Derek
Founder and President
My journey began with pain no child should ever have to carry. I survived childhood sexual assault, followed by years of further sexual abuse in shelters and placement facilities by counselors and therapists who were supposed to protect me. Being hurt by the very people I turned to for help made it difficult to know whom I could trust. For years, I lived in silence and fear, carrying wounds I did not know how to begin healing.
That trauma followed me into adulthood. My life included homelessness, physically abusive relationships, and times when my path of survival even included crime. These are difficult parts of my story to share but necessary. For so long, I struggled to see my own worth or believe that I deserved to feel safe and loved.
Through therapy as an adult, support groups, and the love of my husband, Bonsel, and my fur baby, Zeusy, I began to find my way toward healing. Slowly, I learned to talk about what happened to me and understand it was never my fault. I began to see myself as someone worthy of kindness. I found reasons to feel proud of who I am, how far I have come, and the amazing things I have accomplished.
Healing has taken time, and I am still learning. But the love I have received has helped me imagine a life with more than survival in it—a life with happiness, connection, and purpose. A story I’m no longer ashamed of and a journey I’m proud to share
With Love From Zeusy comes from that deeply personal place. I know what it feels like to be a child who is hurting, frightened, and longing for someone to care. I cannot change my childhood, but I can help bring moments of joy and hope into another child’s life. Through wishes, meaningful experiences, and the unconditional love of a fur baby, I want children who have survived sexual assault to feel seen, supported, and worthy of something beautiful.
Secretary
Carmen
I’m an artist, an animal lover, and someone who believes that every person deserves to feel loved and safe. Growing up involved in theater and choir sparked a lifelong passion for the arts. I love every aspect of it—from sitting in the audience to working behind the scenes as stage crew.
On my days off, you’ll usually find me painting, crocheting, rewatching my favorite shows (for the 50th time), reading, or spending time with my fiancé, Dylan.
I’ve always loved creating things with my hands, and I’m excited to bring that same passion to this nonprofit. I look forward to helping in any way I can, whether that means taking meeting notes, planning events, getting my hands dirty while preparing for an event, or heading out into the community to lend a helping hand wherever it’s needed.
When Derek asked me to be part of this journey, I didn’t hesitate to say yes. I had no doubt that what he was building would become something truly special. Derek is one of the most driven people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing, and he has a remarkable ability to inspire everyone he meets. Learning about his story and seeing how he transformed the trauma of his childhood into a mission to help others made me want to be part of that journey for someone else—even if it’s from behind the scenes.
There is incredible power in love, and by making healing resources more accessible, we can help spread that love to those who need it most. This won’t always be an easy journey, but it is an important one. Through perseverance, compassion, and a commitment to learning, I truly believe we can accomplish extraordinary things together.
Vice President
Bon ‘Sel
I’m a hairstylist, makeup artist, photographer and a salon owner along side my husband, Derek Mccance. My husband’s story of having his childhood stripped away from him is something I can deeply relate to because I, too, am a survivor of sexual abuse.
I don’t just stand beside my husband; I stand with him and hold him up as we work together to create change and bring awareness to child abuse of any kind—abuse that can follow a person from childhood into adulthood and, for many survivors, even into their senior years.
The road ahead will not always be easy, but providing a place where people can find knowledge, compassion, understanding, resources, and a path toward healing is a no-brainer for me. I know in my heart that I have to be a part of this change.
I’m so honored to share this journey with my best friend, my husband, Derek Mccance.
Treasurer
Heather
I’m a devoted wife, mother of five, small business owner, youth soccer coach, and proud animal mom. With a degree in Counseling, I’ve always been passionate about supporting others, creating safe spaces, and helping people feel heard, valued, and loved.
As a small business owner, I understand the importance of serving my community. I also coach youth soccer and serve as President of the Carlynton Soccer Boosters, where I support local student-athletes.
My greatest joy is being a mom to my five amazing children. They are my biggest motivation and have taught me the true meaning of unconditional love, strength, and perseverance. Everything I do is rooted in my love for my family and my desire to raise kind, compassionate children.
I’m also a proud fur mom to five dogs and three cats, and I’m incredibly grateful for my husband, Jim, who has been my partner and biggest supporter through every season of life.
I’m honored to serve as Treasurer of With Love, From Zeusy, an organization whose mission is deeply meaningful to me. I believe every child and survivor deserves to feel safe, supported, and loved. Through this organization, I’m grateful to combine my passion for people, animals, and my community while helping ensure survivors know they are never alone.