Meet The Experts

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Meet Our Distinguished Panelists for Unmasking Sexual Abuse :

Tatiana Sofia Begault is our accomplished moderator for the panel discussion on "Unmasking Sexual Abuse." Tatiana, a Business Administration student at UC Davis and Deputy State Director for Education Reform Now, brings a wealth of experience in research and community service. As a published author and advocate, her unique insights, including studies on facial symmetry and psychological resilience, promise to enrich our understanding of the critical issues at hand. Join us in welcoming Tatiana as she leads the conversation on understanding, healing, and preventing sexual abuse with expertise and passion.

Jody Plauche is an esteemed panelist and renowned speaker on child sexual abuse. A survivor of abduction in 1984, Jody's resilience and commitment to prevention stem from personal experience. A graduate of Louisiana State University, he has actively contributed to violence prevention as a sexual assault counselor and Supervisor of Community Education Programs. Recognized nationally as Survivor/Activist of the Year in 2004, Jody has shared his impactful story on shows like Geraldo and Oprah. As the author of "Why Gary Why? The Jody Plauche Story" and a member of the advisory board of TentMakers Of Louisiana, Jody's insights promise to be invaluable in our conversation on addressing child sexual abuse.

Kristi Schubert, an award-winning litigator, speaker, author, and advocate specializing in representing survivors of sexual abuse, is a dedicated proponent of educating the community on the legal rights of abuse survivors. Fiercely committed to securing justice for the men, women, and children she represents, Kristi has a successful track record litigating against diverse organizations. Recognized for her intelligence, effectiveness, and formidable litigation skills, Kristi approaches her work with compassion, tirelessly supporting each client throughout the justice process. Her advocacy spans all types of sexual offenses, including rape, child molestation, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and other forms of sexual exploitation. She works compassionately and tirelessly with each client to identify their needs and ensure they feel heard, understood, and supported throughout the entire justice process.

Dr. Elliott Beaton is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of New Orleans and the visionary Director of the Stress, Cognition, and Affective Neuroscience Laboratory. Specializing in how stress influences brain development and function, Dr. Beaton focuses on children and adolescents at ultra-high risk for serious mental illnesses in adulthood. His translational research aims to enhance diagnosis, prevention, and mitigation by identifying early prodromal indicators. Using a multidimensional approach that integrates functional and structural MRI with various stress measures, Dr. Beaton's work has garnered support from local, state, and national funding agencies, including the National Institutes of Mental Health. His expertise in studying special populations underscores his commitment to advancing our understanding of mental health in diverse age groups.

Nilton Custodio, a distinguished researcher and Investigador RENACYT-CONCYTEC with ID P0028604 and ORCID identifier (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8025-3272), has made significant contributions to neurology and neuroscience. He serves as Director Médico at the Instituto Peruano de Neurociencias and held key positions at Clínica Internacional. Custodio's editorial roles include Editor Asociado for Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience and Dementia & Neuropsychologia. His educational background includes degrees from institutions like Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, demonstrating his commitment to the advancement of expertise. With numerous publications in esteemed journals, Custodio's research focuses on dementia, neurodegenerative diseases, and neurological disorders, contributing significantly to understanding and managing these conditions, especially in the Latin American context. Dr. Nilton Custodio's extensive background offers insights into brain formation, development, and healing processes. Understanding trauma's role in human development helps comprehend its impact on the brain and strategies to overcome its consequences. Dr. Custodio's expertise sheds light on leveraging genetic predispositions and neuroplasticity to establish recovery barriers against crimes like sexual abuse. His knowledge contributes to crafting effective approaches to mitigate the effects of trauma, especially in vulnerable populations.

Letitia M. Peyton, as the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Tentmakers of Louisiana, Letitia Peyton leads the charge in advocating for survivors of sexual abuse. Motivated by her family's experience within the Catholic Church, Letitia has tirelessly supported survivors alongside her husband. Her focus on promoting transparency, policy reform, and support services underscores her commitment to ensuring all survivors receive the help they need. Letitia's advocacy extends beyond her personal experience; she is also the co-host and founder of the Resilience in the Shadows podcast. Through the podcast, Letitia gives a voice to victims and educates the public with special guests who are experts on sexual abuse trauma. With a professional background in Payroll and Human Resources, Letitia skillfully coordinates initiatives and facilitates training programs. Her impactful work seamlessly combines professional acumen with a passion for advocacy and community service. Guided by a compassionate desire to empower survivors and foster positive change, Letitia's contributions to the panel are invaluable.

UNMASKING SEXUAL ABUSE: UNDERSTANDING, HEALING, & PREVENTION

Forum & Panel Discussion