Darlene's Story

Darlene Ellison’s gripping personal story forms the foundation of her High Touch Alliances and Betrayal Recovery concepts that she uses to inspire and compel audiences into changing their own lives.

Her charmed life as wife, mother, philanthropist and successful businesswoman spiraled out of control when she learned that the man to whom she had been married for over 10 years, and with whom she had children, was arrested as part of an FBI sting operation. He was revealed to be a long–time sexual predator of young boys both in the United States and other countries. Engulfed by a very public situation that left her emotionally paralyzed, Darlene made the choice to not just survive, but thrive! She overcame the humiliation, anger and fear to turn her experience into one that could help others. She eliminated the "elephant in the room" by talking openly and proactively about her situation with her children and, later, to concerned adults who wanted to learn from her experience. Darlene turned lemons into lemonade!

As sole provider, Darlene made professional adjustments in her career to meet the emotional and physical needs of her children. She used her strong educational background in both psychology and business, her business "stepping stones" as a business owner and consultant, and her profound network of personal and professional alliances to build a new career that put her children’s emotional nurturance needs first, while providing for them financially.

Darlene’s expertise in overcoming obstacles is best illustrated by her story and personal fight against NAMBLA (North American Man-Boy Love Association). Darlene has been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show’s "What Pedophiles Don’t Want You to Know," in a 20/20 interview with Deborah Roberts, and in Dallas’ D Magazine. She also appeared in a special television segment of Dateline NBC’s "To Catch a Predator," in an educational video created as a part of the Catholic Diocese of Dallas’ Safe Environment Plan, and in a parent education video produced by Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center.

Professionally, her role as Vice President, Business Development for Veritex Community Bank, allowed her to create a unique business development strategic plan that focuses on niche positioning and High Touch customer service. She is also the founder and coordinator of two award winning “Women in Business” community organizations that help women business owners and executives gain personal and professional growth. As an extension of these programs, she has also created the Future Women In Business internship program for college–aged women. Darlene was named the 2009 Entrepreneur of the Year by the Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce. Darlene was also honored by the Dallas Business Journal as a 2012 Women in Business honoree.

Darlene’s personal and professional journey led her to become an expert and consultant on overcoming obstacles and building meaningful alliances. Today, through her speaking, workshops, executive retreats and consulting, she helps businesses, organizations and associations transform and empower their employees and members with High Touch Alliances™.

One of the brightest parts of her journey to date: Darlene and her two now–teenaged children are thriving!

Darlene’s book, The Predator Next Door was released in February, 2009. Since that time, the book has been awarded two top national independent publishing book awards, a 2009 IPPY (True Crime) and a 2010 Indie Book Award (Autobiography).