Our Founder & CEO
Elizabeth Sullivan, CPSS
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I just couldn’t believe that the pain of childhood sexual abuse that I had pushed so far back in my mind could come back with such vengeance. The flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, panic attacks, hypervigilance, nightmares and suicidal thoughts seemed to take over my life and I thought I was losing my mind. I didn’t know who I could tell, who I could trust and was fearful of anyone finding out about this "secret" I had kept for decades. I feared things I did not understand and wore the cloak of shame and blame so tight around me that the thought of telling anyone of my childhood molestation and rape made me physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually sick. I was stuck in a world of negative voices, isolation, mistrust, and felt as though my life was over.
I wondered how reprehensible abuse could be happening to children at epidemic levels and no one was talking about it. I wondered how I could go a lifetime not realizing how unprocessed trauma had affected my life. I wondered how I could go through life thinking I was damaged goods, dirty, not good enough and why when I finally did break my silence no one was there to support me or others abused as children. I just couldn’t accept the silence, the lack of education and support, and the blame put on survivors of this crime. So I began not only my healing journey but the beginnings of EmpowerSurvivors.” - Elizabeth Sullivan EmpowerSurvivors was created and founded by Elizabeth Sullivan in 2014. It was during her own healing journey that she realized survivors needed an organization that would provide safe spaces of healing and support. Along with the safe spaces, Elizabeth knew that it was equally important tp provide resources and education, so survivors could better understand their own healing journey and how the child abuse that happened to them so many years ago, could manifest itself into every fiber of their being. Today, EmpowerSurvivors is a peer led 501c3 charitable non-profit organization based in Stillwater, MN, and run and operated by adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse and trauma. EmpowerSurvivors supports survivors locally, nationally and worldwide. We believe in uniting our voices, supporting survivors on their healing journeys, educating communities and reducing the adverse childhood experiences that affect not only the survivor but their families, society, and institutions. |
Meet Our Board
Our EmpowerSurvivors board meets monthly to build a stronger organization, improve programming for survivors, and make sure that our non-profit is the best organization that it can be!
Elizabeth Sullivan, Founder/ Executive Director
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Elizabeth is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and rape and the founder and director of EmpowerSurvivors, a peer-led 501c3 nonprofit organization that supports those that have experienced the crimes of childhood sexual abuse and rape.
As a certified peer support specialist, Elizabeth facilitates groups at EmpowerSurvivors, founded “ Giving Voice” (our nations first survivor conference), has spoken at local community colleges, Lino Lakes men’s prison system, Take Back The Night events, local organizations and has worked with Jeff Anderson & Associates and the National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse (NAASCA) to support survivors and educate communities. Elizabeth believes by breaking our silence of abuse and coming together as a survivor community we can find support, healing, and aid in prevention. Elizabeth invites survivors of childhood sexual abuse to come to the EmpowerSurvivors organization and begin their healing journey. |
Kelly Geiger
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Kelly is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. She believes that even if you are surrounded by people everyday, being a survivor can make you feel so alone. That isolation ended when she found an amazing community in others at EmpowerSurvivors. She has been able to grow and heal in ways she couldn't explain. She can finally believe that she is meant to thrive, not just survive. Kelly is currently serving as secretary for the EmpowerSurvivors organization. |
Gabbie previously volunteered for EmpowerSurvivors while studying at UST, and became Treasurer after gaining a couple years of professional experience in the financial industry. She grew up in Somerset, WI and resides there today. She has always felt a deep sense of compassion for those that are victims of sexual assault, and so she is proud to be working with an organization that gives so much to those that have been harmed.
Outside of work, Gabbie loves to travel and spend time with family and friends.
Jennifer Kindera
Jennifer Kindera is a Trauma Informed Certified Coach, IFSI Practitioner, Certified Life Coach and Certified Healing Shame Practitioner, her focus is to help clients navigate their internalized shame and potential traumas from attachment wounding, which are holding them back from living life to their fullest capacity. She offers an honest, inclusive, and compassionate space for the unfolding of each person's life journey. As a coach and instructor, she gently works to educate and unravel the binds of trauma and shame to promote capacity for healing and growth.
Join Our Board
Do you have a passion for nonprofits and supporting individuals that were sexually abused as children?
EmpowerSurvivors is always looking for individuals who have a passion for healing communities, helping nonprofits reach their goals, and making a difference in the lives of others!
If you are someone with a huge heart for survivors, knows how to work as a team, would like to grow along with our organization, and have a desire to help us continue our mission please send a letter of interest and how you feel you can support the EmpowerSurvivors mission and nonprofit to Elizabeth at [email protected]
EmpowerSurvivors is always looking for individuals who have a passion for healing communities, helping nonprofits reach their goals, and making a difference in the lives of others!
If you are someone with a huge heart for survivors, knows how to work as a team, would like to grow along with our organization, and have a desire to help us continue our mission please send a letter of interest and how you feel you can support the EmpowerSurvivors mission and nonprofit to Elizabeth at [email protected]