Valiant Hearts is currently overseen by a Board of Directors and supported by an Survivor Leader Advisory Council. There are four parts to our volunteer team:
Jonathan graduated from South Houston High school and went to further his education at Southwestern Assemblies of God University, in Waxahachie, Texas. After one year of Bible college he returned to his hometown to begin a five year internship at Christian Temple with the youth ministry department. During his internship he continued his studies online at Berean University until receiving his Ordination.
“My Passion is reaching the lost and seeing people develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I want others to know Jesus as I know Him. I love doing life with people and helping them find the purpose and plan that God has for them. I want people in our city to see Life Church and every other church in our community as one body; serving and working together for His Kingdom.”
“I am passionate about my family. my beautiful wife Tearah of 20 years, and my children Jake, Deacon, Ryland, and Elleigh. I could not do any of this without each one of them.”
“I love being outdoors hunting, and fishing, and Alabama Crimson Tide Football is MY TEAM, ROLL TIDE!”
Colleen has 25 years of experience in accounting and finance. She has 14 years of public accounting work and has served as an EVP of Operations. She joined the board in August of 2022. Colleen has a passion for financial literacy and came to Valiant Hearts to help empower the woman they serve with financial tools and strategies to manage their finances. She is excited to bring her expertise in the private sector to Valiant Hearts to help ensure financial reporting, compliance, budgeting and financial vision are solid for the organization. Colleen has a degree from the University of North Texas in Business Administration and has been a Certified Pro Advisor for over 20 years.
“Watching one soul find freedom and healing is priceless. In my 14 years at Valiant Hearts, I have had the privilege of journeying with many ladies as they seek restoration from exploitation. I am grateful, it fills my heart, and I look forward to many more stories of healing in the years to come.”
Ava Kamdem is a survivor leader, mother, wife, and student. In the anti-trafficking movement, Ava has assisted federal agents in recovering survivors, publicly shared her story, worked with multiple NGO’s on survivor-informed care, created outreach programs, and served on the Human Trafficking Survivor Leadership Council of Texas.
Ava is currently attending Columbia University to further her education in psychology with the hopes of becoming an IO psychologist.
At the age of 17, Bekah Charleston became a victim of sex trafficking when she ran away from home. She remained a victim for more than 10 years with multiple traffickers, finally able to escape when the federal authorities became involved.
She hit rock bottom, almost believing that she was forever trapped in her circumstances and defined by her past. She started attending Valiant Hearts’ support group, graduating, and then serving as our Executive Director from 2017 to 2020.
Bekah has rebuilt her life and is a nationally recognized speaker, contributor, and consultant. She’s dedicated her life to helping individuals and organizations grow through adversity.
“He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” - Isaiah 61:1
P.O. Box 92511
Southlake, TX 76092
Office: 817-329-6921
We Are Cherished, Inc., dba Valiant Hearts is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. EIN 32-0348032.