Coming together to make a difference.

Jessica Evans, Founder & Executive Director

Jessica’s journey in the anti-trafficking movement began in 2007 after a life-changing trip to Nepal. Inspired to act, she returned home determined to raise awareness and mobilize her community in Indianapolis. In 2011, she founded Allies (formerly Purchased), a nonprofit organization that has since educated thousands across Indiana and developed innovative programs to support survivors of trafficking and their families.

A passionate educator and advocate, Jessica is a seasoned facilitator of the nationally recognized My Life My Choice curriculum, co-creator of the What Would I Do? curriculum, and a member of the Indiana Protection of Abused and Trafficked Humans Task Force. A two-time workshop presenter at the National Mentoring Summit, Jessica also leads workshops and trainings for youth-serving professionals across Indiana. Jessica holds a degree from Indiana Wesleyan University and a certificate in Nonprofit Executive Leadership from Indiana University. Her work has been recognized by the Women Like Us Foundation and the Indiana Youth Services Association for outstanding contributions to anti-trafficking efforts in the state.

Katie Blodgett, Director of Operations & Development

Katie has been in nonprofit work since high school. She has always cared about those on the margins, and felt her heart tugged towards service to others. Her work with nonprofits has taken her to many states for summer jobs and experiences, but she has served in Indianapolis now for almost 10 years. Katie worked as a frontline service worker for homeless young people, and was constantly inspired by the resiliency, humor, and strength of those she worked with. She believes in the impact and importance of nonprofit organizations, and is so happy to be able to support the work that Allies is doing in the Indianapolis community.

MaryAnn Abramson, Corporate Partnerships & Events Coordinator

With a deep-rooted passion for service, community, and empowering youth, MaryAnn brings years of experience from her roles as a Sr. Program Manager at Multiplying Good and Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) Specialist, where she led student-driven service initiatives and fostered meaningful community partnerships. Known for creating impactful events and building meaningful engagement, she thrives on bringing people together to spark change. Outside of work, MaryAnn coaches middle school cross country and high school track and field. She also enjoys baking, photography, exploring local restaurants, traveling, volunteering, and spending time with friends and family—all while seeking ways to build and contribute to a more compassionate and connected world.

Amanda Sparks, Allies Mentorship Program Coordinator

Amanda Sparks serves as the Mentorship Program Coordinator at Allies, where she oversees and supports one-on-one mentoring relationships for youth impacted by trafficking and exploitation. Her passion for this work began in 2013 while working with Trades of Hope, a fair trade organization. After watching a documentary on human trafficking that featured one of their artisan groups, Amanda felt deeply compelled to take action.
She began her journey by volunteering with a jail ministry through her church, where she gained firsthand experience working with vulnerable women. Desiring a more relational and consistent impact, Amanda became a volunteer mentor with Allies. In time, her commitment and connection to the mission led her to join the staff team. Today, she combines her relational strengths and leadership to equip mentors, support survivors, and cultivate healing through trusted relationships.

Beth Carney, Program Administrator

Beth yearns to touch the hearts of her sisters and brothers who live in the margins: the suffering, poor, refugee, elderly, and survivors of abuse. She has most recently worked with refugees who resettled to the U.S., our homeless neighbors, and has been on mission trips to MIssissippi and Haiti through her church.

Beth is able to serve Allies by using her gifts of administration to help with the functioning of the mentorship & Thrive programs. She also brings her joy and steadiness to this team, generously sharing wisdom and kindness with everyone she meets.

Kathy Stahlhut, Head Coach

Kathy first heard about Allies through Amanda Sparks whose heartfelt enthusiasm for the organization's work made such an impression that she knew she wanted to be a part of it. Inspired by the mission and its impact, she is honored to now serve alongside a team committed to hope, restoration, and meaningful change.

With a background in discipleship ministry, she has mentored and counseled women through various seasons of life. She treasures building authentic relationships and believes every woman's story - whether uplifting or heartbreaking - carries deep value and power. Having served on seven overseas mission trips, her heart for service continues to shape her work. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, biking, pickleball, and all things coffee.

Brittany Babbitt, Allies Mentor Coach

Julie Deem, Allies Mentor Coach

Julie first heard about Allies at an annual concert hosted by Always One Ministries. Answering the call to volunteer, she signed up to be a mentor. While waiting to be matched with her mentee, Julie pitched the idea of starting a podcast for the organization. As founder of The Business Podcast Editor, she partners with businesses interested in spreading their mission through podcasting. Today, Julie is a mentor coach, mentor, and podcast editor for Allies and continues to grow through God’s obedience.

Julie Snider, Mentor Coach

When Julie became introduced to Allies at a women’s networking luncheon in the summer of 2022, she felt a tug at her heart to start the process of becoming a mentor.  Matched in August 2023 with her mentee, she watched their relationship grow and is confident their friendship will last a lifetime.  Now, as a Mentor Coach she is grateful to be able to assist in another capacity at Allies. Being the oldest of 6 children, as well as a mom to 5 of her own (3 children + 2 bonus children), nurturing, supporting and listening with a sympathetic ear comes second nature to Julie.  She feels very fortunate to be a part of Allies and is able to extend God’s work to those who need love, support, and a community.

Mahota Williams, Mentor Coach

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Emily Watson, Thrive Facilitator

Emily is a graduate of Anderson University, where she received her BA in Psychology and Family Science. She went on to get her Masters in Social Work at Indiana University. Emily has worked in the mental health field for over five years as a clinical counselor with young girls who have been sexually abused as well as young men who have sexually maladaptive behaviors. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Unconditional, a ministry dedicated to working with women in the adult entertainment industry, as well as volunteering with program writing and therapy for some of the women served by Unconditional. Emily began working with the Thrive Group at the recommendation of a colleague. Having worked with youth experiencing compound complex trauma, teaching and processing trauma with parents seemed to be a good fit. Emily is passionate about working with youth and families in order to come together to find ways of healing through adverse circumstances.

Sarah Clark, Thrive Facilitator

Sarah has worked with youth and families since 2005, serving in a variety of settings including kinship and foster care, adoptive placements, orphanages, family reunification, and behavioral supports. She currently holds the position of Director of Behavior Management at Damar Services, where alongside her team of outstanding clinicians, she supports individuals with behavioral and developmental disabilities in building independence and enhancing their quality of life. Sarah is grateful to continue to work with Allies, having shared in developing the Thrive curriculum and continuing to train caregivers, volunteers, and professionals. Sarah holds master’s degrees in social work and vocal music from Indiana University. She is passionate about making clinical concepts accessible and practical, particularly in areas of trauma-informed care, positive behavior support, and interpersonal skill development.