Safe Voices Leadership
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Elise Johansen is the executive director of Safe Voices, the domestic violence and sex trafficking resource center serving Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford counties. Johansen has more than 20 years of experience working on behalf of social justice issues, from direct service to overseeing large grants and federal projects to agency administration and leading strategic direction. Since joining Safe Voices in 2015, she has overseen the development and expansion of trauma-responsive services, including the opening of Maine’s first and only emergency safe house program for survivors of sex trafficking and the creation of Maine’s first pet-friendly shelter. In 2021 Elise led Safe Voices in The Blueprint, the first multi-million dollar campaign for a Maine domestic violence resource center. Previously she served as the executive director for EqualityMaine, and has held positions with Planned Parenthood and Goodwill’s traumatic brain injury program. She received her master’s of fine arts in creative writing from Fairleigh Dickinson University and lives in Harpswell with her wife Shaun and their dogs Sigi and Ginsburg.
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Rebecca Austin – Director of Programs
Rebecca Austin is the Director of Programs at Safe Voices. Rebecca began her career in the movement to end domestic abuse and violence in 2009, where she was the Rural Outreach Advocate covering Franklin County. In her role at Safe Voices, Rebecca is responsible for the overall development, implementation, and evaluation of all Safe Voices advocacy, education, and offender accountability programing including Safe Voices state certified batterer’s intervention program. Rebecca works on a variety of local and state wide initiatives advancing support services for survivors, and best practices in the field of advocacy and supports for staff and volunteers in the movement. In addition to her work at Safe Voices, Rebecca provides expert testimony and consultation in domestic violence cases in the Maine court system, and is appointed to two statewide commissions where she represents survivors of domestic abuse and violence. Maine’s Permanent Commission on the Status of Women, and the State of Maine’s Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Legislative Commission where she serves as the chair. Originally from away, Rebecca moved to Maine to attend the University of Maine at Farmington. She lives in Farmington with her two children and dog Baxter.
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Lisa Dumont – Director of Finance, Human Resources, and Operations
Lisa Dumont is a Finance Director with over 25 years of experience in managing and supervising the finances and operations of successful agencies. She has worked in both the corporate and non-profit sectors and has advanced knowledge in finance along with human resources, marketing, and management.
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Grace Kendall – Director of Development and Engagement
Grace Kendall joined Safe Voices as the director of development and engagement in March of 2022, following eight years as a communications professional in higher education. In addition to her work as a fundraiser and communications specialist, Grace serves on the board for the Androscoggin Chapter of the Maine Women’s Network as well as the board of trustees for the Turner Public Library. She is a dual-degree graduate of the University of Maine at Farmington and is currently pursuing a master’s through the University of Southern Maine’s Stonecoast program.
Board Of Directors
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Amy works for the Maine State Legislature as an analyst for the Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability. Her previous work includes research and technical assistance for the Violence Against Women Act, and providing services for survivors of sexual assault and dating violence. She holds a master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from the University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service.
As a Lewiston native, I am committed to social change, community engagement, and empowering those affected by domestic violence in my local community.
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Peter Lasagna – Vice President
Board Member Since: 2012
Peter served for more than 20 years as head coach of Men’s Lacrosse at Bates College before retiring in 2022. He came to Bates after 18 years of coaching at Brown University, where he also graduated with a degree in American Civilization. He was named USILA D-1 Coach of the Year in 1994 and has been honored as NESCAC Coach of the Year three times. Peter was recognized as the NEILA Walter Alessi Man of the Year in 2017.
As a coach of young men, father, citizen I believe we all have to invest in bringing an end to domestic violence in our communities. Safe Voices’ remarkable staff commits daily to saving and changing lives with wisdom, energy, love and care.
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Jeff is the Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer for Androscoggin Bank. A Maine native, he has more than 35 years of experience in the financial services industry and has been with Androscoggin for six years. As part of his role at the Bank, Jeff is responsible for community engagement and is an active supporter of many not-for-profit organizations. Jeff holds a bachelor’s degree in administrative science from Colby College.
