Real Leaders, Real Impact: Why TRAPPED Has Serious Support
State officials, school principals, and advocacy founders are embracing this VR tool to combat human trafficking with proven results
Human trafficking demands innovative tools to drive awareness and action, and TRAPPED: A VR Detective Story, created by Radical Empathy Education Foundation, is leading the charge.
This immersive virtual reality experience places users in the perspective of Lisa, a 14-year-old ensnared by online predation, designed with input from survivors and trauma-informed experts. Its impact resonates across sectors, earning praise from a remarkable group of professionals and organizations listed on reefcares.org’s testimonials page (https://reefcares.org/Testimonials).
From law enforcement leaders to educators, advocates, and media professionals, these individuals and groups have experienced TRAPPED and are eager to share its impact, even if their roles prevent formal endorsements. Their perspectives highlight the power of TRAPPED to foster empathy and understanding, making it a vital tool for training and education. Below, we’ve organized these voices into groups to help you connect with those most relevant to your interests. Reach out to any of them to hear firsthand how TRAPPED is changing the way we combat human trafficking.
We know it’s hard to assess a new tool, and we want to help in any way we can. Contact these individuals or organizations to get their honest opinions!
The Impact of TRAPPED
TRAPPED: A VR Detective Story immerses users in Lisa’s story, showing how predators exploit vulnerabilities to manipulate their victims. Built with survivor input and trauma-informed expertise, it’s more than a training tool—it’s a transformative experience that bridges empathy and action. The diverse professionals and organizations who have used TRAPPED—from law enforcement to educators to advocates—share how it’s reshaping their approach to human trafficking prevention.
Below, we’ve grouped their voices to help you explore its impact from different angles.
Voices of Experience: Who’s Using TRAPPED?
Connect with these individuals and organizations to learn how TRAPPED has impacted their work. Visit https://reefcares.org/Contact_Us or email billy@reefcares.org for assistance in reaching out.
Law Enforcement and Government Leaders
These professionals work on the front lines of human trafficking prevention, using TRAPPED to enhance training and awareness within their agencies.
Debbie Solcher, Central Texas Regional Administrator, Texas Office of the Governor Child Sex Trafficking Team
Andrea Sparks, Director, Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s Child Sex Trafficking Team
Todd Latiolais, Associate Director, Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s Child Sex Trafficking Team
Texas State Representative Tony Tinderholt
Kirsta Melton, J.D., M.P. Aff., Prosecutor
Attendees of the FBI Citizen’s Academy’s Annual Conference
Why their perspective matters:
Law enforcement and government officials see TRAPPED as a tool to train officers, policymakers, and community leaders, helping them recognize trafficking signs and respond effectively.
Anti-Trafficking Advocates and Organizations
These advocates and staff at these nonprofits have seen the power of TRAPPED to educate communities, empower survivors, and drive systemic change.
Carolyn DeFord, Puyallup Tribe of Indians Anti-Trafficking Program Manager
Carol Smolenski, Executive Director, ECPAT-USA
Lisa Knapp and Dave Knapp, Co-Founders, Austin 20
John Nehme, President & CEO, Allies Against Slavery
George Lynch, CEO, Traffick911
Sharon Windham, Founder & President, United For Human Dignity
Christina Arnold, Director, Prevent Human Trafficking
Dr. HaeSung Han and Jennifer Tinker, Co-Founders and Co-CEOs, POETIC, Dallas
Angie Goeke and Board Members, Not in Our City Houston
Uprising Wyoming’s Terri Markham
Erica Raggett, Owner, and staff, A 2nd Cup
Staff and volunteers, Refuge of Light
Staff, Love146 Houston
Hilary Sherrer, Marketing & Communication Coordinator, and staff/board members, The Landing
Staff, Tier One
EPIK Project’s Justin Euteneier and volunteers
Why their perspective matters:
These advocates use TRAPPED and other educational tools in community outreach, survivor support, and training programs and understand the need to foster empathy and educate diverse audiences.
Educators and Academic Institutions
Educators and academic leaders see the value of TRAPPED to teach students and faculty about human trafficking, integrating it into curricula and training programs.
