Executive Leadership & Board Members

Audra Doody

With a fierce determination and tireless dedication, Audra stands as a recognized expert in our community. Law enforcement agencies, community partners, and the court system regularly call upon her expertise to ensure that survivors have access to choices and safety. Her advocacy extends beyond conventional boundaries, where she has worked alongside numerous prostituted women, leaving an indelible impact on their lives.

Audra's commitment to community support is evident through her facilitation of support groups, educational programs for incarcerated survivors, and assistance in exit planning and case management. Her efforts are instrumental in connecting women still entrenched in the life with relevant community resources, fostering a pathway toward recovery and independence.

In collaboration with the Worcester District Attorney's Office, Audra plays a pivotal role in the CATI Program (Creating Alternatives to Incarceration), ensuring that survivor voices are not only heard but also central to shaping policies. Her approach is rooted in unconditional positive regard, recognizing that exiting the life is a process, and she remains person-centered, meeting individuals wherever they may be on their journey.

Audra's impactful presence extends beyond local initiatives, as she has been a featured speaker on panels with prestigious organizations such as the Massachusetts US Attorney's Office, World Without Exploitation Youth Summit, and Bucks Coalition Against Trafficking. In recognition of her unwavering commitment, Audra was honored with the 2023 Worcester Women of Consequence award by the Advisory Committee on the Status of Women.

Residing in Worcester, Audra advocates tirelessly to ensure that survivors receive the recognition and respect they deserve. Her work is not just a profession but a calling, a testament to her resilience, empathy, and unyielding belief in the transformative power of support and understanding.

Courtney Ross Escobar, Esq.

As the organization’s founding COO and in her current role as co-Executive Director & Chief Operations Officer, Courtney has steered the organization from its grassroots origins to becoming a prominent force in challenging the social norms and systemic failures that condone gender-based violence and racial inequities responsible for systems of oppression, including but not limited to, the sex trade.

Courtney has navigated SEI through its startup phase, periods of substantial growth, and organizational change management. She spearheaded the establishment of the Legal Clinic in 2022, an initiative providing pro bono legal services to people with histories of commercial sexual exploitation (CSE), serving as a crucial barrier reduction tool for individuals seeking to exit the sex trade.

Building on SEI's commitment to systemic change, Courtney introduced the Policy & Research Practice in 2024 as a pathway to broaden the impact of the legal clinic and bring SEI’s legislative advocacy work into the organization’s vision for expansion. This strategic shift will advance the abolition of the sex trade by addressing the root causes of exploitation through public policy advocacy and research.

Courtney Ross Escobar, Esq., holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government and Policy from the University of Massachusetts and a Juris Doctor degree from the New England School of Law and is admitted to the bar in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the State of New York. 

Patricia Karras

An accomplished Chief Financial Officer, Patty is a passionate and committed to advancing the financial stability and impact of non-profit organizations. With over 30 years of experience in financial leadership roles for both non-profit and for-profit organizations, including the National Geographic Society, National Geographic Partners, Public Responsibility in Medicine & Research, Vodafone Group, and Dell EMC, Patty has become a strategic partner and advisor to executive teams, providing valuable insights into financial planning, reporting, analysis, and management.

As a forward-thinking Chief Financial Officer, Patty goes beyond traditional financial management, integrating her financial expertise to address the unique challenges faced by non-profit organizations. She is a strategic leader who collaborates closely with executive teams, board members, and program managers to align financial strategies with the organization’s goals. Patty excels in navigating the complex financial landscape of non-profits.

Patty is currently the Chair of the School Committee for the Nahant Public Schools and is a Member of the Housing Plan Production Subcommittee for the town of Nahant. 

Patty earned a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from Bentley University. Patty continues to drive positive change, ensuring that non-profits can thrive and make a meaningful difference in this world.

Carissa Clearwater

A dedicated and active member of the Worcester community since 2010, Carissa's passion for entrepreneurship,  has led successfully owning and operating multiple small businesses over the years. Currently, Carissa is the proud owner of Rat’s Nest, a thriving and inclusive hair salon.

In addition to her entrepreneurial ventures, Carissa has gained valuable experience in event coordinating. She has organized many successful events, most recently the Worcester Bazaar, showcasing her exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.

Community involvement is a core value for Carissa. With a particular focus on creating inclusive spaces, Carissa strives to elevate women and the LGBTQ+ community. Her dedication to promoting diversity and equality is evident in her work, as she consistently seeks to create welcoming and empowering environments for all. 

Julianne Hertel

Julianne is a passionate advisor who takes pride in working with dream-chasers and world-changers who are making a difference in the world. Her clients are individuals with a deep desire to improve the lives of others, and she is honored to be a part of their journey. In addition to her work with clients, Julianne is a mentor to agents and advisors in the industry, with a particular focus on supporting women entering the profession.

