About us
Bridie Farrell was a nationally ranked speed skater by age 13. She competed in the 1998, 2002, 2006, and 2014 Olympic Trials and held three American records: 1500m, 3000m, and 3000m relay. At the age of 31, she disclosed that beginning at age 15, she was sexually abused by her then 33 year old speed skating teammate, an Olympic silver medalist.
Sixteen years after the abuse ended, Bridie became an outspoken advocate to end child sexual abuse. Bridie formed America Loves Kids. America Loves Kids advocates for survivors of child sexual abuse, works with policy makers and elected leaders to create policies that benefit survivors of child sexual abuse and connects survivors to qualified, trauma informed legal counsel.
“I learned that I was the victim of a crime after the deadline to report the crime. I knew a law like that had to change. I founded America Loves Kids to help survivors of child sexual abuse access the justice system.”
– Bridie Farrell
What We Do
We advocate for survivors.
We work with elected officials and policymakers that support law and policy for survivors.
We connect survivors to qualified legal counsel in supporting civil claims against abusers and institutions.
Our mission
The mission of America Loves Kids is to eliminate child sexual abuse. America Loves Kids arises from optimism and belief that child sexual abuse can be eliminated.
About Us
Bridie Farrell
President, Founder, and CEO
Bridie Farrell is an advocate on behalf of survivors of childhood sexual abuse and exploitation. She is a frequent commentator in the media and a distinguished speaker about issues related to child abuse.
Bridie was a nationally ranked speed skater. Beginning at age 15, she was sexually abused by speed skating teammate and Olympic silver medalist, then 33. Bridie publicly disclosed the abuse in 2013 and became a devoted advocate for all survivors.
Bridie’s work for survivors of child sexual abuse spans across the country, and led her to create America Loves Kids.
Bridie holds a BS from Cornell University. She resides in upstate New York with her partner, Andrew and their dog, Lexington.
Francis Piderit
Secretary of the Board
Francis Piderit is committed to the work of America Loves Kids because he believes very few families escape the scourge of sexual abuse entirely, leaving so many children exposed to it, so we must do everything we can to empower the powerless.
Francis has over thirty years of experience in branding, design, and media strategy. His firm, Piderit + Partners is located in New York City. He is a graduate of St. John’s University.
Helen Vlassis
Board Treasurer
Helen Vlassis is committed to ending the exploitation of children. In addition to being America Loves Kids’ treasurer, Helen has spent the last twenty years in the banking industry in various leadership roles.
Helen is a scholar as well as a philanthropist. She graduated from New York University’s Leonard N. Stern School of Business with an MBA in Finance. Helen also earned a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Columbia University. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art.
Helen lives in New York with her son.