The Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault (SACASA) proudly announces that Julie Konvalinka, RN, SANE-A, Senior Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), has been recognized as a Fab 50 Nurse in Tucson for her outstanding contributions to the field of nursing and her exceptional leadership in providing care for survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence (IPV).

For Julie, becoming a nurse was a dream since childhood. Now, with nearly two decades of experience at the frontline of healing, her journey as a nurse has been a testament to her resilience and passion. From balancing the roles of a single mother to the demanding nature of emergency care, her purpose remains unwavering: to bring comfort and aid to those in need.

Her dedication extends beyond patient care; she actively mentors both new and experienced SANEs, ensuring they acquire the necessary skills to deliver compassionate care. Her leadership has led to significant improvements in the acute care of survivors of sexual assault and IPV, including enhancements in the Medical Forensic Examination (MFE) process and the expansion of SANE services in the community.

In addition to her role at SACASA, Julie plays a pivotal role in educating nurses regionally as a guest trainer for the UArizona SANE Program. She is actively engaged in professional organizations such as the Arizona Chapter of the International Association of Forensic Nurses, advocating for policy changes to improve the post-assault experiences of survivors and enhance the profession's exposure.

Julie envisions a world where all survivors of violent victimization receive the support and care they need, and she tirelessly works towards this goal through her leadership.

"We are thrilled to see Julie recognized as a Fab 50 Nurse," said SACASA Director Katyln Monje, LMSW, BHP. “As a skilled SANE and former paramedic, she has witnessed firsthand the consequences of violence and trauma and is dedicated to being a voice and source of support and warmth for these particularly vulnerable and often marginalized patients. We are so grateful to have her serving our Southern Arizona community.”

“This recognition comes as a surprise,” said Julie. “I work without expectation of recognition. In a town with so many qualified nurses doing influential work, I am beyond grateful to be acknowledged for my contributions.”

Hosted by the Tucson Nurses Week Foundation, this award celebrates excellence among Tucson’s nursing professionals. Chosen by their peers from across Tucson, the Fabulous 50 nurses stand out for their exemplary role to both the community and the nursing profession. Learn more>>

At SACASA, we're fortunate to have a team of compassionate individuals dedicated to supporting survivors during difficult times.

Summer B., MAC, LPC, BHP has been a member of our team for two years. Summer's background and expertise in trauma therapy, combined with her passion for helping survivors, have made her invaluable to SACASA.

Background and Journey:
Summer's journey into her current role as a therapist is rooted in a decades-long history of helping others.

From a young age, she stood out as a great listener, often being the go-to for friends seeking support. She honed her skills as a youth peer mediator and even participated in elementary school puppet shows to address big feelings for young children like anger, fear and sadness. This was the start of Summer’s early passion for empathy and support for others.

“For the first 14 years of my life, I was the only child around many adults in my family. I was always a person that other children would come to share their problems with,” said Summer.
Summer’s compassion and empathy led her to pursue a bachelor's in psychology with a focus on chemical dependency counseling. She then continued her education with a master's in counseling.

Summer's path eventually led her to CODAC, where she found her true calling – trauma-informed therapy.

“I quickly learned that there is a huge link between trauma and substance use. Understanding the unique complexities and experiences as a survivor of trauma leads to our creative approaches to healing,” she shared.

A Glimpse into Summer’s Day to Day:
A typical day in Summer's role involves providing individual, couples and family therapy, as well as facilitating group therapy sessions. She conducts between six to eight sessions daily and focuses on trauma-informed care. Her group therapy sessions address the intersection between trauma and substance use, offering support for those struggling with harmful coping habits after experiencing a traumatic event, such as sexual violence.

Summer also dedicates time to working with adolescents through programs like "From Pieces to Peace” to ensure that teens receive the trauma-informed care they need.

Contributing to Positive Change:
One of Summer's most meaningful experiences involved work with a survivor who had previously struggled to make progress. Watching this woman transform into a healthy, inspired advocate for others motivates Summer because she sees the positive impact that therapy can have on those who once felt helpless and hopeless.

”The work that we do in this field is very rewarding. We get to see these wonderful transformations where people are thriving in a way that they may not have been able to before,” she said.

Summer recognizes how unique her role is within the community. Her dedication is driven by a desire to increase awareness, advocacy and healing.

She has come to understand that every behavior has a reason, which helps her provide effective support.
“Working in this field has helped me to understand the humanity of people. I feel great to be part of that.”

