Aaron Lundberg, MSW

President & CEO

Aaron Lundberg works with leadership of large-scale human service organizations across the United States to develop, implement, and monitor abuse prevention policies and training programs. He supervises Praesidium’s team of account managers and has trained thousands of direct care workers, supervisors, administrators, and parents in preventing the sexual abuse of children and vulnerable adults. With a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Texas Tech University and a master’s degree in social work from The University of Texas at Arlington, Lundberg has conducted extensive research in the etiology, scope, and prevention of abuse in residential treatment centers.

Ann Bartnik

Chief Operating Officer

Ann Bartnik works in conjunction with risk consultants to support new initiative implementation for Praesidium’s largest clients and has over 30 years of industry experience. Ann led the implementation of a new LMS system, Praesidium Academy, a tool that facilitates abuse prevention training modules for 450,000 individual learners across the organization’s client base. She has also facilitated process improvements across Praesidium’s providers for health insurance, 401k plan, IT and phone services, and product support. Additionally, Ann is leading the implementation of Praesidium’s new Assessment tool. Ann’s cultivated business operations experience across diverse industries includes risk management, non-profit, and healthcare IT. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing.

Brooke Pratt

Senior Vice President of Growth

Brooke Pratt boasts an impressive 15-year career in the field of Marketing and Sales. She has spent the last nine years focused on nurturing the growth of B2B consulting firms. A turning point came during Brooke’s role as a juror in a horrific case involving the sexual assault of a child. This experience ignited a profound desire to redirect her marketing skills toward a more purposeful cause.

In the capacity of Senior Vice President of Growth, Brooke is committed to expanding Praesidium’s mission reach. With a focus on awareness and partnerships, Brooke aims to connect numerous organizations, contributing to the prevention of harm and the establishment of safer environments for children and vulnerable adults.

Christy Schiller, MA

Vice President of Consulting

Christy Schiller has over 20 years of industry experience applying social science and public health strategies to prevent abuse and its long-term effects. In her role at Praesidium, Christy has developed customized solutions for complex organizations such as religious institutes and denominations, risk pools, fraternal organizations, K12 schools, universities, and healthcare systems. She has worked with clients in the US, UK, Canada, Mexico, Switzerland, Spain, and Italy. Christy led content development for Praesidium’s Creating a Safe Environment (C.A.S.E.) signature training program and continues to lead the training and development of Praesidium’s consultants. She is a former complex litigation research analyst and holds a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and a master’s degree in Medical Anthropology.

Kiran Rupani, MPH

Vice Vice President of Accreditation & Analytics

As Praesidium’s Vice President of Accreditation and Analytics, Kiran leads the Accreditation Department and the Research and Analytics Department, overseeing efforts to help organizations hold the highest standards in abuse prevention. With a commitment to using data-driven insights to inform best practices, Kiran plays a critical role in shaping Praesidium’s strategic direction, content development, and innovative solutions.

Kiran has extensive experience in analyzing complex abuse prevention trends, guiding organizations through the accreditation process, and advancing Praesidium’s mission to help organizations protect those in their care. Her work spans special projects, IT initiatives, and developing research-backed resources that help organizations identify risks and strengthen prevention efforts.

Kiran holds a Master’s degree in Public Health, and with her background and experience in prevention, she gets to combine her expertise and passion every day at Praesidium.

Lindsay Meyer Bond

Senior Director of Client Success

Lindsay Meyer Bond strives to make the world a better place, one day at a time. Lindsay is the Senior Director of Client Success for Praesidium, responsible for finalizing, implementing, and scaling Praesidium’s Guardian Certification to ensure participants are provided with skills, resources, and opportunities to successfully lead their organization’s abuse prevention efforts. She is also responsible for building and maintaining strategic relationships with clients, partners, and other stakeholders to guide our work to ensure that clients’ needs are understood and met.

Monica S. James

Senior Director of Learning & Development

Monica oversees the design and development of eLearning courses across the industries and audiences that Praesidium serves and the Certified Praesidium Guardian (CPG) program. Additionally, she applies best practices using Agile, Design Thinking, ADDIE, SAM, and Kirkpatrick Methodologies when developing eLearning courses for clients to address the specific needs of their industry. Monica has 23 years of experience in Learning and Development. She applies her expertise to child abuse protection and internal programs such as Praesidium’s Leadership Training Program, designed to help Praesidium’s Managers, Directors, and Senior Leaders improve and grow within their respective roles. Prior to joining Praesidium, Monica worked for the Department of Defense, Red River Army Depot, and Family Support Activity. She also worked as the Youth Group Director with Grace Community World Outreach Church. Monica chose Praesidium as it aligns with her purpose in serving and empowering others, and she enjoys collaborating with individuals who share this mission. Monica has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.

Kevin Neudecker

Senior Director of Background Screening

Kevin Neudecker has over 20 years of experience in the background screening industry. As Praesidium’s Senior Director of Background Screening, Kevin works with our clients that utilize Praesidium background screening services. He is proficient in compliance, policy development and review, quality control, and process improvements. Kevin is FCRA advanced certified by the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA) and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History.

