LifeWay Network achieves its mission through the combined efforts of many passionate and dedicated individuals who work together to build a world in which human trafficking is abolished and every survivor is strong, connected and free. Our work is supported by hundreds of volunteers, partner agencies, sponsors, and our committed board of directors.





As the director of education, training and advocacy, Josephine Crisostomo is responsible for advancing LifeWay Network’s educational and advocacy initiatives. A graduate of Syracuse University with a background in community engagement and mental health, Josephine has focused throughout her career on ensuring that New Yorkers have access to culturally responsive services and information to make informed choices on their health. Before joining LifeWay, Josephine worked at the New York City Mayor’s Office implementing social-emotional and trauma-informed crisis management programming for youth, parents and educators.

As the director of safe housing, Twanna ensures that relationships are established and maintained with LifeWay’s partners and collaborating agencies, creates meaningful programs for residents, and leads the safe house team to deliver quality services to residents. She is a graduate of Empire State College with a BA in human services and a master’s degree in social work from Touro College. She brings more than 25 years of experience in social work and believes that healing is a collaborative endeavor that requires honest caring without judgment. Rather than adopting one methodology for all individuals and issues, she draws from various methods to create a tailored approach for each individual and situation. As a director, she is warm, open, encouraging, and direct. She considers herself an active director, combining experience and education.

As the director of finance and technology, Jeannie Colangelo is responsible for managing the fiscal and system functions to ensure smooth and efficient operations of the organization, as well as support organizational growth and program development with financial planning models. Jeannie also leads the development of the organization’s technology roadmap, including the identification of appropriate systems to meet growing organizational needs. Jeannie left the corporate world for LifeWay Network because of her strong desire to help women who have been trafficked become strong, connected and free. Jeannie has a bachelor’s degree from Purchase College.

As the executive director, Marion Kendall takes a vision and makes it a reality through sound strategy development. She intuitively sees the threads of opportunity that wind through an organization, brings them together into a coherent whole, and helps others extend their thinking. She is an inspirational leader who tells stories that inspire action while at the same time is grounded and respected as a credible voice in decision making, finding strategic financing partners, and establishing governance boundaries. Marion earns a seat at the table wherever she serves. Marion holds a master’s degree in education from Columbia University, a master’s degree in social work from Yeshiva University, and is a Ph.D candidate.
Founder
Since 2006, Sr. Joan S. Dawber, SC, has been engaged full-time in working to abolish human trafficking. As the founder of LifeWay Network, her focus has been establishing safe housing for human trafficking survivors in the New York area and educating the general public on this important issue. Sr. Joan’s contributions to the abolitionist movement have been lauded by numerous organizations, including St. John’s University, who awarded her their Caritas Medal in 2014; Pax Christi Metro New York, who presented her with the Sister Christine Mulready Peacemaker Award in 2015; and New York’s New Abolitionists, who named her as one of their own in 2014. A member of the Sisters of Charity Halifax, Sr. Joan is a former co-chair of the New York Coalition of Religious Congregations to Stop Trafficking in Persons, serves on the Sisters of Charity Global Concerns Resource Team, and is a board member of the US Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking.