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Stephanie OlsonChief Executive Officer
Stephanie Olson is a speaker, an author, and the CEO of The Set Me Free Project. Stephanie Olson holds a degree in Psychology. Her experience includes:
Stephanie has had extensive training, research, and study of human trafficking prevention education and social media safety. She is a sought-after speaker on women, youth, human trafficking, and social media safety while leading The Set Me Free Project to help prevent youth and young adults from personally experiencing trafficking. |
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Yolanda Harden
Director of Operations and Programming
Yolanda Harden joined the fight against Human Trafficking in 2017 in Iowa while working directly with youth services, foster youth, and child abuse prevention. Her life experience and personal passion have consistently served underprivileged youth and those involved with the Human Services or Juvenile Justice Systems. After learning of Human Trafficking and its effects on today’s youth and adults, Yolanda shifted her career specifically to Human Trafficking Prevention Education for ALL children so that one day there will be no new victims. Yolanda leads all of our educators as the Regional Director for The Set Me Free Project. Her objective is to educate what human trafficking is and make others aware that it happens in our community. Her main priority is preventing these heinous crimes BEFORE traffickers ever have the chance. Yolanda continues to show her dedication to meeting students where they’re at and engaging them in strength-based life lessons that build each youth up and encourage them to advocate for one another. |
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Ashley J. WilleyDevelopment Coordinator
Ashley's passion to be an example to her daughter and inspire young people to overcome challenges has been the driving force for her career and personal life. After becoming the first person in her family to graduate from college, she quickly found success in eCommerce. Over time, Ashley could not deny her deep passion for creating positive changes both locally and globally, and it led her to devote herself entirely to nonprofit work. Today, she leads the development team to build relationships and provide outstanding communication with individuals passionate about ending human trafficking.
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Elissa WienerDistrict Lead Educator - Nebraska
Elissa is a recent graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor of Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts in sociology. She is currently a research assistant in a UNL lab studying sexual violence and health and a Hebrew school teacher at a synagogue in Omaha. Elissa plans to pursue post-graduate education soon and is considering law school, graduate school, or both. She is interested in researching varying cultures through a sociological and psychological lens, with a specific interest in sexual health. She believes that we can't just wait and hope for the world to change but must each do our part to better ourselves and the world around us. Elissa enjoys traveling, hiking, and, most importantly, lying on the couch with her dog in her free time. |
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Sam TurcoGrant Writer
Sam is a recent graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with dual degrees in Economics and Spanish. She is a current VISTA with The Set Me Free Project and will be moving to part-time following the completion of her service. Sam is enrolling in law school full-time for the Fall of 2021 and is excited to take her experience with The Project with her as she begins her next education chapter.
Sam enjoys trail-running, reading history, baking bread, and taking her dog, Luna, on walks in her free time. |
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Erica Zettle
AmeriCorps VISTA: Data Analysis Coordinator
Erica is originally from Clarkston, Michigan and relocated to Omaha in 2019. Prior to leaving Michigan, Erica worked in the On Road Vehicle Testing Department at Roush Industries. She has a Master of Public Administration as well as a BA in Sociology from Oakland University. She has also earned a degree in Paralegal Studies from Oakland Community College. Erica has devoted her life to creating positive change in the world and pursues educational, occupational, and volunteer opportunities that exemplify her values. In addition to her work as the Data Analyst Coordinator VISTA for the Set Me Free Project, Erica is pursuing a certificate in Chemical Dependency Counseling from Metropolitan Community College. In her free time, she enjoys painting, baking vegan desserts and spending time with her family. |
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Danielle HowellCurriculum Specialist
Danielle is a Nebraska certified teacher with B.A. and M.Ed. degrees in Elementary Education. She is an experienced classroom teacher and administrator, with six years teaching Kindergarten and Pre-K and four years as a Curriculum Director, leading and training a staff of over 45 teachers. She has planned and implemented staff training on various topics, including child development, positive discipline, classroom management, language and literacy, and communication. As Curriculum Director for The Set Me Free Project, Danielle currently develops curriculum and speaks to middle and high school students to prevent youth and young adults from ever experiencing human trafficking. |
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Karrissa JylesEducator
Karrissa was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and moved to Omaha, Nebraska with her family in 2004. Karrissa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and is currently working towards a Master’s in Public Administration with a concentration in non-profit management. Karrissa plan to also earn a Master’s in Urban Studies in the future. Her professional experience includes talent management and development, compliance, and financial education. Karrissa’s volunteer work includes serving as the President of the CASA for Douglas County Service League, teaching financial literacy, and serving in her church. Karrissa is passionate about intervening with anything, systematic or haphazard, that oppresses underrepresented populations. When not working, Karrissa is busy being a proud dog mom to a 3 year old Pitbull/Boxer Mix named Ace. Karrissa enjoys traveling with friends, being a crime junkie (documentaries, movies, tv shows, podcasts), personal health and wellness, and person finance. |
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Krista BrownEducator
Krista graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 2013 with her Bachelor of Arts in Health and Fitness Promotion. Before coming to The Set Me Free Project, Krista worked as a Health Educator in Eastern Iowa teaching teens about healthy relationships, boundaries, and risky behaviors. She loves working with youth and is so fortunate to have found The Set Me Free Project once she moved to the Des Moines area in summer 2019. Outside of being an educator, you will find Krista working as a weight loss consultant or cuddling with her two cats, Fletcher and Harold. |
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JJChief Canine Officer
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Our Board Members
We couldn't function without the support of our amazing board! Thank you for helping us to stop human trafficking before it starts.
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