---
title: "SCARS Leadership"
canonical: https://againstscams.org/about-scars/scars-leadership-officers-board-members/
type: page
author: "SCARS Intitute"
published: 2019-02-25
modified: 2026-11-10
summary: ""
organization: "SCARS - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams"
organization_url: https://againstscams.org/
llms: https://againstscams.org/llms.txt
---

# SCARS Leadership

# About the SCARS Institute Leadership

*“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”*

—  Margaret Mead —

Image: Dr Tim McGuinness. Caption: Dr Tim McGuinness.

Prof. Emeritus Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth

Co-Founder, Chairman & Managing Director

United States

Recoverologist, Crime Victims' Advocate, Psychology & Neuroscience Research Scientist, Published Author, Computer Scientist, Technologist & Internet Pioneer, Roboticist, Regulatory Law, Entrepreneur, Academic, Business Owner, U.S. Navy Veteran

## The SCARS Institute - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. is a military veteran-founded and managed nonprofit organization, incorporated in the State of Florida, USA

---

Image: SCARS Institute Structured Recovery Program.

Image: SCARS Institute - 12 Years of Service.

### SCARS Institute Advisors

- Vianey Gonzalez, Supervising Psychologist, Former SCARS Institute Director, Mexico
- Janina Morcinek, Educator, Advisor & Former SCARS Institute Director, Poland
- Rika Takebe, Director of NPO Charms, Advisor & Former SCARS Institute Director, Japan
- Sharon Armstrong, Advocate, Advisor & Former SCARS Institute Director, New Zealand
- Akie Kurokawa, Advocate, Advisor, Japan
- Fatima Down, Advocate, Advisor, Indonesia
- Zeccrie Mejid, Advocate, Advisor, Malaysia
- Kathy Liu, Advocate, Advisor & Former SCARS|CHINA Chair & Director, China
- Shirley Zhang, Advisor & Former SCARS Institute Director, Taiwan
- Leng Tshua, Advisor & Former SCARS Institute Director, Singapore
- Jeff Russell, Advisor, Air Force Veteran, United States

### Why was the SCARS Institute created?

Scam victims were not receiving the right message in time to avoid being defrauded. After the scam, many turned to the wrong sources for support, which prevented them from recovering successfully from the trauma. A new professional approach was required, based on methods that have consistently worked in other areas of victim recovery.

There was a need for professionalization, structure, occupational standards, and a deep understanding of the relationship scam experience. The response had to move beyond the rage, amateurism, and vigilantism that were too common among informal groups. Scam victims needed reliable support grounded in science, experience, and ethical standards. Society needed a credible voice to speak out against cyber-enabled online fraud. The SCARS Institute was created to provide that voice and to help victims recover, rebuild, and protect themselves from future harm.

—***

“Helping Victims Of Online Crime

Is The Core Of What We Do!”***

SCARS Institute

## Images on this page

- [Dr Tim McGuinness](https://againstscams.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Dr-Tim-McGuinness-Headshot-2-e1791223426607.png)
- [SCARS Institute Structured Recovery Program](https://againstscams.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Structured-Recovery-Program-Logo.png)
- [SCARS Institute - 12 Years of Service](https://againstscams.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/SCARS-12-Years.png)