Staff Leadership

Our Team

Our experienced attorneys, advocates, and educators provide free, trauma-informed services for survivors of domestic violence throughout Greater Boston and beyond. We are dedicated to ending the cycle of abuse with our wraparound support, including safety planning, legal advocacy, counseling, housing stabilization, support groups, and community education.

Our tailored services guide survivors on their unique path to safety, stability, healing, and hope. Together, we empower survivors to build a brighter, more secure future.

Susan Ross, Esq. (She/Her)
Chief Executive Officer

Susan Ross, who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brown University and a Juris Doctor from Vermont Law School, joined The Second Step as a volunteer attorney in 2013. Sue soon became the organization’s staff attorney, and then Director of Legal Services, playing a key role building this robust program. Now, as the organization’s CEO, a role she assumed in 2022, Sue is responsible for leading the strategic direction and operations of The Second Step, making sure its programs effectively support survivors of domestic violence and address the root causes of abuse. “I want every survivor to know they are not alone and that a community is here to stand with them as they navigate their unique path to safety, stability, healing, and hope. I am committed to driving lasting change – for individuals, families, and within systems – to break the cycle of violence and build stronger, more resilient communities.”

Contact Sue at sross@thesecondstep.org.

Kaitlyn Matthews (She/Her)
Chief Operating Officer

Kaitlyn Matthews, who holds a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice degree from Boston University and a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership degree from Southern New Hampshire University, joined The Second Step in 2017. As the organization’s Chief Operating Officer, Kaitlyn is responsible for overseeing its daily operations, program implementation, financial management, and strategic initiatives to ensure efficient service delivery and support for survivors. “I aim to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen program effectiveness, and ensure financial sustainability to maximize our impact on survivors and communities. I am committed to fostering a supportive, trauma-informed environment while expanding partnerships and resources to improve accessibility and long-term solutions for those affected by domestic violence.”

Contact Kaitlyn at kmatthews@thesecondstep.org.

Suzanne Wakefield, MSW (She/Her)
Chief Development Officer

Suzanne Wakefield, who holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Chicago Crown School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, joined The Second Step in 2016. In her role as Chief Development Officer, Suzanne is responsible for leading The Second Step’s Development Team to secure philanthropic support, cultivate meaningful relationships with donors and partners, and expand community engagement through fundraising, special events, communications, and strategic initiatives. “I strive to strengthen and grow The Second Step’s network of supporters to ensure long-term sustainability and increased resources for survivors. I hope our team’s efforts expand awareness of our services to reach even more survivors in need, and to create healthier, safer communities.”

Contact Suzanne at swakefield@thesecondstep.org.

Amy Hamill, Esq. (She/Her)
Director of Legal Services

Amy Hamill, who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia College at Columbia University, and a Juris Doctor from Fordham University School of Law, joined The Second Step in 2016. “In my role, I am responsible for managing the Legal Services Program, supervising the team of Staff Attorneys, and directly representing clients in court.” As the director of the Legal Services Program, Amy has several goals. Among them, she wants to expand and grow The Second Step’s robust practice of representing survivors of domestic violence in courts throughout Massachusetts at Abuse Prevention Order hearings as well as on Family Law matters. Amy is committed to ensuring that survivors of domestic violence are afforded the opportunity to have their circumstances fully understood so that judges make decisions and rulings that provide lasting, long-term solutions for safety, stability, and well-being.

Contact Amy at ahamill@thesecondstep.org.

Gabriela Wells, LCSW (She/Her)
Director of Intervention and Advocacy

Gabriela Wells, who holds a Master of Social Work degree (MSW) from Boston College and is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, joined The Second Step in 2020. As the director of Intervention and Advocacy, Gabriela leads a team of dedicated domestic violence advocates, providing crisis intervention, safety planning, and advocacy to support survivors on their path to healing and empowerment. With a passion for both direct service and preventative education, Gabriela brings a clinical and social justice lens to her work with survivors. “I strive to ensure that survivors have access to safety, trauma-informed care, and individualized support tailored to their unique needs. My goal is to empower survivors by increasing their agency in their own lives, helping them regain control, confidence, and stability as they heal from abuse.”

Contact Gabriela at gwells@thesecondstep.org.

Stacy Karabetsos, MSW (She/Her)
Director of Prevention Education

Stacy Karabetsos, who holds a Master of Social Work degree from Boston University, joined The Second Step in 2024. In her role as director of Prevention Education, Stacy is responsible for fostering partnerships, developing and delivering prevention education programs, and equipping professionals and community members with the knowledge and tools to recognize, interrupt, and effectively support those impacted by domestic violence. “I am focused on building sustainable, community-driven approaches to domestic violence prevention. My work centers around expanding awareness, reducing stigma, and strengthening collaborative efforts. My goal is to equip individuals and communities with the skills and understanding to prevent violence, support survivors, and create meaningful, lasting change.”

Contact Stacy at skarabetsos@thesecondstep.org.