As a community banker and leader, I am deeply engaged in the community, committed to support the treasured organizations that serve and motivate to affect social change. I have a special interest in the area of domestic violence having personally experienced its impact.
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Amy Landry is an Associate Broker with Keller Williams Realty and co-owns an investment real estate company. Prior to her career in real estate, Amy spent over 15 years in a variety of progressive healthcare roles, most recently serving as CEO of Maine Optometry, where she managed their seven practice locations, as well as their real estate division. She has a Master of Healthcare Administration and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Healthcare Administration from New England College.
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Debra Phillips – Executive Committee Member at Large
Board Member Since: 2014
Deb is the Human Resources Director for the Security and Employment Service Center, part of the State Department of Administrative and Financial Services. She has worked in the human resources field in State Government for several years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and is a member of SHRM and IPMA.
I am pleased to be part of an agency that provides such vital and essential services to survivors of domestic violence, and I look forward to continue learning in an effort to better advocate for the programs and the agency.
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Grady Burns
Board Member Since: 2024
Grady is an Associate Attorney with Skelton Taintor & Abbot in Lewiston. He is a lifelong resident of Lewiston/Auburn, and a former Auburn City Counselor. Grady attended the University of Maine at Farmington for his undergraduate work in History and Education and earned his J.D. at the University of Maine School of Law. He lives in Auburn with his wife, Kirsten and enjoys motorcycling, volunteer coaching Auburn Middle School’s football team, and beekeeping.
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Linette Dehetre
Board Member Since: 2011
Lin is the Vice President & Branch Manager, Loan Officer at Norway Savings Bank in Auburn.
Being a Board Member of Safe Voices has been one of the most rewarding experiences knowing that we are making a difference to help end domestic violence and create social awareness in our communities.
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Delan is the Workforce Program Manager for the LA Metro Chamber of Commerce. His past work is diverse, includes stints in the banking industry, healthcare, and retail management. He’s currently working on his bachelor’s in business administration from the University of Arizona after receiving an associate’s degree at Central Maine Community College.
As a young male, I recognize how much of the work around gender-based violence is focused on women, when so many of the violent perpetrators are men. Serving on this board and supporting Safe Voices mission is central to my beliefs, and just one way that I can contribute to this organization’s important work.
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Aimee works as a Senior Account Manager for Anchour, a marketing and branding agency based in Lewiston. She holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational communications from Emerson College, and has a background in non-profit fundraising, event planning, and marketing. A proud native Lewistonian, Aimee feels strongly about giving back to and strengthening the L/A community to make it a safe, healthy, and inclusive place for all.
As a mom of two young children, it’s important to me that I not only model giving back and investing in causes we care about, but also that my sons understand their roles in helping end domestic violence.
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David St. Laurent
Board Member Since: 2019
David has been in law enforcement for 29 years, having a vested interest in domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse investigations throughout his time on the force. Over the years, he has taken a leadership role with many entities working to support survivors, such as the State of Maine Domestic Homicide Review Panel, the Franklin County Children’s Task Force, and the Child Death Advisory Board. He obtained the rank of Detective Lieutenant in 2013 and teaches interview and investigation classes at the State of Maine Criminal Justice Academy.
It’s always law enforcement’s duty and privilege to serve and protect all people in the areas they are responsible for and to be fair and diligent to whomever needs help.
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Ally is a Licensed Clinician Social Worker, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and Certified Clinical Supervisor with a private psychotherapy practice in Auburn and via telehealth. Ally has worked on the mission to end domestic violence for decades throughout Maine in many positions and uses this experience both in her practice as a therapist and as a board member at Safe Voices. Ally holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from the University of Southern Maine, and a master’s of social work from the University of New England.
Along with this work, I am also a wife, and a mother of two young daughters whom I hope to instill a strong sense of self, self-esteem, and ability to advocate for themselves and others.