In 2013, Megan founded Ascent 121 with the goal of addressing commercial sexual exploitation/domestic human trafficking through awareness, outreach, and the provision of therapeutic victim services. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 20 years of clinical and administrative experience specific to sexual trauma. She has been working with victims of commercial sexual exploitation since 2009, has been active in numerous trafficking-related boards and workgroups, and has presented at both local and national conferences. In addition to spending time with her family, Megan enjoys photography, traveling and playing or relaxing on the water.
Megan has had oversight of the agency’s business activities since 2014. Prior to joining Ascent 121, she had a twenty-year executive career with Herff Jones, most recently serving as Vice President of their Education Division. Megan is actively involved in philanthropy in the city, having served for many years on the Boards of Impact 100 Greater Indianapolis and Charitable Allies. Megan has a BS in Psychology from Albion College, an MBA in Management Leadership from Indiana Wesleyan, and a certification in Combating Human Trafficking from the Ohio State University. Other joys in her life include St. Luke’s UMC, speaking in the community about wildlife education and rehabilitation, and adopting senior rescue dogs.
- Carly Bishop, MA, LMHC – Therapist
- Ashlyn Carlson-Burke, MSW, LSW – Therapist
- Jiselle Cervera, MA – PsyD Candidate
- Ashlee Douglass, LSW- Therapist
- Nicole Fledderman, MSW, LSW – Therapist
- Ann Galloway, PhD, HSPP – Psychologist
- Hugh Hanlin, PhD, HSPP, CSAYC – Psychologist
- Brooke Hartwell, MSW, LCSW – Therapist
- Holly Kern – MSW Intern
- Marissa Klarich, BSW – Case Manager
- Gianna Kujawski, MSW – Therapist
- Shaylyn Lyons, MA, PsyD Candidate – Therapist
- Megan Merryman, BA – Case Manager
- LaToya Toliver, BSW – Case Manager
- Alycia Valdez, BS – Case Manager
- Stephanie Zale, MSW, LCSW – Clinical Supervisor
- Chelsea Gold, PsyD Candidate – Research Study Coordinator
- Diane Good, BA – Business Office Manager
- Danika Hoistion, MPA – Director of Development and Communications
- Trisha Prickett, LCSW, LMSW – LIFT Program Director
- Kim Biggerstaff, Retired Digital Experience Manager at Delta Faucet
- Steve Diagostino, Principal at Somerset CPAs
- Terry Dove-Pittman, CEO at The Gideon Group
- Meg Drew, Global Marketing Director at Pfizer
- Cherie Ihnen, HR Consultant
- Megan Jessup, Chief Operating Officer at Ascent 121
- Louise Lombard, Director, HEOR at Agios Pharmaceuticals
- Megan McGuire, Chief Executive Officer at Ascent 121
- Bethany Monte, CEO of My Midwife for Life
- Betsy Smith, Director of Accounting at Heritage Environmental
- Seth Thomas, Partner at Bose McKinney & Evans
- Otteria Trimble, Psychologist at Ascent 121
Ascent 121 is a 501©3 and is accredited by:
Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability
Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Board
