In 1997, Kathi co-founded Survivors of Torture, International. She holds an M.A. in Counseling from San Jose State University and a B.A. in International Relations from the University of the Pacific. Her previous employment includes: Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice, Evaluator at Grossmont Hospital, Adjunct Faculty Member at the College of Idaho's Graduate Program, Director of Elks Hospital's Occupational and Rehabilitation Department and Refugee Resettlement Case Worker for the International Rescue Committee. As a volunteer, she currently serves on the advisory boards of University of the Pacific's School of International Studies and San Diego State University's School of Social Work. Previously, she served on the board of directors for Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service as well as Amnesty International USA. She also founded Lutheran Social Services of Idaho.

“After considerable reflection, I approached George Falk and Bill Radatz about the idea of starting Survivors of Torture, International. I knew that such an organization was needed in San Diego because no other agency was deliberately serving torture survivors even though San Diego is home to the busiest border crossing in the world and has a large number of immigrants. I also knew that others had tried to start a similar organization but had been unsuccessful. Fortunately, many others believed in this dream and mentored and partnered with us. The dream became a reality. I began as SURVIVORS’ first board chair and after three years became the first executive director. Every day, I am reminded that it is not only an honor to work with dedicated professionals in this field but it is also rewarding to know we are all making a difference in the lives of our clients and in our greater community.”

Dr. Mahvash Alami joined Survivors of Torture, International in May 2011 to oversee the holistic, strength-based, recovery-oriented service program. She leads all ongoing development, expansion, and enhancement of client service programs and provides agency leadership with other members of SURVIVORS' management team. She received her Ph.D. in psychology from Alliant International University and obtained her license as a psychologist in July 2004. She completed her domestic violence certificate in 2004 and has been providing treatment to survivors of torture for the past 20 years. She has experience working in crisis environments, in-patient psychiatric hospital, and outpatient programs. In addition she obtained her certification in Psycho-Social Rehabilitation (PSR) in 2002. She has private practice experience working with survivors of torture. She is bilingual and speaks Farsi (Persian). She has been a member of the San Diego Psychological Association.

Leilani began at SURVIVORS in March 2011. She brings to SURVIVORS extensive experience in office administration and a passion for helping refugees and asylum seekers in need. She studied Sociology at San Diego State University and continues to be active in volunteering her time towards ending human trafficking. Her volunteer background includes organizations such as the Gabriela Network which supports the abolition of sex trafficking in the Philippines, and the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan which helps Afghan women struggling for peace, freedom, and equal rights. At SURVIVORS, Leilani maintains the client, contractor, and human resources databases, manages daily office policies and procedures, and ensures that everyone walking into SURVIVORS feels safe and welcome.

Suzanne Bacon joined the SURVIVORS team in August 2010 as the donor giving and communications coordinator. Suzanne was already very familiar with our work as she had been one of our contracted Spanish interpreters. She came to SURVIVORS with additional skills in fundraising having used the Benevon model for several years at a local nonprofit organization. Her other experience includes teaching English as a foreign language in the U.S. and in Mexico. Suzanne received her Bachelor's degree in French Literature at Carleton College and her Master's degree in Educational Technology at San Diego State University.

Cristina Grisham joined the SURVIVORS team in July 2011 as the Clinical Case Manager. Cristina was already familiar with our work as she had been one of our counseling interns from 2007-2008. She came to SURVIVORS with experience working at a major non-profit organization in New York City where she spearheaded community peacebuilding and restorative justice projects. Cristina is a pastoral counselor and has also worked in higher education and the corporate sector. Her other experience includes fundraising, legislative advocacy, and community organizing. As the Clinical Case Manager, she assists SURVIVORS' clients in obtaining social services and facilitates linkages to community resources. She also coordinates SURVIVORS' Befriender, Interpreter, and Volunteer Driver Programs. Cristina received her Bachelor's degree in Foreign Service and a Certificate in Arab Studies from Georgetown University. She also holds a Master's degree in Pastoral Care and Counseling from the University of San Diego. Cristina actively advocates for the end of human trafficking and provides counseling and psychosocial education to survivors of sexualized violence.

