About Us
Our Story
Freedom is a fundamental human right. It is a cornerstone of what makes us human. Yet, across the world and in our own communities, this right has been stripped from far too many as they are forced, tricked, and coerced into situations over which they have no control. They are robbed of those same rights that we value most.
Since its beginning in 2007, the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking has identified human trafficking as a prevalent, yet often unrecognized, issue in Northeast Ohio. It was in response to the need for awareness and advocacy that the organization has brought together local professionals and members of religious female communities to create a community-wide call to action, seeking a systemic, multi-disciplinary response to human trafficking in this region.
Today, this ever-growing collaboration includes diverse communities, businesses, non-profits, and governmental organizations. In partnership, the Collaborative equips the community with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to address human trafficking. We provide leadership and expertise that empowers the community, making it easier to identify and support those impacted by this crime and to eradicate those factors that enable it.
From the Collaborative’s broad public-awareness campaign, Human Trafficking Happens Here Too, to the development of suggested best practices across healthcare, public safety, hospitality and other sectors, the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking exists to uphold every person’s fundamental right to freedom and dignity.
Mission & Vision
Mission: Lead, empower, and connect our community to eradicate human trafficking.
Vision: A world without human trafficking, one community at a time.
The Way: We provide leadership and expertise to empower a systemic, community-wide response to human trafficking.
The Work: We equip organizations and individuals with the knowledge, tools, and resources to address human trafficking by increasing public awareness, delivering tailored trainings, and facilitating multi-disciplinary collaboration. As the backbone organization of a 60+ organization membership program called Greater Cleveland Coordinated Response to Human Trafficking, we provide strategic leadership to create social change.
Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Suzanne Bednarchik, Chair
Owner, The Quilting Bee
Teresan W. Gilbert, Vice Chair
The Lubrizol Corporation (Retired)
Michael A. Shemo, Treasurer & Finance Committee Chair, Chair Emeritus
President, Wolf Investors, LLC
Jennifer Cupar, Governance Committee Chair
Director, LLEAP Program, Professor of Lawyering Skills, Case Western Reserve University School of Law
George Moy, Development Committee Chair
Executive Vice President, Finance and Development at Green Harvest Capital
Sr. Toby Lardie, HM, Secretary
Congregation of Humility of Mary
Honorary Board Members
Karen Walsh
Past President/CEO
Thomas R. Hanson
Eaton Corporation (Retired)
Members
Michael P. Coyne
Co-Founder, Waldheger Coyne, A Legal Professional Association
Stacy Dever
HR Director, Barrio
Daniel J. Flannery, PhD
Professor and Director, Begun Center for Violence Prevention, Research and Education, Case Western Reserve University
Shannon Fogarty Jerse, Esq.
General Counsel, Government Affairs, St. Vincent Charity Medical Center
Deputy General Counsel, Sisters of Charity Health System
Honorable Patricia A. Gaughan
Chief Judge, U.S. District Court, N.D. Ohio
Domonic Hopson, MPH, FACHE
President and CEO, Neighborhood Family Practice, Community Health Centers
Dara Krueger
Executive Director International Marketing & Marketing Account Services, Cleveland Clinic
Patrice McCarthy, PhD, RN, CNS
Professor (Retired)
Shirley Morgenstern
President & CEO, The Cleveland Pops Orchestra
William R. Murman
First Vice President, Wealth Management, UBS Financial Services, Inc.
Honorable Brendan J. Sheehan
Administrative and Presiding Judge Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas
Ellen Cronin Zegarra
Vice President, Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, Baldwin Wallace University
Staff Team
Kirsti Mouncey, President & CEO
Kirsti leads the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking with more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. She is dedicated to raising awareness, educating, and advocating for the prevention of human trafficking. As a woman with a disability, Kirsti brings a unique and empathetic perspective to her work, driving inclusive approaches to addressing complex social challenges. She is deeply passionate about minimizing trauma in all its forms, leveraging her strong background in trauma-informed and trauma-responsive care to create systems that foster healing and resilience. With expertise in teaching, coaching, and educating, Kirsti empowers others to engage in meaningful action toward change. Her experience in strategic planning, board management, policy advocacy, and coalition building drives impactful progress in the fight against human trafficking. She holds a master's degree in social work from Cleveland State University, and is a Licensed Independent Social Work Supervisor in the State of Ohio.
Her leadership has been recognized by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center with the Visionary Voice Award in 2016. She was inducted into the Case Western Reserve University Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences Hall of Achievements in 2017, where she is an Adjunct Professor. She is a proud member of the Leadership Cleveland Class of 2023.
