Research & Innovation Award – Dr. Natalie Fabert
Award purpose:
This award honours those who advance our understanding of cults and coercive control through scholarship, research or education. Recipients contribute to the broader conversation about the psychological and societal dynamics of cultic abuse and promote solutions to combat such systems.
Recipient Overview:
Dr. Natalie Fabert is an Associate Teaching Professor at Arizona State University who developed and launched the popular undergraduate course “The Social Psychology of Cults.” She also teaches a range of undergraduate and graduate courses on social psychology, psychopathology, addiction treatment and professional issues in psychology. Beyond the classroom, she serves on the board of the Lalich Center on Cults and Coercion and collaborated with Dr. Janja Lalich to co‑create the on‑demand continuing education program “Working with Cult Survivors: A Basic Certification Course for Clinicians,” currently the only training tailored specifically to the clinical needs of cult survivors. In addition to her academic roles, Dr. Fabert is a practicing psychologist with a private practice specializing in trauma and abuse recovery, health psychology, and anxiety and adjustment disorders. She holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and an M.Ed. in Counselor Education from ASU, is licensed in Arizona, and completed a post‑doctoral residency at UC Davis.
Nominators praised Dr. Fabert’s blend of innovation, scholarly rigor and practical leadership in trauma‑informed mental‑health care. One noted that her continuing education course fills “a vital educational void” by providing an empirical, survivor‑centered and APA‑approved program for clinicians, distinguished by multidisciplinary expert involvement and accessibility. They highlighted how she integrates cutting‑edge research into her teaching, educates future therapists on the psychology of coercive groups and delivers compassionate, evidence‑based care to survivors. Another emphasized her organizational leadership as Continuing Education Director and board member at the Lalich Center, where she advances systemic awareness and provider competence in addressing cult‑related trauma. Dr. Fabert’s combination of research, innovation and applied training makes her an outstanding recipient of the Research & Innovation Award.
Dr. Natalie Fabert’s Biography
Dr. Natalie Fabert is an Associate Teaching Professor at Arizona State University, where she developed and launched the popular undergraduate special topics course The Social Psychology of Cults. At ASU, she also teaches a range of undergraduate and graduate courses on topics including social psychology, psychopathology, addiction treatment, and professional issues in psychology.
In addition to her teaching, Dr. Fabert serves on the Board of Directors at the Lalich Center on Cults and Coercion. She collaborated with Dr. Janja Lalich to co-create the on-demand Continuing Education course, Working with Cult Survivors: A Basic Certification Course for Clinicians.
Dr. Fabert is also a practicing clinician, specializing in trauma and abuse recovery, health psychology, and anxiety and adjustment disorders. She has maintained a private practice for the past seven years and has previously provided clinical services in university counseling centers and integrated primary care settings.
She holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and an M.Ed. in Counselor Education, both from Arizona State University. She is a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Arizona and completed a post-doctoral residency in psychology at the University of California, Davis.
Ethical Media Award – Anke Richter, Sarah Steel & Summer Cooke
Award purpose:
The Ethical Media Award celebrates journalists, podcasters, documentarians and bloggers who cover cults and coercive control with depth, accuracy and trauma‑informed care. Ethical reporting amplifies survivors’ voices, fosters understanding and encourages accountability.
Anke Richter – Co‑Recipient
Anke Richter is an international journalist based in New Zealand and the author of Cult Trip: Inside the World of Coercion & Control, an investigative and deeply personal exploration of contemporary sex cults and their lasting impact on children. Her reporting has appeared across New Zealand and Germany, and she has turned that investigative work into vital resources for survivors. As the founder and pro‑bono director of DECULT, she organized the first cult‑awareness conference in New Zealand in 2024.
