Katie Rhoades

Founder, Executive Director of Growth

Katie Rhoades, MSW is the founder and Executive Director of Growth at Healing Action Network, a St. Louis Based NPO that provides direct services to adult survivors of commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking. She holds a Master of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis Brown School of Social Work with a focus on organizational development. Prior to her education and professional experience, she spent several years as a victim of sex trafficking and CSE while struggling with addiction and frequent homelessness. Katie was able to leave “the life” and begin her own journey of healing and restoration in 2002.
In large part to this experience, her professional philosophy is centered on peer support, transparency, and trauma honoring practices as a focus of sustainable operations, positive staff culture, and staff wellness.

Her professional experience spans 20 years working directly with adults who experience severe and persistent mental health challenges and she has spent the last 15 years within the anti trafficking movement.