Meet the Team Behind the Mission
Called to Protect.
Committed to Heal.
We are protectors. We are survivors. We are advocates. We believe in the redemptive healing power of Jesus.
At Trees of Hope, every team member brings more than just experience—they bring heart. Many of us have walked the painful road of abuse and now count it as a privilege to walk with others on their path to freedom. We’re deeply committed to ending child sexual abuse through Christ-centered prevention and healing. Together, we’re creating safe spaces for restoration, one life at a time.
STAFF AND LEADERSHIP
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Nicole Escobar
Executive Director
Nicole was sexually abused as a child and carried the hidden weight of that trauma for years. Through Christ and the healing she experienced in a Shelter Group, she found freedom and restoration. Today, as Executive Director of Trees of Hope, Nicole has led hundreds of prevention workshops and healing groups, using her story to equip families and walk with survivors on their journey toward hope.
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Sue Koegel
Regional Director—South Florida
Sue’s childhood abuse left her broken and closed off, until she stepped into Shelter in 2010. God used the class to restore her and ignite a passion to help others. Today, as Regional Director of South Florida, she has led countless women through Shelter Groups and even into jails, where women behind bars are encountering healing and hope. Sue has seen lives transformed as women move from bondage to freedom in Christ.
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Marie Renwick
Regional Director—Orlando
Marie grew up in an abusive home where her cries for help went unanswered. For over 30 years, she carried silence, fear, and shame. Through a Shelter Group, she found her voice and began to heal. Today, she serves as a Regional Director in Central Florida, leading groups and encouraging other women to surrender their pain to God and walk in freedom.
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Deb Marsalisi
Regional Director—Melbourne
Deb carried the weight of childhood abuse and later rape, living years marked by anger, shame, and brokenness. Through Trees of Hope, Christian counseling, and the love of Christ, she discovered that vulnerability is the birthplace of true strength. Now she uses her story as a writer, podcaster, and author of the Reclaim Your Wholeness devotional, showing survivors everywhere that God can turn pain into purpose
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Nicky Sylvester
Regional Director—New Zealand
Nicky endured years of abuse that left her hiding in silence. When she joined Shelter Online, her healing journey began and her life was forever changed. Now serving as the first international Regional Director in New Zealand, she leads groups and advocates for stronger support systems in churches and schools. Her story proves that healing can ripple through communities and nations. Her heart is to be a beacon of hope to women across the region, reminding them that healing is possible and joy is ahead.
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Lisa Travers
Regional Director —North Carolina
Lisa suffered abuse throughout her childhood and was dismissed when she tried to tell the truth. For decades, she carried hidden wounds until God led her to Trees of Hope. Through Shelter and ongoing trauma therapy, Lisa experienced deep restoration and chose forgiveness. Now, as a Regional Director in North Carolina, she helps other women step into the same freedom she found.
MEET THE BOARD
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Kristen Torres
Mental Health Counselor, Hope Christian Counseling
Kristen brings deep clinical expertise and heartfelt compassion to the Trees of Hope board. As a licensed mental health counselor and mother, she is passionate about equipping families with the tools they need for healing and prevention. Kristen believes every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and protected.
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William Torres
Lead Pastor, Proclaim Church
As a pastor and father, William is committed to cultivating safe, gospel-centered communities where healing can take root. He champions Trees of Hope’s mission to prevent abuse and help survivors walk in freedom, believing that faith and action go hand in hand in protecting the next generation.
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Justin Young
Senior Program Director, Slavic401k
With a background in finance and creative arts, Justin brings strategic insight and heart to the board. A father and advocate for child safety, he is driven to use his gifts to strengthen prevention efforts and support lasting healing. Justin is passionate about building a world where every child feels secure and seen.
Why We Serve
EVERY MEMBER OF OUR TEAM HAS SAID YES TO SOMETHING BIGGER THAN THEMSELVES.
Whether working behind the scenes or leading groups, we all share the same heart: to protect the vulnerable, to comfort the hurting, and to reflect the hope and healing found in Christ
“This isn’t just a job. It’s a calling. We get to witness lives transform—
and that’s a privilege we don’t take lightly.”
Join the Mission
We’re always looking for passionate, mission-minded people to join our team. If you believe your gifts can help prevent abuse and bring healing, click the “Join Us” button and follow the steps.
Note:
To volunteer or apply for a staff role, you must first complete a healing study and our Cultivate Live training. We don’t accept walk-ins, emails, or contact form submissions for hiring.
Honoring Every Person
At Trees of Hope, we’re committed to creating a team that reflects the people we serve. We welcome and value individuals from all walks of life—recognizing that each person brings unique experiences, perspectives, and strengths. Every team member is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.
Compensation Philosophy
As a nonprofit, we strive to steward donor funds wisely while honoring the work of our team. We offer competitive, market-aligned pay and benefits to attract and retain passionate, skilled individuals dedicated to our mission.