Her nominators praised her “unparalleled dedication to raising cult awareness, supporting survivors, and advocating for societal change,” noting that her initiative Decult “stands as Australasia’s first cult awareness conference” and brought together hundreds of in‑person and virtual attendees. One nominator remarked that she “has worked tirelessly to both expose cults and support victims through her journalism, her book Cult Trip, and the conference she conceived and organized,” while another highlighted her role in co‑founding FACT Aotearoa and her advocacy for specialized cult‑recovery services in New Zealand. Anke’s passion for exposing coercive groups, promoting survivor‑led initiatives and pushing for better mental‑health support makes her a formidable advocate and a deserving recipient of the Ethical Media Award.
Anke Richter’s Biography
Anke Richter is an international journalist based in New Zealand and the author of Cult Trip: Inside the world of coercion & control (HarperCollins). Her latest book is an investigative and personal exploration of former and current sex cults and the children harmed in them. Her reporting has appeared in publications such as Die Zeit, Der Spiegel, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, taz, New Zealand Geographic, North & South, The Spinoff, Newsroom, Canvas, Stuff, RNZ, TVNZ and The Fair Observer, Anke’s reporting has been published in Die Zeit, Spiegel, FAZ, taz, New Zealand Geographic, North & South, The Spinoff, Newsroom, Canvas, Stuff, RNZ, TVNZ, The Fair Observer and others. She is the founder and pro bono director of DECULT, a grassroots charity that organised the first cult awareness conference in New Zealand in 2024.
Sarah Steel – Co‑Recipient
Sarah Steel is the creator of Let’s Talk About Sects, an award‑winning independent podcast known for its deeply researched chronicles of all kinds of cults. The New York Times captured its appeal perfectly: “Come for the satisfying pun in the title, stay for the deeply researched chronicles of all kinds of cults.” Sarah is also the author of Do As I Say (Amazon Affiliate link) and has convened packed‑out panel discussions centring the stories of cult victim‑survivors at Vivid Sydney and the Woodford Folk Festival. In addition to her writing and live events, she produces documentaries for ABC Radio National’s Earshot program, further elevating survivor voices and fostering public understanding of coercive groups.
Her nominators described Let’s Talk About Sects as “well‑researched, nuanced and empathic but not drama‑driven—one of the best resources in the cultiverse to understand certain groups and their history, and to give survivors a voice.” They noted that, although Sarah is not formally trained as a journalist, she “does a better job than many” professionals in the field. This combination of rigorous research, sensitivity to survivors and accessible storytelling makes Sarah an exemplary recipient of the Ethical Media Award.
Sarah Steel’s Biography
Sarah is the creator of Let’s Talk About Sects, an award-winning independent podcast about which the New York Times said, “Come for the satisfying pun in the title, stay for the deeply researched chronicles of all kinds of cults.” She is also the author of Do As I Say, published by Pan Macmillan Australia, and has convened packed-out panel discussions centring the stories of cult victim-survivors for Vivid Sydney and Woodford Folk Festival as well as producing for ABC Radio National’s Earshot program.
Summer Cooke – Co‑Recipient
Summer Cooke is a media professional whose work amplifies the voices of cult survivors and reshapes how stories of coercion and control are told. Recognized for her integrity, empathy and truth‑driven approach, she believes ethical media not only informs but also heals and empowers. In her role with The Freedom Train Project and International Cult Awareness Month, she has built survivor‑centered platforms that educate the public about coercion while honoring the lived experiences of those affected.
Nominators praised her “innovative, survivor‑centered communication strategies and creative storytelling,” describing her as “the media powerhouse” behind the project’s social media presence and brand identity. One nominator highlighted how she creates sensitive, accurate and empowering messaging and leads the behind‑the‑scenes technical production for the project’s podcasts, ensuring that survivor stories are presented respectfully with thoughtful editing and trauma‑informed framing. Another noted her advocacy through creative expression as the lead singer of Violett, writing and performing original music about coercive control, narcissistic abuse and survivorship, and her commitment to community inclusion by working directly with unhoused populations to ensure their stories are heard. For her ability to combine advocacy, technical skill, creative artistry and social responsibility, Summer Cooke exemplifies the highest standards of ethical media and is a deserving recipient of the Ethical Media Award.
