International Association for ESD Professionals

Our Team

Globally advancing the ESD Industry – thanks to a dedicated diverse group of experts.

Our team lays at the heart of our mission. Together we thrive forward to support ESD Professionals and creating safer communities.

Board of directors

Our Board of Directors guides our strategic direction and supports our staff team in the decision making. We are proud to have a diverse group of international experts, who help us advance in global violence prevention and support us in empowering ESD Professionals.

Michele Elefante

Board Chair

Sally Van Wright

Board Secretary

Sarit Arbel

Development Coordinator

Aparna Rajawat

India & S.E. Asia

Adi Wimmer

Israel/ Middle East

Gentiana Susaj

Albania/ Europe

JB Ramos

Canada

Michael Peñafiel

Padded Instructors

Pamela Mussi Valdez

Brazil

Warren Lewis

Israel/Technology

Antonella Spatola

Australia/New Zealand

“…While attending a train-the- trainer and advanced training event organized by ESD Albania and ESD Europe, I had the privilege of sitting
and listening to new and experienced instructors talk about their “why” and hear about their victories, challenges, and frustrations.

The theme was professional growth, growth as an industry, the willingness
to share ideas, resources, and to simply support each other. Having a place to come together to build, strengthen, sustain, financially secure, and uplift the community by being the dynamic, caring, creative and intentional individuals that you are, is crucial to advancing as an industry.
This is what the IAESDP is. You are the fabric, and it is strong, it is vibrant, it is resilient, it is YOU!

Thank you for being part of our story. Thank you for believing in the power of ESD to uplift and protect individuals everywhere. And most of all, thank you for standing with IAESDP as we continue building a future defined by respect,inclusivity, and genuine empowerment.

Michele Elefante, IAESDP Board Chair

The Credentialing Committee

The IAESDP supports an independent, unaffiliated board of ESD Professionals, related industry experts, and representatives of the public – the Credentialing Committee. They are responsible for the Credentialing and Accreditation, as well as with taking Program Policy decisions, including best practices, minimum program curriculum requirements, and conflict resolution pathways for the industry.

Kim Rivers

Representing ESD Europe

Jes McAlear

Poy de Lara

UDRiVe Group Philippines

James Cat Fitzgerald

Representing ASSERT
Empowerment

Georgia Verry

Combat sports Instructor, Program Developer

Staff Team

Our staff team works hard to #FightForward and advance the ESD industry. We are proud to represent different cultures and bring talents beyond the class room. Our Director, Programs Manager, Credentialing Manager and Communications Specialist are passionate ESD Professionals, ready to establish the ESD Industry worldwide.

Lissette Brassac Fitzgerald

Executive Director

Krista Hanley

Credentialing
Program Assistant

Lauren Lopp

Marketing and
Communications
Specialist

Bianka Urbanovska

Branding