Speakers of FATHER-CON 2022
.jpg)
Patrick Erlandson
Organizations: Father-Con and See it-End it
Biography:
Patrick Erlandson was born and grew up in Los Angeles, the 2nd of 7 children. He has been married to his wife Machiko since 1982 and has 2 adult daughters.
He has travelled to Cambodia, Paraguay, Zambia, Israel, Korea, Thailand as well as Canada and Mexico in various capacities of service.
In 2010, while working with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Los Angeles, USAforUNHCR, Patrick first learned of human trafficking in organs from field agents working in Africa.
In 2012, he began leading the prevention subcommittee of the Long Beach Human Trafficking Task Force.
Mr. Erlandson is a speaker and activist, and has organized a number of events, such as two Youth Exploitation Safety Symposiums for the city of Long Beach.
He founded Father-Con which has held 4 conferences.
In 2018, he founded the See It End It Film & Arts Festival, and in 2020 added a Global Platform for international online participation.
He led a demonstration against human trafficking every month for over 4 years in Long Beach as Men Standing Against Trafficking (MSAT).
Focusing on prevention, Patrick has presented multiple workshops on the link between human trafficking and pornography, concentrating on the two areas of vulnerability and entitlement that contribute to both, the supply and demand sides of human exploitation.
Patrick is a board member of Artists 4 Change and works in partnership with the YWCA which came aboard as the financial non-profit partner of See it End it Film & Arts Festival and Father-Con.
In 2023, Patrick was asked to present at both, the plenary session and side event, at the 32nd Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice of the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime in Vienna, Austria.
He highlighted the urgent need to invest in fathers and to recognize that present fathers prevent greater poverty, criminal behavior, and deterioration of education.
Adam Dodge
Organization: EndTAB
Title of workshop: Kids' lives have gone digital - Parenting hasn’t.
Contents summary:
The digital divide between parents and children - often cited as a key challenge to modern parenting - is also an opportunity for connection.
In this session, EndTAB founder Adam Dodge will explore how parents can narrow the digital divide, better understand the experiences of growing up in a digital world, and use this new understanding to prepare our children to thrive in online spaces.
Biography:
As the founder of EndTAB (End Technology-Enabled Abuse), Adam’s work is characterized by his dedication to addressing the existing and future threats posed by technology to youth and victims of gender-based violence.
He has written and presented extensively on cyberstalking, technology-enabled abuse, non-consensual pornography, and co-authored the first victim safety guide on the emerging threat of "deepfake" pornography.
At EndTAB, Adam spends a great deal of his time delivering innovative technology-enabled abuse trainings and presentations to organizations, nonprofits and governments around the world.
A frequent speaker and lecturer at universities and national conferences, Adam is also a special advisor to the Coalition Against Stalkerware and sits on the World Economic Forum's Digital Justice Advisory Committee.
He has worked with technology companies like Bumble, Headspace and Ring to improve the safety and wellbeing of victims of gender-based violence.
Adam's work and expertise has been featured on CBS and in Vogue, MIT Technology Review, the Washinton Post, SELF Magazine, HuffPost, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, GQ and others.
Adam is a licensed attorney in California, and earned his B.A. from UC Santa Barbara and his J.D. by way of McGeorge School of Law and Hastings College of the Law.
.jpg)
Alan Smyth
Organization: Saving Innocence
Title of workshop: Future Fathers.
Biography:
Alan serves as the Executive Director for Saving Innocence, an anti-human trafficking, community based organization focused on the recovery and restoration of child victims of sex trafficking. Based in Los Angeles, Alan has responsibility over Direct Services and Business Operations.
Alan Smyth & Jessica Midkiff
Organization: Saving Innocence
Title of workshop: What Future Fathers need to know.
Contents summary:
If you are a future father or even a brand new father, this conversation is for you. We’ll discuss mission critical things that you’ll need to be thinking about as you embark on this adventure.
Biography:
Alan Smyth serves as the Executive Director for Saving Innocence, an anti-human trafficking, community based organization focused on the recovery and restoration of child victims of sex trafficking. Based in Los Angeles, Alan has responsibility over Direct Services and Business Operations.
Jessica Midkiff is a true “lived experience expert.” She has survived ten years of commercial, sexual exploitation as well as having spent over ten years of advocacy work helping victims escape and recover.
Jessica was instrumental in piloting many of the programs still used today which help trafficking survivors exit the life.