Alexey was born and raised in Kazakhstan, formerly a Soviet Republic. He received his B.A. from Washington State University in social sciences in 1996. After that he went back to Kazakhstan and worked for five years for the U.S. Agency for International Development as a project manager, managing large and small U.S. government grants and contracts. In 2003, Alexey immigrated to the United States with his wife and daughter and he joined SURVIVORS in September 2003. Alexey is responsible for managing financial aspects of SURVIVORS’ diverse funding portfolio and ensuring financial operations of the organization are efficient and accurate.

Tricia began at SURVIVORS in July 2009. She works with the clinical team to perform, track, and document client services. She also monitors compliance with contracts and ensures highest standards. Prior to joining SURVIVORS, Tricia gained experience training and supervising Native American foster families and children; training, researching and coordinating duties for child welfare programs; managing activities for community service learning programs; and interviewing survivors of human trafficking. She is a co-author of "Globalization and Human Trafficking," an article published in the Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare in June 2007. Tricia holds an M.S.W. with an emphasis on administration from San Diego State University and a B.S. from Pennsylvania State University. She is a board member of Sun and Moon Vision Productions and serves as a mentor for three foster youth in San Diego County.

Ramsey began at SURVIVORS November 2007 to facilitate health-related services for SURVIVORS’ clients. He recruits and orients health care practitioners and evaluates clients’ medical status. Ramsey has experience providing early outreach and intervention services to infants at risk for developmental disabilities and has served as an advocate for children with disabilities. He holds an M.P.H. from Loma Linda University and a B.A. from California State University, San Bernardino. He also brings to SURVIVORS’ office a wealth of international experience. During graduate school, Ramsey completed internships in Egypt and Guyana, and he has participated in weekend clinics in Rosarito, Ensenada, Tecate and other cities in Mexico.

SURVIVORS is fortunate to have the help of two graduate-level clinical interns. They are under the supervision of the clinical team.

Anna Morgan

Anna was born and raised in Poland. She moved to the United States and became a resident of San Diego in 2002. Anna received her B.A. in Psychology from San Diego State University. Now, she is continuing her education at SDSU pursuing an MSW degree. Anna is planning on becoming a Licensed Social Worker (LCSW) and providing individual, couples, and family therapy for clients with mood and personality disorders.

Anna’s experience in human services includes working with at-risk youth in the residential setting, as well as various adult populations at a mental health hospital. At SURVIVORS, she is assisting the clinical team with things like therapy and planning client outings. Anna’s great passion is travel because she likes interacting with people from different countries and cultural backgrounds.

Anna Nguyen

Anna Nguyen is a California native. She moved from San Jose, CA to San Diego to attend San Diego State University, where she received her Bachelors of Arts in Sociology. She is currently attending SDSU for her Masters in Social Work. Anna has worked as a Health Education & Prevention Outreach Worker, providing education and services to at-risk youth, Director of Social Services at a skilled nursing facility, and is currently a civilian employee for the United States Marine Corps, providing support to Marines who have families with special needs. At SURVIVORS, she is assisting the clinical team with things like therapy and planning client outings.

Claudia C. Llamas

Claudia C. Llamas is an intern pursuing her Masters in Social Work Administration from San Diego State University. She is happy and honored to join Survivors of Torture, International this year as it is an agency she admires for their commitment in helping individuals and families who have suffered from torture. In the past, she has presented and participated in projects advocating for the rights of immigrants, volunteered in the planning for group visits to orphanages and elderly homes, and coordinated projects to deliver donations to the homeless in Downtown, San Diego. Claudia is an advocate for the abolition of torture and a supporter in the work to promote unity, peace and love among our multicultural communities. Claudia has a minor in Mathematics, a double Bachelors degree in Spanish and Ethnic Studies, and a Paralegal Certificate from the University of San Diego. She also has a Certificate and an Associates Degree in French from Grossmont College. She aspires to be an international social worker for mental health services and work for global peace. At SURVIVORS she is assisting with administrative projects such as reviewing the bylaws, applications for the BBB, and other clinical issues.