866-900-6019
CRISIS LINE

Blog

The Women Who Move Us: The Mosaic Team’s Picks

by Susan Nerenbaum in Uncategorized

The Women Who Move Us: The Mosaic Team’s Picks 

 

The bold and remarkable work of women fills our history books and provides present day inspiration for people across the globe. From Maya Angelou to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Jane Goodall to Simone Biles, Taylor Swift to our own grandmothers — the women who inspire our very own team at Mosaic Georgia span in spirit from quiet determination to roaring fearlessness. We invite you to read as our team members share what women move them and why.  

 

Maya Angelou 
Maya was a deep well full of wisdom. She gave life and meaning to words like no one else. I admire that despite all that she endured, she had the ability to hold space for unimaginable pain without becoming hardened by it.

Maya Angelou was a celebrated American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist best known for her powerful autobiographical work I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. 

 

My Mom Lanie George
She inspires me with her strength and undying selflessness for others. She loves people in ways that they don’t know, and I in turn try my best to make sure she is loved in ways she doesn’t know. She shows up for people in ways they don’t expect. For example someone might simply express a disliking of a flavor or drink that we have in the office, with no expectation. My mom would make it a point to find out their preferred or favorite drink and go buy it herself so that they feel taken care of. She is very intentional to not leave anyone behind. 

Lanie is the Executive Administrator at Mosaic Georgia. She is a human trafficking survivor, advocate, and founder of the former North Carolina nonprofit Redeeming Joy, a rescue and rehabilitation home for victims of sex trafficking. Her daughter Adrianna is the Client Experience Specialist at Mosaic.  

 

Dr. Edith Eva Eger
I am inspired by Dr. Edith Eva Eger because she didn’t let evil win. She chose healing and pursued a career to help others. She is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Dr. Edith Eva Eger is a Holocaust survivor turned renowned psychologist and author who transformed her experiences in Auschwitz into a life’s work helping others heal from trauma. 

 

Dolores Huerta
Dolores Huerta inspires me because of her unwavering commitment to justice and her lifelong fight for the dignity of workers and marginalized communities. As a co-founder of the United Farm Workers, she organized, advocated, and gave voice to people who were often unseen and unheard. Her famous phrase, “Sí, se puede” (“Yes, we can”), became a powerful reminder that change is possible when people come together with courage and determination. Her legacy continues to inspire those who work to protect and uplift vulnerable communities. 

 

Taylor Swift 
Is a name that pretty much everyone knows; however, when I hear it, I think of resilience, strength, grit, kindness, and fearlessness. She is vulnerable enough to share her life, experiences, and emotions in her music, yet strong enough to continuously fight for the rights of women and the LGBTQIA+ community. Taylor was sexually assaulted by a radio DJ during a meet and greet. She spoke up about what happened to her, and he sued her for defamation. She countersued him for $1 on behalf of everyone who has experienced sexual violence and has been afraid to speak up. Her assault happened to be caught on camera, but it was still a long and aggravating fight. In court, she said, “I’m not going to allow you or your client to say I am to blame.” She won the case saying, “I acknowledge the privilege that I benefit from in life, in society and in my ability to shoulder the enormous cost of defending myself in a trial like this. My hope is to help those whose voices should also be heard.” Taylor helped pave the way for survivors to speak out against their abusers. She will always be one of my biggest heroes. 
 
Taylor Swift is a record-breaking American singer-songwriter who began her career in country music and evolved into a global pop icon known for her deeply personal storytelling, business savvy, and fiercely loyal fanbase. 

 

Jane Goodall
We need more Jane Goodall’s in this world. Her fight for compassion towards animals and the ethical treatment of the Earth is inspiring. She always encouraged people to take action against climate change. She brought so much empathy, kindness, care, and love to a world that is lacking a lot of it. Her research will forever change the fields of Primatology and Anthropology. 

Jane Goodall is a world-renowned British primatologist and conservationist whose groundbreaking decades-long study of chimpanzees in Tanzania revolutionized our understanding of animal behavior and sparked a lifelong commitment to environmental advocacy. 

 

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC)
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is the youngest woman to ever serve in Congress and has become a prominent progressive voice on issues like economic inequality and climate change. She constantly faces harsh criticism, threats, and backlash due to her outspoken views. She never backs down and always fights for what she believes is right. She is truly an inspiration to myself and a lot of women I know to always stand up for what is right no matter who is telling you to stand down.  

 

Ruth Bader-Ginsberg (RBG)
Trailblazer Ruth Bader-Ginsberg, known as RBG, was the second woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. She faced a lot of gender barriers on her climb to the top. During her time on the Supreme Court, she administered many rulings in favor of gender equality, so other women did not have to fight the same battles she did. Her appeals and dissents were foundational in paving the way for gender equality. She provided, and hopefully continues to provide, inspiration to many women as one of our fiercest advocates. She often quoted Sarah Grimke, “I ask no favor for my sex. All I ask of our brethren is that they take their feet off our necks”. I’m honored to continue the fight as an advocate for anyone whose voice has been taken from them. RGB has become a cultural icon and symbol of perseverance for generations of women. 

 

My Grammy
My Grammy, Helen Pearson-Smith, will always come to mind when I think of inspiring women. She instilled the seed in me that the rights of women deserve to be fought for. She did a lot of fighting when she was younger and has ceremoniously passed the baton to me. She is spunky, kind-hearted, spirited, humble, wise, empathetic, caring, and compassionate. She is everything I aspire to be. 

 

Mosaic Georgia’s Counseling Team
I’m inspired by the women who make up our counseling team here – they are deeply kind, intelligent, loving, talented, and empathetic. Our all-female team supports survivors in the depths of their pain with so much compassion, and the genuine camaraderie amongst us is uplifting every day. 

The Mental Health & Wellness team is made up of an incredible team of seven dedicated and talented women – Kendall Clayton, Erica Legons, Larisa Hanger, Maria Oritz, Sarah Marin, Charmaine Hayes, and Brianna Forrester-Jack. 

 

 

Harriet Tubman
When I feel afraid to do something of moral or existential consequence, I imagine the incredible strength and courage Harriet Tubman had to pull from during each and every one of her harrowing 19 trips to lead enslaved people to freedom. In the face of unfathomable danger and risk she remained brave. Relying on instinct to guide her through uncharted territory, her sense of purpose overcame her fear. 

Even though she lived in the 1800’s in what seems like a distant era, Harriet Tubman is someone I hold close. For me, she is a powerful reminder of how recent the past truly is, and the responsibility we each carry to stand for equality. 

My own family brings her closer still. 

My grandmother (Yaya) was born in 1885 in Asia Minor (now Turkey) and lived to be 93 years old. Harriet Tubman died in 1913 when my grandmother was 28 years old – a grown woman. 

I (now 51 years old) was born while my grandmother was still alive, and we lived in the same home during my infancy. She held and cared for me as a baby. She also shared 28 years on this earth with Harriet Tubman.  

 And just like that, Harriet’s presence and legacy don’t feel quite so far away. 

Harriet Tubman was an American abolitionist and freedom fighter who escaped slavery and then courageously guided dozens of others to freedom through the Underground Railroad before the Civil War. 

 

Simone Biles
In 2020 Simone—widely considered the greatest of all time and known for her unprecedented athletic achievements and record Olympic medals—made the radical decision to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics gymnastcs competition to protect her mental health. A survivor by nature and by circumstance, she did not ask for permission but rather dictated her own narrative in a world where athletes, especially women and people of color, can be seen as commodities and expected to perform through pain and sacrifice themselves in service of the expectations or demands of others. She embraced her full agency, honored what was right for her own body, mind, and wellbeing, and came back to triumph on her own terms while silencing the naysayers.  

 Those expectations, and those who demand them, represent a powerful force in our society. To stand with courage in the face of that dominance was an act of self-sovereignty, showcasing her strength and sense of self-determination.  

 Her honesty, vulnerability and conviction to stay true to herself was, and remains, a source of inspiration.  

Read More

The Boundary Reset

by Ken Moua in Wellness & Self-Care

The Boundary Reset 

Kendall Circle Headshot

By Kendall Wolz
Mental Health and Wellness Manager at Mosaic Georgia

The Boundary Reset

The start of a new year often renews our focus on wellbeing and goal setting. While some of us feel energized and excited to begin again, others of us may be recovering from the physical and emotional exhaustion of the holiday season. Whether you are stepping into the new year with joy and anticipation or dragging yourself forward wishing that time would slow down, this can be an opportune moment to revisit what we know about boundaries and reflect on which ones may need to be established or strengthened.  