Summer Cooke’s Biography
Summer Cooke is honored to receive the Ethical Media Award alongside esteemed individuals who are reshaping the way stories of cults and coercive control are told. Recognized for her integrity, empathy, and truth-driven approach, Summer’s work amplifies survivors’ voices and integrates educational research to shed light on systems of exploitation often hidden from view. Her commitment to depth and care in storytelling reflects a belief that ethical media has the power not only to inform, but to heal and empower.
Summer would like to thank Tabby, Amber, and the entire board and committee of The Freedom Train Project for their guidance and support. She is honored to work for The Freedom Train project and remains passionate about continuing her education and advancing her work within the media education realm.
Champion of Change Advocate Award – Decult
Award purpose:
The Champion of Change Advocate Award recognizes individuals or organisations who boldly advocate for policy reforms, survivor rights and public education about cults and coercive control. These advocates push for systemic change and raise awareness among policymakers and the public.
Recipient Overview:
Decult is a small, volunteer‑run charity dedicated to supporting mental health and human rights by educating the public about cults, reducing stigma and amplifying support for those affected by coercive control. Founded by Christchurch journalist and Cult Trip author Anke Richter, the organisation works to raise awareness, connect survivors with allies and journalists, and partner with public figures and media to drive change. Decult’s strength lies in creative projects—films, comedy, performance art and social‑media campaigns—that challenge limiting narratives about cult leavers and give survivors a stronger voice. While it does not provide counselling or exit services, Decult focuses on action, connection and speaking up, and its first major initiative was the groundbreaking Australasian cult‑awareness conference in Christchurch in 2024. That sold‑out event was livestreamed worldwide and featured survivors sharing their stories publicly for the first time, sparking peer‑support groups, activism, podcasts, video channels and book projects and building networks across New Zealand and Australia. A second conference is scheduled for October 2026.
Nominators hailed Decult as “a pioneer for raising cult awareness in New Zealand and worldwide,” noting that it is the first charity of its kind and is entirely volunteer‑driven and funded through donations and sponsorships. One nominator, who began as a social‑media intern and now runs Decult’s social channels, said the organisation “breaks down stigma and opens up the conversation in an educated and supported way” by giving victims a voice and platforming leading researchers. Others highlighted that the 2024 conference attracted doctors, counsellors, cult survivors and researchers from around the world and was livestreamed to create an invaluable archive for cult education. Several nominators emphasised Decult’s broader impact: establishing the Decult Collective to connect health professionals, survivors, policy‑makers, legal representatives and academics; facilitating support groups and research collaborations; organising New Zealand’s first cult‑training program for therapists; and lobbying for legal reform, including urging action after the Royal Commission on state care and religious institutions. As one supporter put it, Decult “has had an impact on how cults are currently being discussed in New Zealand and beyond” through its conferences, documentaries, podcasts, newsletters and workshops such as “How Not to Start a Cult.” Recognising Decult with the Champion of Change Award would underscore the importance of its victim‑centered mission and help sustain and expand its vital work. It is also important to note that Decult is the first organization-wide award nominated and selected for the Freedom Express Awards.
Decult Biography
Decult is a small volunteer-run charity organisation supporting mental health and human rights with a big impact in New Zealand and beyond. Its mission is to educate the public about cults, reduce stigma, increase media visibility and amplify support for people affected by coercive control. While it doesn’t provide counselling or exit services, its strength lies in raising awareness, connecting survivors with allies or journalists and working alongside public figures and media to drive change. The strength of Decult lies with creative projects such as films, comedy, performance art and social media campaigns to challenge limiting narratives about cult leavers and to give survivors a stronger voice. The focus is on action, connection and speaking up.
The non-profit was started by Christchurch journalist and Cult Trip author Anke Richter and has already broken new ground. In 2024, it hosted the first-ever Australasian cult awareness conference of its kind which sold out, was livestreamed globally and will return again in October 2026. Many presenters were survivors sharing their stories publicly for the first time – sparking peer support groups, activism, podcasts, video channels, book projects and more. Professionals and allies who attended have since built strong networks for cult education across New Zealand and Australia.
