Kristen Illes is the Associate Vice President for Safe Horizon’s Training and Staff Development Division. She earned her Master's degree in clinical psychology from Marist College and brings over 13 years of counseling experience with adult and child victims of trauma. Additionally, Kristen has served as an educator to professionals and in the community on topics such as Domestic Violence and Crisis Response. Melinda Blaise is a trainer with Safe Horizon's Training and Staff Development Division. She has over 10 years of experience working with survivors of trauma. During her 5 years at Safe Horizon, Melinda has worked with various programs including the Criminal Justice Program, Domestic Violence Programs and Youth Programs. Melinda received her Master's of Social Work (MSW) degree from Fordham University. Tisa Joyner Nance has recently joined Safe Horizon as a trainer in the Training and Staff Development Division. She brings with her 10 years of social services experience, which includes work as a Child Welfare Specialist for the Administration for Children Services and as a Probation Officer for the NYC Department of Probation. Tisa has trained and conducted workshops in various arenas. She holds a Master's degree in Public Administration from John Jay College. Elizabeth Bliss is the Safe Horizon Domestic Violence Police Program (DVPP) trainer. During her tenure at DVPP, Elizabeth has conducted trainings for the New York Police Department, New York City Housing Authority, and other community organizations, as well as, Safe Horizon staff. She received her double major Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice and psychology from the University of Maryland. Denise Briales is a counselor for the Brooklyn Child Advocacy Center. She has worked in the field of social work for 15 years. Denise has conducted trainings and workshops for Safe Horizon staff, local high schools, and community organizations. Denise has also been instrumental in various hospitals reforming their domestic violence protocols. Maureen Curtis is the Director of the Safe Horizon Domestic Violence Police Program (DVPP). Throughout her 15-year career at Safe Horizon, she has conducted trainings for police personnel, community organizations, and Safe Horizon staff on topics such as, the criminal justice response to victims of domestic violence, and policies and procedures concerning domestic violence. Maureen holds a Master's of Public Health/Community Health Education and a Master's of Social Work, both from Hunter College. Javier F. Diaz is the Manager of Safe Horizon’s Client Grievance Office. In his twelve-year career with Safe Horizon, he has worked in community mediation programs, developed peer mediation programs for high schools, and various community-based programs. He has conducted trainings in areas of Conflict Resolution and mediation for community-based organizations, schools and after school programs. Ernest Duff is the Senior Director of Safe Horizon’s Solace program. This psychosocial program located in Queens, NY serves torture survivors and refugees who have survived organized violence. Solace has gained national recognition for its de-centralized, community-based model of service delivery, as well as for its training efforts. Ernie has accepted an award from the U.S. Public Health Service for the elimination of racial and ethnic disparities in health. Anick Forcier is the Coordinator for Safe Horizon's Anti-Stalking Program. As New York State’s first anti-stalking program, victims of stalking are provided with crisis intervention, counseling and advocacy. Anick has conducted trainings for CUNY Peace Officers, NYPD, and local high schools. She received her Master's degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in Forensic Psychology. Brenda Ford is the Director of Safe Horizon's Elder Abuse Project. The Elder Abuse Project is responsible for providing citywide services to victims of abuse who are 60 and older. Brenda has been working with elder abuse victims since 1990 and has conducted various trainings on elder crime and abuse for community organizations and Safe Horizon staff. Brenda holds a Master's degree in Community Health Administration from Long Island University. Avianca Hansen is the Senior Director of Safe Horizon's Homicide Programs. These programs are responsible for providing practical assistance, court advocacy, and emotional assistance to surviving family members of homicide victims within the five boroughs of NYC. Avianca has presented at national conferences and international symposiums. She holds a Master's degree in Psychology from Columbia University. Nicole Johnson joined Safe Horizon in November 2001 as the Clinical Coordinator for Safe Horizon’s Hotline Program. Nicole has worked in the anti-violence movement for 7 years, and has conducted trainings on sexual and domestic violence in both Canada and the United States. She received her Masters of Education in Counseling Psychology at the University of Toronto. Janet Loflin Lee is a licensed social worker that has been a practitioner and a trainer in the field of victim services for over 15 years. She has been a trainer and workshop leader for medical professionals, social workers, law enforcement, and court personnel in New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Illinois, Virginia, and Georgia. Janet received her MSW at Hunter College School of Social Work. Vilma Torres is the Director of the Bronx, Manhattan and Queens Families of Homicide Victims Programs. She has conducted seminars for social service agencies, health professionals, and representatives of the criminal justice field on issues such as bereavement, grief, and advocacy. Vilma received her MSW from Hunter College and is a certified social worker in the state of New York. Michele Vigeant is the Assistant Clinical Director of Community Programs. She has been with Safe Horizon for five years, during which time she has been a rape crisis counselor and supervising counselor of the Staten Island Community Office. She currently oversees Safe Horizon's Rape Crisis Program. Michele has a Master's of Education in Counseling Psychology from Teacher's College, Columbia University. Training Courses How to Register for Training Courses Back to top