Addressing Misconceptions:
Summer is passionate about addressing misconceptions surrounding her field. She emphasizes the need to shift away from victim-blaming and, instead, focus on empowering survivors. Understanding the true nature of sexual assault as an issue of power and control is vital.

“Sexual assault is about an opportunity to exploit vulnerability and gain power. It is not about lust.”

Finding the right balance at work:
Professionally, Summer aims to continue her work, benefiting from the supportive environment within SACASA. She values the emphasis placed on self-care and personal development and believes that mentorship and teamwork are essential for success in this challenging field.

“The reason why I stay here is because I have never felt so supported and validated in my career,” said Summer.

“The culture is very supportive and is all about career and personal development. The theme of humanity: We are all human beings doing incredible - and difficult - work.”

Advice for Aspiring Therapists:
Summer advises future therapists to undergo their own therapy to better understand the client's perspective. She also shares the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance to avoid burnout.

Life Outside of Work:
Outside of work, Summer enjoys spending quality time with her husband and children, exploring parks, and disconnecting. This balance contributes to her well-being and allows her to recharge.
Summer’s work is not just a career but a heartfelt mission to help survivors heal and thrive.

In this month's staff spotlight, we are delighted to introduce a remarkable member of our team, who has been making an impact through her role as a volunteer crisis advocate: Karen R.

With a compassionate heart, she is dedicated to supporting people in times of need. She embodies the essence of SACASA’s mission to support and uplift our community during vulnerable times.

Karen’s Journey into Crisis Advocacy:
Shortly after completing her master's degree in social work, Karen was driven by a desire to continue making a positive impact beyond her clinical role. She learned of the opportunity to volunteer at SACASA from her colleague, SACASA’s Director Katlyn Monje. Karen was inspired by the possibility of using her counseling skills to support individuals in crisis. She has now been a volunteer crisis advocate for three years.

The Responsibilities of a Crisis Advocate:
As a crisis advocate, Karen has a complex role. She provides support and crisis intervention to anyone who has been sexually assaulted or has been affected by sexual violence. Crisis Advocate volunteers provide crisis intervention, advocacy, information and referrals for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. Their support looks different for the individualized needs of the person they are supporting, but can include medical and safety planning, understanding victims’ rights, navigating complex emotions, and finding ways to regain power and control as they move forward with healing.

Challenges and Motivations:
While Karen finds fulfillment in her role, it is not without its challenges. The emotional toll of working with individuals in crisis can be draining. However, she is motivated by the need for crisis advocates and the impact they can make in people's lives.

"I see how important this work is," said Karen.

Monthly advocate meetings provide her with the opportunity to collaborate with fellow advocates, find support, share insights and continually improve her approach.

Advice for Aspiring Crisis Advocates:
For those considering joining the ranks of crisis advocates, Karen offers valuable advice.

“I encourage prospective volunteers to engage with staff, ask questions and attend training sessions,” said Karen.

Aspiring advocates can shadow team members to gain firsthand experience and a better understanding of this unique and important role.

“You will always have support from SACASA’s team and will be made comfortable before you are on your own answering calls.”

Balancing Compassion and Self-Care:
To maintain her emotional health, Karen emphasizes the importance of balance. She finds peace in the outdoors, particularly enjoying activities like kayaking and spending time with her puppy, Ziva. Her involvement in church activities, including singing in the choir, also brings her community and joy.

“I have to remember to take time for play.”

Bridging Bias and Misconceptions:
Since beginning her role at SACASA, Karen has noticed common societal biases towards sexual assault survivors that show up in her own life. Her new knowledge helps her to check her own biases and educate family and friends to reduce the blame and shame placed on survivors.

Another misconception Karen addresses is that survivors must consent to exams based on doctors' orders. She highlights that survivors have the right to make decisions about their own health care. And, she educates hospital staff on the importance of allowing individuals to make choices that best suit their individual needs and comfort level (in non-emergency situations).

A Final Note:
Karen’s dedication and unwavering commitment to supporting those in crisis is truly commendable. Her selflessness and eagerness to assist at any hour demonstrate the essence of the volunteer crisis advocate role. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Karen for her contributions to our community.

“Karen’s compassion and genuine drive to help others is so apparent in the work she does. We are so fortunate to have her contributing her skillset to this team and the SACASA mission," said Katlyn Monje, SACASA's director.

If you are interested in joining our team of dedicated crisis advocates or learning more about the impact they make, feel free to reach out to SACASA at info@codac.org. Together, we can continue to create a safer, more supportive community for people impacted by sexual violence.