What are boundaries?  

A boundary is a limit a person sets to define what behaviors, interactions, and treatment they find acceptable or unacceptable. Often, we become most aware of boundaries when they have been crossed. We notice the discomfort, invalidation, resentment, or even harm when a boundary is violated. When boundaries are respected, people often experience greater clarity, safety, connection, and compassion.   

Importantly, boundaries are primarily for the individual or group setting them. They support self-regulation and self-protection and help clarify where one person ends and another begins.  

Boundaries are not . . . 

Punishments, ultimatums, or attempts to control other people.  

For example, someone might say, “I’m ignoring you until you apologize the right way.” While this can sound like a boundary, it is more accurately described as a consequence intended to cause discomfort or teach a lesson. A boundary, in contrast, is about protecting one’s emotional or physical wellbeing regardless of how the other person responds.  

Similarly, boundaries are sometimes mistaken for ultimatums. A statement such as “If you don’t change, I’m leaving,” is designed to force a specific outcome and emphasize compliance rather than choice. A boundary would instead clarify what the individual will do for themselves if the situation continues.  

At their core, boundaries require an internal focus on the self and the question: What will I do to stay safe and well? Punishment and ultimatums shift the focus outward, placing responsibility on others to change in order to avoid consequences.  

What are the types of boundaries? 

There are many types of boundaries and the list can become extensive. Below are some of the most common categories.  

  

Case Examples: Beginning to Set Boundaries 

As a counselor, I find case examples especially helpful for illustrating concepts like boundaries. Recognizing the need for a boundary often starts internally, with noticing discomfort or tension.  

See if any of the examples below resonate: 

Emotional Boundary 

Context: I feel emotionally drained by a friend who frequently vents without asking. 
Internal Cues: I feel exhausted and resentful after these conversations.  

How I may set a boundary: “I care about you, and I’m not able to talk about heavy topics right now. I can listen another time, or we can talk about something lighter today.”  

This is an effective boundary because it states a personal limit, does not shame or demand change, and offers choice without obligation.  

Physical Boundary 

Context: I feel uncomfortable with hugs from extended family. 
Internal Cues: My body tenses when people hug me without asking.  

How I may set a boundary: “I’m not a hugger, but I’m happy to say hello another way – how about a fist bump.”  

This boundary centers bodily autonomy, uses simple and neutral language, makes an alternative suggestion for a hello, and does not over-explain or apologize. 

Relational Boundary 

Context: I feel judged when family members comment on my life choices. 
Internal Cues: I shut down when my decisions are criticized. 

How I may set a boundary: “I’m not open to feedback about my personal decisions. If it comes up, I prefer to change the subject or leave the conversation.”  

This boundary is specific, clearly names the topic that is off-limits, and explains how the person will respond if the boundary is crossed. It emphasizes self-protection rather than control.  

Setting boundaries is an ongoing practice that often requires regular reflection and adjustment. It is normal for boundaries to feel uncomfortable or imperfect, especially at first. Practicing self-compassion is an essential part of the process. Like any skill, boundary-setting develops over time and with practice.  

As you move into the new year, where are you noticing tension or discomfort? What boundaries might support your wellbeing in the months ahead?  

Kendall Wolz heads up the Mental Health and Wellness team that provides individual, family, and group therapy to those seeking care at Mosaic Georgia. As a survivor herself, she has a unique insight into the challenges of living with past trauma, how it impacts lives daily, and what the process of healing truly looks like. Her personal website, Brave Girl, Speak unpacks some of the complex issues that come along with being a survivor of sexual violence. Visit Kendall’s site to read more about her personal journey healing from trauma and peeling the layers to reclaim her true self.

Read More

When Care Meets Courage

by Ken Moua in Professional Insights & Experiences

Someone’s Gotta Say It

 

When Care Meets Courage 

By Marina Sampanes Peed
Executive Director of Mosaic Georgia

As the year ends, so does my chapter as Executive Director of Mosaic Georgia. It’s a strange mix of ordinary and profound — an ending that arrives quietly amidst the holiday season. The 24/7 work will continue in capable hands; I’ll support the important mission in new ways inspired by the observations and experiences in the CEO role.  

I’ve noticed how much heavier life has become for so many kids and adults this year. People walk through our doors carrying strain that shows up in their shoulders and their breathing long before it reaches their words. And the people doing the caring carry their own loads – families to tend, bills to manage, health concerns, and the ongoing circus act we call modern life. Caring systems are comprised of people who don’t stand above the turbulence. They feel it directly. Yet they keep showing up, coffee in hand, humor intact (mostly), ready to steady someone else’s world for a moment. 

But the turbulence has taken on a sharper edge this year. 

Across our state and nation, we keep hearing accounts — not one incident, not one story, but a troubling pattern — of people being confronted in ordinary places in ways that raise serious questions about warrants, identification, and lawful authority. Fear and distrust grow quickly when public actions appear more performative than constitutional.  

And fear is corrosive: it undermines trust in legitimate public safety efforts, pushes victims into silence, and distorts the very systems meant to protect us.  

As a victim services organization, we cannot ignore this. Power and control are the very tools used to abuse and harm the children, adults, and seniors we serve every day. When those same tools show up in public systems, even unintentionally, people retreat instead of reaching out. Our work depends on the integrity of due process and equal protection under the law. When those principles blur, justice becomes unpredictable. And unpredictable justice is no justice at all. 

If the aim is truly to address dangerous individuals, the methods must be lawful, precise, and transparent. And while we’re naming things plainly, it is hard to believe any claim to a “public safety” agenda that simultaneously reduces federal funding for crime victim services. We know better.  

This season, many turn to the story of a young family seeking shelter where none was guaranteed. That story endures because the questions it raises are still with us: Who is welcomed? Who is protected? Who is treated as fully human? 

The red words in that well-worn book — printed in another color so no one can miss them — still point toward a steady north star. Mercy, justice, dignity. They’re not seasonal ornaments; they’re operating instructions for community life. 

Here at Mosaic, continuity is our strength. Leadership has always been shared work, not a solo act. That’s why this transition feels less like a farewell and more like a shift in formation. Lindsay will lead with steadiness and clarity. And the team will continue doing what they do best: creating safety, honoring truth, and walking with people through their hardest moments.

Even in a turbulent world, healing remains possible. I’ve witnessed too many quiet turning points to doubt it — a breath released, a truth spoken, a young person realizing their worth. These moments aren’t dramatic, but they are foundations. They hold. 

As I step into the new year, my gratitude is deeper than anything I can fit into one column. 

If I leave you with one request, it’s this:
Please care for the people who care for the community.
And speak up — clearly, consistently — when justice drifts off course. A healthy community depends on voices that refuse to look away. 

Our Mosaic will continue to evolve. The pattern will shift.
And if we each tend to our small piece with integrity, the whole will remain strong enough to carry us into whatever comes next. 

Read More

Faces of Mosaic Georgia

by brian in JUSTICE, Survivor Stories & Advocacy

Faces of Mosaic Georgia

Adrianna George
Client Experience Specialist & Receptionist

Fun Fact: My eyesight in my left eye is so bad that my brain does not use it when it is not forced to! This means my depth perception is naturally worse, and I’ll never see a 3D movie properly. 

I was originally born in China but then later adopted and brought to America. At the time, I lived in a very poor area and was not given enough to eat, so I only weighed 14 pounds at 14 months! I had a few health complications once I was brought to America but have since mostly recovered, minus my left eye being almost entirely blind. Growing up, I was regularly involved in volunteer work with various non-profits and churches, allowing me to learn just how much of an impact humans can have on one another. I always grew up with loads of questions, which was a habit that later evolved into a general curiosity of life. I later honed that curiosity into people, always wondering what made them tick, so naturally, I started studying psychology in high school and have continued to do so now that I am in college. Currently, I am studying for my bachelor’s in psychology, but I plan on continuing my education until I have my master’s (at least). I hope to eventually work in behavioral psychology, however, this job has made me start to consider I/O psychology as well, so only time will tell! 

Lacie Manning
Development Director

Fun Fact: Lacie once broke her foot on the street in front of the Dream Team at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics! 

