Breaking Free to Be Inc
Building Connections to Bridge the Gaps and Strengthen our community.
Welcome to Breaking Free to Be Inc.!
Our Mission
Our Mission
Our Mission
Our mission is to prevent sexual assault and domestic violence by providing trauma-informed, comprehensive training and prevention education to community partners. Through accessible online and in-person programs, we aim to equip organizations with best practices to support survivors and reduce retraumatization.
Our Vision
Our Mission
Our Mission
Our vision is to create an inclusive, culturally competent educational environment that is accessible to all. We aim to support those affected by sexual assault, domestic violence, and trauma by fostering understanding, community, and healing. We envision a world where every individual has access to the knowledge and support needed to find solace and resilience.
Our President/CEO/Founder
Dr. Mecca S. Carter-Marshall
"Dr. Mecca" as she is affectionately called, has over 30 years of experience dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. To further her impactful work, she established Breaking Free to Be Inc., focused on educating and training communities organizations.
Executive Team & Administrators
Charisma Ramey: Membership Director
Marisa Felan: Advocate Mentorship Director
Marisa Felan: Advocate Mentorship Director
Marisa Felan: Advocate Mentorship Director
Marisa Felan: Advocate Mentorship Director
Marisa Felan: Advocate Mentorship Director
Evelyn Dunn: Administrative Assistant
Marisa Felan: Advocate Mentorship Director
Autumn Truss: Assistant Community Coordinator
Autumn Truss: Assistant Community Coordinator
Sierra L. Thomas: Assistant Community Cordinator
Autumn Truss: Assistant Community Coordinator
Paulette Marks: Assistant Community Coordinator
Sierra L. Thomas: Assistant Community Cordinator
Sierra L. Thomas: Assistant Community Cordinator
Sierra L. Thomas: Assistant Community Cordinator
Sierra L. Thomas: Assistant Community Cordinator
Sierra L. Thomas: Assistant Community Cordinator
Our Community Coordinators & Pillars
Christin Worthington: Youth & Young Adult Pillar
Christin Worthington: Youth & Young Adult Pillar
Christin Worthington: Youth & Young Adult Pillar
We collaborate with parents, schools, and community organizations to deliver programs that promote healthy relationships among teens and young adults, aimed at preventing teen dating violence.
Minyon Patton: Women's Shelter Pillar
Christin Worthington: Youth & Young Adult Pillar
Christin Worthington: Youth & Young Adult Pillar
We empower shelter advocates, case managers, and professionals with evidence-based practices in trauma-informed care and response strategies for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.
Hope Owens, MSW, LSW: Faith-Based Pillar
Christin Worthington: Youth & Young Adult Pillar
Robyn Crossley: The Village Pillar: Support for Families
We collaborate with clergy to integrate restorative and transformative justice approaches, enhancing the faith-based community's response to sexual assault and domestic violence through our Crisis Intervention Virtual Response Ministry.
Robyn Crossley: The Village Pillar: Support for Families
Sergeant First Class Stephanie Cameron: Military & VA Pillar
Robyn Crossley: The Village Pillar: Support for Families
We support parents, caregivers, and foster parents of children who have experienced abuse by providing guidance on trauma-informed responses, recognizing signs of abuse, and accessing community resources.
Sergeant First Class Stephanie Cameron: Military & VA Pillar
Sergeant First Class Stephanie Cameron: Military & VA Pillar
Sergeant First Class Stephanie Cameron: Military & VA Pillar
We will collaborate with the Military and Veteran Administration to deliver prevention education and trauma-informed training to the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART).
Dr. Jon Zemke: Law Enforcement Pillar
Sergeant First Class Stephanie Cameron: Military & VA Pillar
Sergeant First Class Stephanie Cameron: Military & VA Pillar
We partner with the Police Department to enhance community safety through prevention education and trauma-informed training. Additionally, we offer a SAFE CIRCLE for officers to process and discuss domestic calls.or discuss domestic calls.
Our Board of Directors
Victoria Dawson-Scruse: Chair
Annette Hardin: Chief Financial Officer
Dr. Courtney J. Loyd: Vice-Chair
Born in Niles, Ohio and later moved to Youngstown, Ohio. Ms. Victoria has been a resident of Springfield, Ohio for 30 years, married to her college sweetheart for 29 years, and they have two adult children in graduate school, after graduating from HBCUs. She serves on the Executive Board of the Springfield Foundation Board and is an active member of the National Council of Negro Women.
When asked what motivates her, she replied "My personal motto, which is “to be the woman I want my daughter to be.”
Dr. Courtney J. Loyd: Vice-Chair
Annette Hardin: Chief Financial Officer
Dr. Courtney J. Loyd: Vice-Chair
Dr. Courtney J. Loyd is a wife and proud mother of two children. She is a Louisiana native with over 13 years of experience in mental health. She received a Ph.D. from Liberty University with her dissertation focused on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and academic performance in Black students attending HBCUs. Dr. Loyd is an ACEs subject matter expert, and currently serves high school and undergraduate students at Southern University and A & M College as a psychology professor.
She is the founder of Esteemed Brown Girl; an online mentorship designed to enrich the lives of teen girls and decrease the incidence of teen dating violence. She also serves as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
When asked, what is one thing she loves about herself? "The attribute of resilience! I’ve been able to heal, reframe, the narrative, and thrive on the other side of my pain because of resilience."
Annette Hardin: Chief Financial Officer
Annette Hardin: Chief Financial Officer
Dr. Shirelle Dionne Applin: Board Secretary
Ms. Annette holds a Bachelor of Science in Business, Human Resource Management. With 25 years in the administrative field, she currently works as an Inventory Management Specialist with the Defense Supply Center (DSCC). Ms. Annette has a strong sense of community and values family. She held the position of President and 2nd Vice President of the National Council of Negro Women and is currently seeking her Life Insurance license for the state of Ohio to continue serving the community.
One of her favorite quotes: “A life of significance is about serving those who need your gifts, your leadership, your purpose.” (Kevin Hall)
Dr. Shirelle Dionne Applin: Board Secretary
Dr. Shirelle Dionne Applin: Board Secretary
Dr. Shirelle Dionne Applin: Board Secretary
Dr. Shirelle Applin, MD is a family medicine specialist in Xenia, OH, and has over 25 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in 1997. She is affiliated with Miami Valley Hospital. Dr. Applin is a proud member of several community organizations and has served on the Board of Violence Free Futures, formerly known as Family Violence Prevention Center. One of her favorite scriptures comes from Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Dr. T'Onya Green: Grants Director
Dr. Shirelle Dionne Applin: Board Secretary
Dr. T'Onya Green: Grants Director
Rev. Dr. Ti’Onya Green, graduated from Rowan University in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Desiring to be an effective change agent, she attended Seton Hall University Law School, and recently graduated with a law degree. She then continued her academic pursuits and received her master’s and doctorate in Public Administration and Organizational Leadership from Capella University.
To date, she serves on various boards within several states. One of her favorite scriptures comes from 3 John 1-2, "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers."