A Fresh Start Clt Team

Helping Survivors of Human Trafficking and Their Children to Grow, Heal, and Thrive Together.

Monique Johnson

Executive Director

Monique's journey into anti-trafficking work began in 2009 when she first became aware of the issue of Human Trafficking taking place overseas. In 2015, she learned that trafficking was also happening throughout the United States, which led her to begin volunteering with several anti-trafficking nonprofits in the Washington, DC area. As she gained a deeper understanding of the needs of survivors, Monique felt called to do more. In 2016, she left her government career and relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina, to expand her impact. While continuing her education at Vanguard University and working full-time in the anti-trafficking field, she deepened her commitment to serving survivors. In 2018, Monique had a powerful dream in which she saw herself launching an anti-trafficking nonprofit alongside Jennifer Faucette, a colleague she had worked with in the anti-trafficking community and who now serves as Director of Counseling and Addiction Services. After a year of planning and developing the vision she saw in the dream, Monique officially launched the organization in 2019, filing the necessary paperwork to establish it as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Today, Monique is passionate about empowering survivors to break cycles of abuse and addiction and walk in lasting freedom. She and her team are currently working toward establishing a restorative living facility where survivor families can heal, grow, and thrive together.

Jennifer Faucette

Director of Counseling and Addiction Services/ Board Member

Jennifer started her career in the field of addiction in 1999 as a Prevention Specialist, teaching resiliency curricula in schools, prisons and to civic organizations. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology in 1996, a certificate in substance abuse prevention in 1999 and a certificate from the N.C. Governor’s Academy of Prevention in 2000.

She next worked for the developer of a substance abuse prevention curriculum in New York as a trainer, multimedia curriculum designer and frequent speaker/exhibiter at health conferences around the county before taking a little time off to start and raise a family.

Many years ago, Jennifer became aware of the issue of human trafficking at a neighborhood event and immediately felt the call to walk alongside female trafficking survivors. As survivors very often have addictions, there was a natural fit for her skills in the field. She began her work with survivors as an intern for an international organization, where she met Monique, and then became director of the addictions program with another local organization.

Continuing her education in the field, Jennifer received her Master’s in Human Services Counseling with a focus on addiction and recovery in 2019. She is currently working on an certificate in trauma-based care.

Sonya Russ

Director of Child Development

Sonya Russ has over 20 years in early childhood education as a teacher and administrator. She possesses the unique experience of facilitating and creating educational curriculums for the leaders of tomorrow. With degrees in Early Childhood Development and Business Administration, Sonya brings her servant leadership style to the students under her care. Sonya has committed herself to serving the underserved and marginalized communities. Seeing her student’s parents battle addiction, she is keenly aware of the impact it has on the student. There is a gap in the rehabilitation process for children of parents and Sonya aims to reduce it. Along with her passion, heart and experience, Sonya brings her holistic approach to child development to A Fresh Start Clt, Inc.

Jason Husband

Board Member

Jason Husband is always looking for ways to be involved in his local community. He believes the opportunity to serve others is one of the greatest callings and gifts God has given us. By working with A Fresh Start Clt, he is able to give more and directly assist the women that have been trafficked and their children. Jason became aware of the trafficking industry while living in Las Vegas, NV in 2009.

Professionally, Jason has been in federal service since October of 2009. Currently, he works as a Data Analyst for the U.S. Department of Labor. Prior to this position, he was an Investigator for the same agency. As an Investigator, his primary focus was to ensure compliance with federal labor law. While doing this, he interacted with trafficking victims, as well as received training on how to recognize signs of human trafficking.

Personally, Jason has spent time mentoring and tutoring young men, served as a church youth and children’s leader and currently volunteers training young ladies in his community on speed and agility. He also strongly believes in supporting work on the Mission fields both locally and abroad. He has a hands on attitude and firmly believes that the hand of God is with this organization and many generations will be transformed because of A Fresh Start Clt. Jason is passionate about maintaining positive family relationships; he is married and a father of 2, a brother to 8 siblings, an uncle to 14 nieces and 10 nephews that have all greatly impacted and enhanced his life.

Greg Faucette

Board Member

Greg Faucette was introduced to the tragedy of human trafficking by his wife Jennifer as she became involved in the field. He was struck by the realization that "the life" is so much more than just an international issue (it's very much local) or women's issue (it's about children, too) or a runaway issue (the paths into being trafficked are so varied). He is thankful to be able to bring his business and risk management skills and perspective as a board member to help Monique and Jennifer launch their vision for A Fresh Start Clt.

Greg is a certified public accountant and a partner with Forvis Mazars, joining that firm in September 2020 after retiring as a partner with Ernst & Young in January 2020, after a 30-year career with that firm. Greg has been an active volunteer with the Blood Cancer United (formerly the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society), is on the Visitor's Circle for Camps Sea Gull and Seafarer (branches of the YMCA of the Triangle), on his church's finance committee, and a former advisory board member and volunteer for another anti-trafficking organization.