About Us

Our Journey

Bridging Freedom began when founder and president Laura Hamilton was working on her master’s degree. She joined a U.S. Department of Justice-funded task force on childhood sex trafficking. It was there she learned the horrifying human-trafficking statistics that would change the course of her career. A rescue agent pleaded, “Isn’t there someone who can help us find a place of healing for these kids?” That calling inspired Laura to create a desperately needed resource for victimized children.

Board of Directors

Bridging Freedom’s board of directors and advisors include community leaders who boast a wide array of business skills and life experiences. Combined, their backgrounds include developing start-up companies, raising capital funds, planning public health intervention programs and many years of working within youth discipleship.

Bridging Freedom is extremely grateful to those who dedicate their time, energy and talent to supporting our mission.

Vince Collie

Vince Collie

Chairman of the Board

Jennifer Wilson

Jennifer Wilson

Secretary of the Board of Directors

Laura Hamilton

Laura Hamilton, MPH

Member of the Board of Directors, Founder and President/Executive Director

Our Next Great Employee

Bob Kocher

Member of the Board of Directors

Angeline Wade

Angeline Wade

Operations Director

Team Members

Bridging Freedom is extremely grateful to those who dedicate their time, energy and talent to supporting our mission. We’re getting our staff photos together, be sure to check back soon!

Laura Hamilton

Wendy Sheaffer

HR Operations & Communications Director

Team Place Holder

Dr. Teri Lee

Program Director

Team Place Holder

Amanda Gunter CWCM, BASOC

Assistant Director of Administration & Case Management

Team Place Holder

Lisa Esposito, MS, CWLS

Assistant Director of Programming

Amy Wolfe

Amy Wolfe, RN

Registered Nurse

Team Place Holder

Betsy Leon, RMHC

Youth Empowerment Specialist

Our Passion

Logo Arch

“Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” Psalm 82: 3-4

Our Mission

Bridging Freedom’s mission is to combat domestic minor sex-trafficking by bringing restoration to those rescued and victim prevention to those we reach with our message.

The Bridge

Bridging Freedom provides a therapeutic safe home campus that provides long-term, comprehensive survivor care for victims of child-sex trafficking.

FBI Director's Community Leadership Award & Recognition of Outstanding Service to the Local Community
DeSantis Governor Hero Award
FBI Director's Community Leadership Award & Recognition of Outstanding Service to the Local Community
FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award & Recognition of Outstanding Service to the Local Community
Recognition of Dedicated Efforts in Assisting the Children of Tampa Bay
Recognition of Dedicated Efforts in Assisting the Children of Tampa Bay
Outstanding Contributions to the Clearwater / Tampa Bay Area Human Trafficking Task Force

Outstanding Contributions to the Clearwater / Tampa Bay Area Human Trafficking Task Force

Outstanding Service to the Community
Outstanding Service to the Community
Skip to content