Audrey Oliver, JD

Senior Director of Consulting

Audrey Oliver works with several Youth Development clients. She helps build Praesidium’s reach within National Governing Bodies (NGBs)—including USA Swimming and USA Gymnastics—and national and local sports organizations. Audrey’s ten years of industry experience helps her oversee our work with YUSA and Boys and Girls Clubs of America. As Senior Director of Consulting, she works alongside Vice President of Consulting Christy Schiller to ensure that the team uses a collaborative consulting model with clients. Audrey has been instrumental in creating and continually updating content for the Certified Praesidium Guardian program and was a part of the creation and launch of Praesidium’s Know Your Score! tool. As a licensed attorney in Texas, Audrey previously worked for the Tarrant County District Attorney’s office on Crimes Against Children cases. She holds a Juris Doctorate (JD) and is humbled to have a career that helps create and maintain safe environments within organizations that serve youth and vulnerable adults.

Michelle (Morris) Wood

Senior Director of Finance & Operations

Michelle is instrumental in enhancing processes across Praesidium’s Accounting Department and automating processes within the organization’s Accreditation, Course Development, and Consulting groups. Outside of Praesidium, she was a Board Treasurer for Ryan House in Phoenix, Arizona (2006-2008) and a PTO Treasurer (2011-2016). With 29 years of industry experience, she has always been drawn to supporting non-profit organizations. She has a passion for keeping children and vulnerable adults safe. Michelle has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.

Latoya Arps

Director of Product Services

Latoya Arps is a seasoned professional with 18 years of industry experience in customer service and client relations. She holds an Associate of Arts degree, which has provided her with a solid foundation for her career. Throughout her time at Praesidium, Latoya has held various positions, showcasing her versatility and commitment to the organization. She started as an Armatus Support Specialist, providing valuable assistance to clients using Praesidium’s Armatus software. Latoya has been instrumental in the transition from Armatus to Praesidium Academy, supporting the organization’s efforts to provide comprehensive training and education. She was crucial in successfully implementing the Training and Screening integration, ensuring a smooth implementation for clients.

Her dedication and expertise led her to advance to the roles of Product Support Manager, Product Services Liaison, and, ultimately, Director of Product Services. In these positions, she has contributed significantly to Praesidium’s mission. Latoya is involved in various projects within Product Services and Operations at Praesidium. Latoya Arps also supports setting up and onboarding large and complex clients, leveraging her expertise to provide tailored solutions.

James J. Bourgeois, Esq.

Director of Consulting, Higher Education & Municipalities

James works with Praesidium’s higher education institutions, youth-serving and athletic programs, municipalities, and insurance partners. He consults with clients to ensure they exceed the standards of abuse prevention and response. Additionally, James presently serves on the Board for the Higher Education Protection Network (HEPNet), and he is a licensed attorney. James has a Juris Doctorate (JD) from South Texas College of Law and attended Florida State University for his undergraduate degree.

Meredith Bunnel, JD, MPP

Director of Research & Strategic Engagement

Meredith Bunnel has over 17 years of experience in law, public policy, insurance, and risk management. She holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, a Master of Public Policy from Duke University, a B.A. from the College of William & Mary, and is a Certified Praesidium Guardian.

Before joining Praesidium, Meredith served as a Deputy District Attorney specializing in domestic violence and child abuse prosecution, as court-appointed counsel for youth in the juvenile justice system, and as counsel for families and guardians in the Dependency & Neglect system. She later became Senior Consultant and then Director of Consulting at The Redwoods Group, managing relationships with more than 500 client organizations and leading hundreds of site visits, leadership presentations, and trainings on abuse prevention, aquatic safety, leadership coaching, and enterprise risk management.

At Praesidium, Meredith fosters partnerships with leading researchers, co-authors industry benchmark reports, enhances research integration, and produces actionable resources such as white papers, webinars, and blog posts. Her work ensures the latest research and best practices are translated into practical solutions for clients.

Outside of Praesidium, Meredith teaches graduate-level courses in Policy Analysis and Child Advocacy & the Law at Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Center for Courageous Kids, served as an invited expert for the US Center for SafeSport’s 2026 Audit Standards Review, and serves in leadership for the Junior League of Durham & Orange Counties.

Adriana Dominguez, JD

Director of Consulting, Latin America

Adriana Dominguez supports numerous youth and vulnerable adult serving organizations from a variety of industries to help them develop, implement, and maintain abuse prevention initiatives and frameworks. Dominguez oversees a significant amount of Praesidium’s international work and collaborates closely with our Praesidium Chile office. As a licensed attorney in the state of Texas, Dominguez brings to Praesidium her experience of working with several immigration nonprofit organizations, specifically on cases involving asylum and unaccompanied minors, and at a family law firm. Dominguez graduated with honors from Villanova University, obtaining bachelor’s degrees in political science and Spanish language and literature. She received her Juris Doctor from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law.

Jamie Fray Mills

Director of Enterprise & Strategic Development

Jamie Fray Mills serves as Director of Enterprise and Strategic Development at Praesidium, where she works with healthcare organizations, insurers, brokers, and risk management partners to strengthen patient safety and reduce organizational risk. In her role, she helps organizations identify emerging vulnerabilities, develop long-term prevention strategies, and connect operational challenges with sustainable, system-wide solutions.

Prior to joining Praesidium, Jamie worked as a pediatric physical therapist and spent a decade in education, giving her nearly 20 years of experience serving children, families, and other vulnerable populations. This multidisciplinary background provides a unique perspective on patient safety, professional boundaries, organizational culture, and abuse prevention.

Jamie has played a key role in expanding Praesidium’s work across the healthcare sector, partnering with healthcare leaders nationwide to address complex prevention challenges and strengthen organizational accountability. She is passionate about helping organizations move beyond incident response to build lasting systems that protect patients, support staff, and reduce organizational risk.

Laura Hardin, LMSW

Director of Consulting, Social Services

For over ten years, Laura Hardin has supported Praesidium’s social service clients, including residential and shelter services, foster care and child welfare, mental and behavioral health programs, and community-based programs that serve youth and vulnerable adults. Additionally, she leads projects with foundations, healthcare, and education clients. In collaboration with the Praesidium team, Hardin trains executive leaders and employees, conducts management systems reviews and risk assessments, and consults with organizational leaders to ensure the ongoing protection of youth and vulnerable adults from abuse. As a licensed master-level social worker, Hardin brings to Praesidium her experience of working in youth development, mental health care, child welfare, and community research. She received her bachelor’s degree in religion and sociology and her master’s degree in social work from TCU in Fort Worth, Texas.

Josh Hyatt, DHS, MBE, MHL, DFASHRM, CPHRM, CPPS, HEC-C

Director of Consulting, Healthcare

Josh Hyatt, is a nationally recognized leader in healthcare risk management and clinical ethics withmore than 30 years of experience across hospital systems, insurance, and regulatory settings. As Director of Consulting for Healthcare at Praesidium, he partners with healthcare organizations to build safer systems through expert-led assessments, policy development, and ongoing consultation.

Josh has served as an adjunct professor for over 15 years, teaching healthcare leadership, patient safety, and ethics. His work reflects a deep commitment to protecting patients and strengthening organizational accountability.

He currently serves on the Advisory Board of the American Society for Health Care Risk Management (ASHRM) and is Editor of the ASHRM Journal. In 2017, he was named one of America’s Leading Risk Managers by Insurance Business America, honoring his lasting contributions to the field.

Brandie Le Clair

Senior Manager of Accreditation

With over 23 years of experience in youth development, risk management, and accreditation, Brandie Le Clair is a dedicated leader and innovator in creating safer environments for organizations serving children and youth. Her passion for safety and organizational excellence has shaped her career, from her foundational role in recreation management to her current position as Senior Manager of Accreditation at Praesidium.

Brandie holds a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Management with a focus on Camp Management, which laid the groundwork for her expertise in health, safety, and risk mitigation. At Praesidium, she has been instrumental in leading and growing the Accreditation team, supporting diverse industries, and achieving impactful milestones. Notably, she managed a landmark collaboration with Y-USA, working to bring 300 YMCA associations into the Praesidium Accreditation process by 2025.

Brandie has driven innovations within her team by formalizing the Accreditation Reviewer program, recruiting and developing a skilled team of Accreditation Specialists, and guiding large national organizations like Varsity Spirit through rigorous accreditation processes.

Her career highlights also include serving as a Risk Consultant for a national insurance partner and as Accreditation Manager for the American Camp Association (ACA), roles in which she cultivated deep expertise in industry best practices and accreditation standards. She continues contributing to her field as an Accreditation Visitor for ACA, a National Volunteer Partner with Girl Scouts of the USA, and a certified 2024 American Canoe Association Paddle Sports Facilitator.

Her work has earned her recognition, such as the 2023 ACA Southeastern Appreciation Award, underscoring her commitment to advancing safety and operational excellence across youth-serving organizations and beyond.

Becca Haas

CPG Product Manager

Becca Haas oversees the Certified Praesidium Guardian (CPG) workshops using Praesidium’s Safety Equation as the framework. With more than six years of industry experience, she uses best practices to guide participants and equip them with the tools to develop safe environments within their respective organizations. Before joining Praesidium, Becca spent two years teaching English in Samoa in the Peace Corps. This experience taught her the importance of collaboration and building strong relationships in achieving collective goals. Becca has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She believes that everyone deserves to learn, grow, and succeed in a safe environment.

Mary Hammonds

YMCA Accreditation Manager

Mary Hammonds holds a strong background in psychology and industry experience that directly relates to the work conducted by Praesidium. With three years of industry experience, Mary has a diverse background that includes working in a social service organization for two years and providing therapy to individuals with autism in a healthcare setting for three years prior to joining Praesidium. This experience has given her a deep understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable populations and the importance of creating safe environments. In her role at Praesidium, Mary serves various clients, including religious and consumer-serving organizations.

