About Us

Transforming lives, one heart at a time

Our non-profit organization, founded by Elza Spaedy, is dedicated to healing the minds and souls of those affected by assault and abuse through the transformative power of faith and community support. As a survivor herself, Elza understands the profound impact of these experiences and has channeled her journey into creating a haven for others seeking solace and recovery. Our mission is to provide compassionate care, spiritual guidance, and a supportive network to help individuals reclaim their lives and find peace. With the help of our devoted community, we strive to empower survivors and foster an environment where healing and hope can flourish.

Elza Spaedy

Founder, Progam Director

It was back in 2020 and in the middle of the madness that was COVID 19 that I started feeling that I needed to do more for victims of abuse. I have been one of the lucky ones, having had amazing support and guidance in my healing journey. Now I feel a responsibility to do more for those who find themselves stuck in their trauma, feeling hopeless and abandoned by society.

When creating Healed and Restored I had the support of some amazing women who were there in the beginning helping with whatever was needed as a foundation team. Words cannot adequately express the gratitude I feel for my dear friends, Catherine Farley, Juliet Hirsch, Sharon Kucia, and Alexandra Stanley Pettit who were so instrumental in those first few years and worked tirelessly and with so much devotion and love for the mission. I am simply amazed at the level of commitment these women have shown and their purest desire to help see this program up and running. Even though they are no longer involved in the day-to-day mission, I know I can still count on their love and support.

Healed and Restored was created to fill a void and a need that has been long overlooked in the Charlotte/Lake Norman area. A program that is 100% dedicated to helping women heal their bodies, minds, and spirits in the aftermath of abuse and other traumas, with the goal of guiding them to the type of healing that will transform their lives and the lives of those around them.

The many challenges we are facing in society today have made me realize a lot of different things. One of them is that we were never made to walk through the wildness of our hurts and pain alone. At Healed and Restored we believe that the worst part of suffering is not necessarily the suffering- but suffering alone. We are building a community that is making sure that no women will suffer alone!

Witnessing the enormous ripple effect that our program is having in our community, makes my heart sing with joy. Through my own journey from victim to survivor I have found that you cannot help but have a deep desire to assist others who are still hurting.

At Healed and Restored we are building a village of people who are passionate about helping others on their healing journey. We are transforming lives, one heart at a time!

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Meet Our Board of Directors

Meet our dedicated Board of Directors, committed to guiding our mission and fostering healing for those we serve.

Jennifer Bhojwani

Jennifer has practiced obstetrics and gynecology in Charlotte for over 20 years, dedicated to caring for women and addressing trauma. During her own cancer journey, she relied on her faith for strength. Jennifer enjoys running, traveling, and spending time with her husband, three children, and two pups.

Heidi Bauders

Heidi has been a corporate lawyer for 20 years, specializing in technology and outsourced services transactions. She has served as legal counsel for several nonprofits and is honored to use her expertise to support Healed and Restored in helping women find healing through faith. Heidi lives in Davidson with her husband of 20 years, their two teenage children, and a loving golden retriever.

Witlee Ethan

Witlee is a Certified Coach, Inspirational Speaker, Contributing Author, Host of the Live Each Day With Purpose Podcast, and Victim Advocate for Legislative Reform. In 2018, Witlee was recognized by ACA Event Solutions for her advocacy work in the fight to end domestic violence in NC and received their highest recognition, the Pearl Award. In 2023, she wrote a bill to protect the rights of victims and survivors of sexual assault Witlee is also actively involved in her community and church.

Gary Breit

Gary has 25 years of consulting experience, managing teams of 10-20 members and overseeing budgets of $50-100M. He is currently the formation leader for the 2021 Welcome Retreat at St. Mark, mentoring 50 men to come closer to Jesus through testimonials and fellowship. Celebrating 25 years of marriage, Gary enjoys communing with God through cooking, hiking, and running.

Father John Putnam

Growing up in Newton, NC, John was captivated by the 1978 media coverage of Pope Paul VI's death and the subsequent papal elections. Invited to Mass by a local priest at 14, he felt an immediate connection and converted at 16. Ordained in 1992 for the Diocese of Charlotte, he later earned a licentiate in Canon Law from The Catholic University of America. With over 25 years as a Catholic priest, he is now the pastor of St. Mark in Huntersville and serves on the Presbyteral Council, the College of Consultors, and the Diocese Vocations Board.

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Elza Spaedy understands the trauma that many young girls endure. As an abuse survivor, Elza aches for girls to experience community connection, heart healing and a safe place to receive both. Healed and Restored is such a place. It is a residential counseling and healing program designed to help women with the devastating effects of physical abuse, sexual abuse and sex trafficking. This impactful ministry is a much needed healing balm over a hurting population of the Church.

Carrie Daunt

Author of Undone: Freeing your Feminine Heart from the Knots of Fear and Shame.