Elizabeth Chapman Inspirational Survivor Award – Maria Esguerra
Award purpose:
Named in memory of Elizabeth Chapman, this award honours individuals who have survived cultic abuse and now work to support others. It celebrates survivors who turn their experiences into strength and advocacy.
Recipient Overview:
Maria Esguerra is a distinguished psychologist, speaker, writer and researcher whose 14‑year career is uniquely defined by the synergy between her clinical expertise and her lived experience as a survivor. Born and raised in the Children of God cult, her childhood was marked by fear, medical neglect and strict control. At 22 she made the courageous decision to escape with her two children, transforming her trauma into a mission to help others—particularly those born and raised in high‑control environments. A Psychology Board‑approved supervisor and member of the National Panel of Assessors for Disability Employment, Maria is skilled in Positive Behavior Support, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. As Director of Assessable she leads a team providing high‑quality services for people with disabilities and as Director of The Olive Leaf Network she supports those leaving high‑control groups. She is a sought‑after international speaker and media contributor, frequently appearing on podcasts such as The Influence Continuum, Let’s Talk About Sects, Cults to Consciousness and Cult Chat and on news programs and documentaries, where she addresses topics like medical neglect within cults, the ethics of authoritarian control and the process of healing and rebuilding. Maria has presented at conferences including DECULT 2024 and ICSA 2024, helping to create a “natural defence system” against authoritarianism and cultic indoctrination.
Nominators described Maria as “absolutely impressive and unstoppable,” noting how she overcame profound adversities—including the death of her father and caring for a child with disabilities under cult‑imposed medical disinformation—and found her voice in public forums. One nominator recalled how anxious Maria was to speak publicly before the Decult conference in 2024 and how she has since stepped up to deliver a wealth of cult‑education videos and public talks. They highlighted her appointment as the Australian director for the Olive Leaf Network and urged others to look at her social‑media contributions and her research presented at ICSA 2024. By transforming her own adversity into a powerful source of hope and advocacy, Maria embodies the spirit of the Elizabeth Chapman Inspirational Survivor Award and continues to support countless others on their paths to healing.
Maria Esguerra’s Biography
Maria Esguerra is a distinguished psychologist, a speaker, writer and researcher, and a tireless advocate for survivors of coercive control. With over 14 years of professional experience, her career is uniquely defined by the profound synergy between her clinical expertise and her lived experience as a survivor.
Born and raised in the Children of God cult, Maria’s childhood was marked by fear, medical neglect, and strict control. At the age of 22, she made the courageous decision to escape with her two children, who have disabilities. This personal journey transformed her trauma into a powerful mission to help others, particularly those who were born and raised in such environments.
As a Psychology Board-approved supervisor and a member of the National Panel of Assessors for Disability Employment, Maria’s professional work is grounded in evidence-based approaches. She is a skilled practitioner in Positive Behavior Support, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). As the Director of Assessable, she leads a team providing high-quality, accredited services and fostering a culture committed to positive outcomes for people with disabilities.
Maria’s influence extends far beyond her clinical practice. She serves as the Director of The Olive Leaf Network, a charity dedicated to supporting those leaving high-control groups. A sought-after international speaker, her work focuses on prevention, promoting safe communities, and raising awareness about the tactics of coercive control. Her media contributions are a testament to her impactful role as an educator and advocate:
- Television & Print: She has been featured on ABC’s Compass in a segment titled “The Saints on trial: How a religious cult let a child die,” and in major publications like 1News.co.nz (“I lived under the so-called ‘law of love’ and it was terrifying”) the Courier Mail (“Prayed Upon”) and regular interviews on news channels, in relation to cultic and fringe groups.
- Podcasts: Maria is a frequent guest on prominent podcasts, including The Influence Continuum with Dr. Steve Hassan, Let’s Talk About Sects, Cults to Consciousness, Cult Chat, and DisAllusioned. Her discussions offer deep dives into topics such as medical neglect within cults, the ethics of authoritarian control, and the process of healing and rebuilding.
