Board Members

Our board members are dedicated to reducing domestic violence nationwide and to helping victims in need.

Jessica Yaffa, President

Jessica Yaffa is a survivor of extreme domestic violence and has transformed a set of extremely traumatic circumstances into a triumphant story. Ms. Yaffa has spent the past two decades working in the social services field, with the intention of coming alongside those who have experienced relationship trauma in its’ various forms. In addition to her professional roles, Jessica is the co-founder and President of NoSilence NoViolence, Inc., a non-profit committed to providing education, training, resources, and community development in order to eliminate stigma surrounding relationship abuse and sexual assault, while creating awareness, shifting perspectives, and facilitating change around the way we talk about domestic violence.

As a certified professional relationship coach, Ms. Yaffa has also recently created a unique and innovative training program titled RVARS (Relationship Violence Assessment and Response Specialist) and travels the country offering this program to first responders, clinicians, military advocates, and more. Jessica currently serves as the President of the San Diego Domestic Violence Council and has been featured on both television and in print as one of the leading experts surrounding this topic.

Ellen Yaffa, Board Member

Retired  after  a 40-year career in social services in both the public and nonprofit sectors. Experience ranges from health and human services in Northern California and the Congressional Research Service at the Library of Congress, to community activism and leadership roles with nonprofit organizations devoted to improving schools, strengthening families, and responding to neighborhood needs. Retired from SAY San Diego (Social Advocates for Youth) in 2014. Masters Degree in Social Work obtained from SDSU. Community service includes serving on several nonprofit Boards of Directors and managing local school board campaigns to help qualified candidates get elected.

Heather Heavey, Secretary

Heather Heavey joined the board shortly after relocating to the San Diego area from Chicago.  With over fifteen years in volunteer management and outreach, she has a passion to bring volunteers into a place of using their gifts and talents to impact those around them.  Heather’s advocacy work over the years has been in the areas of homelessness, at risk youth, Human Trafficking awareness and prevention, Domestic Violence and mentorship.  As a childhood survivor the mission of NSNV is very near and dear to her personally and considers it a privilege to serve the clients of No Silence No Violence.  She is currently pursuing a degree in Social Work to further her ability to support the community and holds a Certification in Volunteer Administration.

Kevin Dusi, Treasurer

Kevin is a Tax Partner and the Office Tax Leader of the San Diego office of Moss Adams, a regional accounting firm based on the west coast. He is also a coach with Your Infinite Life Training & Coaching Company, where he first was introduced to No Silence No Violence. As a San Diego native, the opportunity to work with an organization dedicated to helping those touched by domestic violence in the community gave him an opportunity to give back to the community he grew up in.

Kevin joined the board in 2019 and brings his accounting knowledge to the organization. He holds a degree in business administration from Cal State San Marcos.

Laura Mansho, Board Member

Laura Mansho is a mother, writer and domestic violence survivor who is passionate about the work No Silence No Violence does in her hometown of San Diego. She is dedicated to using her testimony to help others find freedom, connect to other survivors and share their story.

Laura has more than a decade of experience providing strategic communications consulting, coaching and content creation for Fortune 500 executives and technology business leaders. At Qualcomm, she helped to inform, engage and inspire employees through a variety of internal print, online and video channels. Prior to her career in tech, Laura wrote for National Geographic Traveler Magazine.

In her most challenging and rewarding role yet, she currently serves as Mom to her three-year-old daughter.

Laura holds an MA in Corporate and Non-Profit Communication and PR from Johns Hopkins University and a BA in Spanish Literature and Global Studies from UC Davis.

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20

“She is clothed in strength and dignity; she laughs without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25

Susie Walton, Board Member

As the recipient of the San Diego Parent Educator of the Year Award, Susie Walton is a leading expert in the field of communication and relationships with an emphasis on family dynamics.

Susie is a pioneer in parent education and has been leading seminars, parenting classes, instructor trainings, and teacher in-service for the past 25 years.

She is the founder of Indigo Village, a practical, and authentic creation that comes from the saying “It takes a village to raise a child”. It is a unique and dynamic virtual community that provides empowering educational and experiential-based programs in parenting and child development.  She is also the founder of the Indigo Village Educational Foundation and co-founder of Peace in Your Home.

In addition to the programs she provides through Indigo Village, Walton is also the author of, “Key to Personal Freedom: How Myths Affect Our Family Lives.” 

Visit Susie’s website: www.indigovillage.com or contact her at 760.633.3754

Sara Carroll, Board Member

Sara Carroll was born and raised in Cleveland Ohio. She has over 10 years’ experience in the environmental, oil and gas, and solar industries. She began her career in the environmental industry as an environmental engineer, and quickly became Project Manager of gas pipeline inspections, utility-scale solar construction, and now solar development. She has found her passion in solar, which has become her main focus for the past few years. She is active in many women’s organizations (WRISE, WCS) and has been involved in many humanitarian efforts to bring clean, sustainable energy to third world countries. She has also presented at the Women in Cleantech and Sustainability Conference and serves as an advocate and mentor to help others find careers in solar.  Since moving back to San Diego, Sara has also begun teaching spin classes because it provides not only a great cardio workout, but a chance to provide inspiration, and motivation to her clients.  She has a strong understanding of the impact of trauma on the human spirit and wants to provide an outlet and space for others to feel heard and understood.   Sara has the ability to connect people and bring great minds together to help many causes.  She is excited to provide the opportunity to support No Silence No Violence and be an advocate and voice for the LGBTQ+ community.

Anita Munkres, Board Member

Anita Munkres, a native of Colorado has made a 29-year career in land management and project development working across the real estate, oil and gas, and renewable energy fields.  She is active in several women’s organizations including Women’s Energy Network (WEN) and Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy (WRISE).  She is a vocal advocate for equality in the workplace and feels a calling to encourage people to find their inner confidence and love themselves exactly as they are.  She is a strong LGBTQ community ally and advocate.  Volunteer service includes Habitat for Humanity, The Food Bank, and Toys for Tots.  She is always looking for opportunities to support her passions helping foster care youth and ensuring at risk toddlers begin their educational journey at the same level as their peers.

“Our Children are our greatest treasure.  They are our future.  Those who abuse them tear at the fabric of our society and weaken our nation.” Nelson Mandela

Brian Zotti, Board Member

Dorian Lopez, Esq., Board Member