Our Team

Jump to: Founder, Steering Committee, Committee Chairs/Co-Chairs

Leadership Team

Daniela Peterka-Benton
Director, Global Center on Human Trafficking
Associate Professor, Justice Studies

Daniela Peterka-Benton is an associate professor in the Department of Justice Studies and serves as the coordinator for the department’s International Justice concentration. She has a PhD in Sociology with a specialization in Criminology from the University of Vienna, Austria, a Master’s degrees in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati, and Master’s degree in Adult and Media Education from the University of Vienna. Read More

Christabelle Robinson
Program Coordinator

robinsonchr@montclair.edu

Christabelle Robinson (she/her/hers) is the Communications and Social Media Specialist at the Global Center on Human Trafficking. A survivor herself, her passion for survivor advocacy and rights is at the forefront of her work. Christabelle has years of survivor advocacy experience including blogs, interviews, and public speaking on human trafficking and related issues. She is an experienced trainer and educator and draws from her lived experience to connect with audiences. Read More

Ashlee Martellacci
Student, Intern, and Volunteer Coordinator

martellaccia@montclair.edu

Ashlee Martellacci is the Student and Volunteer Program Coordinator for the Global Center on Human Trafficking, as well as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Social Work and Child Advocacy for Montclair State University. She has a Master’s in Child Advocacy and Policy with a concentration in Public Child Welfare and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Montclair State University. She also holds a paralegal certificate from Montclair State University. Read More

Madison Kranis
Program Assistant

kranism@montclair.edu

Madison Kranis (she/her/hers) is the Program Assistant at the Global Center on Human Trafficking. Madison is passionate about advocating for human rights and has been involved with anti-trafficking organizations for several years. She has a BA in Justice Studies from Montclair State University and an MA in Human Trafficking, Organised Crime, and Migration at St. Mary’s University, Twickenham in London, UK. Read More

Founder

Mimi Feliciano
Founder and Senior Advisor, FEM Real Estate, LLC

Mimi Feliciano, Founder and Senior Advisor of the Global Center on Human Trafficking, brought her passion for supporting anti-trafficking efforts to the university in 2018, which led to the establishment of MIGHT: the Montclair Interest Group On Human Trafficking. Reflecting Mimi’s vision for a response to trafficking that integrates all perspectives, this collaborative group included faculty, staff, and students with a mission to engage the entire campus. In 2021, Mimi’s generosity and commitment was realized in seed funding for establishing the Global Center on Human Trafficking. The Center is now housed within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences leading a multi-disciplinary effort focused on developing innovative solutions to the global problem of human trafficking. Read More

Global Center on Human Trafficking Team Photo

Advisory Council

We welcome new members and partners. Please contact us for more information.

Brianne Baird, Assistant Vice President, Corporate and Foundation Relations
Kieran Barrett, Chief of Police, Montclair State University
Bond Benton, Associate Professor, School of Communications and Media
Nancy Coba, Clinical Specialist, Department of Social Work and Child Advocacy
Jason Dickinson, Professor, Psychology
Emily Douglas, Chairperson, Social Work and Child Advocacy
Elizabeth Emery, Professor, World Languages and Cultures
Mathew Jack, Managing Director, Public Service Practice, Fermata
Debra Jones, Global Partnership Strategist, Global Center on Human Trafficking; Adjunct Professor, Justice Studies, Montclair State University
Maneesha Kelkar, Adjunct Professor, Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies Department
Peter Kingstone, Dean, College of Humanities and Social Science
Madison Kranis, Program Assistant, Global Center on Human Trafficking
Francesca Laguardia, Associate Professor, Justice Studies
Nicole Lytle, Associate Professor, Social Work and Child Advocacy, Montclair State University
Ross Malaga, Chairperson, Information Management and Business Analytics, Montclair State University
Manveer Mann, Associate Professor, Marketing, Montclair State University
Ashlee Martellacci, Adjunct Professor, Social Work and Child Advocacy
Maryrose Mcinerney, Instructional Specialist, Communication Sciences and Disorders
Meaghan Morin, Communications Director, College of Humanities and Social Science
Joseph Oluwole, Professor, Chairperson, Educational Leadership
Minnie Parker, Professional Services Specialist 2/Administrative Services (CWA), College of Humanities and Social Science
Daniela Peterka-Benton, Associate Professor, Justice Studies
Allison Quinn, Director of Development, University Development
Laura Quiros, Associate Professor, Social Work and Child Advocacy, Montclair State University
Lynette Reitz, Associate Professor, Social Work and Child Advocacy, Montclair State University
Jessica Restaino, Professor, Writing Studies
Christabelle Robinson, Communications and Media Specialist, Global Center on Human Trafficking
Ted Russo, Director of Research and Sponsored Programs, Research and Sponsored Programs
Stephen Ruszczyk, Associate Professor, Sociology, Montclair State University
Dave Ryan, Director, Westchester County Domestic Violence High-Risk Team
Ely Santoni Tuero, Senior Director of Gift Planning, Development
Sanford Shevack, Adjunct Faculty, Sociology, Montclair State University
Marissa Silverman, Professor of Music, Coordinator of Undergraduate Music Education, John J. Cali School of Music
Kenneth Sumner, Associate Provost for Academic Personnel, Academic Affairs
Monica Taylor, Professor, Educational Foundations, Montclair State University
Krystal Woolston, Assistant Director, Center for Community Engagement

Legislative Breakfast Committee

The Legislative Breakfast Committee is a collective of event partners comprised of local organizations, Montclair staff and faculty, lived experience professionals, and the Global Center on Human Trafficking (GCHT). This dedicated group collaborates to plan and promote the Annual Legislative Breakfast to tackle critical issues, drive impactful conversations, and effect positive change in New Jersey’s legislative landscape with survivors and victims at the forefront of the discussion and active advocacy.

Legislative Breakfast Committee Members:

Local Partners:

• Covenant House – NJ
• HR Recovery Initiative
• Family Service League
• Legal Services of New Jersey
• New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking
• Partners NJ
• Volunteer Lawyers for Justice

Montclair Partners:

• Feliciano Center for Entrepreneurship + Innovation
• Justice Studies
• Political Science and Law Department
• Pre-Law Program
• Social Work and Child Advocacy Department