- Conferences: An in-demand speaker, she has presented at international events like DECULT 2024, and ICSA 2024 “Barriers Faced for Born-in-Cult Survivors and the Need for Specifically Designed Programs.”
By leveraging her personal story and professional authority, Maria Esguerra has become a pivotal figure in creating a “natural defence system” within society against authoritarianism and cultic indoctrination. She exemplifies the spirit of the Elizabeth Chapman award by transforming her own adversity into a powerful source of hope and support for countless others.
Harriet Tubman Peace Award – Keely Griffin
Award purpose:
The Harriet Tubman Peace Award honours mediators and negotiators who facilitate peaceful exits for victims from coercive groups, ensuring safety and minimizing conflict. The award is named in homage to Harriet Tubman’s historic role in leading people to freedom.
Recipient Overview:
Keely Griffin is a cult survivor turned activist who dedicates herself to raising awareness about the ongoing abuse within Twin Flames Universe (TFU) and educating others about coercive control. After escaping TFU in 2021, she shared her experiences with media outlets, spoke out on social media and contributed to two documentaries exposing the group’s abuses—Netflix’s Escaping Twin Flames and CTV’s W5 investigative episode We’re Not a Cult: Inside Twin Flames Universe. Keely remains committed to seeking justice for those harmed by TFU and other coercive institutions, continuing to tell her story, support fellow survivors, deepen her understanding of coercion and advocate for accountability.
Nominators described Keely as embodying “the essence of courage, resilience and transformation” that defines the Harriet Tubman Peace Award. One highlighted how she risked her career, finances, relationships and personal stability to leave TFU and then “actively began serving others,” partnering with cult expert Dr. Janja Lalich and speaking at prominent forums such as the National Writers Series to give voice to survivors and raise public awareness of coercive control. Another noted her appearances in both Escaping Twin Flames and Amazon Prime Video’s Desperately Seeking Soulmate: Escaping Twin Flames Universe, which brought critical scrutiny to predatory spiritual movements. Keely’s commitment extends to studying law, engaging with lawmakers and advocating for systemic protections against coercive influence. She has also coordinated with journalists and authorities to support accountability efforts. For her unwavering bravery, leadership in public education and dedication to systemic reform, Keely Griffin is a worthy recipient of the Harriet Tubman Peace Award.
Keely Griffin’s Biography
Keely is a cult survivor turned activist, committed to raising awareness about the ongoing abuse within Twin Flames Universe (TFU) and educating others about coercive control. After escaping TFU in 2021, she shared her experiences to media outlets, spoke out on social media and contributed to two documentaries exposing the group’s abuse: Escaping Twin Flames on Netflix and We’re Not a Cult: Inside Twin Flames Universe, part of CTV’s W5 Investigative Series.
Keely remains dedicated to her mission of seeking justice for those harmed by TFU and other coercive groups and institutions. She continues to share her story, support fellow survivors, deepen her understanding of coercion, and advocate for accountability.
Lifetime Achievement Award – Dr. Amber Deneén Chapman‑Gray
Award purpose:
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognises individuals whose sustained dedication has profoundly shaped public understanding and survivor support. It is reserved for those whose work spans decades of social advocacy.
