Our Team

Keely Griffin

Research Assistant

 

Keely is a cult survivor turned activist, dedicated to changing the legal landscape around coercive control. In 2021, she found herself trapped in a dangerous cult, which led her to discover Dr. Lalich’s work and the book Take Back Your Life. Since then, Keely has committed herself to understanding coercion, sharing her experiences, and advocating for accountability. Keely earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, double-majoring in Marketing and Sustainability Management. She now plans to attend law school to specialize in criminalizing coercive control and providing legal counsel to survivors.

Lalich Center on Cults and Coercion with Dr. Janja Lalich- Keely Griffin, Research Assistant

Nichole Nelson

Workbook Co-Author

 

Nichole is currently enrolled in the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Rhode Island College, where her scholarly pursuits focus on coercive control and onworking with survivors, including individuals who are hesitant to seek mental health support. Nichole supports the Lalich Center through writing and hosting a psychoeducational book club.

Lalich Center on Cults and Coercion with Dr. Janja Lalich- Nicole Nelson, Workbook Co-Author

Tara Backes

Administrative Assistant

 

Owner of Projects Made Simple, LLC, a virtual-assistant firm, Tara directly focuses her team and work solely with small businesses and nonprofits all over the world. Her mission is to provide day-to-day online support in all areas while helping her clients do what they love. With a Master’s in Business Management and Project Management, she has successfully virtually managed more than 300+ clients and led teams for more than 20 years.

Lalich Center on Cults and Coercion with Dr. Janja Lalich- Tara Backes,<br /> Administrative Assistant