We are a team of
survivors, advocates,
mothers, and visionaries
passionate about serving our community and our survivors.
Born and raised on the Monterey Peninsula, Diana is deeply rooted in her community and driven by a passion for helping others rebuild their lives. As a mother of four, she understands the strength, resilience, and compassion it takes to navigate life’s challenges. Through her own struggles, her faith in Christ has been the foundation that carried her forward and continues to guide her purpose.
Diana is passionate about walking alongside individuals and families during difficult seasons, offering support, guidance, and hope when it’s needed most. In addition to her role here, she also serves as an Outreach Program Director for another nonprofit, where she oversees multiple programs and works closely with community partners to create meaningful impact.
When she’s not serving the community, Diana can usually be found enjoying iced coffee, listening to music, spending time with her children, and growing in her faith. Her life’s mission is rooted in love for her family, her community, and Jesus and in helping others find strength, restoration, and hope.
Nicole Castillo is the Finance Manager for the Housing Resource Center (HRC) of Monterey County and brings more than 20 years of financial and operational experience across the public and private sectors. She previously served as Board Treasurer for San Carlos School, supporting financial planning, reporting, and fundraising initiatives, and currently volunteers as part of the Finance Committee for Set Free Monterey Bay.
A native of Monterey County, born and raised, Nicole is the proud daughter of a retired U.S. Army veteran and is deeply committed to serving her community. She holds a Master of Science in Business Analytics from Grand Canyon University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance from California State University, Fresno, and is a member of the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society.
Nicole lives in Salinas and is the proud mother of a son.
Jeanine Staton joined the SFMB board in 2020 and took on the role of board president in 2023. She joined the anti-trafficking movement by teaching a class at the YWCA safe house in 2017. She is currently on staff at Calvary Monterey as the Adult Ministries Director. Prior to working at Calvary, she spent over 10 years working in education administration, primarily in admissions & student services, focusing on student leadership and program development. In 2021, Jeanine launched the SFMB Ambassador Program, allowing volunteers to apply for greater responsibility within the organization. She earned her Bachelor's from Syracuse University and her Master of Educational Leadership degree from Gateway Seminary.
Chanelle Simpson is the Vice President and co-owner of Bakker Construction, a high-end residential design-build company based in Monterey, CA. With a passion for both design and business development, Chanelle is also deeply committed to community service. She was proud to be part of the Tatum’s Treehouse inclusive playground project in 2024, where Bakker Construction served as the general contractor. Outside of her work, Chanelle enjoys playing golf and riding her motorcycle. Chanelle and her husband Kaleb have a history of impactful service, having led multiple youth groups together during Kaleb’s time as a youth pastor. Chanelle is honored to join the board and looks forward to contributing to the community she loves.
Maddie Noseworthy has led a variety of ministries including trauma counseling in Uganda, relief work in Haiti, and church planting with All Things New church in Monterey. She currently works as an electronic medical record analyst for Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System. She has two amazing kids and loves to garden.
Cathy has had a passion to help the community for many years. After getting her B.S. in Computer Science from Cal Poly, SLO, she has worked for defense contractors, the Monterey Bay Aquarium and local schools. Cathy also enjoys helping the next generation of student athletes and coaches swimming for Monterey High School. She has been involved volunteering for SFMB through her church and is thrilled to be a part of the mission to end human trafficking.
Michael has over thirty-seven years of experience as an educator at the community college level. This includes twelve years as an instructor at West Hills Community College in Coalinga, California; eight years there as an associate dean; and seventeen years as a dean at Monterey Peninsula College. He is now retired, lives in Monterey, and volunteers at the Monterey Bay Aquarium among other activities. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology and a Master’s Degree in Biology from San Diego State University.
