Meet Our Ambassadors
Jaime Matthews
Founder & Trauma Survivor Ambassador
I’m a trauma survivor, empowerment coach, and the founder of the Trauma Survivor Ambassador Program. My journey has been one of deep pain, healing, and purpose. After surviving years of abuse and overcoming addiction, I chose to rebuild my life and turn my experiences into a source of strength and advocacy.Through this program, I aim to give survivors a voice, a community, and a platform to be seen, heard, and empowered. I believe healing is possible and that our stories have the power to save lives.
Chelsea Thomas
Trauma Survivor Ambassador
I am a survivor of family trauma that unfolded in my adult life, a time when I least expected the people I loved to cause such deep hurt. Facing betrayal, manipulation, and emotional wounds as an adult forced me to reevaluate everything I thought I knew about loyalty and love.It’s been a painful but powerful journey of learning to protect my peace and prioritize my healing. I’ve had to walk away from familiar faces to rediscover who I am without the weight of their damage. My story is about choosing myself, even when it meant standing alone to find freedom.
Benita Coursen
Trauma Survivor Ambassador - Surviving The Suicide Of My Son
July 19, 2023 was the day my heart was completely shattered.... the day my only son, Shawn, took his own life. So many unanswered questions, what if's, feelings of guilt, shock, denial and yes, even anger! It's a loss that I will NEVER get over! Little did I know then that I would become a Facilitator for a Survivors Of Suicide Grief Support Group and commit myself to helping others dealing with the same awful, unbearable pain of losing a loved one to suicide. I'm determined to stop the stigma of suicide and to seek to change the medications that are listing suicidal thoughts as a side effect on a pill that's supposed to help with depression! If you are struggling, please reach out for help by calling #988 or by going to your local mental health department or hospital!#YourStoryIsNotOver #YouMatter! 💜🩵💜
Marie Clark
Trauma Survivor Ambassador
Hello I’m Marie! I’m a single mother of two teenagers, one dog, and one cat! I’ve dealt with trauma and mental struggles through my life. From parents, siblings, friends and community members. I am here to listen, not judge, and give strength when needed. I am here to help you up when you’re down and help you walk with pride once again!
Marjorie Drake
Trauma Survivor Ambassador
My name is Marjorie, and I am a recovering alcoholic and trauma survivor. For most of my life, I coped with unhealed pain by numbing it with alcohol, which led me down a path of self-destruction and into toxic, abusive relationships.
Today, I’m committed to breaking that cycle, not just for myself, but for others who are still stuck in it. I believe healing is possible, and I want to be living proof that it's never too late to reclaim your power.
Through honesty, compassion, and connection, I share my story to help others face their trauma, find their worth, and start their own journey toward freedom and healing, before it destroys them like it nearly did me.
Kim Moore
Trauma Survivor Ambassador
Hi, my name is Kim Moore, and I’m honored to serve as an ambassador for Real Life Coaching and HAVEN. After spending 20 years in a mentally, verbally, and psychologically abusive marriage, I know firsthand the deep and lasting impact of domestic abuse. It took years of counseling, coaching, and intentional healing to work through the trauma and reclaim my life.
Today, I’m passionate about spreading awareness and helping others understand that they are not alone—and that healing is possible. I want more and more people to know about HAVEN and the vital services they provide for those who have experienced domestic abuse. As an ambassador, my mission is to shine a light on the realities of abuse, break the silence surrounding trauma, and help survivors take their first courageous steps toward freedom and restoration.
Angela Madden
Trauma Survivor Ambassador
I am a trauma survivor. As a child, I experienced abuse at the hands of my mother’s boyfriend. Thankfully, my mind protected me in the only way it knew how—by blocking out much of what happened.
But as I got older, I unknowingly stepped into another cycle of abuse. Right out of high school, I entered a relationship that turned physically, mentally, and verbally abusive. I stayed in it for five years. I am happy I can say that I didn't let that abusive relationship keep me from finding happiness, I’ve been happily married since 2008.
I’m still learning how to heal from that chapter of my life, while also coping with a newer kind of grief—the trauma that came after losing my little sister in 2022. Healing, I’ve learned, isn’t a straight line. For me, being a survivor isn’t a title; it’s an ongoing process. A daily practice. Recently, I made the decision to seek counseling. That step, although long overdue, has taught me so much about myself, my patterns, and the ways trauma lives on in the body and mind. I now firmly believe that counseling can be one of the most powerful tools for healing. That’s one of the many reasons I admire HAVEN and the work they do. Their mission is incredible, but beyond that, they offer trauma-informed counseling with compassion and care. I never personally used HAVEN’s services, but I wish I had known about them back then. If I had, I might have left sooner. I might not be carrying some of the PTSD I live with today. Still, I’m here. I’m healing. And I’m proud to say: I survived.
Shelby Murray
Trauma Survivor Ambassador
Hi there! I’m Shelby, a single mom of two amazing kids and a survivor of domestic violence and childhood sexual abuse. My journey has included ongoing health challenges, many of which are trauma-induced, and the difficult process of breaking free from an 11-year toxic relationship with my abuser. Sharing children with him adds an extra level of difficulty, as it means navigating continued contact and challenges while protecting my peace and my children’s well-being.
Through it all, I’ve gained deep insight into both the criminal and family court systems and the strength it takes to rebuild. I’m here to heal, share my story, and connect with others who truly understand. By sharing my experiences, I hope to help others recognize the connection between trauma and health and to encourage self-advocacy for both mental and physical well-being. My hope is to listen, support, and grow together in this community; because none of us have to do this alone.
Tina Talbot
Trauma Survivor Ambassador
Tina Talbot is a domestic violence survivor, mother, and advocate who endured over 20 years of abuse before surviving a life-or-death situation to protect herself and her autistic, non-verbal son, Phillip. Following her survival, Tina faced the challenges of the justice system, incarceration, and rebuilding her life, all while navigating the responsibilities of parenting a special needs child.
Today, she is a Trauma Survivor Ambassador, using her voice to educate others about the warning signs of abuse, advocate for survivors, and inspire hope and resilience. Through sharing her story, Tina demonstrates the power of courage, the strength of maternal love, and the importance of turning pain into purpose to help others find safety and healing.
Nicole Witteveen
Trauma Survivor Ambassador - Breast Cancer Warrior
I am a trauma survivor and Breast Cancer Warrior, carrying both scars and strength from battles I never asked for but chose to fight. My journey has been marked by pain, healing, courage, and resilience. Through it all, I’ve learned that survival isn’t just about making it through—it’s about reclaiming your voice, your power, and your purpose. Today, I stand not only as a survivor, but as a testament to the unbreakable spirit of those who rise, again and again.
Rhonda Coderre
Trauma Survivor Ambassador
I am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, adult DV, spousal rape and cervical cancer warrior. I did not want this life. I came from a home where this was "the norm". I never talked openly about what I endured in my life and never seeked help. My trust for anyone was nule. The people I loved and trusted the most made me feel worse and did not give me hope or faith. I have learned to self heal, which was toxic in itself. I turned to alcohol and drugs to numb my pain. My journey has been a painful one. Becoming sober has been a lonely journey. But, I have learned so much about myself and have grown so much. I know my worth. I am a fighter and refuse to give up. I want to share my journey to inspire others to never give up.
DaynaRose Volpini
Trauma Survivor Ambassador - Abuse Survivor & Trauma Warrior
I am an abuse/trauma survivor, my scars can’t be seen but they remind me of who I don’t want to be and who I refuse to become. My journey started early on from my parents, onto friends and even ex’s. People I thought I could trust. Now I am resilient, empowered and strong. Throughout my life I learned that I needed to survive to break generational curses and be someone others could lean on, someone they can trust and be an addition to help people know they are not alone in this. I stand in this world as someone who struggled as those who were supposed to love me watched and did nothing, now I will not fail this journey because it’s mine and I am a warrior. I may fall at times, but I will always rise.
