Shawn Alex Nemeth
Founder & CEO
Shawn Alex Nemeth
Shawn is a talented speaker, author, coach, and entrepreneur whose life purpose is to help childhood trauma survivors heal and thrive. Having suffered horrific abuse as a child, Nemeth threw himself into nonprofit work as an adult, compassionately working around the world to help others heal while the child inside suffered in silence. In 2009, he was hospitalized with PTSD and learned that severe trauma had been hard-wired into his brain and body during the many years of abuse and neglect. With treatment, courage, and self-compassion, Nemeth began the long road to recovery and founded Chester Street Foundation (CSF) to give traumatized children a voice. CSF aims to shine a light on childhood trauma through education and advocacy. In addition to sharing his inspiring story with audiences large and small as a professional speaker and through his work with Chester Street Foundation, Nemeth has also chronicled his experiences in his book, Thorns of Chester Street.
Stacey Congrove, M.Ed
Programs Manager
Stacey Congrove, M.Ed
Stacey develops streamlined processes and procedures to optimize program operations for CSF. She leverages her analytical abilities to collect and synthesize program data, identifying actionable insights to drive continuous improvement. Stacey’s expansive experience spans both public and private education settings. She has built comprehensive skills in program management, behavior analysis, intervention design, data analysis, large group presentation, training, collaboration, de-escalation, and executive reporting. With over 12 years of experience in education, Stacey has developed a deep understanding of childhood trauma and its impacts, which has resulted in trauma recovery becoming a central focus. She is also passionate about championing diversity, equity and inclusion through her work. Stacey holds a BS in Kinesiology and Physical Education from Texas Woman’s University, along with five teaching certifications. She also obtained a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University.
Sasha Dela
Development Manager
Sasha Dela
Sasha Dela is a dedicated nonprofit professional with a strong background in the arts, education, environmental justice, and LGBTQ+ advocacy. With over a decade of experience leading nonprofits and securing resources to advance their missions, Sasha brings a creative, mission-driven approach to organizational growth and fundraising. Her career began in the arts, where Dela served as a director and educator, developing inclusive, community-based programs. Dela’s passion expands to environmental sustainability and equity-focused initiatives, particularly those supporting queer and BIPOC communities. Currently, Sasha is advancing her leadership and fundraising expertise through the Leadership Institute for Nonprofit Executives (LINE) Program at Rice University, with a focus on major gifts and strategic planning. As a parent, Sasha is especially committed to work that protects and empowers children, including efforts centered on education, health, and emotional well-being. She is driven by a deep commitment to justice, healing, and systemic change.
Ann Friedman, Ph.D
Instructor and Overseeing Psychologist, CSF and Certified Trauma Specialist, Mental Health America of Greater Houston
Ann Friedman, Ph.D
Ann Friedman, PhD, a psychologist and certified trauma specialist, works with individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and schools teaching mindfulness and effective communication through Mental Health America of Greater Houston. Working with both adults and children, Ann has provided trainings throughout Southeast Texas and in Florida, Puerto Rico, Oklahoma, North Carolina, and California. For ten years, Ann served as Adjunct Professor in the U.H. Counseling Psychology Graduate Program. She completed her Internship in Clinical Psychology at U.T. Health Science Center and her Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Neuropsychology and Behavioral Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine.
Katrina Buerger
Serif Marketing, Marketing Consultant
Johnny Chau
re:creative, Website Consultant
Leslie Culler
Graphic Design Consultant
Megan Mooney, Ph.D
Overseeing Psychologist
Jennifer Garmon
Aurora Grants and Consulting – Grants Consultant
Aaron Walker
One-Fifty Media – Video Production