Lisa has worked in agriculture for over 25 years, currently working at Dole Fresh Vegetables. She recently launched her event planning business, Coastal Party Perfection, and also serves as an on-call banquet server. A dedicated volunteer, she has supported Pebble Beach Company events, Quail Lodge, and other community organizations. She served on the Monterey PONY Baseball/Softball board from 2005 to 2015 and is passionate about fundraising and giving back. Her faith journey began in 2018, and she now attends Venture Church, serving on the First Impressions team. She lives in Pacific Grove, California, and is a proud mother and Nana. She feels blessed to support Set Free Monterey Bay’s mission.
Amber came to Set Free Monterey Bay as a volunteer. Her passion for the mission of SFMB came long before being on staff. While serving in ministry, she grew a love for kingdom work. Amber is currently part of the core leadership team at Venture Church and was a part of the church plant launch team. She’s an amazing leader and currently oversees children ministries at Venture. Amber is a first-generation believer. She knows what it is like to experience deep loss, what it looks like to have nothing, and have God turn it all around, bring hope, and come out on the other side, living in freedom. Amber is known for her contagious spirit, passion for life, and crazy love for Jesus. She has a way of speaking life into people and pointing them to Jesus. Amber’s favorite title is mom.
Antoinette is a proud mother of four amazing kids who are the light of her life. Her heart of gold and love for others is infectious, her willingness to serve and help those in need is a true testament in what God has done in her life. Her creativity is a true gift, and she loves sharing it with others. She’s part of the First Impression Team at Venture Church, and she enjoys greeting everyone who walks through the doors with a great big smile! She’s a first-generation believer who knows the hardships of life, growing up in a underserved community. She has impacted and changed so many lives and hopes to impact so many more to come.
We are excited to welcome Marlyn Romero as Set Free Monterey Bay’s new Training and Outreach Coordinator. A proud Monterey County native, Marlyn is dedicated to uplifting her community and supporting pathways to justice, healing, and liberation. She earned her degree in Humanities and Communication with a concentration in Legal Studies from Cal State Monterey Bay, where she also served as a peer mentor for transfer students and individuals impacted by the system.
Marlyn is deeply passionate about women’s empowerment and advocacy, and she works to create safe, strong, and supportive spaces for women, girls, youth, and families. As a devoted mother, she brings her personal and professional dedication to helping communities thrive. In her role at Set Free Monterey Bay, Marlyn is committed to prevention education, equipping youth and communities with knowledge, awareness, and tools to foster lasting change.
Katherine is a loving mother to a wonderful 22-year-old daughter. She is passionate about people and deeply devoted to Jesus. Believing that all followers of Christ are called to serve and love others with compassion and grace, Katherine is dedicated to building meaningful connections and sharing God’s love through faith in action.
Ashley first came to Set Free as a resident and ended up our first graduate! As SFMB alumni she is now taking on the role of Assistant House Manager. Welcome to the team Ash!
Ashley is blessed enough to have 4 years in recovery. Recovery is very important to her as she takes N.A. and sponsorship very seriously. All of this is great but it was nothing compared to finding Jesus! Jesus came into Ashley’s life during her stay at SFMB. Ashley is a first-generation believer and we could not be more proud of her! Ashley loves her family and friends. She is a lover of hot Cheetos and if you ever need somebody to lean on she is always around. If you have had the pleasure of meeting Ashley you will see just how resilient she truly is!
Kayla Trono focuses on building the funding, partnerships, and systems that help survivor-centered anti-trafficking programs grow sustainably. Her work bridges strategy and mission, translating community support into lasting impact for survivors. Drawing on a rich background in nonprofit leadership, business development, and conflict resolution, Kayla is passionate about helping organizations scale without losing the values at the heart of their work.
She holds an M.A. in Conflict Resolution from Georgetown University and a B.S. in Political Science and Philosophy from Towson University.
Ashley Chesney is a leader in the Anti-Trafficking Movement, author of the memoir From the Ashes, and Executive Director of Set Free Monterey Bay. As a passionate advocate and expert trainer, she works closely with first responders and educates communities on how to identify human trafficking—paving the way toward its eradication.
A compelling speaker and alumni member of the CSEC (Commercially Sexually Exploited Children) Advisory Board with the National Center for Youth Law, Ashley brings her lived experience to the forefront of policy and advocacy efforts. Through her own journey, she found freedom—and now dedicates her life to walking alongside survivors as they reclaim theirs.
Ashley earned her B.A. in Collaborative Health and Human Services from Cal State University Monterey Bay, graduating summa cum laude with a focus on nonprofit management and social work. Ashley is a sex trafficking survivor turned thriver.
Andrea Blanco, native Californian grew up in Monterey Bay, where she spends most of her time walking on the beach, reading, and hosting friends and family. She is a wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend to many. Whose passion is for encouraging others to prosper and be their healthiest self.
She holds a B.A. in Liberal Studies and a Multiple Subject teaching credential from CSU Monterey Bay. Currently pursuing an Alcohol and other Drug Counseling Certification from Hartnell College. Came from a 12-year career in Student Affairs in Housing at CSU Monterey Bay, serving as a Community Director in Housing and Office manager working in upper division graduate and family housing. Where she was inspired working with students to develop life skills, decision-making abilities and mentorship. Also serves on the online prayer Dream Team with Seacoast Church where she gets to serve globally. In addition has served 2 years as an International Bible Study Fellowship leader, facilitating yearly bible studies. One of her favorite things about serving in this capacity is coming alongside women who are walking with Jesus.
She loves hot chocolate, any coastal village, ocean, concerts, enjoys long drives, fields of flowers, and would love to have a hydrangea garden for days!!
Through prayer and God’s guidance it has led her to work with the SFMB Team! Her passion for working and coming alongside others to champion has propelled her to work in this field.
Double your impact through employer matching. Many companies match charitable donations. Check with your employer to see if your gift to Set Free Monterey Bay can go twice as far.
Support freedom through the gift of appreciated securities. Donating stock can help you avoid capital gains taxes while making a significant, long-term impact on survivors' lives.
Give through your Donor-Advised Fund or IRA charitable gift (Qualified Charitable Distribution) for a simple, tax-wise gift.
Leave a lasting legacy of freedom. By including Set Free Monterey Bay in your will or estate plan, you help ensure that survivors continue receiving care, hope, and restoration.
We're always in need of daily necessities like cleaning supplies, paper towels, hand and dish soap, new women's underwear, bras, socks, warm jackets, and blankets. You can view our Amazon Wish List for specific items our clients currently need. If you'd like to donate items not listed, please contact us for details.
Reliable transportation is essential for survivors to access therapy, school, work, court hearings, and medical appointments.
Instead of giving through third-party platforms, vehicles and transportation support can now be donated directly to Set Free Monterey Bay. You can help by:
Your gift ensures survivors can move forward—literally and figuratively—as they rebuild their lives in freedom.
Many survivors we serve need a safe place to stay—sometimes urgently. You can provide immediate relief by sponsoring hotel stays directly through Set Free Monterey Bay. These gifts create space for safety, dignity, and rest for survivors in crisis situations.
To help, you can donate financially toward emergency lodging or provide gift cards for trusted local hotels.
Gift cards are a great way for us to help survivors meet ongoing needs such as gas, food, clothing, and medication. Examples of helpful gift cards are: Gas Stations, Lucky, Rite Aid, CVS, Grocery Outlet, Walmart, Target, Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Kohl’s, Ross, Restaurants, Coffee Shops and Fast Food Restaurants.
24/7 Rescue Hotline for adults in sexual exploitation wanting to exit immediately.
24/7 Rescue Hotline for adults in sexual exploitation wanting to exit immediately.
Works through partner agencies to place survivors in safe housing — typically contacted via website.
Atlanta Hotline: 1-943-223-3733
Ohio Hotline: 1-614-957-7510
Offers outreach, mentorship, and safe housing for adults exiting sexual exploitation.
