Author: John Sheridan

Charleston, WV – EdenSpring CEO Dawnielle Miller traveled to Charleston to participate in Domestic Violence Awareness Day at the West Virginia State Capitol. The visit marked an important step in EdenSpring’s growing collaboration with the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center (EPEC) as the organization prepares to open its first restorative care home for survivors of sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. EdenSpring board member, Dan Caprio laid important groundwork in the weeks leading up to the awareness day introducing Miller and the work of EdenSpring to local representatives.

Miller joined advocates, coalition leaders, and legislators to support the Domestic Violence Coalition’s 2026 legislative priorities and to deepen EdenSpring’s relationships with key partners across the state. The day offered a firsthand look at the legislative process and the powerful advocacy efforts underway to strengthen protections for survivors.

Observing EPEC’s Executive Director Katie Spriggs in meetings with delegates and senators provided Miller with valuable insight into effective legislative advocacy on issues impacting survivors. “Katie is a force of nature—sharp, strategic, and deeply committed,” Miller said following the meetings. “Watching her advocate so effectively for survivors was both inspiring and instructive.”

Witnessing Legislative Progress in Real Time

While at the Capitol, Miller witnessed the house passage of HB 5101, The Joanna Phillips Domestic Violence Prevention Act, which enhances penalties for domestic violence offenses. The bill then advanced to the Senate.

Miller joined other advocates to thank Delegate Joe Funkhouser and Delegate Lisa White for their support of HB 5101 and requested support from Senators Patricia Rucker, Jason Barrett, and Darren Thorne. They also recommended additions to strengthen the bill as it moves to the Senate floor.

A Meaningful Step Toward Statewide Collaboration

Miller’s visit reflects EdenSpring’s commitment to working alongside established domestic violence and anti‑trafficking partners across West Virginia. As EdenSpring prepares to open its first residential restorative care home, these relationships will help ensure survivors receive comprehensive, coordinated support.

“Domestic Violence Awareness Day was a powerful reminder that West Virginia is full of leaders who care deeply about protecting survivors,” Miller said. “EdenSpring is honored to join this work, and we look forward to building a future where every survivor has the opportunity to heal and flourish.”

About EdenSpring

EdenSpring is a restorative‑care organization dedicated to providing trauma‑informed healing and restoration for survivors of sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. EdenSpring supports survivors to develop a peer community of long‑term support and invests in community‑based prevention strategies to end human trafficking. Rooted in compassion and guided by survivor wisdom, EdenSpring seeks to create a sanctuary where individuals can rebuild their lives and communities can work together to eliminate exploitation.

West Virginia – EdenSpring Foundation, a young restorative‑care nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting survivors of sex trafficking on their healing journey through residential and restorative care, announced the appointment of Dawnielle Miller as its inaugural Chief Executive Officer. Miller, a respected nonprofit leader with deep experience in organizational development and executive leadership, will guide EdenSpring as it launches its mission to create an oasis of safety for healing and restoration of survivors of sex trafficking and drive societal change through education and advocacy.

Miller brings a distinguished career in nonprofit start‑up, program design, community transformation, and management. She has spent years building organizations, programs, and teams designed to activate the resilience and potential of individuals and communities. Her leadership philosophy centers on relational presence, collective good, and creating environments where people can flourish.

“Dawnielle’s experience, vision, and heart for restorative work make her the ideal leader for EdenSpring,” said Christine Wilson, Founder and President of EdenSpring. “Her ability to build strong, compassionate teams and systems of care will lay a strong foundation for the important work this organization will do for years to come.”

As both an inaugural board member and the organization’s first staff leader, Miller is honored to help bring EdenSpring’s mission to life. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve survivors in this way,” she said. “I look forward to witnessing a community of women flourishing together as they are given the space to rest, heal, and rediscover the treasure that has been within them all along.”

In her role as CEO, Miller will oversee program development, staff leadership, community partnerships, and the creation and opening of EdenSpring’s restorative care home. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in the organization’s launch and reflects EdenSpring’s commitment to compassionate care, integrity, and excellence.

About EdenSpring

EdenSpring is a restorative‑care organization dedicated to providing trauma‑informed healing and restoration for survivors of sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. EdenSpring supports survivors to develop a peer community of long‑term support and invests in community‑based prevention strategies to end human trafficking. Rooted in compassion and guided by survivor wisdom, EdenSpring seeks to create a sanctuary where individuals can rebuild their lives and communities can work together to eliminate exploitation.

West Virginia – EdenSpring is proud to announce that it has officially broken ground on its first residential restorative care home for survivors of sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. Construction began in May 2025, marking a major milestone in EdenSpring’s mission to provide long‑term, trauma‑informed healing and restoration in a safe and nurturing environment. The home is scheduled for completion in June 2026.

The ten‑bedroom log home—designed in the style of a welcoming bed‑and‑breakfast—has been shaped at every stage by trauma‑informed designers. The result is a sanctuary intentionally crafted to restore autonomy, support physical and emotional regulation, and reconnect residents with the grounding rhythms of nature.

