Meet our Staff
CHRISTA WIENS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Christa Wiens has been actively engaged in the anti-trafficking field for over a decade, working to educate and equip communities to prevent exploitation. She has served as the Executive Director of Central Valley Justice Coalition since 2022, after previously leading as the Education Coordinator. Christa is the author of the Understanding Human Trafficking series and has contributed to multiple publications. With a background in education and a passion for prevention, she combines her experience as a teacher and leader to advocate for vulnerable populations. In 2022, she earned a Master of Arts in Ministry, Leadership, and Culture from Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary.
TIFFANY RICHARDS, YOUTH PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Tiffany is a passionate advocate for youth, seeking to empower them to find and use their own voice. Her experience creating teen workshops focusing on injustices in the Bay Area and an after school math program for disadvantaged youth led to an invitation to speak to the California Senate regarding California Youth Authority’s policies toward adolescents. Tiffany has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Anthropology from UC Berkeley and completed her Masters of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling at CSU Fresno.
Her other interests include the creative arts; designing clothes, writing stories, dissecting movies, and going to museums and theaters.
DANIELLE GRASSI, YOUTH ADVOCATE
Danielle has a strong background in supporting at risk youth and is passionate about advocating and educating the community on human trafficking. Danielle lives in Lemoore and serves Kings County, working to raise human trafficking awareness there. In her off time, Danielle is a mom and enjoys hanging out with her husband, two dogs, cat, and any other stray animal she happens to find.
Dominique Brown- Youth Advocate/ Lived Experience Expert
My name is Dominique Brown, and I currently serve as the Education Prevention/Care Coordinator in the Youth Services department for Breaking the Chains. My journey into this work is deeply personal, as I am a survivor of human trafficking and have dedicated my life to preventing exploitation and supporting vulnerable youth. Over the years, I’ve worked directly with at-risk youth, survivors, and community partners to provide education, advocacy, and compassionate care. Joining the Justice Coalition allows me to continue walking alongside others with both lived experience and professional commitment, helping to create a safer and more informed community where every child can thrive. I believe this work is my God-given purpose and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve.Elizabeth plays a key role in advancing the Coalition’s mission by coordinating volunteers, overseeing interns, and handling various administrative tasks. Currently, she is studying to become a paralegal at Fresno City College and is also pursuing degrees in political science and philosophy at Fresno State. Her studies add a thoughtful, analytical approach to her work, while her experience in team dynamics fosters a positive, productive environment where everyone can thrive. Elizabeth is deeply passionate about serving her community, with a strong commitment to justice and equity for all. Human trafficking prevention holds a special place in her heart, and she is dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of those impacted by this issue. Looking ahead, Elizabeth hopes to continue growing as a professional and a servant leader, using her skills to advocate for those in need and work toward lasting change.
KIM CONTRERAS, TRAUMA HEALING SPECIALIST
Kim Contreras responded to the Lord’s invitation to urban Fresno while a student at John Brown University. She joined the World Impact team in 1993 and the Central Valley Justice Coalition Prevention volunteer team in 2017. During her years in Fresno, it has been a deep honor to learn about the city and be changed by that experience through the Lord and her neighbors and friends in the Lowell and Hidalgo community. As Trauma Healing Specialist, Kim focuses on equipping the church and community to understand trauma and experience their own healing journey, along with an invitation to participate in outreach to survivors of human trafficking. Two of the accessible tools she utilizes are the Clear-Thinking Solutions method and Trauma Healing Institute healing groups. She can be found with her husband Manuel and their two children, Ian (18) and Sophia (13) sharing an Anaconda burrito from Yareli’s, enjoying good coffee on the steps with their dog Shadow and playing with their cats, Fuego, Sombra, and Rosa.
CHRISTY SEEBER, EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Christy has a background in Education with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and a Masters of Education degree from Anderson University. Christy taught in North Philadelphia, PA and in New York City. Since leaving the classroom to raise her three young children and looking back on her time as an educator in under-resourced communities, she sees the importance of educating on human trafficking and prevention, so trauma and vulnerabilities are not overlooked. Christy lives in a beach town in New Jersey and enjoys beach days with her family and friends, reading a good book, and doing arts and crafts with her kiddos.
ANGIE STAFFORD, ADULT ADVOCATE
Kamari Foster- Office Administrator
Meet our Board of Directors
Dr. Rev. Lauran Bethell, President
Global Consultant, International Ministries
Lauran serves as a Global Consultant serving grassroots organizations, encouraging the development of projects and networks which are dealing with the issues of prostitution, trafficking in persons and other forms of abuse and exploitation. Her ministry in the field began in 1987 in Thailand, where she served for 15 years. She has lived in 6 countries, and now continues to consult and network around the world, traveling from her base in Fresno, CA.
Nikki Cook, Treasurer
Former Financial Controller, Quest Relocation Group
Nikki Cook, a Southern California native, recently relocated to the Central Valley. For 24 years, she worked as the Bookkeeper and Financial Controller at a Los Angeles-based professional consulting firm. In her spare time, she volunteers at her children’s school and is active in her church.
Lois Hansen, Secretary
Medical Assitant, Peachwood Medical Group
As a long-time member of Fresno First Baptist Church, Lois has been a supporter of Lauran Bethell since 1985. She has been involved with CVJC since its beginnings, and now in retirement has more time to give. Serving the board is a response to God’s call to be more actively involved.
James Bergen, M.Div., CPXP – Board Member
Healthcare Administrator, Valley Children’s Healthcare
James Bergen, former pastor and community development leader, has served and invested in the communities of Fresno and the Central Valley since moving to Fresno in 2006. Currently, he serves as Manager Patient Experience at Valley Children’s Healthcare helping the 1.3 million children of the Central Valley and their families access quality, safe, timely, and equitable healthcare.
Brenda Erese, RN – Board Member
Nursing Professional Development Practitioner, Saint Agnes Medical Center
Brenda Erese, an Emergency Department RN, has facilitated and presented education for many years. She currently serves as an educator for SAMC ED, facilitating the onboarding process for Nurses and Ancillary team members. Previously, Brenda worked at CRMC as Nurse Educator, developing educational programs to support novice and experienced Emergency nurses. Additionally, Brenda serves in short-term missions in Mexico in collaboration with Edify Love and local churches, ministering to women and children. She has coordinated Hispanic women’s retreats and workshops for over 13 years.
Ivy Huff, LMFT – Board Member
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Expressions Counseling Center
Ivy Huff is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and owner of Refine Counseling & Consulting, Inc. Her practice provides counseling services to individuals, couples, and mental wellness services and products to businesses and organizations.
Avery Culbertson, PhD – Board Member
Assistant Professor, Agricultural Leadership, CSU Fresno
Stephanie Avila, Board Member