With over 30 years of leadership and fundraising experience, Lacie Manning is a seasoned development professional and currently serves as Development Director at Mosaic Georgia, a nonprofit that supports survivors of sexual violence through comprehensive advocacy and wellness services. Her extensive career includes senior roles at prominent organizations such as the American Cancer Society, Atlanta Community Food Bank, Northern Illinois Food Bank, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

Throughout Lacie’s career, she has demonstrated exceptional fundraising expertise, managing budgets ranging from $3.5 million to $12 million and executing over 110 special events annually. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Georgia State University and has built a reputation for developing best practices, training staff, and creating multi-year fundraising strategies that align with organizational goals. Lacie enjoys traveling, meeting new faces, and spending quality time with her husband and daughter.  

Marina Sampanes Peed 
Executive Director

Fun Fact: Marina performed a stand-up set at The Punchline in Atlanta many moons ago. 

Marina Peed has served as the Executive Director/CEO of Mosaic Georgia for the past seven years. She began with the organization in 1992 as a volunteer crisis advocate for the Gwinnett Rape Crisis Center. Embracing the pioneering spirit of her predecessors, she innovates and strengthens community responses to sexualized violence. Marina credits Mosaic Georgia’s success to its dedicated team, whose diverse expertise and cultural backgrounds reflect Gwinnett County, with staff speaking eight languages. 

Known for advocacy, Marina highlights the intersections of gender-based violence, societal stigma, health disparities, justice inequities, and economic challenges. Her monthly column, “Someone’s Gotta Say It,” in Mosaic’s Tesserae newsletter raises awareness of critical topics impacting personal safety. 

Marina is active with the Gwinnett Child Fatality Review Committee & oversees Mosaic Georgia’s roles in Gwinnett and Rockdale counties’ Child Abuse & Sexual Assault Protocols. She also serves on the State Expert Committee on Sexual Assault & the Georgia Human Trafficking Task Force. 

Lindsay W. Ferreira 
Deputy Director

Fun Fact: Most people don’t know that Lindsay used to be a ballroom dancer!

Lindsay W. Ferreira serves as the Deputy Director and a Forensic Interviewer for Mosaic Georgia, a non-profit organization located in Duluth, Georgia providing comprehensive forensic medical exams, advocacy, counseling and legal services to victims of sexualized violence and child abuse. She began this work in 2011 as an advocate providing direct-victim advocacy services and now serves as the Deputy Director. As the Deputy Director, Lindsay is responsible for the administration oversight of all programs, oversees operational systems, processes and policies to enhance management reporting, information flow, communication and outcomes and ensures human resources documentation is maintained and current across departments. She also provides on-going education specific to advocacy and forensic interviews for law enforcement, members of the justice system, the community and advocates. During the pandemic, Lindsay assisted in Mosaic Georgia’s growth of the organizations healing services by expanding its legal department as well as it’s mental health and wellness services to the community.

Lindsay received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Brenau University in Gainesville, GA and her Masters in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, AL.   

Aimee Castaneda
Bilingual Advocacy Specialist

Fun Fact: My life’s goal is to travel; I especially want to go to Italy (waiting for my future Italian husband to whisk me away). So far, I have been to Puerto Rico, Colorado, Hawaii, Florida, and Mexico. I’ve also gathered those collectible license plates from each state.

Aimee was born and raised in Georgia and visits family in Mexico twice a year or so. Her past experiences and those of friends and family are what drew her to this work. Helping even one person through a traumatic experience is what speaks to her the most. Aimee began her career in the industry as a volunteer advocate, then became part of the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), and eventually was offered an opportunity to work full time as an advocate. Her loves are indulging her sweet tooth with delicious pastries and desserts, reading manhwa and romance books (a great pick-me-up when she’s feeling down or stressed), watching scary shows and movies, listening to podcasts about peoples’ supernatural experiences, and spoiling her nieces a bunch!

Kendall Clayton
Mental Health and Wellness Manager

Fun fact: Kendall once got stuck on a train in Italy and missed her destination. Thankfully, any destination in Italy is desirable.

Kendall Clayton, LPC moved to Georgia and joined our staff in October 2022. Prior to joining Mosaic, she worked as the Center Director of a nonprofit organization in New Orleans that served individuals experiencing homelessness, struggling with addiction, and recovering from trafficking. She has her Masters of Arts in Counseling with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is currently working on her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. Kendall comes to Mosaic with first hand experience of what it is like to be a client at a Child Advocacy Center. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Kendall is trained in both Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI). Kendall loves all things coffee and reading a good book.

Carol Huffstetler
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)

Fun Fact: A cool fun fact about me is I love huskies! My family currently has four huskies Herbert, Walter, Miguel, and Earl. Additionally, we have 3 other dogs Cesar, Bella, and Niko. So 28 feet!! 

Carol recently joined Mosaic Georgia as a SANE and a trauma nurse at Grady Memorial Hospital. Her work as an RN has always been patient centered, and she holds several trauma and critical care certifications. Since coming on board this summer, Carol has enjoyed working with Mosaic’s clients; she utilizes trauma-informed care with every individual. She is passionate about serving the undeserved and marginalized communities around her. Supporting those most in need allows her to make a difference as a nurse in addition to becoming part of a survivor’s journey in healing. When she is not at work, odds are you can find her taking a nap with her dogs or doing something creative with art supplies. But really, she loves a good nap.

Larisa Hanger
Counselor/Therapist

Fun Fact: Larisa got a perfect score on the Reading and Writing section of the SAT!

Larisa is an Associate Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and EMDR Trained Counselor. She’s also a Member of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation. Larisa previously worked at another Child Advocacy Center and a high-acuity Intensive Outpatient Program. She’s passionate about working with Child Sexual Abuse, Dissociative Identity Disorder and other Dissociative Disorders, Suicidal Ideation, Non-Suicidal Self Injury, Eating Disorders, and Chronic Fatigue. In her therapeutic work, she incorporates EMDR, TF-CBT, Somatic Therapy, Parts Work, Sand Tray, and various other modalities. Larisa feels passionate about providing culturally sensitive care for clients from diverse backgrounds who have been historically underserved, and she enjoys incorporating art and creativity into the healing process. She’s also Health At Every Size (HAES) Informed. When she’s not working, Larisa can be found spending time with her 115 lb Great Pyrenees and friends, researching mental health-related topics, reading a book, and/ or sipping a mocha.

Erica Legons
Counselor/Therapist

Fun fact: Erica and her husband collect coffee mugs and vinyl records each time they visit a new state!

Erica joined the wonderful Mosaic Georgia Mental Health and Wellness team as a counselor/therapist in June 2024. She holds a master’s degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Kennesaw State University. Erica has also had the honor of serving in the US Air Force (Aim high…fly-fight-win!) prior to starting her career in counseling.

Erica is passionate about helping to support the needs of children and families within marginalized communities, focusing on empowerment and holistic care. With extensive experience working with children, teens, and families in community mental health settings, she has provided individual, family, and group therapy to clients presenting with various mental health concerns and psychosocial stressors, including serious and persistent mental illness, complex trauma, and school behavioral challenges.

Lanie George
Executive Administrator

Fun Fact: Lanie has a sharp whistle that can be heard from a very long distance!
 
Lanie has worked in the nonprofit sector for the past two decades and finds great joy in helping others. Driven by a deep desire to help people see their value and worth, she founded and ran a home for women survivors of human trafficking in North Carolina before moving to Georgia. Lanie is grateful to bring this incredible professional and personal experience to Mosaic Georgia in an Executive Admin role where she works closely with the organization’s leaders to support the many operations efforts that make Mosaic a safe and supportive space for survivors.    

 A perfect day for Lanie would be lounging on a tropical beach with her hubby, a good book in hand, soaking up the sun and listening to the serenity of the ocean waves. 

Sarah Marin
Wholeness Collective Coordinator

Fun Fact: Sarah is your friendly neighborhood cat lady. She has 6 fur babies of her own, but is always feeding strays, fostering and trying to capture parking lot dumpster kitties. If you’re looking for a feline friend, just ask her!

Sarah’s passion for helping others, especially underserved communities, fuels her career in supporting survivors of trauma. With a BA in Psychology and Education, she brings valuable experience from her previous role as a Campus Advocate at a Sexual Assault Center, coordinating outreach programs, developing resources, and directly supporting survivors across 11 college campuses. Her work extended to assisting human trafficking victims and assisting/facilitating healing groups, particularly through art.

Sarah joins Mosaic excited to create a safe space for survivors to explore long-term healing through various avenues including art, music, movement, and nature. Fostering a mind-body connection, her goal is to empower them on their personal healing journey where they can find their individual, unique paths to resilience and well-being. She is passionate about inspiring their healing through the things that they love.

Her mission is to provide a safe haven for those impacted by trauma, fostering lasting change within the community. Sarah is now pursuing her Master’s in Counseling and is thrilled to join Mosaic’s incredible team, a one-stop shop for survivors seeking comprehensive support.

Maria Ortiz
Counselor/Therapist

Fun Fact: Maria is obsessed with the Twilight Saga and became a huge Paramore fan because of it.

Hola! My name is Maria Ortiz and I am a bilingual counselor/therapist at Mosaic GA. I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology at Georgia State University and dedicated most of my time to working on research studies in the Gesture and Language, and Child Health and Medical Pain (CHAMP) Labs. The studies I participated in analyzed gesture & language in bilingual children and families, and how pediatric patients with chronic illness perceived/coped with their illness including how it affected their health outcomes. My passion for clinical research and care led me to pursue higher education. I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Mercer University. While working towards my degree, I worked in the behavioral/mental health department at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) coordinating care for acute pediatric patients.

My clinical experience includes working with children on the autism spectrum, those with feeding and eating disorders, suicidal patients, and trauma survivors. As a first generation American with Honduran background, I enjoy being able to provide clinical services in Spanish. One of my professional missions is to support and educate Latinx families about mental health and wellness.

Rachel Pearson
Advocacy Specialist & Volunteer Coordinator

Fun Fact: Rachel wrote an essay for a writing contest at her university and won! Her essay is published in her university’s literary magazine.

Rachel received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Human Services Delivery and Administration from the University of North Georgia. Before joining the team at Mosaic Georgia, Rachel was an advocate at a domestic violence shelter which enabled her to gain valuable insight on the work of non-profits catered towards ensuring the safety and justice of victims of family violence. Rachel started last July as an Advocacy Specialist and has recently taken on the role of Volunteer Coordinator as well. She is incredibly proud and grateful to work for an organization whose mission is focused on believing and empowering all victims of sexual assault, providing them with lasting resources, and working alongside law enforcement and other agencies to ensure justice.

Adina Becerra
Bilingual Advocacy Specialist

Fun Fact: Adina comes from Transilvania, the place where vampires are said to come from.

Adina grew up in Romania and earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Bucharest. Her thesis “Stalking on College Campuses” was published in the National Journal of Criminology, Forensics and Penology. She has a proclivity for foreign languages, being fluent in four (Italian, English, Spanish and Romanian). Her first summer job was as an Italian interpreter in High School for private Italian tourists visiting Romania. After interning in probation and conducting research in the Romanian prisons, Adina came to Atlanta and became a National Credential Advocate to better serve her community. Before coming to Mosaic, she volunteered for Dekalb CASA for 10 years, IRC and Day League before joining the Dekalb Solicitor General’s Office as a Victim Advocate in 2022.

Mairah Teli
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Youth (CSEC) Advocate and MDT Coordinator

Fun fact: Mairah’s average typing speed is 72 words per minute

Mairah Teli serves as the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Youth (CSEC) Advocate and MDT Coordinator at Mosaic Georgia. Mairah received her bachelor’s in English Education from the University of Georgia. After teaching in the Gwinnett County Public School system as a high school Language Arts teacher, she shifted her focus to social work and earned her Master’s of Social Work. Mairah worked within the nonprofit sector and has served in a variety of roles with a focus on victim services, trauma informed care, crisis intervention, and strengthening families. She is currently an LMSW and works with children and adolescents who have experienced human trafficking by providing crisis intervention, case management, and advocacy. Mairah is also an active member of the Georgia Statewide Human Trafficking Task Force. Outside of work, Mairah is passionate about community service and youth development. She leads a youth group program for adolescent girls, facilitates support groups, and leads a range of trainings on child abuse prevention and mental health in her local community.  

Ken Moua
IT & Data Administrator

Fun Fact: Ken serves in his church as the Media Director and has been serving since he was 13 years old where he played the acoustic and electric guitar.

Ken was born and raised here in Atlanta, Georgia. He is a first generation Hmong American and first generation college graduate. He graduated from Georgia Gwinnett College with a Bachelors in Information Technology. Outside his professional life, he loves his church and has the passion to serve his local community. He now works as Mosaic Georgia’s IT and Data Administrator where he handles all things technical and database-related.

Sara Longwell
Bilingual Legal Advocate/Navigator

Fun Fact: Sara loves horror movies, crafting, and building Legos with her family.

Sara Longwell is a Bilingual Legal Advocate/Navigator at Mosaic Georgia who works with victims of sexual assault to understand criminal and civil legal procedures, apply for Crime Victims’ Compensation, and find the resources they need. Sara believes that empowering survivors of sexual violence to make their own legal decisions on their own terms through education, the right resources, and compassion helps them build courage and confidence and to have authority over their lives.
Sara is Spanish/English bilingual, a certified paralegal, victim advocate, and crisis counselor. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Agnes Scott College and a master’s degree in Music Therapy and Music Education from the University of Georgia.

Esther Ko
Bilingual Victim Assistance Attorney

Fun Fact: Esther has a bunny named Bomi and a dog named Silver (they do not like each other).

Esther is a first-generation college and first-generation law school graduate. Esther attended the University of Georgia and Atlanta’s John Marshall School of Law. She has a passion to serve the public interest and fights for equal access to justice. In her free time, Esther enjoys volunteering at her local Korean community center to help with translation and other related services for those in need.
Esther started at Mosaic Georgia in August of 2023 and is excited to continue to serve in her role as Bilingual Victim Assistance Attorney.

Susan Nerenbaum
Marketing & Communications Specialist

Fun Fact: Susan is a devoted animal enthusiast. Dogs are her favorite, with cats running at a very close second!

Susan is a proud alumna of Georgia Gwinnett College, where she earned her Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing in May 2022. Her journey into the world of nonprofit marketing took its first steps when she became a Marketing and Outreach Intern at Mosaic Georgia. Driven by her unwavering commitment to effecting positive change, she smoothly transitioned into the role of Marketing and Communications Specialist at Mosaic after successfully completing her degree. Susan’s dedication is rooted in her aspiration to create a safer world for everyone. Beyond her professional pursuits, Susan’s heart beats for the great outdoors and having an active lifestyle. You’ll often find her hiking through nature trails, embracing the tranquility of the natural world, or eagerly venturing into new experiences.

Amanda Makrogianis Mickelsen
Marketing Strategist & Project Manager

Fun Fact: Amanda got a job working at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics after graduating from the University of Massachusetts – then after 15 years living in Southern CA – ended up right back in Atlanta in 2013 due to a documentary film her husband was making. The ATL always comes a callin!

Amanda feels lucky to have landed as a consultant at Mosaic Georgia where she works copywriting and project managing marketing initiatives and strategy. After gathering many years of account management experience in the corporate sector, Amanda put a focus towards her personal passion of health and wellness as a Wellness Consultant, and later a Chopra Certified Instructor, teaching meditation and the benefits of holistic health and yoga at the Chopra Center for Wellbeing in CA. She currently teaches at Southwest Atlanta Yoga studio. Amanda feels passionate about serving the collective and contributing to a more just and humane world. She has served as Board President at the Doc B Cares, Inc. program and volunteers with various Atlanta organizations such as the King Center.

Amanda enjoys traveling, reading, meditation, the quiet of nature, cooking (when the mood strikes!) with her young son, swimming, and exploring new ideas. Oh, and she will soon-to-be enjoying RVing with her family!

Vanessa Zavaleta-Beltran
Client Experience Specialist

Fun Fact: Vanessa is the first one to graduate from her mom’s side of the family!

Vanessa graduated from Georgia State University with a bachelor’s in criminal justice with a concentration in criminology and a minor in psychology in 2022. She spent time interning at Forever Family which is a nonprofit organization that focuses on helping at-risk youth. She began her journey at Mosaic Georgia in June 2022.

Danny Fernandez
Schedule and Intake Coordinator

Fun fact: Danny worked with capuchins and orangutans; the primary focus of his psychology degree was primate behavior. He also plays guitar in a band. 

