Our vision

Tharseo Place, Inc brings a dual approach to serve survivors of human trafficking. By focusing inward, Tharseo Place  strives for wholistic healing for residents by investing in education, therapy, recreation and opportunities for spiritual growth. By focusing outward, Tharseo Place engages in community awareness activities, trains public servants and others to recognize signs of trafficking and speaks boldly and loudly for the silent. 

My name is Jenny Nielsen. I have always had a passion for caring for children and helping others. I grew up serving in the church nursery, babysitting and volunteering. I attended Texas A&M University and graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. I have 10 years of teaching experience in the classroom and serving as an interventionist. In 2021 I left the traditional classroom and found my true passion was leading a team that cared for teenage girls from difficult places. I hired staff to work daily with the girls, found tutors to assist with the individual education plans, and planned field trips and other educational outings.  I have been certified as an instructor in "Handle with Care" and possess a Food Safety Manager certification. My background in education is not that of a  traditional CEO but my passion for helping these girls has given me new purpose each day. I can't wait to open the doors at Tharseo Place! 

Ms. Sonya Brookins comes to Tharseo Place with more than a decade of experience leading facilities that invest in the lives of children. Ms. Brookins has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and dual Master of Art degrees in Humanities and Counseling. Ms. Brookins worked in various capacities for the State of Texas including licensing inspector which tasked her with inspecting and investigating facilities like Tharseo Place. After leaving investigations, Ms. Brookins supervised a 96 bed facility for the Department of Juvenile Corrections. Ms. Brookins then went on to serve as Chief Administrator for a 2400 bed immigration facility, which at the time was the largest facility of it's kind in the United States. Eventually Ms. Brookins made the move over to private providers where she has achieved stellar compliance records for operations under her guidance and leadership. When not leading facilities, Ms. Brookins enjoys spending time with her adult children and riding her motorcycle throughout the United States. 

 Brandi has a fierce passion for justice and healing for our youth.  She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. She has a wealth of experience working with adult and child survivors of violent crimes and trauma. She has provided therapeutic care in private practice, residential treatment facilities, and nonprofit agencies. Brandi completed her undergraduate degree with a BA in Theology, and went on to obtain her MA in Mental Health Counseling. She has advanced trainings in play therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Parent Child Interaction Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.  She brings humor and joy to the workplace, and is most likely seen with a cup of coffee in her hands and a new therapy idea brewing.