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Our mission

We strive to create ongoing high quality programming working with individuals who have experienced or are at risk for abuse or acts of violence. 

Our team

AShley Gerger

Founder and Director

I am a survivor.

 

I have lived through years of violence and abuse and understand how deeply trauma can affect our lives and those around us. Often continuing the cycle - abuse begets more abuse. Through years of fighting through the ups and downs of trauma and healing I find myself at a place now where I thrive.

Thriving is not the abscence of conflict or crisis. It's unrealistic to expect a life completely free of those. There will be ups and downs. However you can learn to ride or flow with the waves of crisis and trauma instead of resisting or succumbing to them. 

 

I founded Soteria Defense Solutions to share physical and mental skill sets and knowledge with others so they can effectively prevent crisis or abuse. My hope is that anyone with past trauma who takes this course gains the awareness to recognize and end the patterns that can confine them to the traumas shaped by their abusers…Empowering victims with the knowledge, skills, support and the confidence to redefine themselves and their stories as survivors.

 

You can read a little more of my personal story below. 

elizabeth clarke

Vice President

I am a survivor.

 

In addition to working through my own experiences with interpersonal violence and trauma, I've spent 18 years working in the not-for-profit world, 11 of which have been in community health. My life's work has been focused on serving our community and supporting programming aimed at raising the health status of Wisconsin's most vulnerable populations. 

 

As Vice President and Co-Instructor of Soteria, I utilize my expertise to support survivors on their healing journey and bring education and awareness to community members. Working alongside Ashley and other change makers, I hope to live out Soteria's mission to spread knowledge of physical and mental techniques to effectively prevent and mitigate crisis or violent situations.

 

When not working, I enjoy spending time in nature, researching wellness and healing topics, creative writing, and exploring the world with my kids.

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Meghan Wagner

President

With a Master’s in Education from Alverno College, I combine a solid foundation in educational theory with hands-on experience in program development and community outreach. I taught social studies at an alternative Milwaukee Public Schools high school for four years, where I connected with at-risk youth. Transitioning into the nonprofit field, I worked to empower students to overcome barriers to skilled trades careers by providing targeted career development support and robust student advocacy, facilitating access to training and employment opportunities. Currently, I am the Director of Youth Programming at All Hands Boatworks, where I lead innovative programs that engage and educate young people through hands-on learning.

Martial arts has been a huge part of my life since I was 5, when my parents signed me up for taekwondo. I earned my third-degree black belt in taekwondo before transitioning to Brazilian jiu-jitsu post college. Now a brown belt, I have channeled my love for the discipline into founding and operating my own jiu-jitsu gym, White Lotus, in Milwaukee. I believe in the profound impact martial arts can have on social-emotional development, fostering resilience, discipline, and self-confidence in individuals.

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