“Every detail of this home reflects our belief that healing begins with safety, dignity, and choice,” said EdenSpring Founder, Christine Wilson. “Our desire is not just to house survivors, but to honor their dignity and worthiness.”

A Home Designed for Healing and Autonomy

Survivors of trafficking are often deprived of control over even the smallest aspects of their daily lives. To counter this, the EdenSpring sanctuary home incorporates features that allow residents to reclaim autonomy from the moment they arrive:

• Individually controlled thermostats in every bedroom, enabling residents to adjust their environment to their own comfort.
• Dimmer switches throughout the home, giving residents the ability to set lighting levels that feel safe and soothing.
• Dynamic circadian lighting that shifts in color and intensity throughout the day, helping residents re‑establish healthy sleep cycles after years of disrupted or inverted schedules.

Nature‑Rooted Design for Grounding and Restoration

The home’s interior incorporates natural materials and biophilic design elements known to support emotional regulation and reduce stress:

• Hardwood floors and natural stone features that create a warm, organic atmosphere.
• Plant walls and greenery that bring the calming presence of nature indoors.

These elements work together to create a grounding environment where survivors can begin to rest, heal, and rebuild their lives.

A Milestone in EdenSpring’s Mission

The groundbreaking represents the first major step in EdenSpring’s long‑term vision to create a community where survivors can flourish. Once completed, the home will serve as a sanctuary for women seeking safety, stability, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.

“This home is more than a building—it is a clear message,” EdenSpring CEO Dawnielle Miller stated. “A message that survivors deserve a place of beauty and comfort where they are seen, valued, and supported as they reclaim their futures.”

About EdenSpring

EdenSpring is a restorative‑care organization dedicated to providing trauma‑informed healing and restoration for survivors of sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. EdenSpring supports survivors to develop a peer community of long‑term support and invests in community‑based prevention strategies to end human trafficking. Rooted in compassion and guided by survivor wisdom, EdenSpring seeks to create a sanctuary where individuals can rebuild their lives and communities can work together to eliminate exploitation.

West Virginia – EdenSpring Foundation, a new anti-trafficking organization dedicated to supporting survivors of human trafficking through long-term restorative care, announced the formation of its inaugural Board of Directors. The board brings together nationally recognized leaders in law, public policy, finance, and nonprofit development, united by a shared commitment to healing, restoration and hope for survivors of sex trafficking while investing in long-term societal change.

Christine Wilson — President & Founder

EdenSpring Founder Christine Wilson will serve as President of the organization. Wilson is a nationally respected antitrust and consumer protection lawyer who served as Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission from 2018 to 2023. Launching EdenSpring brings to life a 20‑year vision rooted in her desire to see lives restored and communities mobilized to prevent trafficking. Wilson resides in West Virginia, where she enjoys time with her family and the animals on her homestead.

Dan Caprio — Founding Board Member

Dan Caprio, Senior Policy Advisor at DLA Piper, joins the board with extensive experience advising global clients on privacy, cybersecurity, and geopolitical risk. His career includes senior roles at the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Federal Trade Commission. Caprio is motivated by the urgent need for comprehensive services for survivors and is committed to advancing EdenSpring’s mission to bring hope, healing, and long‑term societal change.

Beth Jones — Treasurer & Founding Board Member

Beth Jones, a seasoned financial officer and accountant with experience across governmental, public, and nonprofit sectors, will serve as Treasurer. Jones brings strong financial oversight and organizational leadership to EdenSpring. A West Virginia native, she is passionate about creating a safe, restorative environment for survivors and strengthening anti‑trafficking advocacy throughout the state.

Mary Lehner — Founding Board Member & Fundraising Chair

Mary Lehner, a highly regarded antitrust attorney and partner at Freshfields US LLP in Washington, DC, joins the board as Fundraising Chair. She considers it a privilege to support a mission that offers unambiguous good in a divided world and looks forward to helping build a sanctuary where women can begin to rebuild their lives.

Dawnielle Miller — CEO & Board Secretary

Dawnielle Miller, an experienced nonprofit executive and entrepreneurial leader, will serve as Board Secretary. Miller has dedicated her career to developing programs and teams that activate resilience and community strength. She is honored to be a part of the EdenSpring board and is committed to fostering a community where survivors can rest, heal, and rediscover their inherent worth.

A Commitment to Survivor‑ and Trauma‑Informed Leadership

EdenSpring affirms that the most effective restorative‑care organizations are shaped by the voices of survivors and trauma‑informed practitioners. The organization is committed to expanding its board to include these essential perspectives as it grows.

About EdenSpring

EdenSpring is a restorative‑care organization dedicated to providing trauma‑informed healing for survivors of sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. EdenSpring supports survivors to develop a peer community of long‑term support and invests in community‑based prevention strategies to end human trafficking. Rooted in compassion and guided by survivor wisdom, EdenSpring seeks to create a sanctuary where individuals can rebuild their lives and communities can work together to eliminate exploitation.