She has worked with clients in Canada and Mexico, demonstrating her international experience and ability to adapt to different cultural contexts. Her industry focus centers around providing support and guidance to these organizations to ensure they implement effective abuse prevention policies and practices. Mary has achieved significant accomplishments during her time at Praesidium and has played a crucial role in assisting over 50 organizations to attain accreditation, highlighting her commitment to helping organizations meet the highest standards of safety and protection. Additionally, Mary has had the opportunity to work on extensive research projects, further expanding her knowledge and expertise in the field. Mary holds a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, providing her with a solid foundation in understanding human behavior.

Ronni Holley

Client Success Manager

Ronni is a Client Success Manager at Praesidium with a PBSA-FCRA Advanced Certification and over two years of industry experience. Her prior experience includes working in the children’s ministry at her church, which provided her with valuable insights into the importance of abuse prevention work. Ronni serves clients from various industries, helping them identify, reach, and maintain their abuse prevention goals. At Praesidium, she has created personalized templates and action plans for clients, established strong relationships with administrators across different organizations, and facilitated admin webinars.

Kelley Nance

Account Manager, Partnerships

Kelley Nance brings over two decades of experience in education and public relations to her role as Account Manager for Partnerships at Praesidium. She serves as a key liaison for partnership clients, connecting them with the resources and support they need to strengthen abuse prevention systems and implement sustainable change.

Before joining Praesidium, Kelley worked for 11 years as an educator, fostering relationships between school district staff, parents, and communities to address the needs of special populations students. Prior to that, she spent 11 years as a public relations consultant for school districts, guiding superintendents, boards, and community leaders through bond campaigns, stakeholder communications, and compliance with state ethics laws. Her strategic leadership helped secure more than $2 billion in funding across 20 districts.

Kelley holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Texas Teacher Certificate, and is a Certified Praesidium Guardian.

Kirah Patterson

Accreditation Administrative Manager

Kirah Patterson is a dedicated professional with three years of experience in abuse prevention and organizational safety. As a member of Praesidium’s Accreditation Team, she supports both Religious and Consumer-Serving Organizations, helping them implement best practices to protect those they serve.

Since joining Praesidium, Kirah has made a significant impact, coordinating the accreditation process for over 200 clients and improving internal processes to better assist organizations. Her dedication and contributions were recognized with the Praesidium Rock Solid Award in 2023.

Passionate about service beyond her professional role, Kirah volunteers with the Sisterhood Program at Austin Street, supporting women experiencing homelessness and trauma. Driven by a desire to work toward a greater mission, she transitioned from client-facing roles focused on revenue generation to work that aligns with her core values. At Praesidium, she finds fulfillment in knowing her efforts contribute to creating a safer, more just world for vulnerable populations.

Alyssa Bailey

Senior Accreditation Specialist

Alyssa Bailey is a dedicated abuse prevention professional with five years of experience helping organizations create safer environments. As a Certified Praesidium Guardian, she specializes in guiding consumer-serving organizations and religious clients through the Accreditation process to ensure they meet the highest standards in abuse prevention.

Before joining Praesidium, Alyssa managed a short-term group home for youth whose behavior did not qualify them for traditional foster care, providing critical support and structure for at-risk children.

Beyond her professional work, Alyssa is an active member of the largest community orchestra in the United States, which boasts over 300 musicians. Her passion for both community service and the arts reflects her commitment to fostering safe, supportive spaces in all aspects of life

Doug Berkel

Senior Risk Consultant

Doug serves Praesidium’s youth development clients, including YMCAs and youth sports organizations. He facilitates training and Certified Praesidium Guardian Workshops and conducts risk assessments, management systems reviews, and policy reviews. Before joining Praesidium, Doug spent 20 years with YMCA, where he was promoted to Vice President of Youth Development and Executive Director roles. During his tenure at YMCA, he saw the direct impact Praesidium has in promoting a culture of safety within youth programs. Doug has a Bachelor of Social Work and believes quality youth programs begin with creating a physically and mentally safe environment.

Jacqueline Burnes

Senior Marketing Specialist

Jacqueline Burnes is a marketing professional with more than a decade of experience across marketing strategy, operations, digital marketing, content development, events, and partner initiatives. She is a Certified Praesidium Guardian (CPG), a credential focused on applying abuse prevention best practices within organizations. At Praesidium, Jacqueline draws on this knowledge to develop marketing campaigns, resources, and digital experiences that make complex abuse prevention topics accessible and relevant to clients and partners.

Her work includes website and landing page development, email marketing, thought leadership, webinars, conferences, sales and partner collateral, and industry-specific campaigns. Jacqueline works closely with the research team, consultants, subject matter experts, business development, and external partners to take projects from initial planning through launch. She has extensive experience supporting insurance partnerships, as well as marketing initiatives for healthcare, K–12, higher education, social services, and other consumer-serving organizations.

Jacqueline’s broader professional background spans more than 15 years and includes experience in global consulting, marketing and operations, as well as finance within the insurance brokerage industry. She has also supported teams and initiatives across the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, and Latin America. Her varied background gives her a practical approach to marketing that balances creative ideas with the operational details needed to make them work.

