Sarassa is currently serving as the Executive Director. She has most recently served as the Director of Operations for Ransomed Life, overseeing the procedures and processes for staff, after-care programs, and more. She became passionate about the victims and survivors of human trafficking in college. She has served as a mentor with Ransomed Life for over 5 years and she desires to see the victims find a place of restoration and healing. Sarassa holds a Bachelor’s degree from Birmingham Southern College with a major in Psychology and minor in Religion.
Sarassa - Executive Director
PREVENTION EDUCATION TEAM
Brooke oversees the Prevention Education Team, working primarily with School Districts, Businesses, and Community Organizations. She attained her Bachelor's in Community Health from Texas A&M University and got certified as a Health Education Specialist (CHES) which forged the way for her passion with preventative efforts and initiatives. She believes prevention work is a hidden treasure because you never truly know who you’re talking to. It could be a survivor hearing people speak about something they don’t have the courage to share yet, a victim waiting to say something, or a trafficker being confronted with the truth. When it comes to prevention education, the sky is the limit! Brooke was previously a Program Coordinator/Health Educator aiming to reduce teen and unplanned pregnancy on community college campuses with Healthy Futures of Texas and has trained at a National, State, and Local Level.
Jennifer is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. She has been married to her husband, Bill, for 23 years and is in the midst of raising two teenagers. Before starting a family, Jennifer was a Sales Manager for Hyatt Hotels. Since then, she has done event planning for various entities and even successfully ran her own ice cream business but she has always reserved time to serve in the children’s ministry at her church. A passion for youth and a love of Jesus drew her to Ransomed Life where she hopes to aid the mission of NO CHILD SOLD!
Susan Burkholder worked in the healthcare industry in sales, marketing, consulting, coaching, and executive management roles for 30 years. In 2013, Susan felt called to get involved in the fight against human trafficking. She served as an ambassador for Shared Hope International and became an active member of the Alamo Area Coalition Against Trafficking. Since 2015, she has served as a volunteer with Ransomed Life. Susan currently serves as Ransomed Life's Lead Trainer for Prevention Education.
Muriel is a board-certified trauma nurse, recently retired after 35+ years of practice. She joined Ransomed Life in 2016. She and her colleague, Michelle (another RL volunteer on the Medical Team), worked together to develop Ransomed Life’s state-approved training course for healthcare professionals. She and Michelle have presented to thousands of healthcare providers, and continue to present to various healthcare groups across the state.
COUNSELING TEAM
Erica serves as the Director of Counseling for Ransomed Life, overseeing all counseling services such as individual counseling and group counseling. In 2010, she received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of the Incarnate Word in Psychology with a minor in Religious Studies all while playing college tennis. She then went on to receive her Master’s Degree from the University of Texas in San Antonio in Community Counseling in 2013. Following the completion of her degrees, she then became a Licensed Professional Counselor in 2014. She has a passion for helping teenagers heal from their trauma and find freedom in their everyday walk of life.
Debbie Garcia is a bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. Debbie attained a Master of Arts degree (M.A.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Her therapeutic experiences include working with children, adults, military families, and university students. Debbie specializes in Sand Tray Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy and Somatic Therapy. She also has experience in suicide prevention, family violence, crisis and trauma.
Bailey is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFT-Associate). She attended Our Lady of the Lake University, earning her Master of Science in Psychology in August 2023 with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy. Bailey attended Schreiner University where she graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Law. She has experience working with teens, university students, young adults, couples, and families. Bailey utilizes strength-based interventions which include Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Collaborative Therapy. Bailey strives to walk alongside clients while navigating the current chapter of their life to support growth and healing while being sensitive to backgrounds and experiences.
MENTORING TEAM
Julia has worked in human services for over 22 years. She received her bachelor’s degree from Our Lady of the Lake University in Psychology with a minor in Sociology and a certification in Violence Intervention and Prevention and a certification in Criminal Justice in August 2000, and a master’s in counseling from the University of Texas at San Antonio, in December 2005. She has served in multiple roles throughout her career, from Child Protective Services, Juvenile Probation, SAPD, and several nonprofit organizations. In 2022, she received her Mental Health Peer Specialist Certification. Her passion is seeing people overcome adversity in their life and succeed. She was drawn to helping victims of human trafficking and exploitation as she witnessed this becoming an increasing issue on several occasions during her professional career. She is dedicated to helping victims of human trafficking and exploitation find hope, strength, and resilience in difficult circumstances.
Kelsey earned her bachelor’s degree in music industry from Houghton University in 2018. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in social work at the University of Texas at San Antonio, expected to graduate in 2025. She is enhancing her child development and therapy skills by receiving specialized play therapy training through a local non-profit organization. Her career includes experience in working with children experiencing homelessness and complex trauma through her career at Child Protective Services, the Salvation Army, and the San Antonio Independent School District. Kelsey is passionate and deeply committed to serving and advocating for children and their families with complex trauma. She is dedicated to policy change and advocacy to improve the daily lives of marginalized communities. Kelsey aims to foster meaningful change and support in the lives of the clients at Ransomed Life.
The governing Board of Directors for Ransomed Life is composed of volunteers who, along with their commitment to the mission of serving the survivors of Child Exploitation, bring a variety of vital professional expertise and experience to the organization.
