OUR TEAM MEMBERS
Dr. Debra McWilliams
Treasurer, Content Developer, & Simulation Expert
Dr. Douglas Gilmer
SME, Speaker, Educator & Consultant
Det. Heidi Chance
SME, Speaker, Educator & Consultant
Geraldine L. Cornell, Ed.D., RN
Treasurer, Educator & Speaker
Dr. Geraldine L. Cornell, Ed.D., RN, is a seasoned registered nurse, mentor, and educator specializing in simulation design, development, and evaluation. Geri has been instrumental in the creation, development, and evaluation of pre-licensure and graduate simulation programs. As a simulation expert and consultant, Geri serves as a strong advocate for integrating experiential learning modalities into healthcare education programs. She has traveled internationally to present and collaborate regarding best practice using simulation. A member of several professional organizations, Geri has presented research findings and served as a content reviewer for International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare (IMSH). She is a published author, speaker, and founder of Cardpassionate, LLC. As an executive board member of NUAHT in the capacity of Secretary, Geri also serves as a content developer and educator. With her expertise and strong background in simulation, she is in the midst of developing a simulation module based on a human trafficking case study. Geri is active in various forms of advocacy efforts to educate, equip, and empower the masses by raising awareness on human trafficking and supporting survivors.
Det. Randall Snyder, MA
SME, Speaker, Educator & Consultant
Det. Randall Snyder, MA served with the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office from 2000 until his retirement in 2021. He served as a patrol deputy, patrol Corporal, and a detective in the Person's Crimes Unit, specializing in Internet Crimes Against Children. Det. Snyder served as a Task Force Officer with the Arizona Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for two years, and was an affiliate member for an additional 4 years. During this time, he received the 2016 US Attorney General’s Special Commendation, a Medal of Distinction, Pinal County Attorney’s Victim’s Rights Award, and the Dr. Marie Griffith Distinguished Alumni Award from Arizona State University. During his expansive law enforcement tenure, Det. Snyder had led investigations spanning 33 states and 8 countries on 3 continents. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies and Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from Arizona State University, where he also served for over seven years as an Honors Faculty instructor. Det, Snyder is a well-published author, with his most recent book titled, Cyber Creeps: Real-Life Investigations of Internet Crimes Against Children. He is a Certified Social Media Intelligence Analyst, Certified Expert in Cyber Investigations, Court Expert Witness, and Certified Computer Voice Stress Analysis Examiner.
Mary Jo Ross, BA
Speaker, Educator & Lived-Experience Expert of FST
Mary Jo Ross, BA is a highly sought-after invited speaker and author. As a lived-experience survivor of familial sex trafficking, she was raised in a family that was part of a generational satanic cult and was pimped out by four family members for favors, groceries, drugs, and cash during what she calls her “17 years in Hell.” Mary Jo turned her exploitation and abuse into, not only living as a thriver, but advocating for those who can’t speak for themselves. Initially, she funneled that passion into helping others struggling with cancer. As a professional with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications, Mary Jo led a business that managed oncology associations. She advocated for and led initiatives to improve cancer coverage, leading to seven state laws being passed to benefit cancer patients. She now advocates for children subjected to sexual abuse, familial sex trafficking, as well as adults who experienced the same trauma. She is the author of two books that were published in 2023: STOP THE SILENCE® Thriving After Child Sexual Abuse and Can My Business Survive My Vacation?
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Debra McWilliams, Ph.D., RN, CHSE, is a registered professional nurse for 37 years, accomplished educator, and healthcare professional with a diverse background in nursing and a strong commitment to advancing the field of nursing simulation-based education. She is a certified healthcare simulation educator (CHSE) which exemplifies competence and educational expertise in that arena. Dr. McWilliams completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Pace University. She earned her Ph.D. from Molloy University, after successfully defending her dissertation, “Evaluating Caring Behaviors in High Fidelity Simulation Following a Caring Concept Educational Intervention."
Throughout her career, she has held various roles including Clinical Nurse Specialist, Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse, Nursing Clinical Lab Instructor, and currently Assistant Professor and Director of the Interprofessional Simulation Center for the School of Health Professions and School of Nursing at Long Island University, Post Campus, in New York. Dr. McWilliams is a strong advocate for research, experiential learning, and innovation in nursing education. She has had several poster and podium presentations centered on simulation education. She is also an active member of several professional organizations, including Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning, and the Society for Simulation in Healthcare. Recognized for her commitment to excellence in teaching, Dr. McWilliams received the prestigious David Newton Award for Excellence in Teaching in April 2023.
Dr. McWilliams remains dedicated to the pursuit of preparing the next generation of nurses by becoming a transformational leader and champion in simulation education and including innovative strategies to engage students in learning. Her expertise in developing and implementing educational programs will enhance NUAHT’s training initiatives, empowering current and future healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to identify and support victims of human trafficking effectively, ultimately driving innovative approaches to combatting human trafficking within the healthcare systems as well.
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Debra McWilliams, Ph.D., RN, CHSE
Treasurer, Content Developer & Simulation Expert
Douglas Gilmer, Ph.D.
SME, Speaker, Educator & Consultant
Douglas Gilmer, Ph.D. is a 35-year law enforcement veteran with the last 25 spent serving the Department of Homeland Security. He finished his career as the Senior Advisor and Senior Law Enforcement Liaison at the Department of Homeland Security’s Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT) in Washington, DC. Prior to this role, he served in a variety of management, supervisory, investigative, and operational positions within Homeland Security Investigations. Doug is a dedicated defender of human rights and fighter against crimes such as human trafficking and child exploitation with his work beginning even before the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 was enacted. Doug is passionate about building and equipping teams to effectively combat these crimes, assisting victims and holding offenders accountable. Doug is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), serving on its Victim Services Committee. He is in high demand across the country as a speaker, lecturer, and trainer to law enforcement, churches, faith-based organizations, college campuses, and communities.
Doug holds a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies from Liberty University, an MNR from Virginia Tech, an MA from Luther Rice University, and a Ph.D. from Columbia International University. His doctoral research focused on the organizational outcomes of collaborative, multidisciplinary teams used in human trafficking investigations. Doug has completed additional courses of study at the National War College, Joint Special Operations University, and the Senior Executive Leadership course at the Defense Equal Opportunity and Management Institute. Doug is as an adjunct professor, sits on the advisory boards at multiple universities, and recently served as a mentor to the 2023-2024 cohort of Frederick Douglass Fellows, a program of the Human Trafficking Institute.
Doug is a proud military veteran, retiring in 2019 from the United States Coast Guard Reserve with his last assignment serving as the Gold Badge Command Master Chief for the Coast Guard’s Fifth District, encompassing Washington, DC, the Mid-Atlantic Seaboard, and about 5000 personnel.
Doug is the Founder & President of Resolved Strategies, LLC, a global justice solutions group, helping connect organization with the relationships, resources, technology, and training they need while also helping build collaborative, multidisciplinary teams, to effectively address various forms of human exploitation around the world.
Doug makes his home in the “Magic City” of Birmingham, Alabama, where he is also a proud graduate of the 2023 class of Leadership Birmingham and the first law enforcement officer to be nominated and selected to the program in over 30 years.
Det. Heidi Chance
SME, Speaker, Educator & Consultant
Det. Heidi Chance is a distinguished law enforcement professional with over 27 years of dedicated service. Throughout her career, she has been at the forefront of combating sex trafficking, bringing her vast experience, real truths, lived experiences as an undercover officer, and impactful case study examples into her coaching, training, and presentations. Heidi is renowned for her expertise in the field, recognized as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in sex trafficking, and frequently called upon as an Expert Witness in trials. She was featured in the Frontline PBS documentary “Sex Trafficking in America” and is an Executive Contributor for BRAINZ Magazine, authoring several articles on Human Trafficking.
Heidi conducted a meticulous investigation that resulted in a trafficker being found guilty on 101 counts of child sex trafficking, dangerous crimes against children, aggravated assault, and many other charges. This trafficker received a record sentence of 493.5 years in prison, which gave his 7 victims justice for his crimes.
Heidi's commitment to raising awareness and educating both law enforcement agencies and the community is evident in her dynamic approach to training. She offers a wide range of learning opportunities, including in-person sessions, online courses, and live webinars tailored to meet the needs of diverse audiences. Her goal is to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to identify and combat sex trafficking effectively.
Believing firmly that the fight against sex trafficking requires a collective effort, Heidi advocates for widespread participation in this crucial battle. Through her website, A Chance for Awareness, she extends her reach, offering resources, insights, and guidance to all who wish to stand against this pervasive crime. Heidi Chance is not just a voice in the field; she is a beacon of hope, driving change and fostering a unified front to protect and empower the most vulnerable in our society.
Recently, Heidi released her debut book "Talk To Them", Navigating Difficult Conversations With Youth In The Digital Age. Talk to Them is a vital resource for parents and mentors striving to navigate the complexities of the digital age and engage in impactful conversations with the younger generation. Detective Heidi Chance leverages her 27 years of law enforcement experience to provide insightful strategies for engaging in meaningful conversations about online safety, social media, and digital trends.