Hi Reader,

What if everything you thought you knew about human trafficking… was wrong?

That’s exactly what I asked my latest guest, Erin Williamson, a national expert in child trafficking prevention and survivor care.

And the truth? I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

➡️ Most trafficking doesn’t involve kidnappings or strangers in white vans.
➡️ Many victims are attending school every day, keeping up their grades, and appearing like “typical kids.”
➡️ The trafficker might even be someone they love and trust — a “boyfriend,” a family member, or a friend.

In our powerful conversation, Erin shared eye-opening stories, practical advice for parents and educators, and ways we can all help protect the kids in our lives — especially as grooming often begins online.

We also talked about:

• Signs educators and parents can look for (some are surprisingly subtle)
• The role of technology in modern trafficking — and how to set realistic, effective boundaries
• What to say to kids so they see YOU as a safe person to talk to
• Why “my family doesn’t keep secrets” is one of the most powerful safety tools you can give your child
• How to handle it if your child does break a rule — and still make sure they feel safe coming to you

This episode isn’t about fear. It’s about awareness. And it’s full of tools you can use right now.

If you’re a parent, grandparent, educator, or just someone who cares about kids — I hope you’ll take 40 minutes to listen in.

Erin’s organization, Love146, also has resources just for caregivers — including a free email series on how to navigate technology with your kids. You can check it out at https://love146.org.

Let’s raise safer, more informed kids — together.

With care,
Cynthia
Founder of The Teen Anxiety Maze Podcast

Watch the full episode now!

Erin Williamson's Bio and Links:

Erin Williamson is the Chief Programs & Strategy Officer at Love146, an organization dedicated to combating child trafficking and exploitation. With over two decades of experience working directly with victims of crime, Erin has led the development of comprehensive programs at Love146, including prevention education and survivor care, supporting over 900 youth. Her expertise spans social services and criminal justice, with a focus on human trafficking and child sexual exploitation.

Erin’s journey began in Kenya, where she worked with unhoused children and developed a commitment to deeply understanding and preventing child sex tourism. She then held a pivotal role at Polaris, managing the National Human Trafficking Hotline, before conducting research on victim services at ICF, which deepened her focus on effective, evidence-based practices.

In 2014, Erin was hired by Love146 to build a Survivor Care program in Connecticut. Starting as a single staff member, the program now has over 20 staff and serves 125-150 youth annually. Erin oversees all US-based programs, including a prevention education initiative implemented in over 30 states. Her leadership has expanded Love146's reach, focusing on trauma-informed care and addressing the complex needs of youth through the healing power of relationships and community support.

Committed to bringing her on-the-ground knowledge to impact systems change, Erin has served on several state and national policy advocacy committees, including the Connecticut Trafficking in Persons Council and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Advisory Committee on the Sex Trafficking of Children & Youth. Locally, she contributes as a Board of Education member in Woodbridge, CT. Erin and her husband, a lead pediatric oncologist at Yale and founder of XRPeds, are raising two children together, deepening their shared commitment to social justice, child protection, and the well-being of young people.

Check out her contact info below. ⬇️

​​​​​

Follow and Subscribe on my Social Media:

​​​​​

“    If you think that it's not going on in your community. You know, I live in Connecticut. Many people would consider it a wealthy state, a well-to-do state. And we've seen trafficking in every county throughout our state. ”

— Erin Williamson

​

113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205
​Unsubscribe · Preferences​