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How do we maintain our boundaries while still showing up authentically for those we serve? Sandy Skelaney, who's journeyed from frontline advocate to COO in anti-trafficking organizations, offers profound insights into this delicate balance.
On this episode, we touch on the psychological concepts of transference and countertransference. "You're connecting with your projection of what their experience is," Skelaney explains, highlighting how this prevents genuine connection and understanding.
Skelaney leads us to the topic of mindfulness: a practice for maintaining wellness and professional boundaries. She follows with an introduction to her current work with Parasol Cooperative and their AI digital assistant, Ruth, and how this advancement is helping professionals and survivors of human-trafficking alike.
The COO also offers invaluable wisdom for organizations working with survivor leaders and for survivor leaders themselves. She emphasizes the importance of thorough vetting, proper support systems, and clear boundaries.

Try Ruth for yourself or connect with Sandy's organization to explore partnerships that bring trauma-informed technology solutions to your community. Together, we can create spaces where both survivors and advocates thrive avoiding the constant sacrifice of wellness or boundaries.

Welcome to Conversations with My Sisters' Keepers, the podcast where we bring awareness, share stories, and promote healing-centered conversations for lived experience professionals and allies in the gender-based violence and recovery sectors.

I'm Shamin Brown, and together, we’ll explore strategies, resources, and insights to support wellness, recovery, and leadership. Join us as we challenge stigma, celebrate autonomy, and normalize the healing journey.

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