Kara Van de Carr is an attorney and former United States Diplomat responsible for writing the Trafficking in Persons Report for the country of Jamaica. She has worked to educate leaders in the criminal justice system on the gravity of human trafficking and the revictimization that individuals who are arrested experience. She also has taught Continuing Legal Education courses to legal professionals on these subjects. She received her B.A. in Political Economy of Industrial Societies from University of California Berkeley, her J.D. from Tulane Law School, and her L.L.M. in International Law from Georgetown Law School.
Kara Van de Carr, Esq.
President and Founder
Over the past nearly 20 years, Ayame Dinkler has applied her passion for advocacy, strategic growth and public policy to advance missions in both the public and private sector. With a wealth of experience in strategic advisory, government affairs, coalition building, brand positioning, and complex regulatory and legislative challenges, Ayame has delivered results for local government, federal government, business, and non-profit organizations.
Ayame Dinkler
Interim Vice President
Partner, Tax Services, EAG Gulf Coast, LLC.
Gina has over 25 years of public accounting experience and has extensive knowledge in the field of taxation, including preparation and review of individual, corporate, partnership, trust, non-profit, estate, and gift tax returns. She is a past Chair of the Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants (LCPA), Past President of the New Orleans Chapter of the LCPA and has held various other roles.
Gina Rachel, CPA
Treasurer
CEO Valmiki Capital, Retired
Peggy Babin Indest, MBA
Secretary
Attorney and Former Chair of the Human Trafficking Task Force for the Middle District of Louisiana
Katherine K. Green, Esq.
Founder
Susie Allen, DrPH, MBA
Director of Research and Education, Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners
As an Internal Medicine physician, Dr. Lege has been in practice at Touro for more than 20 years. He previously served as Chief Medical Officer for Touro for four years before being named Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Lege served as a Primary Care Medical Director and Chief Medical Officer for Crescent City Physicians, as well as Physician Chair of LCMC Health's Primary Care service line. After earning his medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans, Dr. Lege completed his residency at Tulane Medical Center. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Christopher Lege, MD
President and CEO, Touro Hospital
Judge Lobrano Bio
Hon. Joy Cossich Lobrano
Judge, Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals
Community Activist and former President of the Junior League of New Orleans, business owner
Erin Luetkemeier
Emily has served on neighborhood, school and community boards. She loves New Orleans and is passionate about making it a better place for all.
Emily Palit, MBA
Community Philanthropist and Volunteer
Rev. John Pitzer Bio
Rev. John Pitzer
Associate Rector at Trinity Episcopal Church
Former Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and Professor of History of Philosophy at the University of Rome LUMSA
Bp. Marcelo Sánchez Sorondo
Courtney Freeman
Leadership Team
Jennifer Best is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor. She received an M.A. in Psychology and Counseling at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. She has extensive training in trauma informed care including TBRI, EMDR, and TF-CBT. She has spent her time working in private and nonprofit counseling centers. She has obtained a certificate in Human Trafficking Prevention and Intervention from Florida State University. She has spent almost a decade serving survivors of human trafficking in their trauma recovery. When she isn’t at her day job, she can be found at all the sports events her two sons are involved in.
Jennifer Best, LPC-S
Chief Executive Officer
Taylor Divney grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, and earned a Bachelor of Social Work from Middle Tennessee State University. In 2020, she moved to New Orleans, where she completed a Master of Divinity at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Ethics. Prior to joining Eden Centers, Taylor worked in higher education, where she supervised teams, led enrollment initiatives, and developed strategic recruitment efforts to support institutional growth. Outside of work, Taylor enjoys traveling, reading, and training for her next race.
Taylor Divney
Chief Operating Officer
Stephanie Wilkins is a Provisionally Licensed Counselor (PLPC). She received her Bachelor’s in Social Work from The University of Southern Mississippi and an M.A. in Counseling with a Specialization in Marriage and Family Counseling from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. She has training in a variety of areas including EMDR, TBRI, Story Informed Trauma Counseling, and Cognitive Processing Therapy. She has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings working with individual, child, and family populations. Stephanie has done case management work with survivors of sexual exploitation in Southeast Asia. Her professional interests include identifying and treating complex post traumatic stress disorder in survivors of trauma.
Stephanie Wilkins, LPC
Chief Clinical Officer
Clinical Team
Isabel grew up in Madison, Wisconsin and moved to New Orleans in 2022 where she earned her Masters of Social Work from Tulane University. Before joining Eden Centers’ Clinical team, she studied Women’s and Gender studies at DePaul University which has informed her work with populations affected by gender based violence. As a clinical care advocate, Isabel will strive to find holistic opportunities for safety, healing, and empowerment for our residents. In her spare time, she enjoys listening to music, arts and crafts, and spending time with loved ones.
Isabel Gehrig
Clinical Care Advocate
Kentrella received a Master of Criminal Justice from Southern University at New Orleans and is currently pursuing a Master of Homeland Security Studies from Tulane University. Kentrella brings experience as a behavioral health specialist working with children and families. Before joining Eden Centers' clinical staff, she provided case management and advocacy services to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking. In this role, she found her passion for serving survivors of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. When she is not at work, she enjoys watching her two children grow and spending time with her family.
