into a famous motivational speaker for her ability to uses the power of storytelling to share her personal story in a manner that the audience can gain insight.
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Pastor Deborah Schleich, who grew up all over the world in a military family where her mother was mentally ill, and is now a survivor-professional. Living in Pensacola, Florida, she's trained in ministry, mental health, working with substance abuse and is a trauma informed social worker .. all in one! She volunteers with many community organizations. Pastor Deborah says she ".. can minister by text, phone, Skype, in person and however the Lord directs her, 24/7." She teaches that humans have three parts, being of spirit, soul and the physical body, and believes that all 3 are important .. and that each area needs care. We look forward to Pastor Deborah being an active member of the NAASCA family for a long time! ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Nikki Adams from Manchester, Connecticut, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. "I was molested by my real father at 7 or 8 and then a stepfather from the age of 9 years old to 16", she says. Nikki broke her silence to her mother when she was 12 but didn’t feel believed. "My mom stayed with him and the abuse continued until I was 16." She explains, "He did end up serving 15 years, and I heard he passed away recently. My life just took a dramatic turn during and after his sentencing. Now 10-12 years later after a whole bunch of other traumas and hardships I decided I was going to get my life back together for once and for all and I realized healing is not a destination it's a journey but a beautiful and exciting one. Especially when you are able to help others." Now in recovery, Nikki has a special way of helping others. She's become a Trauma informed Yoga Teacher! "I always felt so light and empowered after. I’ve always had this calling on my life to help other survivors but I didn’t know how," she says. "I own 'Beauty for Ashes Wellness Cultivation'. I help Survivors of childhood sexual abuse empower themselves to heal, love and trust their bodies. Through wellness and yoga I create an inspirational, safe, space for survivors to naturally break through."
Tonight's special guest is Ladera Carn (Dr Purposed) from Tomball, Texas, had a rocky childhood. "Finding out that my first incident of molestation was at the age of one. This went on well into my teenage years." She says. "I had to grow up very fast and my biggest fear was my mother. I wouldn’t even think abuse was the appropriate terminology to use, it was more like living with someone that referred to as demonic spirits. I was taught to hate myself, feel unworthy, and that I was the issue to the problems." Let’s fast forward. Ladera asks, "Who would’ve thought that the very abusive lifestyle would one day become my purpose! I’m now a 20-year domestic violence survivor and minister. I’m currently married to a Man of God. We’ve just celebrated our 14th year anniversary in July. I’m an Author of 6 books, a domestic violence educator, survivor, and advocate. I’m the proud owner and founder of many businesses, highly educated, and due to my life history, I received a Honorary Doctorate Degree in Divinity." She's quite busy! "My main business which serves my purpose is called D’Vine Destiny Ministry & Crisis Center for women & children who are victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. I’ve traveled the world this year on a book tour called, BAM (Black Lives Matter) and had the joy of not only being on many talk & radio shows but also is featured for November’s Cover Story on Purpose Magazine." Please see: dvinedestinyministrycrisiscentets.com
Q & A call-in discussion with a survivor-professional, using an OPEN MIKE forum. We'll feature a survivor-professional co-host who'll field topics brought to the episode by you, the listener. ~~ Tonight the special co-host will be Dr Jaime Romo from San Diego, California, an educator, consultant, author, and Commissioned Minister, who promotes healing from abuse and the prevention of child sexual abuse, particularly abuse by religious authorities or in the context of religious settings. A workbook he wrote, Healing the Sexually Abused Heart: A Workbook for Survivors, Thrivers, and Supporters, is an integration of various disciplines that led Jaime to become a certified Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) facilitator. Jaime explains, “While it is no secret that I am a survivor of clergy abuse, it is the journey of integration, transformation and application that is most telling about my accomplishments and the life that I celebrate.” Please visit his website: http://www.jaimeromo.org. ~~ On these episodes we welcome various co-hosts, survivor-professionals who'll assist in fielding questions and lead a variety of topics suggested by our call-in participants. Their trauma-informed perspectives as survivor-professionals will help them guide discussions on the issues of child abuse, trauma and healthy human sexuality that spring from questions and topics brought to us by our listeners. ~~ Everyone's invited to engage on tonight's show. ~~ Please visit the NAASCA.org web site.
Tonight's special guest is Shanna Maria from St. Paul, Minnesota, a returning NAASCA family member who's a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and has an extraordinary healing journey. Shanna was able to find healing through her spirituality which saved her life. Shanna shares how she was able to find true healing after a childhood of sexual abuse. "There is light at the end of the tunnel," she says." A visionary who has sat back and watched and still not satisfied with the lack of progress still to this day with sexual abuse." She also believes perpetrators are being protected by the system. "I am not afraid to speak the truth about this." She says, "I’m ready to help make much needed changes and to be a light for other survivors, letting them know healing is possible." Shanna was abused all through her youth. "I was sexually abused by my grandfather," she tells us. "I was 5 Years old when my abuse started and 17 years old when it ended. Shanna had two more sexual assaults, raped at 16 by another family member and later sexually assaulted in her early 20s by her husband's relative. She describes herself as an intuitive Guide/ Mentor. "I am a public speaker and an advocate for children and Human transformation." She goes on, "Soul Design School is not a single class, or workshop, or event. It is a MOVEMENT."