RN, MSN, CPN, SANE-P
Founder & President,
Paradigm Shift Training and Consulting
Heidi Olson, RN, MSN, CPN, SANE-P is a Certified Pediatric Nurse and Certified Pediatric Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE). Heidi has a wide range of experience in pediatric and forensic nursing and has taught as an adjunct clinical instructor for the University of Missouri at Kansas City and the University of St. Mary’s.
Heidi previously managed the SANE Program at a children’s hospital in Kansas City where she performed/reviewed over 1,500 pediatric forensic exams, many of them trafficking cases, communicated with law enforcement, child protective services, and a large multidisciplinary team, as well as educated hundreds of staff members on relevant topics regarding sexual violence. Heidi also serves as an expert witness for the prosecution during trials for victims of sexual assault.
In 2019, Heidi implemented an evidence-based screening process in the Emergency Department, which has resulted in hundreds of vulnerable children being identified as victims of exploitation. Heidi started and led the human trafficking work group at a children’s hospital, presents with the Anti Internet Child Exploitation Team (a Canadian non-profit), and organized Empower KC, a community event to raise awareness about sexual exploitation in Kansas City. Heidi has testified in favor of bills that have been passed into law on the state level and most recently, Heidi testified at a briefing on Capitol Hill about protecting children online.
Heidi has also done groundbreaking work in sounding the alarm about the role of pornography influencing child-on-child sexual assault. Heidi’s work has resulted in many trainings, podcast interviews, testimony for legislatures, and most recently working as the clinical consultant for Culture Reframed. Culture Reframe recognizes the lack of guidance, best practices, and research around pornography exposure with children and their partnership with Heidi aims to give clinicians and professionals much needed tools and guidance in addressing this public health crisis.
Over the last few years, Heidi has presented hundreds of times internationally about recognizing human trafficking, child-on-child sexual assault, pornography, and exploitation. Heidi has also been featured in several documentaries regarding these topics, including Vulnerable Innocence, which has won 24 awards. Heidi won the Cry Purple award in 2023, which is given to citizens who are doing outstanding anti-trafficking work in their communities.
This broad-based expertise also gives her unique insights into strategies for funding opportunities that encourage vital players — including hospitals — to play a more significant role in the fight against human trafficking.
If you are ready to discuss how a cutting-edge anti-human trafficking program can benefit your hospital or healthcare facility while serving the needs of your patients and community to ensure no victims fall through the cracks