Megan Eastabrook, LMSW

Senior Accreditation Specialist

Megan Eastabrook is a dedicated abuse prevention specialist with a background in education, social work, and nonprofit service. As a Senior Accreditation Specialist at Praesidium, she works closely with YMCAs as well as social service organizations across the U.S. and Canada, helping them implement the highest standards in abuse prevention.

Megan holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) from UT Arlington, a Bachelor’s in English from UT Austin, and multiple certifications, including Texas LMSW licensure, a Texas ELA 7-12 teaching certificate, and Trauma-Focused CBT certification. She has three years of experience in K-12 education, teaching 10th-grade English and supporting college access initiatives, including a summer in Indonesia where she taught English. During her MSW program, she interned with an organization serving LGBTQ youth and helped develop abuse prevention training for volunteers. She was also accepted into the competitive Match Made in Schools grant program, which focused on the intersection of social work and special education.

At Praesidium, Megan has contributed to significant projects, particularly in YMCA accreditation. She is also passionate about advocating for LGBTQ youth as a vulnerable population and is committed to helping organizations implement strong safeguards to protect them. Outside of her work, Megan was recognized with a volunteer recognition award from LGBTQ SAVES for her dedication to the community

Saúl Espinoza

Senior Accreditation Specialist

Saúl is a Senior Accreditation Specialist focused on serving Praesidium’s religious clients and many of Praesidium’s clients in Latin America. In his role, he enjoys the macro level work he does with clients. Additionally, Saúl is a Co-Chair of the organization’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee. Saúl has 6+ years of experience. Prior to joining Praesidium, Saúl worked as a probate court investigator. He conducted guardianship assessments and presented cases of abuse to probate judges. He also worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas. Saúl has a Bachelor of Science in Social Work.

Amber McKeen, MSW, MPH

Senior Risk Consultant

Amber McKeen is a child abuse prevention expert with over 16 years of experience helping youth-serving organizations strengthen safety measures. At Praesidium, she specializes in abuse prevention for K-12 schools, conducting risk assessments, policy analyses, and training sessions—delivering 27 in-person and virtual school trainings in her first year. She has built strong client relationships, handled dozens of helpline calls, and contributed to Praesidium’s research, training, and content development efforts.

Before joining Praesidium, as part of the CDC Foundation, Amber led a team of CDC scientists focused on preventing child sexual abuse in youth-serving organizations. She previously spent six years at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, developing their webinar education program, training over 35,000 professionals, and conducting research on foster care, child exploitation, and first-responder abuse prevention interventions.

Her extensive research portfolio includes leading a large-scale environmental scan of youth-serving organization policies and procedures to prevent child sexual abuse, collaborating with CDC scientists on research to strengthen primary prevention efforts, and co-developing training programs for first responders on child abuse intervention and prevention. She has also contributed to evaluating and implementing foster parent training programs using a community-based participatory research model.

Amber’s professional expertise is complemented by her global perspective, having traveled to over 34 countries across five continents. While her primary work has been U.S.-based, she has contributed to a Praesidium project in Australia.

Ciara Molina

Senior Accreditation Specialist

Ciara Molina brings a background in public health and a deep commitment to helping organizations create safer environments for the individuals they serve. As a Senior Accreditation Specialist and Certified Praesidium Guardian, she supports consumer-serving organizations, particularly in youth development and YMCA clients, as they work to implement and sustain robust abuse prevention standards.

Before joining Praesidium, Ciara worked as a Training Center Coordinator at Ability Connection, a Dallas-based nonprofit supporting more than 1,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In that role, she coordinated adult day habilitation, residential care, and in-home support, gaining hands-on experience in service delivery and family engagement.

Since joining Praesidium, Ciara has helped more than 30 organizations achieve accreditation by guiding them through policy evaluations, standard implementation, and safety system development. She is motivated by the real-world impact of her work and takes pride in partnering with organizations committed to protecting vulnerable populations.

Erin Reese, MSW

Senior Accreditation Specialist

Erin Reese is a dedicated social work professional with a Master of Social Work (MSW) specializing in Organizational Leadership. Her passion for systemic change stems from over four years of experience in abuse prevention and organizational improvement.

Before joining Praesidium, Erin served as the Performance and Quality Improvement Coordinator for a residential group home provider in Ohio, where she developed strategic action plans to enhance program outcomes and maintained the organization’s accreditation with the Council on Accreditation (COA). Prior to that, she worked as a Diversity Development Manager Intern with Knox County Government in Knoxville, TN, focusing on policy development, community outreach, and stakeholder engagement.

At Praesidium, Erin combines her expertise in client collaboration with her macro social work background to help organizations strengthen their structures, cultures, and abuse prevention initiatives.

Katie Reese, JD

Senior Risk Consultant

Katie Reese is a senior risk consultant and helps youth-oriented organizations that offer educational, charitable, cultural, and recreational services and activities. Katie provides guidance to organizations that want to continue fostering a culture of safety that builds upon their current foundation and standards for child protection. In addition to supporting numerous clients, she has conducted more than 100 interviews and trainings on behalf of Praesidium. In addition, Katie has been extensively involved in research projects to develop various client and state-specific resources. Before joining Praesidium, Katie practiced law and has experience working in a juvenile sex offender program that incorporated counseling and therapeutic intervention. She has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Juris Doctorate (JD). Katie enjoys providing preventative-based guidance and resources to organizations worldwide.

