Our Team

Lara Purnell Hayley Harris

Co-Founder, Executive Director Co-Founder, Visionary

Sisters Hayley and Lara moved to Raleigh, NC, from West Kilbride, Scotland, with their parents, John and Alison, and brother, Robbie.

They both earned bachelor’s degrees in nursing at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Hayley lives in Raleigh with her husband and their two sons. Lara lives in North Raleigh with her husband and their daughter.  

As a Pediatric Emergency Nurse, Hayley has seen the trauma caused by sexual assault far too many times. Lara has experience in Labor & Delivery and Pediatrics nursing and an interest in SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) nursing.  

In 2016, the trauma of sexual assault became personal. Since then, Hayley and Lara have felt called to care for, speak up for, and walk with survivors of sexual assault.

Katie grew up in Durham, North Carolina, and joined Layers of Dignity in 2024. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from North Carolina State University and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Loyola University Chicago.

She oversees the organization's daily operations, volunteer programs, events, and community partnerships. Katie enjoys helping people find meaningful ways to support survivors, whether that's writing letters, packing tote bags, volunteering at events, or organizing donation drives.

She is grateful to help ensure survivors receive both practical support and reminders that they are not alone.

Jillian joined Layers of Dignity in 2022. She manages relationships with partner sites, coordinates tote bag deliveries, and oversees the logistics that keep the organization running smoothly.

As Chairperson of the Board, Jillian also helps guide the organization's long-term growth and supports its mission of providing survivors with compassionate, tangible support.

She is grateful to help ensure survivors across North Carolina have access to essential resources and reminders that they are not alone.