“MEN! Fight For Me” are words heard directly from a survivor of sex trafficking who is featured in chapter 3 of the book. Alan’s unique view into this tragedy has given him a backstage pass to the horrific exploitation of children.
As a man, Alan has seen how important his male voice is in combating this dark reality in our society.
Co-authored by Jessica Midkiff, herself a survivor of child trafficking, this book speaks directly to the hearts of men and our responsibility to step up and take leadership in the remedy.
It’s been called “a book for everyone, but with a special emphasis on the male audience.”
Antonio D. Charity
Organization: The Menformation Project
Title of workshop: Mentors matter.
Contents summary:
The need for mentoring and the benefits of mentoring will be discussed by citing studies and statistics, personal experience, observation and experience from menformation, etc.
Biography:
Antonio D. Charity is from Surry County, Virginia. He received a BFA degree in theatre from Howard University’s Department of Theatre Arts. He has performed in many Off-Broadway, regional and community theatres around the country. His TV and film credits include appearances on “Charmed”, “Law & Order”, “All My Children”, “Sons of Anarchy”, “Grey’s Anatomy”, “The Wire”, “Danger Force, “Bumblebee”, “The Orville”, “The Captain and the Winter Soldier”, and many others.
Antonio is also very active in community organizations and mentorship programs.
Over the past 20 years he has worked or volunteered for the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program, Boys and Girls Club, and as a substitute teacher or teacher’s aide.
He is a founding member of The Menformation Project, a mentoring group for boys in Los Angeles. Once every month, for the past 13 years, Antonio has mentored young boys at The Menformation Project. And in 2009 he and his wife began a non-profit organization for foster kids.
Kids In The Spotlight (KITS) teaches kids in foster care to write, cast, and star in their own short films. Once a year KITS holds an Oscar-like celebration that honors its young filmmakers with a red carpet, media coverage, celebrity guests and hosts, and awards for best film, best actor, best screenplay, etc. KITS has been featured in numerous newspapers, magazines and TV talk shows.
Diana Redeemer & Steve Meyers
Organization: Saving Innocence
Title of workshop : Foster Fathers Changing Lives.
Contents summary:
A look at the positive impact of foster dads in the foster care system and tools to work with kids who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation.
This workshop will discuss the impact of fathers in the lives of foster youth and ways men can provide protection, love, and connection that heals youth who have experienced complex trauma.
It will also explore ways men can use traditional and trauma informed parenting to help build trust with youth.
Biography:
Steve Meyers serves as Family Engagement Specialist & Recruiter for Saving Innocence’s new formed Foster Family Agency. This role provides him the opportunity to reach into the faith community, public and private organizations to cast vision, share the needs of child survivors of commercial sexual exploitation, and extends an invitation to join in their story.
He assists in the recruiting, training and certification of potential foster families and individuals as well as raising funds for the program and organization.
Steve recently left his position of Church Mobilization Director at International Justice Mission where he called on the church to join in the mission of justice to end modern slavery.
He has 25 years of pastoral experience in the local church.
He also served for 14 years at Real Life Church in Santa Clarita on their executive team, mobilizing people to live out their faith by serving the marginalized and those struggling in poverty, locally and globally.
He has led teams around the world, helped plant churches, launched vibrant and sustainable services for the homeless, children and families in foster care, at-risk youth, those needing rehabilitation, and victims of human trafficking.
He’s served on local boards and anti-trafficking councils.
Stephen and his wife live in Southern California with their three kids.
Harold D’Souza
Organization: Eyes Open International
“Heart of the Father "Award 2022
Biography:
Harold D’Souza is a survivor of labor trafficking and debt bondage in the USA.
Originally from India, Harold D’Souza is well educated and experienced in sales management. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Business and a Master’s of Commerce from The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda.
Harold stepped down from a senior management position to pursue the American Dream, which he believed was within his reach.
Harold came to the U. S. following the advice and encouragement of a man who would become his trafficker. For over 18 months, Harold was exploited at the hands of the human trafficker, losing his freedom and struggling to keep his family safe.
Today, Harold is a Survivor-Advocate and Public Speaker. His experience has given him a new purpose and meaning in life.
Harold is the co-founder of Eyes Open International, a non-profit focused on developing prevention efforts through survivor-informed research. The organisation is an inspiration worldwide.
Harold also sits on the Board of Directors for Justice at Last and remains active in local anti-trafficking organizations and efforts.
United States President Barack Obama appointed Harold to the United States Advisory Council on Human Trafficking in 2015, and he continued his service under President Trump through July 2020.