Lindsey Castellanos

Risk Consultant

Lindsey Castellanos serves as a Risk Consultant at Praesidium. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and is a Certified Praesidium Guardian with 15 years of experience in child abuse prevention and intervention. Her career began with three years of investigating child abuse through Child Protective Services, followed by seven years as a specialized forensic interviewer and expert witness in child sexual abuse cases. Additionally, she spent five years training over 10,000 individuals in child abuse prevention skills.

Lindsey’s expertise extends to designing, programming, and implementing child abuse prevention strategies in schools, churches, and youth-serving organizations. Currently, she serves the insurance industry by assessing and addressing potential gaps in protecting youth and vulnerable adults from abuse. Her focus is on providing multi-layered solutions for abuse prevention. Previously, she supported children who experienced sexual abuse and their families. Lindsey finds her most significant accomplishment in witnessing the bravery of children and youth who courageously speak out about their abuse.

Alex East, LMSW

Risk Consultant

With over 20 years of experience supporting youth-serving organizations, Alex East brings deep expertise in creating safe, developmentally supportive environments for young people. Her professional background includes work in therapeutic settings, summer camps, and with the American Camp Association in New York, where she focused on fostering physical and emotional safety.

Throughout her career, Alex has remained committed to promoting healthy development and safeguarding youth through practical systems of support and care. At Praesidium, she primarily serves YMCAs, helping organizations assess and strengthen their abuse prevention efforts through policy review, consultation, and best practice implementation.

Alex brings a mission-driven mindset and a passion for building safer spaces for children and adolescents across the country.

Hannah Evans, LMSW

Risk Consultant

Hannah Evans leverages her 10 years of experience in youth development to guide organizations in preventing sexual abuse. As a Risk Consultant at Praesidium and a Licensed Master Social Worker, Hannah partners with social service and youth development organizations to assess risk, implement prevention strategies, provide education, and ensure effective survivor-focused responses to abuse. Her passion stems from a decade of working with youth in mentoring programs, nonprofits, schools, summer camps, and support groups. Hannah holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Master of Social Work focused on organizational sexual abuse prevention. She is committed to helping all organizations create safe environments to protect the individuals they serve and achieve their missions.

Becca Gutwirth

Risk Consultant

Becca Gutwirth is a seasoned youth protection advocate with over 30 years of experience in education, camp, and childcare settings. As a Certified Praesidium Guardian, she brings a deep understanding of the unique challenges youth-serving organizations face—particularly YMCAs—and partners with clients to build strong foundations for abuse prevention.

Before joining Praesidium, Becca served in various leadership roles, including Director of Education at a wildlife refuge and Executive Director of School Age Childcare at the YMCA. Her early roots as a Special Olympics coach and camp counselor reflect a lifelong commitment to creating safe, enriching environments for children.

In 2023, Becca was recognized nationally as an Afterschool Ambassador by the Afterschool Alliance, demonstrating her dedication to youth development.

Cadi Imbody, MS

Accreditation Specialist

Motivated by a passion for creating safer communities, Cadi Imbody supports organizations in building effective abuse prevention systems through her role as Accreditation Specialist at Praesidium. She partners with youth-serving organizations, including YMCAs, to strengthen policies, training, and accountability measures that promote environments of trust and protection. Drawing from her background in prevention education and research, Cadi helps organizations translate best practices into actionable systems that prioritize safety and care.

Before joining Praesidium, Cadi served as a prevention educator at a nonprofit supporting survivors of sexual assault. In that role, she trained schools and community partners on recognizing and responding to abuse, provided crisis intervention, and accompanied survivors to hospitals through a 24/7 advocacy hotline.

Cadi holds a Master of Science degree and has published multiple research papers focused on sexual violence prevention and response, including a study examining how university faculty address student disclosures of sexual assault across the U.S. and Canada.

Amanda Langdon, MSW, MPA

Risk Consultant

Amanda Langdon is a Healthcare Risk Consultant at Praesidium, where she partners with healthcare organizations nationwide to strengthen abuse prevention, patient safety, and organizational risk management practices. She works directly with hospitals, behavioral health providers, and other healthcare organizations to identify vulnerabilities, evaluate prevention efforts, and implement practical strategies that reduce organizational risk.

Since joining Praesidium, Amanda has worked with some of the nation’s largest healthcare systems, conducted more than 50 on-site assessments, reviewed hundreds of organizational policies and practices, and contributed to the development of healthcare-specific prevention resources, model policies, and training programs. Her work gives her firsthand insight into the recurring patterns and organizational challenges that contribute to sexual abuse and misconduct risk across healthcare settings.

