The People Behind the Mission

Called to Protect.
Committed to Heal.

We are protectors. We are advocates.
We believe in the redemptive healing power of Jesus.

At Trees of Hope, every person on our team brings more than just experience—they bring heart. Many of us have walked closely with the realities of abuse—personally or through those we love—and we consider it a privilege to walk alongside others on their path to healing.

We are deeply committed to ending child sexual abuse through Christ-centered prevention and restoration. Together, we’re creating safe, compassionate spaces where healing can begin—one life at a time.

Nicole Escobar
Executive Director

Nicole Escobar is a survivor, mother, speaker, and author, and serves as the Executive Director of Trees of Hope.

For over 13 years, she has been leading women through healing, identity, and restoration, walking closely with those impacted by sexual abuse.

She is the primary author behind Trees of Hope’s studies and resources, helping shape the organization’s approach to both prevention and healing. Through her work, she equips individuals, families, and churches with practical tools to protect the vulnerable and restore what has been broken.

Nicole is also the host of the Not Just a Hashtag podcast and leads the organization’s YouTube channel, where she brings honest, unfiltered conversations to light—challenging silence and calling others into truth and freedom.

Her leadership is deeply rooted in her faith in Jesus Christ. It is this foundation that has carried her through her own story of sexual abuse and now fuels her calling to help others find lasting healing. She leads with the quiet conviction that God is present in the process—that healing is possible, and that even in the hardest places, it is well with the soul.

Above all, Nicole is a wife and mother, and her passion to protect the next generation shapes the heart behind everything she leads.

PROGRAM LEADERSHIP

  • Trees of Hope Preventing and Healing From Sexual Abuse

    Sue Koegel

    Regional Director—South Florida

    Sue is a survivor and mother who spent years carrying the weight of childhood abuse, leaving her broken and closed off. In 2010, she stepped into Shelter, where God began a deep work of restoration in her life. Through her own healing journey, she developed a passion to help other women step into freedom. Now, as Regional Director of South Florida, Sue leads women through healing groups and leads our study in prison ministry, where lives are being transformed through hope and restoration.

  • Trees of Hope Preventing and Healing From Sexual Abuse

    Marie Renwick

    Regional Director—Orlando

    Marie is a survivor, mother, and grandmother who spent years carrying the weight of her past while seeking healing and growth. Through her own journey, she began to recognize the importance of addressing wounds with both faith and understanding. As she continues studying to become a mental health counselor, her passion for helping others has deepened. Now, Marie leads one of our virtual healing groups, creating space for women to step into hope, restoration, and lasting freedom.

  • Trees of Hope Preventing and Healing From Sexual Abuse

    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

  • Trees of Hope Preventing and Healing From Sexual Abuse

    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.

  • Trees of Hope Preventing and Healing From Sexual Abuse

    Rob Schettler

    Renew Pastor—Virtual

    Rob is a survivor who has spent years walking with men through brokenness, accountability, and spiritual growth. For much of his life, he carried the weight of unaddressed wounds while serving in ministry. Through his own healing journey, he came to recognize the importance of confronting the past and pursuing lasting freedom. Now, as the leader of Renew men’s groups, Rob helps other men step into truth, healing, and restored identity.

MEET THE BOARD

  • Kristen Torres, mental health counselor and board member, smiling with warmth and compassion for survivors and families.

    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.

  • William Torres, pastor and board member, smiling with strength and care as a leader and father.

    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.

  • Justin Young, board member and father, smiling with vision and heart for prevention and healing.

    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.