Jason McLaughlin is the Executive Director at WAIT House (a run-away and homeless youth shelter in Glens Falls, NY) and has been working in the field of behavioral health for the past 12 years with both adults and adolescents.

Jason McLaughlin is credentialed as a CASAC (Certified Alcohol and Substance Use Counselor) and holds a BA of science in addiction studies.

His previous role before coming to WAIT House he served as the Washington County CASAC through the Glens Falls Hospital Behavioral Health Division

Jason currently is co-chair of the Saratoga North County Continuum of Care and also sits on the board of the NYS run away and homeless youth advisory committee.

Jason has taken on many roles in the community to help combat negative social and behavioral community issues to include Anti- Human Trafficking efforts and the exploitation of youth in Warren and Washington Counties.

Shannon Lukowski serves as the Anti-Trafficking and Missing Persons Coordinator in the Division of Youth development and Partnerships for Success at the NYS Office of Children and Family Services.

She is responsible for New York State’s Safe Harbour programs state-wide. Ms. Lukowski earned her master’s degree from the University of Akron and has experience working with at-risk youth in preventive and foster care programs.

Prior to her current role Ms. Lukowski spent several years training DSS caseworkers in and foster parents in child welfare and foster care curriculum.

John Kelly currently works for the NYS Children’s Alliance which is a non-profit that provides training and technical assistance to 47 Child Advocacy Centers across New York State.

He is a trained forensic interviewer of children and routinely conducts interviews in Saratoga County and beyond if needed to assist in investigations into allegations of child abuse.

Prior to joining NYSCA John was a police officer for 23 years and retired as an investigator in Saratoga Springs.

For the last 7 years he has been the anti-trafficking coordinator for Saratoga County.

John has spent his entire professional career working with children and families who have been victims of abuse. I am humbled to be here with you today and look forward to sharing our experiences.

Elena Clayton joined the FBI in 2021 as the Albany Division’s Victim Specialist after serving as a Victim Witness Coordinator for the Davidson County District Attorney’s Office in Nashville for five years.

She attended the University of Western Kentucky where she received a bachelor’s degree in social work.

As a Victim Specialist, Elena is dedicated to aiding vulnerable individuals and human trafficking survivors by providing essential support and resources. Her role involves navigating the legal process, offering emotional assistance, and connecting survivors with the services needed to help rebuild their lives.

Throughout her career, she has played a crucial role in addressing the unique challenges faced by victims, ensuring their well-being and working to foster their empowerment throughout the legal process.

As a fluent Spanish speaker, she has been able to use her language abilities to enhance communication and understanding for Spanish speaking survivors of human trafficking.

As a long life resident of the south, Elena is still adjusting to Northeast winters, but she and her family are embracing the four seasons and enjoying the beautiful landscape of upstate New York.