Celebrating Survivors

Teresa Merriweather

Teresa Merriweather  is a nationally and internationally recognized human trafficking expert, survivor, and Chief Executive Officer of Trafficked Lives Matter Hand-In-Hand, based in Ohio. An Elyria native, Teresa’s nearly 20-year commitment to community service and education was profoundly shaped by her own experience as a survivor of sex trafficking. Drawing on her faith and the resilience instilled by her family, she escaped her trafficker and transformed her trauma into a mission to help others.

Teresa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Cleveland State University and a Master’s degree in Administration of Justice & Security from the University of Phoenix. She is also a certified Crime Scene Technician. Teresa is the co-author of the “Rethinking Primary Prevention of Child Trafficking” framework, published in the American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, and holds an Honorary Doctorate Degree.

As CEO of Trafficked Lives Matter Hand-In-Hand since 2016, Teresa provides human trafficking awareness training to law enforcement and communities across the country. She is a member of the Global Alliance for Behavioral Health and Social Justice, the Ohio Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Commission Legal/Legislative Subcommittee, the MHRCET Advisory Board in California, the Ohio Planning Council, and the Global Association of Human Trafficking Scholars.

Teresa’s work is driven by her belief in the power of education, policy, and survivor leadership to end trafficking. She is a sought-after keynote speaker, trainer, and advocate, known for her expertise in trauma-informed care and primary prevention. Teresa’s story and leadership continue to inspire hope and action for survivors and communities nationwide.

Michelle Soncrant Brewer

Michelle Soncrant Brewer is a trafficking survivor and passionate advocate serving as the Anti-Trafficking Coordinator at COMPASS Sexual Assault education-prevention-support. Michelle is also the facilitator for Tusc Against Trafficking, the Anti Human Trafficking coalition that serves both Tusc and Carroll counties. Michelle also provides support and education for the Stark County community.  Drawing from her lived experience, Michelle has dedicated her career to educating communities about human trafficking, providing crisis intervention, and connecting survivors to vital support resources. In her current role, she ensures that every victim receives the necessary care and guidance on their path to healing.

Michelle holds a Bachelor’s degree in Substance Abuse and Mental Health from Ohio Christian University. Her expertise and advocacy work have made her a respected voice in survivor leadership circles, including being recognized among the current members of GAHTS (Global Association of Human Trafficking Survivors).

Michelle is also active in public awareness initiatives and faith-based trauma-informed approaches, empowering both survivors and communities to recognize, respond to, and prevent trafficking. Her commitment ensures that the voices and needs of survivors remain at the forefront of anti-trafficking efforts in Ohio and beyond.