Dr. Teresa Merriweather is an Elyria, Ohio native who has dedicated nearly 20 years of her life to serving her community and advancing her education. However, prior to being able to embark fully on her professional life, Teresa’s ambitions were detoured by the horrific experiences of being trafficked in the sex trade.

Her faith, personal ambition and perseverance instilled in her by her family, allowed her to escape her trafficker and fulfill her professional goals so she may help others. Dr. Merriweather obtained a Bachelor of Art in Sociology, Master of Science in the Administration of Justice & Security. She holds a Crime Scene Technician certification, and co-author of "Rethinking Primary Prevention of Child Trafficking" framework, which is published in the American Journal of Orthopsychiatry.

Teresa, is globally/nationally recognized for her expertise in human trafficking and member of the Global Alliance for Behavioral Health and Social Justice, Ohio Attorney General's Human Trafficking Commissions Legal/Legislative sub-committee, MHRCET Advisory Board, Ohio Planning Council and the Global Association of Human Trafficking Scholars. Teresa holds an Honorary Doctorate Degree. She trains all over the country on human trafficking awareness while relentlessly continuing to pursue her ambition of rescuing and restoring victims of human trafficking across the world.