At Saved in America, our strength lies in the dedication, courage, and expertise of our team.

Each member brings a lifetime of experience — from elite military forces, law enforcement, and private investigation to operations leadership and technology security — united by one unwavering mission:

To locate, recover, and protect missing and exploited children across the nation.

Our operators, case managers, investigators, and executive leadership work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that every child reported missing has someone searching for them — someone fighting for their safe return.

Together, we believe that no child should ever be forgotten, and no family should ever have to face this battle alone.

We are Saved in America. We are the defenders of hope.

 
 

Karinna Zarate

Executive Director

Karinna Zarate serves as Executive Director of Saved in America, bringing a powerful blend of leadership, strategy, and compassion to the mission of locating and recovering missing and exploited children. With a background in nonprofit management, business consulting, and operations leadership, Karinna drives the organization’s outreach, fundraising, and strategic initiatives, ensuring that each rescue mission is supported and successful.

Contact: karinna@savedinamerica.org

Joseph Travers

Founder and Chairman

Joseph Travers founded Saved in America in 2014 with the vision of building a national team of volunteer licensed private investigators, retired Navy SEALs, and law enforcement officers to locate and recover missing children at no cost to families. A former law enforcement officer, acclaimed author, and seasoned professional investigator, Joseph has dedicated his life to protecting vulnerable children and advocating for stronger action against human trafficking.

Contact: info@savedinamerica.org

Joshua Travers

Case Manager and Law Enforcement Liaison

Joshua Travers serves as Saved in America’s Case Manager and Law Enforcement Liaison, coordinating between families, private investigators, and law enforcement agencies nationwide. A former law enforcement officer with extensive field experience, Joshua plays a vital role in bridging communication and ensuring that each child's recovery is approached with professionalism, urgency, and care.

 
 

Mark Gillespie

Investigative Team Leader

Mark Gillespie is an experienced licensed private investigator and key member of Saved in America’s investigative team. With a distinguished career in law enforcement and private investigations, Mark brings expertise, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to finding and recovering missing children across the nation.

 
 

Frank B.

Technical Operations Leader

Frank Boniwell leads the technical operations at Saved in America, overseeing digital security, communications infrastructure, and technology support for field operations. With a background in information technology and security systems, Frank ensures that missions are backed by reliable technology, allowing the team to operate swiftly and securely during high-stakes investigations.