-
Rodger and Denise Lester
Founders and Executive Director
Rodger and Denise have 10 years of experience in ministering to the sexually exploited in Kansas City, MO and abroad. Their experience involves outreach, housing, restoration, counseling, and training. Rodger and Denise were key contributors to the establishment of a church located in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil that reaches victims of human trafficking in the oldest Red Light District, Villa Mimosa. Denise is also dedicated to the process of holistic healing for victims of sexual abuse, exploitation, and prostitution. Rodger and Denise have a heart for the fatherless and the sexually abused. They desire to see all people have an opportunity to restore their lives with the help of their community.
-
Jeremy Tyus
Board Member
TreasurerJeremy Tyus is the owner of Tyus & Co., a firm offering bookkeeping services and business solutions to forward-thinking business owners. He grew up in Central Florida riding horses, playing baseball, and reading lots of books. Since graduating from Southeastern University in 2005, he has worked as a ranch hand, taught high school mathematics and sciences, and served as a missionary.
-
Jennifer Green, BSN, BA, RN, SANE
Board Member
SecretaryJennifer has worked for Saint Luke’s Health System for over 19 years in Intensive Care, the Emergency Department, and Critical Care. She is currently the Clinical Forensic Care Program Manager for the Saint Luke’s Health System over 14 hospitals. She's been a SANE/Forensic Nurse for 12 years and provided thousands of Forensic Exams to patient’s that have experienced sexual assault, domestic violence, human trafficking, strangulation, child abuse/neglect, elder abuse/neglect, and assault. She is an expert witness, provider, and researcher for strangulation, choking and suffocation and has trained more than 4000 police officers, prosecutors, advocates, and health care professionals in anatomy, physiology, assessment, and documentation of strangulation, choking, and suffocation. She provides expert testimony in multiple jurisdictions in Kansas City.
-
Caitlyn Lester
Board Member
After completing 2 years of university as a psychology major, Cailtyn has decided to pursue a career in nursing with an end goal of becoming a licensed Nurse Practitioner. She will complete an accelerated nursing program at Mid America Nazarene, Feb of 2020. Caitlyn is passionate about the medical field because she understands the need for the sick to receive compassionate and excellent medical care.
-
Richelle Stillwell, CMHC, CFTP, PLPC
Board Member
Trauma TherapistRichelle has a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with
additional training in trauma and crisis situations. Richelle is a Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri and is a Certified Family Trauma Professional. She is skilled in crisis intervention, and utilizes several different therapeutic interventions such as family systems and person-centered, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapies. She is experienced in using play therapy, sand tray therapy, mindfulness and psychoeducation modalities. She is an active member of two academic and professional honor societies, and she is a member of the International Association of Trauma Professionals. -
Alex BoothBoard Member
Having lived in Kansas City for the past five years, Alex began learning about human trafficking in the Midwest. His background in technology sales and fundraising has led him to join Rended Heart in our development efforts.
-
Chiquita Tillman
Survivor Advisory Board
Chiquita was born and raised in Caruthersville, MO, but lived most of her life in Los Angeles, CA. She is an Inspirational Speaker, Author, Advocate and Survivor. She tirelessly works to bring awareness to Sex Trafficking by sharing her experience and the process of healing for the victims. In 2009 Chiquita earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology and Christian Counseling. In 2015 she published her autobiography titled, “I Am a Ruby, Not a Sapphire”, which tells the story of her journey into Sex Trafficking and her struggle to finding her worth. In 2016 Chiquita became the Business Owner of Rubies INK, LLC. She has been a guest speaker at various churches, Radio, and Organizations across the country. Overcoming her personal experiences places her in a position to inspire and counsel others.
-
Pastor Georgette Stillworth
Survivor Advisory Board
SpeakerPastor Georgette Stallworth is a true testament to the power of God. She is a survivor of human sex trafficking who has journeyed a narrow path full of redemption and blessing. She is an ordained minister, having obtained a doctorate degree in 2002 from Faith Bible College in Christian Counseling with an emphasis on teaching. Georgette is the author of Praise Dance "It’s Not Just a Dance It’s a Ministry". Georgette has over fifteen years of volunteering experience in the Greater Kansas City Community. She has volunteered with outreach services to the homeless, created and facilitated personal development classes for women, trained volunteers on how to do street ministry; life coach women that have been in prison; and coached men and women in drug rehabilitation facilities. She has also led many prison ministries in Kansas City MO and KS county jails, Ft Leavenworth prison, Topeka Correctional Facility, and Hutchinson Correctional Facility. Georgette was a part of the pilot mentoring program at the Topeka Correctional Facility for Women. She is the founder of the non-for-profit KC Restoring Women Chapter which helps transition women to a hope-filled life.
-
Survivor Advisory Board and Speaker
Kayleigh Durharte has experienced some of the darkest depths of man; but through the power of Jesus Christ she has been brought into the love and family of the Kingdom of God. While in the midst of a life of child sex trafficking and drug addiction, Jesus miraculously intervened in her life. Since the day of her “Yes” to Jesus, her life has been full of blessings and promise. She graduated Youth With A Mission University (YWAM) KC in 2019. During her time there, she completed a 3 month missions trip to Thailand has worked with sexually exploited children, been active in healing ministries, conducted multiple homeless outreaches and shares her hope through Jesus as a motivational speaker. She has been instrumental to each client that has resided at the Rended Heart House. Every breath Kayleigh takes is a testament to the power of Jesus, His promises and hope that God makes all things new.