Dr. Don Christian, President and CEO, Concordia University Texas
Terry Hamm, Director, Texas Association of Student Councils
Ken Rogers, Cinematic Arts Teacher, and Andrea Rogers, Data Processor, McCallum High School, Austin, Texas
Eric Chagala, Principal, and Angela Townsend, M.S., 8th Grade Math, 8th Grade History, and PBL Coach, VIDA Middle School, Vista, California
Eric Cohen, Learning Design Coordinator, SIATech School for Integrated Academics and Technologies, Vista, California
Chenda Moore, M.Ed., Coordinator of Counseling Services, Pearland Independent School District, Pearland, Texas
University of North Texas Health Science Center’s Martha Felini, PhD DC MPH, Associate Professor, Epidemiology, Department of OB/GYN, and other UNTHSC leaders
David Conover, Connally High School, Pflugerville ISD, Pflugerville, Texas
Why their perspective matters:
Educators see TRAPPED as a powerful tool for engaging students and faculty, making complex social issues accessible and actionable in academic settings.
Media Professionals and Filmmakers
Media professionals and filmmakers have explored TRAPPED to amplify its message through storytelling and public awareness campaigns.
Lauren Petrowski, Co-anchor, Good Day Austin on KTBC – FOX 7 Austin
PBS Decibel’s Crew: Blair Waltman-Alexin and Joe Rocha
NBC7 San Diego’s Digital Correspondent Danielle Radin
Corrie Vaus, Documentarian, Director, Filmmaker, and human rights Advocate
Why their perspective matters:
These professionals highlight how TRAPPED can be used to create compelling narratives that raise public awareness and drive engagement.
Community and Mental Health Leaders
These individuals and organizations focus on mental health and community support, using TRAPPED to build empathy and understanding.
Tina Taylor-Sims, EPI Awareness Director, Empower Protect Invest
Adrienne Kennedy, MA, past president of the board of directors of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), Arlington, VA., retired educator and researcher with decades in curriculum design, collaborative learning and teacher development
Dena Miller, Certified Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS), Executive Director, Peers Of Faith
Members of the Capital Factory board of directors, staff, and guests
Why their perspective matters:
Community and mental health leaders use TRAPPED to foster healing and awareness, emphasizing its trauma-informed design and emotional impact.
Connect and Learn More
The voices above represent a cross-section of those transforming human trafficking awareness with TRAPPED: A VR Detective Story. Whether you’re in law enforcement, education, advocacy, media, or community support, their experiences show how this VR tool can make a difference. To hear directly from these individuals or organizations, visit https://reefcares.org/Contact_Us or email billy@reefcares.org for assistance in connecting.
You can also learn more about TRAPPED and Radical Empathy Education Foundation’s mission at https://reefcares.org. Join us in changing the game to end human trafficking—one immersive experience at a time.
Looking Forward
TRAPPED: A VR Detective Story is reshaping how we confront human trafficking, and the perspectives of its experienced users prove its transformative power. From law enforcement to education, advocacy, and media, these professionals’ reactions underscore the VR’s role in fostering radical empathy. Explore TRAPPED at reefcares.org and see why it’s captivating anti-trafficking leaders.
Ready to Experience TRAPPED?
Contact Jacqueline Cain at jacqueline@reefcares.org or call/text 512.545.0525, or Billy Joe Cain at billy@reefcares.org or call/text 512.521.8874 to schedule a demo or bring TRAPPED to your organization.
About Beyond the Red Flags
Billy Joe and Jacqueline Cain are the passionate founders of Radical Empathy Education Foundation. Together, they are on a mission to educate the world about emotional abuse and abuse prevention through immersive experiences like TRAPPED: A VR Detective Story. Their goal is to empower individuals to recognize, prevent, and respond to these issues, saving lives along the way.
If you believe in this mission, you can support their work through Buy me a coffee or a donation to Radical Empathy Education Foundation.
About TRAPPED: A VR Detective Story
TRAPPED: A VR Detective Story provides users with an immersive, interactive experience that tells the story of Lisa, a 14-year-old trafficking victim. Through Lisa’s narrative, participants gain insight into the subtle yet powerful tactics predators use to manipulate and control their victims. This engaging VR experience has already reached over 15,000 participants across 10 states, serving as a critical resource for abuse prevention in schools, shelters, law enforcement, and corporations.
About Radical Empathy Education Foundation
Radical Empathy Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing abuse and human trafficking through innovative, immersive VR technology. Their award-winning training tools educate users on the tactics predators use and empower individuals to recognize and avoid abusive situations.
Learn more about Radical Empathy Education Foundation and connect to access their VR training at ArborXR’s XR Directory.
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