Deborah Miller
Trauma Survivor Ambassador
I am a survivor of childhood molestation, physical, and sexual abuse. It took me until my adult life to face my traumas and learn how to understand my past, realize it was not my fault and to look forward and not behind!!!
I hope that I can give others hope. You are not alone.
#womenempowerment #takingmylifeback
Dr. Kendall Morris
Trauma Survivor Ambassador
Dr. Kendall Morris was born and raised in Detroit, MI. She is an Assistant Professor at Michigan State University in the School of Social Work. Her research focuses on the impact of Community Violence and Trauma in black communities. She is the current Mrs. Michigan Captivating 2025. She currently resides in Pontiac, MI with her husband and son, both named Jeffrey.
Shania Cielke
Trauma Survivor Ambassador
I’m a survivor of childhood and family trauma, including mild domestic violence and narcissistic abuse. Adopted by my grandparents, I reconnected with my family after high school while navigating toxic relationships and emotional struggles, including suicidal thoughts and abandonment. Despite it all, I chose to face my trauma with courage—seeking therapy, becoming a mental health advocate, and using my experiences to help others feel seen and heard. I earned two degrees to work with children, determined to be the safe, supportive presence I once needed. Through resilience and self-awareness, I continue to grow and heal. Don't forget you matter! (:
Debbie Wertz
Trauma Survivor Ambassador
Debbie is a passionate advocate for healing, resilience, and prevention, inspired by her own journey as a domestic abuse survivor. Her lived experience gives her a deep, personal understanding of trauma’s lasting effects—insight that fuels her unwavering commitment to helping others find hope, strength, and healing.
As a Prevention Specialist with the Waterford Community Coalition and a certified MI ACEs Community Champion, Debbie plays a key role in advancing trauma-informed strategies that reduce risk and foster resilience. She also actively contributes to statewide efforts through her work with the MI ACEs Initiative Prevention Workgroup.
Debbie is honored to serve as a Trauma Survivor Ambassador with the Real Life Coaching team, proudly representing healing, hope, and the power of lived experience to create meaningful change.
Amber Spatney
Trauma Survivor Ambassador
My name is Amber Spatney, and I’m a 38-year-old single mom from Akron, Ohio. I have two amazing teenage daughters who are my world. I’m a chef, a business owner, and a full-time sales representative at LKQ.
I spent ten years in an abusive relationship; if you can name it, I went through it. In 2017, I found the strength to leave and start over. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to speaking out about domestic violence and sharing my story whenever I can. I want to be a voice for those who haven’t found theirs yet and remind other survivors that there’s life, hope, and power after trauma.
Briana Cobb
Author & Trauma Survivor Ambassador
Hello, I am Briana Cobb, Author of Through the Concrete, A memoir of breaking cycles, reclaiming faith and becoming whole. I believe healing begins with awareness, compassion, and connection. My own journey through loss, grief, and rebuilding has taught me how vital it is to create safe spaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to rewrite their stories. As someone who has transformed personal trauma into purpose, I want to help others do the same—reminding them that their pain is not the end of their story but the soil where new strength can grow.
Becoming a Trauma Ambassador allows me to advocate for mental wellness, share resources, and model what resilience looks like in real life. My goal is to bridge understanding between survivors and the community, helping to shift the narrative from suffering in silence to healing in unity. This role aligns deeply with my mission to inspire transformation through truth, empathy, and education.
Anjela Perry
Trauma Survivor Ambassador
Hi, I’m Anjela. I am here to uplift and support fellow trauma survivors. I’ve faced my share of challenges, including the sudden and tragic loss of my daughter and ongoing health struggles, including misdiagnoses and feeling dismissed by medical professionals.
Through it all, I’ve learned that you can get up, you can keep going, and “can’t” or “shouldn’t” aren’t in our vocabulary. I am committed to turning my pain into power, and by sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to keep moving forward on their healing journey, each step forward is a step toward empowerment and healing.