Danny started with Mosaic Georgia during the summer of 2020 as a Client Experience Specialist. He has subsequently been promoted to Schedule and Intake Coordinator. Prior to joining Mosaic, he was working as a bar manager and beverage director in Atlanta. The pandemic encouraged him to change his life’s trajectory to become more aligned with community engagement. He had previously worked at The Ronald E. McNair Program from 2012-2014, an organization that assists first-generation college students matriculate to their PHD’s. Danny received his Bachelor of Science in psychology from Georgia State University in 2012.

Maryam Jordan
Professional Education & Training Services

Fun Fact: Maryam has been to five continents so far, but still wants to see and experience more of our world! 

Maryam Jordan manages Mosaic Georgia’s Professional Education and Training Services and has been with the organization since September 2019. She provides educational programs for medical professionals, law enforcement, educators, and other community members who may interact with victims of sexual assault. Maryam also manages outreach and community engagement efforts, where she draws from her experience working with people from various cultures. She is energized when she is able to go out into the community and educate about sexual assault awareness and prevention, especially to young people. Maryam earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Foreign Service from Georgetown University. Prior to joining the team, she worked in the international affairs arena where she lived, worked and traveled abroad and conducted training and educational programs for volunteers and members of an international non-profit organization. Maryam is a native Atlantan and moved to Gwinnett County over 10 years ago with her husband and three children. In her free time, she enjoys “getting outdoors” and hiking in the North Georgia mountains with family and friends.

Marilucia Munoz
Bilingual Advocacy Specialist

Fun Fact: Mari loves to read true crime books. 
 
Mari Munoz is a first generation American with family origins in Mexico and Honduras. She graduated from the University of North Georgia with a Bachelors in Human Services Delivery and Administration in 2022. While getting her Associate’s degree, she discovered a strong interest in helping people of all sorts and in various ways. Her years of studying included multiple internships; the last one was with the DA’s office. In her time there it became clear that she wanted to become an advocate and help survivors during their process in the legal system. Mari started at Mosaic Georgia as a Bilingual Advocate in July of 2022.

Helen Cha-Choe
Director, Advocacy & Forensic Interviews

Fun fact: Helen played tennis in high school and recently rediscovered her love for the sport.

Helen is the Forensic Interview Manager at Mosaic Georgia.  Prior to joining our team in July 2018, Helen worked with the Asian American and immigrant communities and provided immigration legal and educational services, as well as legal advocacy to victims of domestic violence at non-profits in the Metro Atlanta Area and has also counseled high school students at a non-profit in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has always had a strong commitment to public service, previously working as a federal government attorney for over twelve years in New York and Washington, D.C.  Helen received her Bachelor of Science degree from Georgetown University, her J.D. from the University of Hawaii School of Law, and her Master’s in Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies.  Raised in Hawai’i, she brings the “aloha spirit” to Georgia and has made Fulton County her home with her family.

Jessica McGinnis
Advocacy Specialist, Forensic Interviewer, & SART Coordinator

Fun Fact: Jessica was the creative inspiration and driving force behind the beautiful painted “mosaic” design currently covering a picnic table at Ironshield Brewing’s Biergarten in Lawrenceville.

Jessica currently works as an Advocacy Specialist, Forensic Interviewer and SART Coordinator at Mosaic Georgia. She devotes her time to serving victims of all ages. She completed the ChildFirst Forensic Interview Training in March 2022. Her graduate studies were completed at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia. She earned her Master’s in Social Work (MSW) in May 2018. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega, GA in December 2015 where she received a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice with a Forensics Concentration. Jessica completed the Gwinnett Young Professionals Journey Program in April 2023. She also is a recipient of the 1PowerHouse Unsung Hero Award.

Jaime Albright
Part-Time Forensic Interviewer & Advocate

Fun fact: Jamie has a fear of heights and overcame it by going cliff jumping and parasailing.

Jaime serves as a part-time Forensic Interviewer and Advocate. Jaime’s interest in serving children was sparked through volunteerism. She began her work at Mosaic Georgia in February 2014 as a volunteer Victim Advocate and moved into the role of SART Coordinator in 2015. Jaime earned her Bachelor of Sociology from Kennesaw State University in 2013 and earned her Master of Social Work from Valdosta State University in May 2018. Jaime was born and raised in California. She resides in Alpharetta with her husband and children. She enjoys writing and producing podcasts, yoga, serving on mission trips, and spending time with her family.

Maria Herrera
Bilingual Forensic Interviewer and Advocate

Fun Fact: If you catch Maria watching TV it will most likely be The Office, and in her free time you might see her shooting some hoops.

From Atlanta, GA, Maria is of Mexican descent and is bilingual in Spanish and English. Maria received her bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from Georgia State University and is currently working on her Master’s in Public Administration at Kennesaw State University. Before Joining the Mosaic team, she worked at the Douglas County Task Force for almost three years as a Legal Services Coordinator, then as a Bilingual Forensic Interviewer. She joined Mosaic Georgia in March of 2022. Maria is passionate about serving her community and giving survivors a place to feel heard.

Charmaine Hayes
Part-Time Bilingual Forensic Interviewer & Advocate

Fun fact: Charmaine lived a year in Miami, Fl. with a Brazilian group who only spoke Portuguese so by default had to learn the Portuguese language!

Charmaine is of Cuban and Mexican descent and originally hails from New Orleans, Lousiana. In 2004, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Georgia State University and is currently perusing a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University. Charmaine spent many years working with Boys and Girls Clubs of Atlanta as a Program Director then transitioned to Emdeon as a Bilingual Healthcare Representative. Over the last 10 years she has operated her own business in the real estate market. Charmaine joined Mosaic in March 2023 and is passionate about supporting victims of sexual assault.

Rebeca Ruelas
Part-Time Forensic Interviewer

Fun Fact: Rebeca loves dancing to music, going to museums and finds joy in hearing and sharing jokes.

Rebeca Ruelas is part time Forensic Interviewer for Mosaic Georgia. Additionally, she is involved with a start-up app company focused on teenagers mental health. With over 10 years of experience in the field of social services, she has dedicated her career to working with victims, survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and advocating for children’s rights. Throughout her journey, she has worked at various centers specifically focused on addressing these issues, providing crucial support and resources to those in need. In addition to her professional work, she is an active volunteer for a local Hispanic non-profit in Georgia working tirelessly to raise awareness and support these communities. In 2017, she graduated from the University of North Georgia with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration.

Melissa Drinkard
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)

Fun fact: I love to mountain bike in my free time. 
 
Melissa earned her nursing degree from Georgia Perimeter College in 2015 and began her career as an Emergency Room Nurse. From there, she discovered her passion for helping individuals that have been victims of sexual violence. Melissa became a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner at the beginning of 2022 and began her journey as an on-call SANE at LiveSafe Resources in Marietta. Melissa Joined the Mosaic Georgia team in July 2022 as a full-time SANE where she gets to pour all of her dedication into the care of her patients.

Teresa Bullard
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)

Fun Fact: Teresa met her husband on the school bus freshman year and they won cutest couple for senior superlatives. (Not sure it gets any sweeter than that.)

Teresa earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of South Florida in Tampa and worked in Mother Baby at NSH for 17 years. She first worked with Mosaic Georgia as an on call SANE and is now a full-time member of the staff. Teresa feels passionate about getting age-appropriate, sex positive inclusive sex education into our schools. She is very involved in her church’s outreach and advocacy for LGBTQ+ individuals and participates with the Atlanta area Lutheran church to support the Atlanta Pride Parade and Festival.

Read More

Mosaic Georgia Announces Leadership Transition: Lindsay Woon Ferreira to Become Executive Director in January

by Ken Moua in Uncategorized

Mosaic Georgia Announces Leadership Transition: Lindsay Woon Ferreira to Become Executive Director in January 

December, 2025

A mosaic is described as “a picture or pattern produced by arranging together small colored pieces of material.”

At Mosaic Georgia, the vibrant tiles which make up our team structure are transforming–the patterns and colors are organizing themselves into a new configuration.  

For the past eight years, Executive Director Marina Sampanes Peed and Deputy Director Lindsay Woon Ferreira have worked as a dynamic duo  to establish Mosaic Georgia as an industry leader and a comprehensive, survivor-centered hub providing acute and long-term care to over 3,400 people in the greater-Gwinnett area annually.  

After much time spent preparing Lindsay to step into the lead role, the new year will bring her transition to the Executive Director position.  

This evolution has been intentionally structured to ensure continuity, stability, and uninterrupted service to the people of Gwinnett County. According to Dr. Audrey Arona, chairwoman of the Mosaic Georgia Board of Directors, “As the Deputy Director, Lindsay has been instrumental in shaping Mosaic’s growth —operationally, clinically, and strategically. She is deeply respected across our multidisciplinary teams and brings the steady leadership needed for this next chapter.”    

Marina Sampanes Peed

That steady leadership builds on a strong foundation. Marina’s journey with the organization began in 1992 as a volunteer crisis advocate with then-Gwinnett Rape Crisis Center; she later served on its Board of Directors for many years before stepping into the Executive Director role in 2018. Under her leadership, Mosaic has experienced substantial growth, including a 65% increase in clients served since 2019, a rebranding from Gwinnett Sexual Assault Center to Mosaic Georgia, the creation of the Wholeness Collective offering healing and wellness communities for youth and adults, the formation of the SANE Community Support Network to provide ongoing education and networking for sexual assault nurse examiners across Georgia, and the relocation to Lawrenceville into a 16,000-square-foot center in partnership with Northside Hospital expanding access to medical, forensic, legal, and trauma-recovery services.  

Lindsay shares, “Marina and I have worked together very closely, allowing me time to fully immerse myself in the responsibilities of the lead role. I am excited to make the shift. And Marina isn’t going anywhere – she will continue to consult with Mosaic in a part time capacity focusing on strategic initiatives that advance our mission.  I’m grateful that her positivity and creativity will continue to support both our staff and the clients we serve.”   

Since beginning her career as a victim advocate in 2011, Lindsay has progressed through multiple roles at Mosaic—rising from Director of Client Services to Deputy Director. Her management of all operational systems, combined with her experience as a forensic interviewer and professional educator, gives her a deep understanding of all aspects of Mosaic’s services and operations. Lindsay has cultivated strong partnerships with law enforcement and allied organizations that strengthen Mosaic’s reach and will continue to benefit local survivors affected by sexualized violence. 

As the pieces of Mosaic’s leadership structure shift, Marina is turning her focus outward. “Across Georgia and nationally, victim services and child/youth programs are facing immense challenges—funding instability, growing complexity of cases, and systems stretched thin. As we approach Mosaic’s 40th anniversary in 2026, I feel both the weight of that reality and deep gratitude for the opportunity to keep strengthening the safety and healing pathways our community depends on. Kids and adults harmed by violence deserve a place where they can feel safe, heard, and able to imagine a better future. Lindsay brings the steadiness, wisdom, and heart this moment requires, and I’m proud to support her leadership as Mosaic Georgia moves into its next chapter.” 

Together, Marina and Lindsay’s combined talents—vision, creativity, strategy, and operational excellence—remain at the heart of Mosaic’s work, repositioned to create an even stronger whole.

Read More

Seasonal Shifts: Finding Light as the Days Grow Shorter

by Ken Moua in Wellness & Self-Care

Seasonal Shifts: Finding Light as the Days Grow Shorter 

Untitled design (51)

By Sarah Marin
Wholeness Collective Coordinator at Mosaic Georgia

As the air cools and the days grow shorter, many of us notice a shift: not just in the weather, but in our energy and mood too. Fall can be a season of cozy blankets, warm drinks, and beautiful colors, but it can also bring feelings of fatigue, sadness, or stress as we move toward winter and the holidays. 

There’s a particular feeling that hits this time of year. You wrap up a long day, finally close your laptop, and step outside, only to be met with a sky that’s already been dark for hours. That sudden, early evening darkness can feel like a physical weight, deflating any hope for an afternoon walk or a moment of quiet sunshine. It’s a stark sign that the seasons have truly turned. 

If this shift brings more than just a sigh, perhaps a dip in motivation or a fading mood, you’re not alone. These changes are common and completely normal. Our bodies and minds respond to less sunlight, colder weather, and the natural slowdown that comes with the season. For some, this can lead to seasonal depression (often called Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD), while others may simply notice a “winter slump,” feeling more tired, withdrawn, or low-spirited than usual.

But why does this happen? 

When there’s less daylight, our internal clock can get out of sync, which can affect mood and sleep. The holidays can also stir up a mix of emotions: excitement, stress, nostalgia, and even grief. The result? We might feel off balance without fully knowing why. 

Simple Ways to Support Yourself 

The good news is that small changes can have a big impact on how we feel. Here are a few gentle ways to nurture yourself through the seasonal shift: 

  • Follow the Light (or Create Your Own):
    Our bodies crave sunlight for vitamin D and serotonin, a key neurotransmitter for mood regulation. Try to get outside during daylight hours, especially in the morning. Even brief sunlight exposure can lift your energy and help regulate sleep. For those in particularly gray climates, a light therapy lamp can be a game-changer. Sit with it for 20–30 minutes each morning while you have your coffee or check emails. 

 

  • Create Cozy Moments:
    Light a candle, play soft music, or make your favorite warm drink. Little rituals of comfort remind us to slow down and savor the season. 

 

  • Move Your Body,Gently: 
    When energy is low, the thought of intense exercise can feel overwhelming. Reframe it as “movement” instead of a “workout.” Movement releases endorphins that help boost mood and energy. 

 

  • Set Realistic Expectations for the Holidays:
    The holiday season can be a time of mixed emotions, where joy and gratitude coexist with grief, loneliness, financial stress, or family tension. Amidst the pressure to be constantly festive, remember that it’s okay if this time of year feels heavy. Your feelings are valid and deeply human. Focus on meaning, not perfection. Identify one or two holiday traditions that truly bring you joy and let go of the rest. A perfect holiday is a myth, but a meaningful one is within reach. Set boundaries and protect your energy, prioritizing quiet moments of connection and peace that truly nourish you. 

 

  • Stay Connected:
    Schedule low-key social time. Instead of a big party, suggest a cozy coffee date, a phone call with a long-distance friend, or a movie night. You might even share how you’re feeling. You may be surprised by how many people are feeling the same way. Opening up to others can ease the burden and strengthen your connections. 

 

  • Ask for Support if You Need It: 
    If you notice persistent sadness, low energy, or loss of interest in things you enjoy, consider reaching out to a counselor or healthcare provider. You don’t have to navigate the darker months alone. 

Fall reminds us that change is a natural part of life. Just as trees shed their leaves, we too can let go of what no longer serves us and make space for rest and renewal. This season invites us to slow down, find gratitude in small things, and take care of our inner world as much as our outer one. This time of year encourages us to pause and nurture ourselves in quieter ways, to rest, reflect, and find meaning in small moments of peace. The darkness outside doesn’t have to define how we feel inside. By tending to our mental health, staying connected, and giving ourselves grace, we can move through the season with gentleness and care. 

 

If you need extra support during the holiday season, you are not alone. Here are some resources that can help:

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free, confidential support 24/7. 
  • GCAL (Georgia Crisis and Access Line): Call 1-800-715-4225 for 24/7 mental health and substance use support in Georgia. 
  • SAMHSA National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for confidential treatment referrals and information. 
  • FindSupport.gov: Explore tools and connections for mental health and substance use resources. 

If you are looking for community and guidance, consider joining us for our Navigating the Holidays workshops, a safe space to learn coping strategies, connect with others, and care for your mental health through the season. 

A warm reminder: You don’t have to perform happiness to be worthy of peace. As the days grow shorter and the light fades sooner this season, give yourself permission to care for your heart, honor your limits, and find light in the spaces that feel safe and genuine. Your mental health matters, even (and especially) in the darker months. 💛 

Read More

Someone’s Gotta Say It: The Violence We Excuse—and How Kids Carry It

by Ken Moua in Child & Teen Safety

Someone’s Gotta Say It: The Violence We Excuse—and How Kids Carry It 

By Marina Sampanes Peed
Executive Director of Mosaic Georgia

When people hear “domestic violence,” they picture bruises and 911 calls. Those harms are real—and visible. But in homes across our community, another kind of violence hums under the radar: the slammed door that makes everyone flinch, the “jokes” that cut, the phone that’s always monitored, the money that’s always withheld. Violence isn’t only what lands in the ER; it’s also the pattern of control that replaces safety with fear. Kids in those homes learn it in their bones.

Public health has a name for the long shadow of early adversity: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). ACEs are linked to poorer health, mental health, and economic outcomes across a lifetime. The dosage matters; so do the buffers. We can prevent and heal—but first, we have to see what’s in front of us.

The national numbers are sobering.  

