Leadership

Shelaine Maxfield is Founder and Board Chair of Saprea, which she established in 2014. After she and her husband, Derek, became painfully aware of the long-term impact child sexual abuse has on survivors, they envisioned creating an organization that could offer free resources and services to provide healing, education, and hope. As president of Saprea, Shelaine guides the overall vision of the nonprofit’s work, and focuses on the individual experience of those who are directly served.

Shelaine actively presents on both national and international stages with a focus on the hope and healing that are possible for survivors of child sexual abuse, as well as the need for education on abuse prevention in families and communities. She believes one key to scaling societal change is through awareness. Hence, she enjoys opportunities to educate about the epidemic of sexual abuse and the importance of supporting survivors.

The Maxfields were recognized by Utah Valley Magazine in 2016 and were awarded Philanthropist of the Year. Two years later Shelaine was featured as one of Utah’s 30 Women to Watch by Utah Business. In 2021 Saprea was selected by the prestigious Stand Together Foundation as one of the country’s most transformative nonprofits. The nonprofit was also invited to be part of Stand Together’s Catalyst Program, a management training and peer-learning program.

Shelaine is a wife and mother to five children. She enjoys traveling to all parts of the world and learning about other cultures. She is currently learning Portuguese.

Chris Yadon joined Saprea as Executive Director in 2015. Chris is responsible for the executive leadership, effective stewardship of financial resources, planning, and operational management at Saprea. He has previously held leadership positions in the start-up, tech, and healthcare industries. He brings a valuable skillset to the organization and is deeply committed to addressing the epidemic of child sexual abuse.

Chris plays an important role as a spokesperson for Saprea. He is a sought-after speaker and has been invited to present nationally and internationally. His expertise centers on heightening awareness to the epidemic of child sexual abuse, as well as educating the public on best practices for prevention and the healing services available to survivors. Chris has been featured across several media platforms where he is often requested to contribute as an industry thought leader and expert.

Chris considers his family to be his greatest accomplishment. He is the grateful father of six children: three boys and three girls. He and his wife, Christy, have been married for 25 years.

Matt Hartvigsen began his work at Saprea in 2015. He oversees the initiatives that provide deep-level education to the public on the issue of childhood sexual abuse. Matt directs efforts to involve as many people as possible in taking action to prevent abuse and regularly interfaces with community leaders, elected and volunteer civic leaders, educators, clergy, nonprofit executives, and parents.

Matt specializes in content direction and delivery of educational resources. He has managed both the development and implementation of several of our major educational platforms and materials for both healing and prevention.

This has included launching our Saprea Support Groups, dozens of volunteer events, and hundreds of digital resources for survivors, supporters, and families. Matt also oversees language translation efforts as we fulfill our commitment to offer our resources across the world.

Matt represents our nonprofit as a member of Prevent Together, the National Coalition to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation. In 2018 he was featured as one of Utah’s 40 Under 40. Matt holds a BA in English from Brigham Young University—Idaho and an MPA from Brigham Young University. His favorite thing to do is spend time with his wife and their four children.

Shelaine Maxfield is Founder and Board Chair of Saprea, which she established in 2014. After she and her husband, Derek, became painfully aware of the long-term impact child sexual abuse has on survivors, they envisioned creating an organization that could offer free resources and services to provide healing, education, and hope. As president of Saprea, Shelaine guides the overall vision of the nonprofit’s work, and focuses on the individual experience of those who are directly served.

Shelaine actively presents on both national and international stages with a focus on the hope and healing that are possible for survivors of child sexual abuse, as well as the need for education on abuse prevention in families and communities. She believes one key to scaling societal change is through awareness. Hence, she enjoys opportunities to educate about the epidemic of sexual abuse and the importance of supporting survivors.

The Maxfields were recognized by Utah Valley Magazine in 2016 and were awarded Philanthropist of the Year. Two years later Shelaine was featured as one of Utah’s 30 Women to Watch by Utah Business. In 2021 Saprea was selected by the prestigious Stand Together Foundation as one of the country’s most transformative nonprofits. The nonprofit was also invited to be part of Stand Together’s Catalyst Program, a management training and peer-learning program.

Shelaine is a wife and mother to five children. She enjoys traveling to all parts of the world and learning about other cultures. She is currently learning Portuguese.

Derek Maxfield is an original member of the board of directors of Saprea. “Nothing about Saprea was an afterthought,” says Derek. “This wasn’t a case of making it big with [a] business and finding a charitable cause to support. There’s nothing wrong with that method, but it’s simply not our story. The nonprofit has always been the motivation.”

Derek promised a dying friend that he would do something great with his life and considers Saprea as a fulfillment of that promise. After 12 years of developing software for top players in the direct sales industry, Derek joined with his sister Melanie to start Younique, a global cosmetics company. The success of Younique provided Derek, and his wife, Shelaine, the resources to realize their vision of starting Saprea.

Above all else, Derek treasures his faith and his family, which now includes five children.

Melanie Huscroft has served on Saprea's board of directors since its inception. She teamed up with her brother, Derek Maxfield, in 2012 to create the direct sales company Younique Products as a means of creating and supporting Saprea. Melanie’s passion to uplift, empower, validate, and build self-esteem in women throughout the world fuels her desire to support survivors of child sexual abuse. Melanie’s executive experience in advertising, art, marketing, purchasing, and sales assist the board in building a global brand dedicated to serving survivors of abuse and individuals who seek to prevent abuse from occurring.

While Melanie has many professional accomplishments, she is most proud of her marriage and family. Her 16-year career as a full-time homemaker, wife, and mother of four gives her a clear understanding of the wins and struggles inherent with being a parent.