SAFE Shelter Center for Domestic Violence Services is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors: Dr. Trina
Embrey, Zach Gilstrap, and Kyle Gallenstein. These community leaders bring a wealth of experience in healthcare, business, logistics, law, and advocacy, further strengthening SAFE Shelter's mission to provide safety, support, and hope to survivors of domestic violence and their children.

"We are honored to welcome these exceptional individuals to our Board of Directors," said Suzanne Cooler, President of the SAFE Shelter Board of Directors. "Their professional expertise, leadership experience, and commitment to serving others will be invaluable as we continue our work to support survivors and build a safer community."

New Board Members
Dr. Trina Embrey, DNS, RN is a seasoned academic leader and nursing educator with extensive experience in program administration, faculty development, accreditation, and teaching. She has served in senior leadership roles as BSN Program Director at Armstrong State University and Chair of the School of Nursing at Georgia Southern University.

Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Embrey has held leadership and board positions at both the international and state levels, including service with Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and the Georgia Association for Nursing Education. Her scholarship includes publications in nursing education and complementary and integrative health.

"Serving on the SAFE Shelter Board is both an honor and a responsibility," said Dr. Embrey. "I am committed to increasing awareness of domestic violence and supporting efforts that promote safety, healing, and meaningful change throughout our community."

Zach Gilstrap is President and Owner of College H.U.N.K.S. Moving and College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk, serving Savannah, Hilton Head, Brunswick, and St. Simons Island. With more than a decade of experience in international, national, and local supply chains, he specializes in transportation, warehousing, international trade, and logistics strategy.

Known for building efficient and people-centered operations, Gilstrap's career began in public service as a police officer in central Illinois and has continued through involvement in emergency management and humanitarian logistics initiatives.

Kyle Gallenstein is a Savannah-based attorney with more than a decade of public service experience and a strong background representing survivors of domestic violence and other crimes. Since joining Georgia Legal Services Program in 2019, he has served as a Supervising Attorney in the organization's Savannah Regional Office, focusing on domestic relations, elder law, and consumer matters.

Prior to joining Georgia Legal Services Program, Gallenstein served as a Staff Attorney and Domestic Violence Clinic Supervisor with Legal Aid Society of Southwest Ohio. He currently serves on multiple family violence task forces throughout Coastal and Middle Georgia, bringing extensive knowledge of survivor advocacy and legal protections to the Board.
Current SAFE Shelter Board of Directors

SAFE Shelter also recognizes and thanks its dedicated Board of Directors for their ongoing leadership and commitment to the organization's mission:

● Suzanne Cooler, President
● Zach Thomas, Vice President
● Sarah Holland, Secretary
● Heather Coleman, Treasurer
● Candace Blyden
● Katrina Embrey
● Julie Hayes
● Mary Anne Hogan
● Kyle Gallenstein
● Zach Gilstrap
● Greg Mortimer
● Gabrielle Nelson
● Quin Peterson

The Board of Directors plays a critical role in guiding SAFE Shelter's strategic vision, ensuring strong governance, supporting fundraising efforts, and advocating for survivors throughout the region.

For more than four decades, SAFE Shelter has provided emergency shelter, advocacy, counseling, legal assistance, prevention education, and support services to individuals and families impacted by domestic violence. The organization remains committed to creating a community where every person can live free from violence and fear.