Ellen Mennell’s Story
Growing up, I experienced years of physical, mental, emotional, sexual, and spiritual abuse from family and the greater community. Being raised in a strict religious home and coming out as gay opened me to bullying, rejection, and eventually traffickers.
At the age of 14, I was trapped for 4 years with several other girls in a pornography ring. It started by having explicit photos taken. Without warning, things escalated quickly. Soon I was sexually exploited across four states.
All of this left me devastated as I battled my own demons: mental health, addiction, eating disorders, shame, and terror, to name a few. To say I hated myself and my life is an understatement.
Every day was a nightmare, with mounting depression and the desire to die plaguing my mind. On more than one occasion I attempted suicide as a way of escape from the torturous abuse. But the universe had another plan. I was rescued and life began to take a turn for the better. Through a powerful spiritual awakening, followed by several years of intense healing therapy, I found myself transformed from the inside out.
The pain that pierced and strangled my soul eventually dissipated. No longer did I struggle against breath. I softened in how I viewed myself, as I came to understand I was worthy of good, gentle, and positive things in life. I experienced tangible freedom from shame that’s been replaced by confidence.
I’m no longer at war with body image and who I am as a woman. Instead, I’m thankful for how I’ve been created. Like the phoenix, I have risen from the ashes to help others experience liberation.
For the past 20 years, I have dedicated my life, nationally and abroad, to hope, healing, and restoration for survivors of sex trafficking. I offer coaching and emotional support, facilitate trafficking prevention, and assist in survivor rescue. I also advocate for LGBTQ+ youth who are particularly vulnerable to trafficking.
As Mother Teresa said, "Love cannot remain by itself–it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action, and that action is service."
As a Spiritual Advisor, healer and Intuitive Guide, Ellen finds tremendous joy and heart warmth watching individuals transform into who they were created to be.
