Meet the dedicated team working to empower survivors and create lasting
change
Our Mission
To combat human trafficking and break cycles of exploitation by building a trauma-informed community and creating opportunities for economic stability—providing a permanent path out of sex trafficking by equipping survivors and those at risk with the tools, training, and support to reclaim their autonomy, power, and future.
Our Vision
A world where safety is non-negotiable and every survivor has access to opportunity—where the past doesn't keep you from a beautiful future.
Our Core Values
Trauma Informed by Design
Everything we do—with survivors, in the community, and as an organization—built for emotional safety—for every body.
Survivor Centered
Survivors shape programs intended to support their healing.
Intentional Choices
Honoring each person's right to make decisions about their future.
Mutual Accountability
True accountability grows from understanding and learning, not judgement.
Unconditional Love
Every person is worthy of love and
belonging—without exception.
Consistency
Showing up consistently with
compassion and trust.
Fairness and Equality
Support to overcome invisible barriers and move forward.
Beauty is Essential
Beauty as a tool for restoration,
confidence, and healing.
Our Leadership Team
Julie Chapus, LMSW
Executive Director
Julie brings over 15 years of experience in social work and anti-trafficking
advocacy. She holds a Master's in Social Work and is passionate about
creating therapeutic environments where survivors can heal and thrive.
Her vision for Miss Julie's School combines her expertise in trauma-
informed care with her belief in the transformative power of beauty
education.
Credentials & Expertise:
Licensed Master Social Worker
Anti-Trafficking Specialist
Trauma-Informed Care Certified
Licensed cosmetology director, Instructor and agent
Caren Barth
Deputy Director
Caren uses her skills as a writer, educator, and grant professional to ensure that programs stay mission-focused and sustainable. She is driven by the belief that love and hope are powerful strategies for breaking down barriers, supporting survivors, and building a safer, stronger Rochester community.
Credentials & Expertise:
Skilled professional
Values-driven approach
Community impact
Jordan Betts
Program Director
Jordan oversees all educational programs and curriculum development
at Miss Julie's School. With a background in both education and program
management, she ensures that our cosmetology training meets industry
standards while maintaining our therapeutic approach. Jordan works
closely with students to develop individualized learning plans that support
their unique healing journeys.
Credentials & Expertise:
Program Management Certification
Educational Leadership
Cosmetology Industry Expert
Ralph Bocchino
Board Chair & Field Liaison
Ralph serves as the vital connection between our school operations and
our board of directors. With extensive experience in organizational
management and community partnerships, he ensures effective
communication between all stakeholders. Ralph also manages our field
placement programs and industry partnerships that provide real-world
experience for students.
Credentials & Expertise:
Organizational Management
Community Partnership Development
Board Relations Specialist
Chantal Reese
Survivor Leader
Chantal is a powerful voice for survivors and a living testament to the
transformative power of our program. As a graduate of therapeutic
education programs herself, she provides peer support and mentorship
to current students. Her leadership and advocacy work extends beyond
our school to the broader community, where she speaks about survivor
experiences and empowerment.
Credentials & Expertise:
Peer Support Specialist
Community Advocate
Public Speaker
Mandy Winseman, LCSW
School Social Worker
Mandy provides crucial therapeutic support to students throughout their
educational journey. She specializes in trauma recovery and has
extensive experience working with survivors of trafficking. Mandy conducts
individual and group therapy sessions, develops treatment plans, and
works with students to address barriers to their success.
Credentials & Expertise:
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Trauma Specialist
Group Therapy Certified
Our Support Team
David Chapus, LMSW
Legal Counsel
David has drafted hundreds of decisions and orders in both civil and criminal cases.
Career Law Clerk 1994 - 2025 Hon. David G. Larimer, USDJ Western District of New York
Juris Doctorate State University of New York at Buffalo 1986, Editor, Buffalo Law Review 1984-1986
BAR ADMISSIONS New York 1986, United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit (2008)
Credentials & Expertise:
Career Law Clerk – U.S. District Court (1994–2025)
Juris Doctor – SUNY Buffalo Law School (1986)
Admitted to the New York Bar & Second Circuit Court of Appeals
Mandy Winseman
ICSW & School Social Worker
Mandy's expertise in social work and psychotherapy allows her to provide essential mental health support to our students. Her use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Integrative/Holistic Psychotherapy ensures that our students receive the most effective treatment.
Credentials & Expertise:
Mandy is skilled in social work and psychotherapy.
She provides mental health support to students.
Admitted to the New York Bar & Second Circuit Court of Appeals
Gerianne Puskas
Board Vice Chair
With over twenty years in leadership roles, I have transformed development and communication strategies, leading to substantial organizational support and award-winning campaigns that resonate with our community's ethos.
My final full-time position in a local non-profit included co-launching a $20M capital campaign and fostering a government relations initiative that secured $8M in support in 18 months. We achieved these through building relationships and an acute awareness of community concerns, ensuring inclusivity and alignment in every initiative. I bring this experience and passion to every organization I work with. This commitment to ethical leadership and strategic innovation continues to guide our mission to build a stronger future together.
Credentials & Expertise:
Over 20 years of leadership in development and communication.
Co-launched $20M campaign and secured $8M government support.
Committed to ethical leadership and strategic innovation.
Mandy Winseman, LCSW
School Social Worker
Mandy provides crucial therapeutic support to students throughout their
educational journey. She specializes in trauma recovery and has
extensive experience working with survivors of trafficking. Mandy conducts
individual and group therapy sessions, develops treatment plans, and
works with students to address barriers to their success.
Credentials & Expertise:
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Trauma Specialist
Group Therapy Certified
Board of Directors
Our diverse board brings together expertise from law enforcement,
healthcare, business, and survivor advocacy to guide our mission.
Andrea Anderson
Buffalo Police Officer & Veteran
Andrea brings law enforcement expertise and military discipline to our board.
Her experience in identifying and supporting trafficking victims provides
crucial insight into our safety protocols and community outreach efforts.
David Mammano
Speaker, Host & Entrepreneur
David leverages his media and business expertise to raise awareness about
human trafficking. His entrepreneurial background helps guide our
sustainability and growth strategies.
Steven Neumaier
President, Goldwell NY
Steven provides invaluable industry connections and ensures our curriculum
meets professional beauty standards. His leadership in the beauty industry
opens doors for graduate employment and continuing education.
Alexandra Herrmann
Survivor Leader
Alexandra represents the survivor voice on our board, ensuring our programs
remain centered on survivor needs and experiences. Her advocacy work
informs our policy decisions and program development.
Lisa Ireland
Development Chair
Lisa leads our fundraising efforts and grant
writing initiatives. Her background in
development ensures sustainable funding for
our programs and facility improvements.
Robyn Miller
Traveling Nurse
Robyn brings healthcare expertise to our board,
particularly in areas of trauma-informed
medical care and mental health support. Her
medical background informs our student health
and wellness protocols.
Ralph Bocchino
Board Chair & Field Liaison
Ralph serves as the vital connection between our school operations and our board of directors. With extensive experience in organizational management and community partnerships, he ensures effective communication between all stakeholders. Ralph also manages our field placement programs and industry partnerships that provide real-world experience for students.
Melissa Hartwig
Administration & Accreditation
Melissa ensures our school maintains all
necessary accreditations and regulatory
compliance. Her administrative expertise keeps
our operations running smoothly and
professionally.
Lisa Barbosa
Finance Chair
Lisa oversees our financial management and
budgeting processes. Her financial expertise
ensures responsible stewardship of donor funds
and sustainable business practices.
Join Our Mission
Be part of our community of supporters working to empower survivors and
create lasting change.