The Impact of Survivor-Informed Education
Testimonials
"From Victim to Voice by Sheri Lopez is a book I return to often. Its bullet-point format guides readers naturally from understanding grooming and trafficking to supporting someone who has been victimized. The book offers the powerful perspective of a survivor who has experienced this trauma firsthand.
From Victim to Voice has had a profound impact on my life. I have also sent several copies to grassroots outreach organizations in the Philippines to help educate local communities about the risks children face and how to protect them both online and offline. Our advocates draw on the book when presenting information to the public. It also provides role-playing examples and guidance for discussing these issues with children in age-appropriate ways that empower and reassure rather than frighten them.
In conclusion, the knowledge and practical guidance I have gained from this book are invaluable. It has helped us strengthen the training of our advocates, giving them the inspiration and confidence to engage their communities. If our efforts prevent even one child from becoming a victim of trafficking or exploitation, every minute Sheri devoted to writing this book will have been worthwhile. I am forever grateful for Sheri Lopez’s courage and for how she transformed her experience from victimhood into a powerful voice. God bless!"
Roy Gustavson
“Learning about grooming changed the way I look at the small changes in my child’s behavior. I used to think I would recognize danger immediately, but I learned that grooming can begin with attention, trust, and someone simply making a child feel special. Sheri helped me understand how easily these behaviors can be overlooked and why recognizing the warning signs early is so important. I feel better prepared to have conversations with my child, recognize when something doesn’t feel right, and know when to ask more questions. As a parent, this is information I wish I had learned sooner. Every parent needs to understand grooming before it becomes exploitation.”
Megan Hartford - Parent
“Sheri’s survivor-informed education completely changed the way I recognize grooming behaviors in my classroom. I now understand how easily warning signs can be overlooked and how important it is to recognize grooming before exploitation begins. Her personal experience brings a perspective that traditional training simply cannot provide. I feel better equipped to recognize subtle changes in students, ask important questions, and respond when something doesn’t seem right. Every educator should have access to this valuable information because recognizing grooming early can make a life-changing difference for a child.”
Molly Burke - Teacher
“As a dad, hearing Sheri speak completely changed how I think about protecting my daughter. I never realized how grooming could begin with something as innocent as attention, kindness, or someone gaining our family’s trust. Her personal experience opened my eyes to warning signs I might have missed and helped me understand how easily manipulation can be mistaken for genuine care. I left her presentation feeling more informed, more aware, and better prepared to have important conversations with my daughter. Protecting her means asking questions, trusting my instincts, and recognizing grooming before it becomes exploitation. Every parent needs to hear this message.”
Randy Coffman
Sheri presented at a “Human Trafficking Conference” in Prescott, AZ - an all-day event I attended out of curiosity. I was deeply impacted by what I learned. Out of the lineup of related organizations, Sheri presented last, and in the hour she spoke, I made a personal commitment to support her efforts in whatever way I could. Why? Because a 40-year professional career blessed me with the privileged to meet many highly effective, influential people - some of whom made it to my “biggest stand-out” list - a short list of people I can count on two hands. Having listened, met, and now worked a short time with Sheri – I recognize her as qualifying to be on my “biggest stand-out” list - most importantly, for demonstrating effectiveness at the highest of levels. This would include the courage to overcome years of trauma, and the application of a strong will and passion to do something purposeful. It would include the value of her investment in educating us and the authoring of books along with her leadership of the AZ Human Trafficking Coalition. Yet, what stands out for me is that her real and lasting contribution to the formation of both State and Federal laws and public policy cannot be understated. This is what “Making a Difference” is all about.
Thank You Sheri – Debbie Werner