Sex Trafficking of children and the most efficient ways to prevent and detect it

Dr. Cassandra Ma, Psy.D., is the Founder and Executive Director of Reclaim13, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing healing services to survivors of sexual abuse, trafficking, and exploitation.

Reclaim13 began in 2012. Dr. Ma and Reclaim13 have been recognized by the Office of the U.S. Attorneys for the Northern District of Illinois for their work with victims of child sex trafficking. She has been recognized by the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services for her compassion, dedication and commitment to the children and families of Illinois and has served on various advisory boards, including the Illinois Children’s Justice Task Force and the College of DuPage’s Human Services. Dr. Ma has been featured on ABC’s “Our America: Women Forward” and “Asian Influences.” She presents frequently about child trafficking and child victimization and contributed the chapter on “Developmental Aspects of Child Trafficking” in the book, Psychological Perspectives on Human Trafficking, published by the American Psychological Association. Dr. Ma was recognized as Woman of the Year by the Rotary Club of Chicago, was named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Foundation, and received Convene’s Infinitely Beyond Award, in recognition of one who courageously answered God's call, stepped out in faith, and allowed God to work through them in remarkable ways to advance His Kingdom.. She is passionate about forging a forever community for survivors of child sexual abuse and exploitation until all children can grow up feeling safe and loved.

Dr. Ma received her doctorate in clinical psychology at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and completed a post-doctoral fellowship in marriage and family therapy at the Family Institute at Northwestern University, where she joined the staff team and core faculty, teaching and coordinating the Bette D. Harris Family and Child Clinic.