He is also an expert consultant to the Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons.
Harold strives to be the voice of courage, hope, and freedom for trafficking victims. He has been invited to speak throughout the United States and India, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
In addition, he has spoken at Harvard University and addressed the United Nations on the importance of recognizing and protecting vulnerable populations susceptible to trafficking.
In 2017, he was awarded both, the Liberator Award and the iCan award, for his activism and work with other survivors.
Harold has recently published a book titled "Human Trafficking: A Frog in a Well".
He has been recognized with the “Rashtra Perna Award 2021” for his social activist mission.
In addition, the World Book of Star Record jury members chose Harold D’Souza for his services in India and Worldwide.
As of spring 2022, two different films are in production telling Harold’s story.
Dr. Jeffrey Brodsky
Organization: JOY International
“Heart of the Father "Award 2022
Biography:
Dr. Jeffrey Brodsky was born in Brooklyn, New York, now living in Bailey, Colorado. Married to Gail for 47 years with three children and eight grandchildren.
He's a honorably Discharged U.S. Air Force Veteran.
Founder of JOY International (1981).
Received a Doctor of Divinity from Promise Christian University (2002).
Dr. Brodsky established orphanages and children’s homes with assisted adoptions in China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Mexico, Uganda, Kenya, Venezuela, Thailand, Cambodia, Philippines, Fiji, Romania, South Africa and Brazil.
Developed a program where each home would be self-sufficient within 5-7 years.
Best Selling Author of 4 books: "The Least of These", "Stepping Into Adulthood", "101 Ways to Build Relationships", "Why Are you Barefoot?" (children’s book).
Produced and Hosted the JOY International Family Hour (Radio Program) for 8 years in Phoenix, AZ. This program was nominated for a Dove Award (1987).
Dr. Brodsky has appeared and been interviewed on numerous Television and Radio Shows, Podcasts. Hundreds of Magazine and Newspaper articles written about his work.
In 1983, rode a bicycle across America from California to New York City to raise funds and awareness of orphaned, abused, and abandoned children.
Developed and Hosted ten 101 Mile Walks across Death Valley with participants from around the world.
Currently writing a Haiku Poem on every page of the Bible.
Dr. Brodsky has shared many of his messages as a Keynote and invited Speaker in Conferences, Conventions, Church Services, Colleges, Universities, High Schools and Elementary Schools as well as many Civic and Social Groups throughout the world.
Jim Carson & Maui Chacon
Title of workshop: Trafficking here and now. Children being trafficked in our communities - the reality.
Biography:
Jim Carson is the CEO of Survivor2Leader, an organization which serves children and young adults who are or have experienced a life of being trafficked.
He has worked at Covenant House, Crittenton Children’s Services, and the Orangewood Foundation and has been doing this work for 30 years.
Jim has worked with thousands of foster youth and trafficking survivors, trained police, first responders, social service workers, and many others who ser this population.
Maui Chacon grew up in the foster care system and is a survivor of childhood trafficking.
She is a strong young woman, and amazing mom, and now serves children and young adults who are victims of sex trafficking or are in the foster care system in Los Angeles.
Maui works for Saving Innocence and is a role model for all those children who are experiencing growing up in a broken home.
John Pulley
Organization: ManAlive EXPEDITION
Title of workshop: Becoming a buyer - ending the demand for commercial sex.
John Van Arnam
Organization: The Third Talk™
Title of workshop: The Third Talk™: The pornography prevention conversation for parents and their young people.
Contents summary:
In this presentation, The Third Talk™ will outline the scope of the challenge, the strategies to avoid the hurt this content can cause our children and the 'how and why' to keep this conversation going throughout adolescence into adulthood.
Biography:
Over the past twenty-six years, John Van Arnam, the Founder of The Third Talk™, has been acutely aware of the slow burn occurring in our society that has now manifested into the inescapable incapacitation of our young people's sexuality through their early and continual exposure to online pornography.
With 19 years of child advocacy, search engine content management, and corporate team experience, John combines relationship management, business intelligence, and thoughtful leadership to provide healthy sexuality-based education campaigns that instruct children and their parents on real world strategies to avoid youth exposure to online pornography.
A natural ease around young people and their parents has enabled John to create easily absorbable messages for children and their guardians in a way that does not shame, blame or use colorful language.