Prior to joining Praesidium, Amanda worked in healthcare operations and patient experience at USA Health, where she supported quality improvement initiatives, analyzed patient experience data, and managed patient complaints and grievances. She also gained experience in behavioral healthcare through her work with AltaPointe Health, bringing both operational experience and subject matter expertise to her work with clients.

Mana Mohammadpoor, MS, BS, PMP

Project Manager

Mana Mohammadpoor is an experienced healthcare and operations professional with more than 20 years of expertise in healthcare, biotechnology, engineering, and consulting environments. She holds a Master of Science in Management, a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) through PMI.

At Praesidium, Mana supports healthcare and mission-driven organizations by strengthening operational structures, improving project governance, and helping develop standardized, scalable consulting delivery processes. Her work has focused on enhancing collaboration, streamlining workflows, and improving operational coordination through digital process optimization and the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.

Prior to joining Praesidium, Mana managed complex healthcare and biotechnology initiatives involving clinical operations, manufacturing, regulatory affairs, quality assurance, and cross-functional leadership. Her experience includes supporting large-scale, FDA-regulated research and development programs, including a multimillion-dollar Phase 2/3 adaptive clinical trial conducted across more than 20 U.S. clinical sites with Department of Defense support.

With a strong systems-thinking approach, Mana helps organizations transform fragmented and reactive operations into proactive, data-driven, sustainable operating models that enhance accountability, strengthen safety, and support long-term organizational effectiveness.

Gabriela Monreal, MPA

Accreditation Specialist

Gabriela Monreal is a dedicated professional with six years of experience in abuse prevention and public service. At Praesidium, she guides organizations through accreditation, ensuring they implement standards that create safe, abuse-free environments for clients, employees, and volunteers.

Prior to working with Praesidium, Gabriela worked as a Prevention of Sexual Abuse Coordinator for a nonprofit supporting refugee youth, a Texas Work Advisor for the Texas Health & Human Services Commission’s Healthy Texas Women program, and a direct care staff member at a residential treatment center for troubled teens.

Gabriela holds a Master’s in Public Administration, a Certificate in Leadership of Nonprofit Organizations from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and a Bachelor’s in Philosophy from St. Mary’s University. Her research background includes a state-by-state quantitative analysis of homelessness and mental illness, which found that low education attainment, rather than mental illness, had the strongest correlation with homelessness.

With a passion for public service and research-driven solutions, Gabriela continues to help organizations strengthen abuse prevention practices and foster safer communities.

Bill Morgan

Accreditation Specialist

Bill Morgan brings over 25 years of experience in human services to his role at Praesidium, with a strong focus on supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a seasoned program administrator and former camp director, Bill has led teams across various settings, including group homes, vocational programs, and recreational environments—always committed to safety, dignity, and inclusion.

His prior work includes 15 years as a volunteer Accreditation Visitor with the American Camp Association and 8 years as a ACA Accreditation Process Workshops facilitator. Bill has also trained crisis behavior intervention professionals for over a decade.

A former Chair of Maryland’s Youth Camp Safety Advisory Council and a longtime Rotarian, Bill is passionate about helping organizations reduce risk and protect vulnerable populations from harm.

Paola A. Muñoz, LL.M., MPA

Bilingual Risk Consultant

Paola A. Muñoz brings 14 years of experience working with non-profit organizations focused on child welfare, adults with disabilities, abuse prevention, and trafficking victims. She collaborates with religious organizations and social services to develop policies and procedures. Paola supports Latin American clients in preventing abuse and fostering a culture of safety, including assisting with Praesidium’s first Spanish CPG in Mexico and becoming a Certified Praesidium Guardian.

Paola has translated standards, model policies, and other resources and assisted in reviewing translation accuracy for the Praesidium Spanish website. She is currently consulting with five international organizations on their accreditation efforts. She has conducted policy reviews and training for various congregations, delivered Spanish CPG, provided support with C.A.S.E. trainings, and assisted with helpline calls since June 1, 2024.

Paola is certified as a HIPAA expert and SAMA trainer and is also working on a data analysis certification. In October 2013, she co-wrote and published an article titled “Assessment on Pandemic Preparedness in a Socially Vulnerable Community in Texas” in the Journal of Health and Human Services Administration. Paola practiced law in Colombia, representing foreign families adopting Colombian children.

Kayla Sanders

Risk Consultant

Kayla Sanders partners with youth-serving organizations, including YMCAs, Boys & Girls Clubs, residential camps, and youth sports organizations, to strengthen abuse prevention systems and help leaders create safer environments for the children and families they serve. As a Certified Praesidium Guardian, she works alongside organizations to evaluate risk, reinforce prevention practices, and build systems that support long-term organizational safety.

As a Risk Consultant, Kayla has conducted hundreds of stakeholder interviews, supported multiple Risk Assessments and Management Systems Reviews, facilitated in-person and virtual Certified Praesidium Guardian workshops, and guided organizations through hundreds of Helpline consultations. Her experience allows her to help organizations identify operational vulnerabilities and strengthen the systems that prevent abuse before it occurs.

Kayla earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Medical Humanities from the University of Arkansas. Combined with five years of abuse prevention consulting experience, she helps organizations reduce risk and create safer environments.

Talia Paez

Accreditation Specialist

Talia Paez is a dedicated abuse prevention professional with a background in education, nonprofit work, and advocacy. As an Accreditation Specialist at Praesidium, she partners with YMCAs and youth-serving organizations across the country to implement strong safeguards and elevate their standards of protection.

She holds a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership, a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, and an Associate of Arts in Social and Behavioral Sciences. Talia brings five years of experience working with at-risk and underserved youth in mentorship-based programs and has also served as an advocate for survivors of sexual violence.

Driven by a deep commitment to safety and equity, Talia joined Praesidium to help organizations create safer environments for children and vulnerable adults through proactive systems and mission-aligned leadership.

Jeremy Stark

Risk Consultant

Jeremy Stark brings 19 years of safety-related and nonprofit experience to his role as Risk Consultant at Praesidium. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science, is a Certified Praesidium Guardian, and has built a career improving operational safety, strengthening prevention policies, and preparing organizations to protect youth and vulnerable populations.

Over nearly two decades, Jeremy has led initiatives to improve safety culture, develop and implement prevention-focused policies, and create training programs that empower staff at every level. He has overseen accreditation processes, guided organizations through complex safety challenges, and championed accessibility and inclusion in program design. Known for his ability to translate safety standards into practical, everyday practices, Jeremy has helped organizations anticipate risks before they become incidents.

At Praesidium, Jeremy works with youth-serving organizations to assess and strengthen their prevention systems through site visits, policy reviews, helpline case guidance, and tailored training. His work reflects a deep commitment to ensuring clients are equipped, confident, and ready to safeguard those in their care.

Lynette Volkers, MSN, RN, CPHRM, SANE-A, SANE-P

Risk Consultant

Lynette Volkers is an experienced healthcare professional with more than 26 years in nursing and over a decade in risk management. As a Risk Consultant at Praesidium, she partners with healthcare systems to strengthen prevention efforts and implement sustainable safeguards that protect patients and staff.

A certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner for adults and pediatric patients, Lynette has extensive frontline experience supporting survivors of sexual abuse. Her clinical background informs her prevention-focused approach, helping healthcare leaders move from reactive response to proactive, system-wide risk reduction.

Lynette has collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to advance coordinated response and community education initiatives. She previously served on the board of the Wisconsin Chapter of the International Association of Forensic Nurses, contributing to statewide best practices in responding to sexual abuse.

Her professional recognitions include the Daisy Team Award and Shining Star Award from Marshfield Medical Center, as well as honors from The Women’s Community for Outstanding Service in Supporting Sexual Assault Victims and Commitment to Teen Dating Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention.

Elisa K. Anthony, M.Ed

Bilingual Learning Experience Facilitator

Elisa Anthony supports Praesidium by developing and delivering training for bilingual clients to help prevent abuse and preserve trust in their organizations. She has a B.A. in Anthropology, Latin American Studies & Spanish Literature, and a Master’s in Education. She is a certified TEA Professional School Counselor, Crisis Intervener in Suicide Prevention, NOVA Crisis Response Team, and Nonviolent Crisis Intervention CPI. With 15 years of industry experience and eight years in abuse prevention, she has led yearly staff trainings on organization abuse prevention policies and procedures throughout her career. Elisa is passionate about abuse prevention and believes that it can be taught to anyone willing to learn it; we are all responsible for protecting those at risk for abuse.

Jon Crosson, M.Ed

Learning Experience Developer

Jon Crosson, an educator with over a decade of experience, holds a B.S. in Secondary Education and an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction. For 12 years, he taught history at middle and high school levels. As a Learning Experience Developer at Praesidium, Jon combines his experience as a teacher, volunteer, and coach with his eLearning and curriculum expertise. His commitment to youth welfare is evident in his volunteer work with organizations like Heart & Sole, as a teacher mentor, and coaching varsity softball and Special Olympics volleyball. He was pivotal in developing the ‘Foundations: Preventing Abuse in Youth-Serving Organizations’ course, producing instructional videos for the Praesidium Assessment Tool, and revamping custom client coursework. As a vital member of the Praesidium team, Jon Crosson’s dedication and expertise play a crucial role in shaping impactful learning experiences and safeguarding the well-being of youth.

Krisha Thomason

Account Specialist

Krisha facilitates partnerships with insurance companies for Praesidium’s clients across religious organizations, schools, daycare centers, and country clubs. Specifically, she is instrumental in building solid partnerships with Selective Insurance and increasing background screenings and academy services. Krisha has 15 years of experience in sales and customer relations. She has a bachelor’s degree in Communications.

Ashleigh N. Acosta

Senior Team Coordinator

Ashleigh N. Acosta, a Senior Team Coordinator, leverages her extensive administrative background to excel at Praesidium. Specializing in Youth Development and Higher Education, she plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success of Virtual Certified Praesidium workshops. Ashleigh’s expertise extends to efficient data migration, where she seamlessly transferred client information from an outdated tracking form to a new system, enhancing operational effectiveness and client services. Her meticulous approach, adaptability, and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset to the team.