Recipient Overview:
Dr. Amber Deneén Chapman‑Gray holds doctorates in behavioral health and in psychology, public policy and law, and has devoted her life to justice, healing and empowerment for survivors of violence. A credentialed victim advocate, prevention specialist and violence‑prevention expert, she has spent decades on the front lines of social advocacy, uplifting marginalized communities and advancing trauma‑informed care across disciplines. As both scholar and practitioner, she has trained countless providers to reframe victim behaviours through a trauma‑informed lens, reducing burnout among service professionals and ensuring survivors are met with compassion and understanding. Beyond academia, Dr. Chapman‑Gray has co‑founded and led organisations dedicated to violence prevention, victim advocacy and crisis response, and her work emphasises not only intervention but also long‑term systems change. Recognised nationally, her impact spans generations of survivors, advocates and providers, making her a fitting recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Nominators portrayed Dr. Chapman‑Gray as the embodiment of triumph over adversity—a survivor‑scholar, award‑winning advocate and public intellectual who “has channeled profound adversity into a profession defined by ethical leadership, systemic disruption and care‑centred reform.” One nominator noted that she survived domestic violence, child abuse, religious abuse and structural racism and yet earned dual doctorates, with specialities in neuroscience, forensic victimology and trauma‑informed systems change. They highlighted her roles as CEO of Gray’s Trauma‑Informed Care Services Corp and as Director of Violence Prevention and Victim Advocacy for The Freedom Train Project Inc., as well as her recent dissertation “Transformation Through Education: The Impact of Trauma‑Informed Care Training on Victim Services Providers,” which reframes frontline perceptions of “manipulative” clients within the context of trauma, neurodivergence and moral injury. Her dedication to victims is further evident in the inscription of that dissertation: “For all the victims and survivors of domestic violence…not just those who endured silently, but also those whose pain was misread, dismissed or pathologized.” Nominators also praised her for operating Rainbow Road Farm, a healing farm supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals, trauma‑affected youths and PTSD survivors, and for contributing to the book Women and Violence: Global Lives in Focus. Her ability to educate, inspire and challenge with compassion and clarity, while dismantling unjust systems from courtrooms to classrooms, led one nominator to observe that her legacy is already transforming lives. Recognising Dr. Amber Deneén Chapman‑Gray with the Lifetime Achievement Award honours not only the hardships she has overcome but also the countless lives she continues to elevate through her leadership and advocacy.
Dr. Amber D. Chapman-Gray’s Biography
Dr. Amber Deneén Chapman-Gray, PhD, DBH has dedicated her life to the pursuit of justice, healing, and empowerment for survivors of violence. Dr. Chapman-Gray is a Doctor of Behavioral Health and a Doctor of Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, a credentialed victim advocate, prevention and intervention specialist, and violence prevention expert, she has spent decades at the forefront of social advocacy, uplifting marginalized communities and advancing trauma-informed care across disciplines.
Her career reflects a steadfast commitment to transforming the way individuals and institutions respond to victims of crime, abuse, and systemic oppression. As both a scholar and practitioner, Dr. Chapman-Gray has trained countless providers in trauma-informed approaches that reframe victim behaviors, helping service professionals better understand the lived realities of survivors. Her evidence-based strategies have reshaped victim services, reduced burnout among providers, and increased compassionate care for those most in need.
Beyond her academic and clinical work, Dr. Chapman-Gray has been a fearless advocate for policy reform, organizational accountability, and community education. She co-founded and led organizations dedicated to violence prevention, victim advocacy, and crisis response, building networks of support that extend far beyond the clinical setting. Her work emphasizes not only intervention but also long-term systems change, ensuring survivors are met with dignity, equity, and meaningful resources.
Recognized nationally for her contributions, Dr. Chapman-Gray’s impact spans generations of survivors, advocates, and providers. The Lifetime Achievement Award honors her unwavering devotion to breaking cycles of violence, amplifying silenced voices, and creating sustainable change in communities that have long been overlooked. Her legacy is one of resilience, leadership, and hope, an enduring reminder that a single life dedicated to service can ripple outward to transform countless others.
Compassionate Counselor Award – No Recipient in 2025
This award honours therapists and counselors who provide trauma‑informed support to survivors. In 2025, the committee received no eligible nominations for this category. We encourage nominations in future years to recognize those providing compassionate mental‑health care.
Looking ahead
We congratulate this year’s recipients for their dedication, courage and profound impact. Their stories illuminate pathways for research, ethical media, survivor resilience, advocacy and lifelong service. The Freedom Train Project invites the community to celebrate these honorees and to continue nominating outstanding individuals for future awards. Together, we will keep shining a light on the realities of cultic abuse and inspiring a world where survivors thrive.
Congratulations 2025 Freedom Express Awards Recipients!
