Meet the passionate and dedicated team behind Ransomed Life!
Led by a group of experts in counseling, mentoring, and prevention education, this team is on a mission to bring hope and healing to youth affected by exploitation. With backgrounds in psychology, community health, and counseling, they’re not just professionals—they’re advocates, mentors, and champions for change. Whether they’re working one-on-one with teens, educating the community, or leading outreach efforts, they bring heart, expertise, and a whole lot of determination to the fight against child trafficking.
Together, they’re making a difference—one life at a time!
Sarassa - Executive Director
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.
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.
Nada L. Ismail serves as the Board President of Ransomed Life, Inc., bringing a deep commitment to community advocacy and over two decades of legal and compliance expertise. A certified compliance and ethics professional, Nada has built a distinguished career championing integrity and organizational accountability. Her tenure as an Executive Director for Litigation and Compliance at NuStar Energy L.P. highlighted her ability to lead complex compliance programs, including initiatives in government contracts, trade compliance, and anti-bribery measures. Through these efforts, Nada has not only strengthened organizations but also fostered ethical practices that prioritize community trust.
Nada’s approach to leadership is grounded in service, collaboration, and empowerment. Known for her dedication to transparency and strategic foresight, she has been an invaluable advisor and partner to both her team and executive leadership. Nada’s work centers on proactive strategies that protect both organizations and the communities they serve, aligning with Ransomed Life’s vision of a world where every child is safe from sexual exploitation. Her dedication to ethical leadership drives her advocacy for individuals affected by trafficking, fostering resilience and healing through Ransomed Life’s trauma-informed counseling, prevention education, and community advocacy.
In addition to her role at Ransomed Life, Nada is actively engaged in several community and professional organizations, including the Greater San Antonio Ethics and Compliance Roundtable and as a volunteer for both Charming Pets Rescue and the Texas Wolfdog Project. Her previous roles include serving as a trustee for the Children’s Shelter Board, a board member for Nurse Family Partnership, and a trustee with the Bexar County Women’s Bar Association. Nada has also held advisory roles with Girls Inc. and the City Commission on Children and Families. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at Austin, with special departmental and college honors, a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from the University of Chicago, and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Texas School of Law. Currently, she is pursuing an Executive MBA at Rice University. Her dedication to both professional and community service underscores her commitment to creating lasting, positive impacts, ensuring that her work uplifts not only the organizations she serves but also the broader community.
Nada L. Ismail - Board Chair
Nustar Energy L.P. - Managing Counsel
Forty years of financial industry expertise with a concentration in financial crime.
Margaret Bustos
Bank of America - Financial Crimes Executive
Lori Fanning has been a board member of RL since May 2022. Lori is the owner of Fanning Enterprises, a real estate investment company. In addition to her support for RL, Lori has also served as City Commissioner of Planning and Zoning for the City of Shavano Park, Board of Adjustments for the City of Shavano Park, President of Shavano Park Women, Post Chairman of St. Peter-St. Joseph Children's Home. She has been a past board and committee member of several other non-profits.
Lori Fanning - Vice Chair
Fanning Enterprises - President
Lisa Trefger has 30 years of experience as a Certified Public Accountant and over 23 years in the Oil and Gas Industry. She is a former Executive Director of Commercial Optimization for NuStar Energy, LP. Lisa specializes in Budget/Forecasting and Data Analytics and leads efforts for cross departmental collaboration and meaningful understand of organizational data.
Lisa has served on the Board of Dress for Success in various capacity since 2015 and on the Board of Directors for Ransomed Life, Inc since January 2024. She is passionate about empower and supporting girls and women.
Lisa graduated from the University of North Texas in 1990 with a degree in Accounting, Certified Public Accountant in 1994 and received her MBA from University of Texas San Antonio in 2011. She is a founding member of The Women’s Energy Network of South Texas Chapter and was the sole recipient of the Leadership Award from her UTSA EMBA Class of 2011. Her greatest joy is her faith in Christ, her three amazing children, Taylor Mackenzie and Bradley and husband of 32 years Eddie.
Lisa Trefger
Nustar Energy L.P. - ED Commercial Optimization
Beth Green currently serves as the Vice President of Employee and Client Relations for Citibank. She is responsible for enterprise-wide communications, employee engagement activities, and local brand for the San Antonio 2,700-plus employee site. She spent 18 years working in the non-profit sector in fundraising, communications, marketing and organizational management. She holds a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Journalism from Texas A&M University and a Master’s of Science in Nonprofit Management from Our Lady of the Lake. She is a team player with a heart to make the world a better place.
Beth Green
Citi Bank VP Employee & Client Communications
Dr. James L. Antenen is the Emeritus Executive Director and Dean of the San Antonio campus of Wayland Baptist University. He also holds the academic rank of full professor with Wayland. He came to Wayland from a position as leadership and management development trainer and consultant with San Antonio-based USAA. He served three years as Executive Vice President and then President of the Community College of the Air Force and was commander of the Occupational Measurement Center at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio before he retired from the United States Air Force. Dr. Antenen holds a bachelor's degree in graphic arts and journalism from Drake University, and earned his Master of Science degree in industrial/vocational technology from Central Missouri State University. He holds a Doctor of Education in adult and vocational education from Auburn University.
Dr. Jim Antenen
Retired Wayland Baptist University
Roger joined the Board of Directors for Ransomed Life in May of 2022. Having a teenage daughter made it easy to understand the threats that exist, and the impact he could have running alongside the incredible work RL was already doing. Roger is a Financial Advisor with PAX Financial Group, a local RIA in San Antonio, equipping people to use God-given resources to accomplish God-given goals. He is also actively involved with his church serving in different capacities that have included being an Elder, a member of the Praise Band, Leading a Small Group, and occasionally delivering the Sunday message.
Roger G. Stukkie - Treasurer
PAX Financial Group - Financial Advisor