Addressing Human Trafficking in your own Community
Human trafficking isn’t an “over there” problem. It’s happening in every state in the United States, and it’s happening every day in our neighborhoods and businesses.
Please join us as Freekind, an agency that exists to provide kindness, advocacy and resources to trafficking survivors while also working to prevent the next generation from being exploited, educates us on the magnitude of the issue and provides mental health care-specific training to help us combat the systemic vulnerability that causes human trafficking.
Date: May 22nd, 2026 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Hybrid
In-person at Harbour View Training Center (Capacity: 100)
7025 Harbour View Blvd Suite 119 Suffolk, VA 23435
OR Virtually via Zoom
Trainer: Lisa Kersey of FREEKIND
Kathy Confer, CA
Kathy Confer is a Credentialed Advocate with the designation of Human Trafficking Specialist and serves as the Lead Case Manager for Freekind. In that role, she oversees a team of employees and trained volunteer advocates to provide direct services to more than 200 unique survivors each year. Kathy has extensive experience working with displaced populations, including her work in homeless shelters, adult education and workforce development. She is a graduate of Virginia Wesleyan College and has earned multiple certifications in Human Trafficking Prevention and Intervention, Trauma and Resiliency, Crisis Intervention and Victim Advocacy. She is also a graduate of the Norfolk FBI Citizen’s Academy and a member of their Alumni Association. Kathy currently serves on the Forced Criminality of Survivors advisory board with the Center for Global Justice Regent at University School of Law and on the Virginia Human Trafficking Standards work group.
Tanya Gould
Tanya Gould, a dedicated solutionist in the fight against human trafficking, passionately working to influence legislative policy, elevate public awareness and advocate for survivors. She is the former Anti-Human Trafficking Director for the Office of the Attorney General in Virginia and was appointed to the Governor’s Commission on Human Trafficking Prevention and Survivor Support. Tanya also served two terms on the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking. Tanya is a sought-after speaker, having delivered lectures and training sessions to a wide variety of audiences and participated in numerous podcasts, articles, and public service announcements. She also coproduced the documentary short film *Groomed*, which sheds light on the dark realities of human trafficking.
Molly Herman, MA, LPC
Molly Herman is a Licensed Resident in Counseling awaiting LPC licensure and Virginia Beach native with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She brings extensive experience working with individuals impacted by addiction and sexual trauma. For the past five years, Molly previously held her Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) credential, specializing in addiction treatment across varying levels of care. Her clinical experience includes supporting clients in early recovery, relapse prevention, trauma-informed addiction treatment, and family systems impacted by substance use. She maintains a strong commitment to recovery oriented, evidence-based, and compassion-driven care. Molly believes meaningful change occurs within the context of accountability, connection, and personal empowerment.
Laura Porter, LCSW
Laura joined the CAC team in February of 2022. She returned to CHKD after working in private practice, providing psychotherapy to individuals and families. She has had a career of serving the community in a variety of settings. She has experience in supporting and counseling families experiencing crisis and trauma both as a professional firefighter, a trauma medical social worker, and a clinician. She has a particular interest in utilizing evidenced based services to families as a means to move beyond their traumatic experiences, resulting in great strength and resiliency.
Laura is certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). She is trained in Parent Child Interaction Therapy for Toddlers (PCIT-T), Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention (CFTSI), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Advanced TF-CBT for Problematic Sexual Behavior (PSB), and Advanced TF-CBT for Commercialized Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC