Our Team

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.

  • Katie Cline, MA – Therapist
  • Nicole Fledderman, MSW, LSW – Therapist
  • Sarah Gage, MSW – Therapist
  • Ann Galloway, PhD, HSPP – Psychologist
  • Hugh Hanlin, PhD, HSPP, CSAYC – Psychologist
  • Marissa Klarich, BSW – Case Manager
  • Christy Mann, BS – Case Manager
  • Callie Miller, MA – Psychology Candidate
  • Megan Rickert, BS – MSW Intern
  • Alycia Valdez, BS – Case Manager
  • Helen West, BS – Case Manager
  • Stephanie Zale, MSW, LCSW – Clinical Supervisor
  • Diane Good, BA – Business Office Manager
  • Trisha Prickett, LCSW, LMSW – LIFT Program Director
  • Linda Westrick - Community Engagement Coordinator
  • Steve Diagostino, Principal at Somerset CPAs
  • Terry Dove-Pittman, CEO at The Gideon Group
  • Cherie Ihnen, HR Consultant
  • Megan Jessup, Chief Operating Officer at Ascent 121
  • Tim Johnson, Accounting Manager at Charitable Allies
  • Louise Lombard, Director, HEOR at Agios Pharmaceuticals
  • Megan McGuire, Chief Executive Officer at Ascent 121
  • Bethany Monte, CEO of My Midwife for Life
  • Elyas Musleh, Retired Associate Vice President at Eli Lilly
  • Betsy Smith, Director of Accounting at Heritage Environmental
  • Seth Thomas, Partner at Bose McKinney & Evans

Ascent 121 is a 501©3 and is accredited by:
Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability
Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Board

Photo Dec 12 2023, 6 35 37 PM
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