  • In 2023, 2,412 women were killed by men in single-victim/single-offender incidents; 89.9% knew their killer. 
  • When the weapon was known, 64.9% were shot, and more than half of women fatally shot were killed by male intimates or former partners. 
  • Black women were killed at 2.5× the rate of white women. 

These deaths aren’t random—they map to power and control. (Violence Policy Center).

Violence before birth counts, too. Prenatal stress—especially in violent or chronically tense homes—can alter stress hormone and inflammatory pathways, raising risks for preterm birth and low birth weight, and shaping infant brain and immune development. In plain English: stress in the home can change a baby’s start. (CoussonsRead, 2013). If conflict escalates during pregnancy, safety planning is prenatal care. 

What does “domestic violence” look like beyond hitting?

  • Coercive control: location tracking, forced password sharing, isolation from friends/family, sabotaging a partner’s job. 
  • Psychological abuse: relentless criticism, gaslighting, threats (e.g., “If you leave, I’ll take the kids”). 
  • Financial abuse: withholding money, putting debt in a partner’s name. 
  • Physical/sexual violence: including strangulation (often miscalled “choking”) and reproductive coercion (behavior aimed at controlling reproductive choices without consent). 

We also need to retire a persistent myth.  

Physical punishment isn’t “discipline”—it’s fear, and it travels. Decades of research show spanking is associated with more aggression, anxiety, and relationship problems later in life. There are better tools: calm, consistent limits; natural/logical consequences; repair after conflict. (Gershoff & GroganKaylor, 2016). 

And yes, we should talk about masculinity—carefully. The issue isn’t men; it’s narrow rules about “real manhood” that glorify dominance, toughness, and emotional shutdown. The APA points to how these norms erode mental health and can fuel aggression, while calling us to model healthy masculinity—empathy, accountability, and care. Boys need permission (and practice) to name feelings, ask for help, and treat power as a responsibility, not a weapon. For practitioners, see the APA’s Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Boys and Men. 

Sometimes, harmful ideas about control get a religious gloss. Surveys of White Christian nationalism show substantially higher support for political violence among adherents than rejecters. That’s not a direct intimate partner violence (IPV) rate, but the logic overlaps: domination presented as righteousness. When any belief system sanctifies one person’s control over another, children learn that control = love—and risk rises. (PRRI). 

So what does prevention look like? 

1)   Build Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs). One caring adult, predictable routines, chances to help and belong — are buffers that can reduce the harms of ACEs and strengthen mental health into adulthood. (Bethell et al., 2019).

2)   Model nonviolent masculinity. Strength includes curiosity, repair, and restraint. If we want teens to reject coercion, they have to see adults practicing consent, apologies, and boundary keeping. See the APA guidance.

3)   Replace hitting with skill building. Sometimes adults need a “time out” to calm down before engaging. Trade swats for scripts: “I’m upset; I need five minutes.” “Here’s the boundary; here’s the consequence.” Practice the behavior you want. (Evidence overview).

4)   Use bystander power. If something feels off with a neighbor or friend, you don’t need proof to care. Try: “I’m concerned for your safety. I’m here.”  Listen, but don’t push for information. Offer a ride, childcare, or a quiet place to make a call. (CDC’s ACEs prevention actions).

5)   Start early and systemwide. Trauma-informed prenatal care, perinatal mental health supports, safe housing, paid leave, and childcare lower family stress—the kind that spills onto kids. Public health isn’t just clinics; it’s conditions. (CDC’s public health approach to ACEs here). 

Someone’s gotta say it: the violence we politely overlook in homes today becomes the weight our children carry tomorrow—sometimes from the very beginning of life. But this is also true: kids don’t need perfect families to thrive. They need safe adults, predictable care, and communities that insist love is never control.

 

From Primitive to Evolved 

Abuse and domination are not signs of strength—they are relics of our most primitive instincts: fear, control, survival at all costs. But humanity has always evolved. With knowledge, empathy, and history as our teachers, we can choose to rise above reflex and create relationships built on respect. We must do better—because we know better. 

CALLOUT: What You Can Do (Starting Today) 

At Home 

  • Replace physical punishment with calm, consistent boundaries and repair after conflict.
  • Model emotional language (“I feel… I need…”) and practice cooling‑off.
  • Teach consent, digital respect, and bystander skills; normalize help‑seeking. 

As a Friend/Neighbor 

  • Believe survivors. Say, “I’m concerned for your safety. I’m here.” Offer practical help (rides, childcare). 

In Faith & Community Spaces 

  • Reject teachings that sanctify control; publish clear no‑abuse policies and referral pathways. 

At School/Work 

  • Support evidence‑based programs on healthy relationships and adopt policies that respond swiftly to harassment.

Policy & Philanthropy 

  • Invest in and support advocacy centers, perinatal mental health access, safe housing, childcare, and paid family leave.
  • Improve the civil legal process to receive protective orders after experiencing harms. Currently, the rights of the abuser to roam are valued higher than the victim’s right to safety. The ping pong between courts instructing the victim to call 911 the next time and law enforcement instructing the victim to get a temporary protective order (TPO) so they have something to enforce, has led to deadly outcomes. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing violence at home, our crisis line is staffed with caring and knowledgeable advocates who can help inform with proper resources and information.
Mosaic Georgia’s 24/7 Crisis Line: 866-900-6019 

Read More

Beyond the Headlines: The Everyday Reality of Exploitation

by Ken Moua in Awareness & Education

Someone’s Gotta Say It

 

Beyond the Headlines: The Everyday Reality of Exploitation 

By Marina Sampanes Peed
Executive Director of Mosaic Georgia

The media is talking about Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell again. The outrage is real — but the truth is more uncomfortable: there are Jeffrey Epsteins in every community. 

They aren’t always billionaires or celebrities. Sometimes they’re neighbors, coaches, classmates, boyfriends, or trusted family friends. They use grooming techniques, power, fear, and — increasingly — social media to exploit children, teens, and adults. 

One man’s “party” is coercive assault and abuse of another person. When you see others as less than human, it is easier to believe you are entitled to their obedience, sex, or affection. Shame and silence support the cycle. Would you behave this way if your grandmother, mom or daughter were present?  

At Mosaic Georgia, we don’t need headlines to remind us of this reality. We see it every day. 

The 1st Six Months of 2025 

It can’t be that bad, some say. What are the numbers?  We keep track of our services – many developed from analyzing the data and identifying system gaps. Here is what courage and resilience looked like in Gwinnett in the first half of 2025:  

Safe to Say It Out Loud 

  • 271 children and teens sat in a safe room and told a trained professional what they had endured or witnessed. These brave conversations, called forensic interviews, often mark the first step toward safety, healing and justice. 
  • 158 survivors received immediate medical forensic exams after being assaulted. The patients ranged in age from 2 years to 61 years. Among the adults, 19 survivors chose not to report to law enforcement. Their evidence kits were collected and securely stored — preserving their chance for justice in the future, when and if they are ready. This ensures survivors don’t lose their chance for justice, even if they need more time.
     
  • 515 people in crisis picked up the phone not knowing if anyone would answer — and found a Mosaic advocate on the line, ready to listen, believe, and act.
     
  • 12 young survivors of trafficking were identified and supported with over 500 specialized services — to begin the long journey to health.
     

Securing Victims’ Rights and Safety 

Safety doesn’t stop at medical care – it continues into courtrooms, schools, homes, and legal systems. 

  • 319 survivors turned to Mosaic Georgia for legal advice and education, including 23 who received direct representation from an attorney. Many were experiencing complex family, criminal, or civil issues while trying to stay safe from stalkers, abusers, or system gaps.
     

Healing from Betrayal & Violence 

Healing is not a straight line – but it starts with safe, trusted support. 

  • 580 individuals began counseling to reclaim their mental health and resilience.  They participated in nearly 1,000 sessions with our licensed, trauma-focused therapists.
     
  • Strength through Community: 828 participants in support group and Wholeness Collective programming: 110 support group sessions equipped over 270 participants with healing and growth are possible. 68 Wholeness Collective events engaged over 550 youth and adults.
     

A Voice through Advocacy 

Victim Advocacy is specialized support for people who have experienced crime or abuse. Think of it like patient advocacy -but for survivors of violence. Much like a patient advocate helps navigate medical and insurance systems, our advocates help survivors understand their rights, access resources, and make informed choices after a traumatic event. We ensure their voices are heard in systems that are stretched and focused on process.

We provided over 29,000 advocacy contacts and supports in the first six months and managed over 60 subpoena and records requests, reducing survivors’ legal burden. 

Each contact represents a moment when a survivor didn’t have to face the trauma alone. 

Shifting the Shame 

While society debates sensational scandals, too often survivors in our own neighborhoods are asked What were you wearing? Why Didn’t you leave? Why didn’t you call the police? 

These questions, however curious, neutralize the responsibility of the perpetrator and assumes they have no self control.  

Instead of questioning survivors, we should be asking perpetrators:  Why did you think it’s okay to be intimate with someone who didn’t want that? Why didn’t you walk away when she said she wasn’t interested? Why did you get mad when she said no?
 

A Community That Doesn’t Look Away 

Even as we moved into our new Lawrenceville Center in May, our services never stopped. In June, more than 100 community members — including dignitaries, funders, and partners — joined us for our Grand Opening. WSB covered the event, amplifying the message that Gwinnett will not look away. 

Why This Matters Now 

The Epstein and Maxwell cases may dominate the headlines, but exploitation thrives in silence.  

Survivors in our communities deserve more than shock and outrage — they deserve dignity, safety, healing, and justice.
 

Behind every number is a survivor. Someone who decided to trust us with their story, their safety, and their future. Mosaic Georgia stands with them — alongside you, our community — for safer, stronger tomorrows. Don’t wait for the next headline. Join us! 

Read More

Someone’s Gotta Say It: What a Difference a Year Makes

by Ken Moua in Professional Insights & Experiences

Someone’s Gotta Say It

What a Difference a Year Makes 

Marina Headshot (1)

By Marina Sampanes Peed
Executive Director of Mosaic Georgia

One year ago, we were running out of space—literally and figuratively.

Mosaic Georgia had outgrown our facilities, our systems were straining under the weight of growing demand, and we were navigating an increasingly unstable funding environment for victim services. Our clients—survivors of sexual assault, child abuse, and sexual exploitation—never stopped showing up. So neither did we. 

Fast-forward to today: We’re now settled into our new home in Lawrenceville, thanks to a transformative partnership with Northside Hospital. But this isn’t just a bigger building. It’s a bold investment in people and community. 

This represents more than a physical upgrade. It reflects decades of work—and thousands of survivor stories—woven into the fabric of Gwinnett County. 

Our roots go back to Ann Smiley, who founded Gwinnett Rape Crisis in a ranch-style house in Duluth and made it the first center in Georgia to provide medical forensic exams outside of emergency rooms. That bold step launched a trajectory of innovation and compassion. Under longtime Executive Director Ann Burdges, we expanded to serve children and introduced civil legal aid as a core service—another Georgia first. 

Today, Mosaic Georgia offers a full continuum of trauma-informed care: 24/7 crisis response, pediatric and adult medical forensic exams, child forensic interviews, counseling, legal assistance, and healing programs. Whether someone lives in an outside encampment, an extended stay motel, or a gated community—we serve them all. And we do so with confidentiality, dignity, urgency, and care. 

Our new space was designed with that purpose at its core. It says to every child, teen, and adult who enters:
  

We see you. You are not alone. And you deserve to feel safe.
 

Thanks to your support—and Northside Hospital—we now have a center that can handle the depth of care we provide. One-third larger than our previous location, it brings together every essential service. Fewer delays. More dignity. Better care. 

But space alone doesn’t create healing. People do. 

As we reach the midpoint of 2025, I’m filled with gratitude—for those who bring this work to life and those who trust us with their healing. From the child who whispers, “You’re nice. Can I come back?,” to the nurse who works through lunch to finish documentation, to the donor whose quiet generosity powers our mission—every person makes a difference. 

Being in Lawrenceville, at the heart of Gwinnett County, is more than geographic. It reflects who we are: a community where diverse voices come together, where partnerships thrive, and where progress is built, together. 

To our extraordinary partners: 

  • Northside Hospital—for believing in this vision and making room for it. 
  • Core Investors in this dream—the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council; Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners; foundations like Fraser-Parker, James M. Cox, and Tull; corporations like Gas South and Primerica; and those who give as Anonymous—thank you for laying the groundwork to get us here. 
  • Donors and board members—your support of what happens inside the walls is what keeps us strong. 
  • Our Mosaic of institutional partners—law enforcement, prosecutors, DFCS, GCPS, the courts—you are not just collaborators; you are part of this healing ecosystem. 
  • To our staff, volunteers, and advocates—you make this dream real with your love, labor, and fierce dedication. 

This new space is a promise kept. But the future of this work—its reach, its quality, its sustainability—is not guaranteed. 

Policy shifts and funding gaps threaten the very programs that protect victims and hold offenders accountable. The systems we’ve built are strong, but they’re not immune to political agendas or budget cuts. That’s why we need you.
 

This summer and fall, help us keep the momentum going. Give if you can. Share our message. Speak up for policies that protect, not punish, survivors. And model consent, respect, and care in your own homes and communities. 

If you’ve already joined us on this journey—thank you. If not, now is the perfect time. 

Because what a difference a year makes—when people choose to care, to act, and protect. 

Here’s to more light, more love, and more healing in the months ahead.

Read More

Healing Across Cultural Lines: AAPI Heritage Month and the Journey Toward Inclusive Sexual Assault Awareness

by Ken Moua in Awareness & Education

Healing Across Cultural Lines: AAPI Heritage Month and the Journey Toward Inclusive Sexual Assault Awareness 

Compiled/Co-authored by:

Untitled design (38)

Esther Ko
Managing Attorney

Untitled design (39)

Amanda Makrogianis Mickelsen
Marketing Project Manager

Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month offers a vital opportunity to address sexual assault within AAPI communities, where cultural stigmas and immigration status often create additional barriers to reporting and seeking help. Many AAPI survivors face unique challenges, including language barriers, fear of bringing shame to their families, and distrust of systems that have historically failed to provide culturally responsive care. These intersecting factors contribute to the underreporting of sexual violence in AAPI communities, making dedicated advocacy and culturally-specific resources essential components of effective support systems.  

By recognizing these distinct challenges during AAPI Heritage Month, we can promote healing-centered approaches that honor diverse cultural contexts while working toward more inclusive sexual assault prevention and response. This commemoration reminds us that effective awareness must acknowledge how cultural identity shapes survivors’ experiences and pathways to healing. 

Mosaic Georgia has partnered with various organizations within the Asian community to drive discussion, educate, and collaborate.  

In a significant cross-cultural exchange, Mosaic Georgia recently welcomed lawyers from Seoul National University School of Law to discuss approaches to supporting sexual assault survivors. The visit illuminated stark contrasts in reporting processes, with Korean survivors facing additional hurdles such as requirements for detailed written statements before police investigations can proceed. This collaboration highlighted how cultural and systemic barriers create universal challenges for survivors seeking justice, while offering both parties valuable insights into developing more trauma-informed approaches that could be implemented across continents. 

 

Mosaic Georgia’s outreach to parents and caregivers at the Korean Parent Association Seminar at
Northview High School addressed growing concerns about children’s safety in the digital age. The seminar covered critical topics including family violence, sexual violence, and child sexual abuse, while providing practical information on protective orders, divorce proceedings, and crime reporting. Discussions centered on how deeply embedded cultural norms—particularly around shame—can prevent survivors from seeking help and accessing justice, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive support services within AAPI communities.

 

 

Teen dating violence education was the focus of another impactful event where Mosaic Georgia
staff educated Korean teenagers about their rights under Title IX, consent concepts, recognizing dating violence, and reporting options. The interactive session revealed emerging trends in technology-facilitated abuse affecting young survivors. Participants openly discussed the unique social pressures that prevent teen survivors from coming forward, including peer pressure, bullying, and fears about social ostracism—challenges that are often amplified within tight-knit cultural communities. 

 

 

Recognizing the influential role of faith leaders, Mosaic Georgia conducted a comprehensive
Korean Pastor Training Seminar for 50-60 pastors on family violence, sexual violence, and child sexual abuse. Staff attorney Esther provided crucial education on mandatory reporting laws, reporting procedures, and appropriate responses to disclosures involving children, elders, and adults with disabilities. This engagement acknowledged the pivotal role spiritual communities often play in survivors’ healing journeys and emphasized the importance of creating safe spaces within faith contexts where cultural sensitivities are understood and respected.

Read More