Dear Katie: Survivor Stories

'I went in there to be safe... I couldn't protect myself.'

Partying on spring break as teenagers do, Carissa seeks safety among friends after drinking too much. She is taken advantage of in her vulnerable state, assaulted by the group, and recorded. Getting through her healing journey one day at a time, today she advocates and lobbies state legislators to lift the statute of limitations for sexual assault and child molestation. Her passion is speaking for others until they find their voice, and whether it's as a guest speaker or at the state house, she hopes to advocate for our survivors. She wants survivors to know that they too matter and that healing and finding your voice take time.

Host: Katie Koestner

Editor: Evan Mader

Producers: Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang

'I remember so much of it... In my previous traumas, I blacked out a lot of the very traumatic stuff... but this one was different.'

Today, we're joined by Lizzy Fowler, an ultra-marathon trail runner and award-winning documentary filmmaker. After finding her own passion for running while exploring the neuroscience of the "flow state" in her film work, Lizzy has gone on to complete grueling races like the Moab 240. Now, she's channeling that experience into her next challenge: a Fastest Known Time attempt on the legendary John Muir Trail, along with her mission ahead to empower other women along the way.

Host: Katie Koestner

Editor: Evan Mader

Producers: Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang

'I remember so much of it... In my previous traumas, I blacked out a lot of the very traumatic stuff... but this one was different.'

Today, we're joined by Lizzy Fowler, an ultra-marathon trail runner and award-winning documentary filmmaker. After finding her own passion for running while exploring the neuroscience of the "flow state" in her film work, Lizzy has gone on to complete grueling races like the Moab 240. Now, she's channeling that experience into her next challenge: a Fastest Known Time attempt on the legendary John Muir Trail, along with her mission ahead to empower other women along the way.

Host: Katie Koestner

Editor: Evan Mader

Producers: Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang

Isolated from her family and friends, Jenna finds herself on the receiving end of abuse from a serial cheater. Prompted to leave by her mother-in-law, she packs up in the night and gets back up on her feet with the help of Section 8. Today, she has dedicated her life to helping others get the second chance she did. 

Jenna Ghisolfo is the Founder and CEO of Housing Consultants of America, a national consulting firm dedicated to helping individuals experiencing homelessness move off the streets and into safe, stable housing. With over 18 years of experience in the affordable housing industry, she partners with property owners, nonprofits, and housing agencies across the country to ensure compliance while expanding access to housing for vulnerable populations. Jenna is also a national speaker and advocate for domestic violence survivors, using her voice to raise awareness about housing stability and crisis resources. A former Section 8 resident herself, she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her mission. She currently serves as the United States of America’s Mrs. Arizona, using her platform to empower, inspire, and uplift communities across the nation.

Host: Katie Koestner

Editor: Evan Mader

Producers: Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang 

Isolated from her family and friends, Jenna finds herself on the receiving end of abuse from a serial cheater. Prompted to leave by her mother-in-law, she packs up in the night and gets back up on her feet with the help of Section 8. Today, she has dedicated her life to helping others get the second chance she did. 

Jenna Ghisolfo is the Founder and CEO of Housing Consultants of America, a national consulting firm dedicated to helping individuals experiencing homelessness move off the streets and into safe, stable housing. With over 18 years of experience in the affordable housing industry, she partners with property owners, nonprofits, and housing agencies across the country to ensure compliance while expanding access to housing for vulnerable populations. Jenna is also a national speaker and advocate for domestic violence survivors, using her voice to raise awareness about housing stability and crisis resources. A former Section 8 resident herself, she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her mission. She currently serves as the United States of America’s Mrs. Arizona, using her platform to empower, inspire, and uplift communities across the nation.

Host: Katie Koestner

Editor: Evan Mader

Producers: Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang 

'Today, if I had to change course, I would still choose the Navy.'

Stephanie Gattas is a U.S. Navy veteran and mission-driven marketing and communications leader based in San Antonio, Texas. She’s the Founder and Executive Director of The Pink Berets, a nonprofit supporting women veterans and first responders through trauma-informed, holistic wellness programs. She’s also the CEO of Tactical One, a newly formed women’s safety technology company focused on building tools that help women feel safer in everyday life. Stephanie brings a blend of real-world leadership, advocacy, and practical strategy to every conversation. When she’s not working, she loves cooking, especially when it’s an excuse to gather people and take care of her community.

Host: Katie Koestner

Editor: Evan Mader

Producers: Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang

'Today, if I had to change course, I would still choose the Navy.'

Stephanie Gattas is a U.S. Navy veteran and mission-driven marketing and communications leader based in San Antonio, Texas. She’s the Founder and Executive Director of The Pink Berets, a nonprofit supporting women veterans and first responders through trauma-informed, holistic wellness programs. She’s also the CEO of Tactical One, a newly formed women’s safety technology company focused on building tools that help women feel safer in everyday life. Stephanie brings a blend of real-world leadership, advocacy, and practical strategy to every conversation. When she’s not working, she loves cooking, especially when it’s an excuse to gather people and take care of her community.

Host: Katie Koestner

Editor: Evan Mader

Producers: Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang

Surviving incredible normalized violence from a young age, Adama Nyama Bah lives in incredible pain in silence as her suffering is celebrated. Sharing her harrowing personal journey finding freedom after being repeatedly victimized, she finds power and healing by speaking up and fighting for the voices of fellow survivors. Adama is a strong advocate for survivors of sexual violence and aims to provide holistic support that will enable individuals to live meaningful and fulfilling lives.

Host: Katie Koestner

Editor: Evan Mader

Producers: Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang

Surviving incredible normalized violence from a young age, Adama Nyama Bah lives in incredible pain in silence as her suffering is celebrated. Sharing her harrowing personal journey finding freedom after being repeatedly victimized, she finds power and healing by speaking up and fighting for the voices of fellow survivors. Adama is a strong advocate for survivors of sexual violence and aims to provide holistic support that will enable individuals to live meaningful and fulfilling lives.

Host: Katie Koestner

Editor: Evan Mader

Producers: Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang

"Even just the honoring of 'it happened' ... is just so important."

Halli Lou Faulkner is a somatic therapist and trauma-informed trainer who specializes in creating healing spaces for sexual assault survivors. Drawing on body-based practices, mindfulness, and compassionate presence, she supports individuals and communities in reconnecting with their bodies and restoring a sense of safety, agency, and wholeness. Through her trainings and programs, Halli Lou helps women cultivate resilience, deepen embodiment, and build pathways toward collective healing. She loves reality TV, swimming in the ocean, and riding bikes with her six-year-old daughter.

For more information on Halli Lou Faulkner and her work, look here:

https://www.emdrandpsychotherapy.com/about/