NEWSLETTER
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PDFJeanne L. Allert, Founder and Executive Director
Jeanne has an eclectic career history: from high school English teacher, to instructional designer, to technology director, to Internet consultant. For fourteen years she owned and managed a successful consulting practice serving trade and professional societies and municipal governments in their use of Internet technologies. She is also an international public speaker, technical trainer, industry author, and has served as adjunct faculty for several universities. Jeanne holds a Bachelors in English, a Masters of Education and is pursuing a second masters in Divinity specializing in Urban Ministry.
With a heart broken for the issue of human exploitation and trafficking, Jeanne also directs the Maryland Rescue and Restore Coalition, a gathering of committed organizations and individuals who are affecting change in the areas of awareness, prevention, intervention and advocacy. She is a compelling speaker on the topic of domestic human trafficking and has delivered awareness presentations to over 13,000 Marylanders to date. Jeanne is a graduate of the FBI Citizen’s Academy. She is also on the Board of Advisors for the Abolition International Shelter Association.
In 2012 Jeanne was selected for the Ruby Award by Howard County Soroptimist International, for making a difference in the lives of women and girls. She then went on to be selected for this award by the entire South Atlantic Region. In 2013 she received the Individual Award for Outstanding Nonprofit Service, by the Maryland Chapter of the American Society of Public Administration for her work mobilizing the community against human trafficking
Jeanne founded The Samaritan Women in 2007 and today serves as Executive Director. Her passion for TSW is to see the evidence of God’s grace manifested in the lives of every person who comes here. Jeanne’s Life Verse is Luke 12:48 “To whom much is given, much more is expected.”
Jonathan Fichman, Director of Development
Jon is a Maryland native, born at the Naval Hospital in Bethesda. After earning a degree in computer engineering in at the University of Michigan, Jon had a two-decade long career in technical sales and marketing at Intel Corporation. Interestingly, (but not intentionally) all three of his sons have followed various paths in the area of computer science.
After a break form the corporate world, Jon recently completed his MBA at the Loyola University, Maryland. During his last year at Loyola, he connected with The Samaritan Women through a project to develop a business plan to create a minor victims of sex-trafficking restoration house. After time spent volunteering, it became apparent that The Samaritan Women was where Jon was called to be!
We know that victims of sex trafficking carry an enormous weight, difficult to bear. Jon finds hope for these girls and women in a favorite biblical passage: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Marie Hardy, Finance and Administration
Amanda Grant, Community Coordinator
Amanda is originally from Virginia Beach. She moved to Baltimore to attend the University of Baltimore as a Human Services Administration major. She was first introduced to TSW in 2008 when her church traveled to Baltimore on a mission trip. Three years later she found herself growing more and more passionate about the injustice of human trafficking, and sought an internship with TSW that eventually led to her position as Community Coordinator. In this role she serves as the liaison between our Residence program and the local community, engaging volunteers in teaching, mentoring, supporting and befriending our residents.
Amanda is incredibly passionate about this work and excited to be a part of this journey with TSW. One of Amanda’s favorite and most influential verses is Proverbs 31: 8-9 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.
Nicole Lee, Residence Manager
Marie Celano, Mental Health Counselor
Marie Celano is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor who graduated from Loyola’s Pastoral counseling program. Marie has worked with children, at-risk youth, young adults, couples and families, but feels called by God to specifically address the needs of women. She is honored to come along side the women of The Samaritan Women (TSW) to assist in the healing of the whole person — mind, body and spirit together. In addition to her graduate training, Marie is certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and is currently working under the tutelage of Regent University to implement the HEART Counseling Model at TSW.
Carletta Wright, Residence Supervisor
Patty Lee, Residence Supervisor
Patty Lee is a native of the Baltimore area. She grew up in a violent household and at a very young age learned to fend for herself. Patty Lee ran away and became a human victim of trafficking, living in and out of various social programs and institutions, all the while gathering perspective and friendships that God would use later in her life. Through it all she kept true to the value of “never burn a bridge” and today she reaps the benefit of that philosophy. Patty is currently working on her Bachelor’s degree at the Community College of Baltimore County and desires to use her education to serve others. Patty’s heart will forever be with her son, Matthew, who left this earth to be with Jesus when he was only 18. Patty Lee now devotes all her life experience and boundless compassion to serve women who need friendship and encouragement. Her Scripture inspiration is Psalm 116.
Jon Deitz, Farm Manager
Jon (or “Jon Boy” or “Jawbone”) was –like everyone here–brought to us by God Himself. Growing up in Baltimore City with every possible disadvantage, Jon had one powerful influence: strong, discipined grandparents who raised him to be respectful, diligent, hard-working, and thoughtful. Jon still fell victim to the temptations of a young teen in the inner city and tested many boundaries. By God’s grace, however, one day his wanderings brought him to TSW where he was taken under the wings of Chris and Jeanne. From that moment he’s given his whole heart and plenty of muscle to build TSW into what it is today. He accepted Christ and was baptized at TSW on June 12, 2011 and today serves as Farm Manager. He leads most of our volunteer teams on the farm.
Melissa Yao, Public Engagement Specialist for the Maryland Rescue and Restore Coalition
Melissa works to increase awareness and deepen community engagement on issues around human trafficking.
Originally from the sunny state of California, Melissa moved to Maryland in 2002 to attend American University. While in school she met and eventually married her husband, James. Along their journey they have adopted their two adorable dogs, Lucy and Peyton. After finishing grad school Melissa began searching for ways to serve women in need in the surrounding area. She stumbled upon TSW’s website where she learned more about TSW and the Maryland Coalition. After attending her first Coalition meeting she knew this was right where God wanted her.
Prior to joining the Maryland Coalition Melissa worked in the Faith-based and Community Outreach Office at the United States Agency for International Development. She has also work with Dr. Ron Sider with Evangelicals for Social Action doing policy work on the multi-generational injustice of the Federal Governments rising debt. Additionally, Melissa has worked with Bread for the World where she was involved in church engagement and advocacy on issues impacting poor and hungry people both domestically and abroad. Melissa has her master’s degree in International Development from Eastern University and her Bachelors in International Relations from American University.
IN MEMORIUM ~ Daisy, Mascot and Director of Ground Security
Daisy left us in April 2013 after nearly 18 years of devoted service. She was the regal “old gal” of TSW with a good word to say about everyone. We’ll miss you, Daisy, but we know you would never let us out of your sight.
Orion, Tough Guy WannaBee
Orion steps into the role of Director of Ground Security, but he’s still just a puppy at heart. Orion loves interacting with volunteers and is not nearly as frightening as he looks!
