Darlene Ellison’s 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.

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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.

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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).