Antonio Clemente

Antonia Clemente is the Founder and Executive Director of The Healing Center, also known as Trinity Healing Center, Inc., a nonprofit organization committed to the intervention and prevention of family violence, abuse and sexual assault that serves people of diverse faiths, cultures and personal experiences. Ms. Clemente has more than 35 years of experience working within the community.

In 2000, Ms. Clemente established The Healing Center in response to the growing need to serve women and families affected by intimate partner violence. It is a place where women can begin the process of healing and restoring hope in their lives. In 2009, Ms. Clemente spearheaded a new project called The Daughters of the Lotus for teenage girls who witness and are victimized by violence in the home and in response to the growing epidemic of teen dating violence. The program encourages positive self-image, healing through the arts, goals development, creative activities and community action.

In 2010, Ms. Clemente saw the need to increase awareness about teen dating violence. Under her leadership, the NYC Teen Dating Violence Awareness Walk-a-Thon was created and is now in its sixth year. The Healing Center has expanded to include programs and services for children and for seniors experiencing elder abuse.

A tireless and passionate catalyst for change, Ms. Clemente is dedicated to working with women and children who are marginalized and suffer in silence, and envisions the eradication of family violence in the community. She prays that her actions will extend to the global community.

Ms. Clemente completed a two-year certification program in Pastoral Care Studies through the Blanton Peale Institute and one year of Clinical Pastoral Education at Long Island College Hospital, and she attended CUNY College of Staten Island. She is a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, and has served on the Justice for Women Consulting Committee for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Her work has been featured in the documentary film, What Harm Is It to be a Woman and I BELIEVE YOU: Faith’s Response to Intimate Partner Violence.