Kentrella Reed
Clinical Care Advocate
Megan Aderholt is from North Mississippi and moved to New Orleans with her husband in 2020. She has a background in education having earned a B.S in Human Development and Family Sciences-Child Development from Mississippi State University and M.A. in Teaching from Loyola University New Orleans. Outside of teaching, Megan has also maintained her own small business that utilized her artistic skills and she spent a period of time working in retail for Walt Disney World. As Eden Market Coordinator, Megan uses skills from all of her previous work to help Eden Market grow and encourage our women to find their place in the creative space. When she is not at work, Megan enjoys spending time with her husband and two dogs, reading, and traveling.
Megan Aderholt
Eden Market Coordinator
Kellie serves as the Daytime Support Staff, where she provides daily encouragement and guidance to women recovering from trauma, abuse, and trafficking. As a native New Orleanian and local artist, she is passionate about creating spaces of hope, healing, and belonging. Drawing from her own experiences, Kellie brings deep compassion and understanding to the women she serves, reminding them that restoration and new beginnings are possible. She believes in the power of community, creativity, and faith to transform lives. When she isn't working, she enjoys listening to music, making art and spending time with family and friends.
Kellie O'Day
Daytime Support Staff
Elizabeth Favrot is one of Eden Centers' Support Staff. She received her Masters in Social Work from Tulane University, working with people impacted by the criminal justice system through an alternative to revocation day-program. After completing her degree, she then spent over 10 years with Delgado Community College's Adult Education Program as an instructor and administrator, serving adults looking to increase their literacy & numeracy skills, complete their high school equivalency, and improve their English-language proficiency.
Libby Favrot
Clinical Support Staff
Ashlie received her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Economics from Tulane University. During her time as an undergraduate student, she completed an internship with Eden Centers. Before returning to Eden Centers in her current role as Support Staff, she worked as an Emergency Medical Technician responding to 911 calls in New Orleans. Ashlie oversees our medication assisted treatment.
Ashlie Bissell, BA, NREMT
Housing Director
Leslie was born and raised in the greater New Orleans area, receiving her Bachelor's of Social Work in 2026. Prior to joining the team at Eden Centers, Leslie worked with Grace at the Greenlight, facilitating meals, advocacy, and family reunification services for unhoused community members across New Orleans, striving daily to provide personalized care and support to her clients. In her role as Housing Navigator for Eden Centers, Leslie will provide guidance and support to clients working towards reentry, bringing her deep well of passion and heart to each client's placement, prioritizing a safe and compassionate approach to getting her clients the assistance they need to land on stable footing. In her off hours, Leslie enjoys spending time with her beloved son and husband, goofing off with her friends and enjoying the outdoors.
Leslie Detillieu, RSW
Housing Navigator
Landry Monroe is a provisionally licensed counselor (PLPC). He received his Bachelor’s in Human Development and Family Science from Louisiana Tech University and a M.A. in Counseling with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He has received training in a variety of areas including EMDR, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. He has spent his time working with individuals, couples, and teen populations. Landry is passionate about creating a safe and supportive environment where individuals can explore their experiences, rebuild trust, and empower clients to reclaim their sense of self.
Landry Monroe, PLPC
Clinical Care Advocate / Clinical Therapist
Alana is from Eupora, MS and moved to New Orleans in 2023. She recently graduated from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary where she obtained her Master of Social Work through their partnership program with Louisiana College. Alana began working with Eden Centers in 2024 as Support Staff. She quickly fell in love with the clients and serving their needs. In 2025, she began her role as a clinical care advocate where she works alongside clients to fulfill their needs. In her free time, Alana enjoys spending time with loved ones, being outside, and listening to music.
Alana Stauder
Clinical Care Advocate
Admin & Development Team
Taylor is an attorney licensed in Louisiana and has extensive experience helping vulnerable populations globally. She previously worked as Judge Joy Cossich Lobrano’s Law Clerk and Human Trafficking Liaison in the Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. She also completed an internship in the legal department with the International Justice Mission’s Cambodian office and has volunteered in Africa, Asia, and Central America with The World Race. Taylor earned her Juris Doctor degree from Tulane University School of Law and her Bachelor’s Degree in International Business with a minor in Non-Profit Studies from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Taylor Pillow, Espq.
Finance Director
Anne Mueller Bio
Anne Mueller
Grant Writer
Kendall is a detail-oriented and mission-driven professional with a background in program administration, higher education, and community engagement. Prior to joining Eden Centers for Hope and Healing, she served in a variety of student-centered roles including Assistant Director of Recruitment & Events, Academic Advisor, and Admissions Counselor where she coordinated events, supported student development, and built strong partnerships across departments and communities. Kendall holds a Master of Arts in Missiology from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Delta State University. She is passionate about creating welcoming, organized environments where people feel known, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Kendall Morrow
Program Administrator
Director of Development
Sakiya Hearns is a native of Little Rock, Arkansas, and earned her Bachelor of Political Science from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. . Prior to joining Eden Centers, Sakiya worked with various law firms and government entities, where she focused on law, policy, and community engagement. After recently relocating to New Orleans from Arkansas, Sakiya is excited to bring her experience and passion for service to Eden Centers and explore New Orleans!
Sakiya Hearns
Development and Grants Coordinator