A natural leader, speaker, trainer, coach and communicator, John is an architect of large projects, and has a “go-getter” attitude that is infectious and professional. His unapologetic delivery and straightforward attitude, combined with humorous anecdotes are what is needed to stem the tide of youth exposure to pornography.
His work continues to adapt and change to the needs of this special time.
John serves on many committees surrounding healthy sexuality, including the NC Human Trafficking’s Demand Reduction Task Force.
.jpg)
Kendra Tankersley-Davis
Title of workshop : Dating, Boundaries, Single Parents, and Divorce.
Contents summary:
The content of this workshop will be discussing dating a single mother and dating as a single father, considering your intent, possible consequences, what is your role, what is your impact.
Biography:
Kendra Tankersley-Davis has worked for over sixteen years with at risk children and families, who, as a result of complex trauma, are involved in the child welfare, probation or mental health systems.
She has worked within the area of Human Trafficking supporting survivors in transitioning out of the life, educating communities, teaching preventative methods, and providing advocacy for over fourteen years.
Kendra has also provided parenting education and participated in course and program development within the areas of Human Trafficking and Family Violence.
She has presented and paneled for various organizations including Charles Drew University, Cal State Long Beach, Vanguard University, The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, The Department of Children and Family Services, various school districts, faith based communities and nonprofit organizations.
Kendra has a Master’s Degree in Family and Human Development; she is currently a Program Director at Crittenton Services for Children and Families, as well as an adjunct professor at Vanguard University.
Mark Reel Jr., ESQ
Organization: Reel Fathers Rights, PLC
Title of workshop: The Right to Be a Father: The Law, the System, and Modern Science Supporting the Need for Fathers.
Contents summary:
In this presentation, Mark will talk about the legal rights of fathers, navigating Family Courts, and the 20+ years of research supporting fathers’ presence in their child’s life.
Biography:
Mark Reel Jr. is an entrepreneur, lawyer, and media personality.
He is the founder of Reel Fathers Rights, PLC, a Southern California Family Law Firm dedicated exclusively to representing fathers throughout California. His practice focuses on representing fathers in Child Custody, Divorce, Domestic Violence, and other family court matters.
Mark is very active in advocating for fathers, and more importantly, Equal and Shared Parenting. He hosts a weekly show in conjunction with The Fathers’ Rights Movement call STATE of the FAMILY COURTS, which is broadcast out to over 1.5 million followers weekly.
He is also the author of the soon-to-be-released book, "The War on Dads".
Mark also regularly appears and presents on legal topics on podcasts, YouTube channels, and on stages at industry events including the Divorce Matters Podcast, TFRM’s Live with Rosa, and Dads Surviving Divorce.
You can find Mark online at www.ReelFathersRights.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, and Tiktok at “TheFathersRightsAttorney”.
.jpeg)
Mark Winkler
Organization: Father-Con
Title of workshop: Embracing A New Understanding Of Masculinity.
Contents summary:
This will be a frank discussion about the self-coined concepts of radicalized masculinity vs. de-radicalized masculinity.
The discussion will include an exploration of the intersection of fatherhood and masculinity.
Biography:
Mark Winkler is an author, family advocate, and motivational speaker.
Through his non-profit organization, Manhood Camp/Fatherhood Circle, Mark provides guidance, leadership, and life-skills coaching to men and boys.
Recently, Mark has centered his work around helping men and fathers take a new look at and approach to manhood through his work he calls De-Radicalizing Masculinity.
.jpg)
Dr. Sam Serio
Organization: Healing Sexual Hurt
Title of workshop:
How to help men with their sexual secrets or struggles. The effect of sexual issues on spouses.
Contents summary:
Men secretly struggle with their sexless marriages, porn temptations, abortion decision, childhood molestation, casual sex lifestyle, date rape or same sex attraction... Do you know how to help them handle their hurt, guilt, bitterness, shame, addiction, pain or humiliation?
In this workshop, you’ll learn how to minister much better to these men in your midst, job, circle of friends or church!
I’ll teach you what to say to men - in your messages or conversations - so that they can begin to finally heal.
Biography:
Dr. Sam Serio is the Author of the Award-Winning Book "Sensitive Preaching to the Sexually Hurting". It was awarded "Best Ministry Book of the Year" stating that "every pastor and counselor should add this book to their library or office".
Dr. Serio has been counseling couples, teens, men, and women for the past fourty years as a Pastor, Conference Speaker, and Workshop Presenter.
https://www.healingsexualhurt.com has enabled people from all over the world to get biblical solutions and healing with their sexual secrets, habits, and wounds.