Each February, Darkness to Light proudly recognizes Facilitator Appreciation Month—a time to honor and thank our Certified Instructors and Authorized Facilitators who make prevention possible through their courage to lead, their willingness to educate, and their deep commitment to protecting children and strengthening communities.
A special note from our CEO, Rhonda Newton:
Facilitators are the heart of our mission. They step into difficult conversations, equip adults with practical tools, and help create safer environments for children where they live, learn, and play. This work often happens quietly, but its impact is profound.
Because of your dedication, more than 52,000 adults were trained in 2025, better equipping families and organizations to recognize risk, take action, and protect children.
Across our network, Facilitators have demonstrated extraordinary commitment. We are especially grateful to Keita Cooley, Kia Glosson, Breanna Little, and Lauren Kissinger, each of whom reached the milestone of training more than 500 adults in 2025. We also celebrate the 13 Facilitators marking their 10-year authorization anniversary, honoring a decade of leadership and dedication to prevention.
Your leadership is also expanding prevention globally. In 2025, Facilitators helped extend Darkness to Light’s reach into Qatar, Thailand, Norway, Ethiopia, Turks and Caicos, Serbia, Vietnam, and Botswana—building trust and strengthening child safety across cultures and communities.
This work is not easy. It takes courage, preparation, and presence. Thank you for continuing to show up because you believe prevention is possible—and necessary. Your leadership makes a difference, often in ways you may never fully see.
Thank you for lending your voice, your expertise, and your heart to this mission. Together, we are building safer communities and a future where prevention truly is possible.
— Rhonda Newton
Chief Executive Officer, Darkness to Light
Years of Impact. Countless Children Safer.
This month, we’re celebrating Facilitators who’ve been leading prevention work for 5, 10, and even 20 years. These milestones represent thousands of conversations, countless trainings, and a deep commitment to protecting children.
5 Years of Prevention — A Strong Foundation
Christina Ujcic, Breanna Little, Carrie Norvell, Rachel Miller, Abby Bearden, Genevie Brown, Megan Brown, Brenda Zofrea, Patricia Ascorbe, Angela Wesselink, Crystal Newcomb, Trenisha Paris Jones, Nicolas B Jones, Rev. Jevon Billups, Danisha Bailey, Rachelle Gardner, Jennifer Gold, Heidi Neese, Rayna Smaller, Sarah Imbesi, Danielle Reggio, Melanie Folmar, Madison Gregg, Sarah Cruze, Irma Rodriguez, Maryrose Garcia, Yolanda Murrell, Ninah Pearson, Jenna Caslin, Laura Staats, Janet Govin
10 Years of Prevention — A Decade of Leadership
Sarah Morin, Kimberly Lakin Creger, James McMillion, Morgan Rooy, Ann Pimentel, Victoria Halcomb, Holly Naylor, Selona Willett, Abbi Shanle, Anna Johnson, Thelma Horton. Tony F. Craddock. Lauren Penizotto
20 Years of Prevention — A Legacy of Courage
Michele Booth Cole
Milestones That Matter
Because of our Facilitators:
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52,000+ adults trained in 2025 to recognize risk and take action
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Prevention education in 115 countries—and growing
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Statewide efforts mobilized to strengthen child safety at scale