Eric Matheny, Chief Collaboration Officer
With over 20 years in human services, including developmental disabilities, education, and workforce development, Eric is a proven leader in fostering collaboration to address complex social issues. He brings expertise in creating systemic solutions and uniting stakeholders. Matheny will enhance partnerships and strategies to combat human trafficking, advancing the Collaborative's mission of education, advocacy, and prevention. He holds a Bachelor of Music Performance Degree from Youngstown State University and Master of Arts degrees in Transformative Leadership from California Institute of Integral Studies and Organization Development from Fielding Graduate University.
Samantha Garner, Administrative Assistant
Samantha brings over 10 years of experience as an administrative professional from food, manufacturing, and music industries. With more than two decades of small business experience, Sam streamlines daily operations by assisting with project management and coordinating meetings. Sam handles communications, assists with event logistics, and oversees other special projects. By streamlining processes and systems, Sam empowers the team to focus on advancing the mission to prevent and address human trafficking. Sam holds her Bachelor and Master's degrees in music from the University of Akron.
Deby Auerbach – Brown, Director of Development
Deby leads efforts to secure funding and build strong donor relationships with more than 20 years in the non-profit sector. Responsibilities include creating fundraising strategies, managing donor outreach, organizing events, and writing grants. She works to expand philanthropic and corporate support, ensuring financial sustainability for programs and initiatives. By cultivating resources, Deby enables the Collaborative to fulfill its mission of preventing and addressing human trafficking through education, advocacy, and partnerships. Deby holds a B.A. in Sociology and Anthropology from Earlham College, and an M.A. in Medical Anthropology from Case Western Reserve University.
Margaret Thresher, Director of Advocacy & Communications
Margaret Thresher leads communication and advocacy efforts, focusing on amplifying mission work and driving systemic change. With 20+ years of experience in strategic marketing, communications, and public affairs across nonprofit, corporate, and government sectors, she develops campaigns that engage diverse audiences, from community leaders to policymakers. Margaret combines her passion for social change with her expertise to create lasting impact, using storytelling and advocacy to influence policy and amplify underrepresented voices. Margaret holds Bachelor's Degrees in English and Communications from John Carroll University.
Carolyn Arny, Director of Education & Training
Carolyn brings 20+ years of experience in health and human services. As a trauma-informed instructor, Carolyn offers both foundational learning and specialized training to organizations, ensuring they are equipped with the tools to identify and support survivors of human trafficking. By fostering understanding and engagement, she empowers professionals, organizations, and the public with knowledge and tools to recognize and respond to human trafficking. Carolyn is a Certified Child Life Specialist and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology from Elmhurst College, a Master of Arts degree in Child Life Specialist from The University of Akron, and a Graduate Certification in Applied Behavior Analysis from Capella University.
Survivor Advisory Council
Survivors are primary stakeholder in the anti-trafficking field, and survivor leaders offer invaluable insight and expertise. At the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking we affirm that survivors are the experts!
Anti-trafficking efforts can only be successful with comprehensive inclusion of diverse professionals, including survivor leaders. Our Survivor Advisory Council members offer insight into the anti-trafficking field through application, adaptation and validation. Their insights gained through lived experiences and professional endeavors will highly impact the fight against human trafficking within Northeast Ohio and beyond.
Our Partners
Greater Cleveland’s Coordinated Response to Human Trafficking
Being a member of Greater Cleveland’s Coordinated Response to Human Trafficking means that you will be part of a network of over 70 innovative organizations that are finding new to ways address human trafficking in our community. Our Coalition Members are driving progress through working and advocating together. Every member of our Coalition is critical to our collective impact and success.
Together we are working to:
- Develop and sustain a coordinated and consistent response to human trafficking in our community, and
- Harness the collective power of the multidisciplinary membership to substantially improve the capacity of our community to impact the problem.
Recent News
January Is Human Trafficking Prevention Month
In recognition of Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking is hosting the 2025 Human Trafficking Prevention Awareness Statehouse Advocacy Day on Wednesday, January 29th; launching a new public awareness campaign created by Brokaw Inc, offering free training sessions to the public and more.
2023 – 2024 Impact Report
It has been a transformative year for the Collaborative. Read our latest Impact Report to learn more about our work in the community this year to end human trafficking. Together, we have been shining a bright light on the pervasive issue of human trafficking—illuminating hidden struggles, empowering survivors, and rallying our community to action. The 2023/24 Impact Report outlines the milestones we have reached together to create a ripple effect of change—one that begins with awareness and extends to real, lasting empowerment for survivors.
Save the Date – January 29th is Human Trafficking Prevention Statehouse Advocacy Day
Join us for Human Trafficking Prevention Advocacy Day on Wednesday, January 29th at the State Capitol. This powerful event unites community leaders, survivors, and legislators to drive action in the fight to prevent human trafficking. Together we will strengthen our networks, share vital insights, and advocate for transformative policy changes. Your voice is essential – let’s stand together and make a lasting impact.
