Elyssa Schroeder

Background

About Elyssa Schroeder

Elyssa Schroeder is the Director of Survivor Engagement at CenHTRO, where she oversees projects related to the care, research, and support of victims and survivors of human trafficking. Additionally, she is a PhD Candidate researching human trafficking, complex trauma, and survivor-driven interventions. With 15 years of experience in direct services, policy, and research within the anti-gender-based violence movement, her current focus is on developing culturally responsive and trauma-informed post-trafficking services in West and Southern Africa. She has been awarded personal funding for this work from the International Labour Organization and a Fulbright Scholar grant. Elyssa's commitment to survivors extends beyond her research. She has co-developed a health and wellness program for women in India, strengthened global human trafficking service programs, worked as a trauma therapist, established a Victim Services Department in rural Texas, and serves on the board of a local anti-trafficking nonprofit in Athens, Georgia. Elyssa acknowledges that survivors of GBV and human trafficking are not a monolith and need adaptable services that view each person as deserving respect and healing. This also means actively addressing oppressive systems such as racism, sexism, ableism, colonialism, and queerphobia.