Debi Ray-Rivers
Founder & Executive Director
Debi Ray-Rivers was born and educated in Bermuda; graduating from Roger B. Chaffee High School. She entered the business world by working for Delta Airlines in Bermuda as a customer service agent for 13 years. Prior to SCARS, she spent 14 years as a Human Resource Manager.
With the support of her loving husband, Jerry, and her two precious daughters Brittany and Christy, SCARS was created out of a devastating family experience in 2004 which brought to light the need for greater awareness, education, and healing with respect to the issue of child sexual abuse. Mrs. Ray-Rivers began her crusade to prevent child sexual abuse in 2011.
Mrs. Ray-Rivers has a passion for God, family, and the protection of children. She is an example of how you can turn pain into purpose. A survivor of sexual abuse herself, she was determined to “Break the Silence and the Shame” associated with this crime against children.
Mrs. Ray-Rivers has a certification in Nonprofit Management from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. She is an Authorized Facilitator for the Darkness to Light Organization, one of the nation’s leading advocates for the prevention of child sexual abuse in the United States.
Mrs. Ray-Rivers is a recipient of the 2013 Cablevision Community Service Award and the 2023 Peace and Social Justice Award from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bermuda.
In December 2016, Debi was recognized for her exceptional service and work in the community and was awarded Her Majesty’s Queen’s Certificate and Badge of Honour.
Helen Ponte
Director of Programs
Helen Ponte was born in the U.K. and has called Bermuda home since 1992. She is a devoted mother to her two sons and a beautiful granddaughter who inspires her even more in her commitment to protecting children.
Helen is responsible for all matters involving SCARS training and awareness programs, ensuring education and prevention remain central to the organization’s mission.
She is a trained facilitator with Darkness to Light®, whose mission is to empower adults with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.
Since the inception of SCARS, Helen has remained deeply committed to advancing the organization’s mission with genuine care and dedication. Her tireless work reflects her giving heart and her commitment to fostering positive change in Bermuda by helping to create safer environments for children and families.
Brendalee White
Operations Manager
Ms. Brendalee White, a native of Bermuda, commenced her early education at Bermuda Institute, subsequently enrolling in public school until her high school graduation. She then advanced her education in Canada, where she obtained a degree in Dental Hygiene and Surgical Dental Assisting.
Ms. White accumulated approximately eight years of experience in the dental field before joining the Bermuda Government. During her tenure, she served as a Traffic Warden and subsequently as a Fingerprint Officer within the Bermuda Police Service. She then advanced to the position of Senior Immigration Inspector in the Department of Immigration. Her career in various government departments spanned over two decades.
With the unwavering support of her family, including her three children and six grandchildren, Ms. White has overcome numerous life challenges as a single parent for over 25 years.
Divine guidance has been the cornerstone of her life. Ms. White has actively participated in numerous Bermuda sport’s governing bodies and currently holds the position of Vice President of Robinhood Football Club/Warwick Football Academy Executive.
As Operations Manager for SCARS, Brendalee is responsible for overseeing and managing the day-to-day operations of the charity. Brendalee is an authorized Facilitator with the Darkness to Light organization, an organization whose work is guided by the vision of a world free from child sexual abuse.
Brittany Ray
Independent SCARS Facilitator & Tech Support Contractor
Bermuda-born and raised, Brittany Ray brings a unique blend of creativity and compassion to her work as an independent contractor for Saving Children and Revealing Secrets. With a professional background in film and theatre, Brittany has always been drawn to storytelling—but her deepest calling has been advocating for the vulnerable, whether that’s children or animals. Her work with SCARS is especially personal: founded by her mother, the organization’s mission has been woven into Brittany’s life from its very beginning. Today, Brittany supports the delivery of trainings by managing the technical side of sessions. Her technical expertise and facilitator knowledge ensures sessions run smoothly, which greatly assists SCARS to continue educating adults in their mission to protect children.
Heidi Louise Smith
Independent SCARS Facilitator & Tech Support Contractor
Heidi Louise Smith is a native of Bermuda and a registered counselor with The Bermuda Health Council. She has a BA in Fine Arts, an MA in Counselling, from Vermont College, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Heidi works part-time as a private school counselor and in her private practice specializes in grief, trauma, and mood and brain-based disorders. Having witnessed the traumatic effects of multi-generational sexual abuse within her own family, Heidi has dedicated her counseling practice and her work with SCARS to the powerful mission of reducing the cycle of trauma and helping survivors heal.
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Aaron Medeiros
Independent SCARS Facilitator & Tech Support Contractor
Aaron Medeiros was born and raised in Bermuda. His professional background includes 6 years in Hotel Management and 8 years in Reinsurance. His real passion is serving and helping others which he’s done fulltime since 2017, overseeing the Youth Programs and various outreach ministries at a local church. His faith in God and belief in the value and purpose of every human being inspires everything he does.
Having experienced sexual abuse as a child, Aaron now seeks to advocate for the protection of children. He knows all too well the trauma, depression, and stigma that is attached to child sexual abuse and is determined to use his voice to help bring about healing and change.
In his free time Aaron enjoys sports, hanging out with family and friends, spending time in nature, and traveling with his wife Jessica.