Dr. Heather L. Manning is a recognized Forensic Criminologist and Subject Matter Expert specializing in violent crime, sexual exploitation, domestic violence, and human trafficking. With nearly two decades of experience spanning academia, clinical practice, child welfare, corrections, and law enforcement collaboration, Dr. Manning brings a rare interdisciplinary perspective to the analysis, investigation, and prevention of complex criminal behavior.

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Dr. Manning holds a Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology and has extensive expertise in criminal profiling, behavioral analysis, forensic interviewing, and trauma-informed investigative practices. She currently serves as a Professor and Subject Matter Expert at Evidentia University, where she teaches graduate-level courses in criminal profiling, psychological profiling, and behavioral analysis grounded in FBI-aligned methodologies. Her academic work emphasizes offender typologies, victimology, and the behavioral dynamics of violent and sexually motivated crimes.

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In addition to her academic role, Dr. Manning is a Cold Case Work Group Researcher and Team Lead with the Cold Case Coalition, where she provides advanced behavioral assessments on unresolved cases involving violence, exploitation, and sexual motivation. In this capacity, she leads multidisciplinary expert teams, conducts in-depth case and victimology analyses, and delivers actionable investigative insights to law enforcement partners. Dr. Manning also serves as an Institutional Review Board (IRB) Member with Pearl IRB, reviewing research involving vulnerable and trauma-exposed populations to ensure compliance with federal regulations and ethical standards.

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Dr. Manning is the President and Chief Consultant of S.A.F.E. (Sentinel Assessments & Forensic Evaluations), a consulting practice providing expert forensic analysis, training, and testimony. Through S.A.F.E., she conducts forensic interviews of minor victims, develops evidence-based training programs for law enforcement and interdisciplinary professionals, and serves as an expert witness and strategic consultant in both civil and criminal cases.

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Her professional background also includes roles in the non-profit sector serving as a Clinical Director, where she oversaw trauma-focused clinical services, conducted suicide and psychological risk assessments under licensed supervision, and ensured ethical, compliant service delivery. Earlier in her career, Dr. Manning worked as a Sexual Offender Treatment Therapist with the Washington State Department of Corrections and as a Child Abuse Social Worker/Investigator with the Washington State Department of Children and Families, conducting forensic interviews and collaborating on multidisciplinary investigations involving severe abuse and trafficking.

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An active scholar and author, Dr. Manning’s research and publications focus on sexual violence, offender behavior, trauma, and systemic failures in protection and response. Her work includes peer-reviewed research, professional conference presentations, and authored books addressing serial violence and survivor experiences.

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Dr. Manning is a member of the American Academy of Forensic Psychology, the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Sciences, and the Society for Police and Criminal Psychology. She is widely respected for her ability to bridge clinical insight, academic rigor, and real-world investigative application—advancing justice, victim-centered practice, and professional excellence across forensic and behavioral disciplines.