Linda McFarlane

Linda McFarlane, MSW, LCSW, is the Executive Director and Board Secretary of JDI. Linda manages all of JDI’s work, in the U.S. and internationally, and serves as the organization’s primary spokesperson. A licensed social worker, Linda has more than 30 years of experience working with survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. Prior to her appointment to the Executive Director position, Linda led JDI’s domestic programs as Mental Health Program Director, then Deputy Executive Director, for 15 years. In that role, she pioneered JDI’s groundbreaking work to prevent and respond to sexual abuse in detention, including by training corrections officials, medical and mental health practitioners, and direct service providers. She also worked with corrections agencies, rape crisis centers, and incarcerated people to establish innovative programs to make their facilities safer and ensure survivors have access to confidential counseling and other support. Before joining JDI in 2005, Linda worked in community rape crisis programs, foster care, and with adults with mental illness. She also worked as a staff member, unit supervisor, and therapist in a detention facility for girls with mental illness.