Outside of her work, Julianne is an avid traveler who is on a mission to step foot on all seven continents. She finds joy in exploring new cultures and experiences, and has a special connection to her family home in Ireland. But her travels don't stop her from giving back to her community. During the height of the Covid crisis, Julianne volunteered to deliver meals for homebound community members through Meals on Wheels. She also serves as a mentor for United Way Dollar Scholars, educating young women about money management and budgeting.

Another one of Julianne's biggest passions is her work as a foster parent for dogs with local shelters and animal rescues. Since 2012, she has fostered over 150 dogs (and a few cats) through Broken Tail Rescue, Inc., finding them loving homes and giving them the second chance they deserve. Julianne's commitment to making a positive impact extends far beyond her work as an advisor, and she is an inspiration to those around her.

Some of Julianne’s notable involvements and affiliations:

• MDRT* (Million Dollar Round Table) – Qualifying Member since 2015, Court of the Table Member since 2019, Top of the Table Member since 2021
• MDRT – Committee Chair of United States Community Leaders Team, 2021-2023
• MDRT Foundation – Member of the Board of Trustees since 2022, 2019 Gives Day Chair, and 2021 Member of Corporate Sponsor Committee
• LIFT: Living in Freedom Together – member of Board of Directors
• NAIFA (National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors – Board Member and Federal Political Involvement Chair, 2013 – 2015
• New York Life – President’s Council** Member since 2018, Chairman's Council since 2022
• Political Involvement Leader (PIL) for New York Life’s Boston General Office, and member of the PIL Advisory Board for New York Life
• Worcester Business Journal 40 Under 40 – 2017
• Massachusetts Statehouse – Provided testimony to the Financial Services Committee about legislation that could impact client’s ability to purchase disability insurance
• MDRT 2020 Edge Virtual Meeting – Presented at national conference on finding happiness
• NAIFA 2021 National Virtual Conference – Presented about using technology to enhance the experience advisors have with clients

Kyla Pacheco

Kyla is a communications and media strategist. For over fifteen years, she has supported non-profit work emphasizing the power of equity and access for disenfranchised groups across the region. 

Kyla was named Top Entrepreneur by Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll) in recognition of the economic and social impact of her work in the Worcester, MA community. 

Currently, she works at Worcester Education Collaborative and teaches Pilates. Kyla earned her MS from The University of Rhode Island in Human Development.

Audrey Morrissey

 Audrey Morrissey is the Associate Director of My Life My Choice, a program of Justice Resource  Institute. Since 2002, My Life My Choice has offered a unique continuum of survivor-led services aimed  at preventing the commercial sexual exploitation of children. As a local and national leader in the field of  exploitation, Ms. Morrissey most recently has served as Co-Chair of the Victim Services Committee of  the Massachusetts Task Force on Human Trafficking. Ms. Morrissey has also served as a primary  consultant to the Massachusetts Administrative Office of the Trial Court’s “Redesigning the Court’s  Response to Prostitution” project. Drawing from her personal experience in “the Life”, Ms. Morrissey  seeks to help vulnerable girls avoid being recruited into the commercial sex industry and/ or leave  exploitation behind them. To this end, Ms. Morrissey facilitates My Life My Choice exploitation  prevention groups throughout Greater Boston, as well as trains service providers in Massachusetts and  nationally on recognizing the signs of exploitation and helping girls exit. In addition, she works  individually mentoring girls who are victims of CSEC or are deemed high risk. Ms. Morrissey is a 2008  recipient of the prestigious Petra Foundation Fellowship and a 2012 recipient of The Philanthropic  Initiative’s Boston Neighborhood Fellows Award 

Christina Cool

Christina is a passionate advocate for research, healthcare, and human rights. After gaining valuable experience as a research assistant in school and at David Powell’s Austin HIV City Clinic, she moved to New York City to pursue a graduate degree in Epidemiology at Columbia University, focusing on research methods and infectious diseases. During her time in NYC, she

contributed to the New York City Department of Health, where she conducted research on underserved communities, men that have sex with men, and supported initiatives like the NYC Condom Initiative.

Christina's commitment to public health continued at the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, where she assisted with vaccine trial recruitment, while also volunteering as a consultant as well

as chair of fundraising on the board of The Washington Heights Corner Project, a harm reduction organization.

Christina has spent the majority of her career advancing innovative therapies through research and market access initiatives, regularly presenting at industry conferences on research best

practices and research findings. With nearly 20 peer-reviewed studies and over 30 abstracts to her name, Christina has made substantial contributions to the field, also serving as a reviewer for

various journals and societies. 

In addition to her professional endeavors, Christina volunteers with several organizations and visits Memorial Sloan Kettering weekly with her therapy dog, Barbara, providing comfort and support to patients. Her blend of expertise, compassion, and dedication to service underscores her impactful work in healthcare and research.