As a highly skilled professional with over 5 years working in Child Advocacy Center’s in both direct service and administrative roles, Desirea has spent her professional career dedicated to the the implementation of the CAC Model and the work being done by Child Advocacy Centers across the region. She started her professional career right here at Northern Michigan Alliance for Children as an intern and is excited to have her journey come full circle. Her knowledge of National Accreditation Standards for Child Advocacy Centers, federal and state guidelines and requirements, along with her passion and expertise in child welfare gives her the skills and vision required to help Northern Michigan Alliance for Children to grow and meet its true potential.

Desirea prides herself in her role as a safe adult, dedicated to keeping our children safe by providing resources and education and continuously advocating for children and families in our community. Her motto at work and at home is “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”

Elisha received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work with a Minor in Youth Services from Saginaw Valley State University. Back in 2019, Elisha completed her internship with a Child Advocacy Center in the tri-city area. Since then, her desire and passion to do this work has only grown stronger. She has extensive experience and knowledge in various roles within the CAC including; family advocacy, MDT coordination, and forensic interviewing. She has now taken on a leadership role and is serving as the Director of Intervention Services, which oversees all direct services provided by NMAC. She has been instrumental in assisting with the development of procedures and systems that will allow the agency to continue expanding its services.

Elisha is thrilled to be able to work alongside such incredible, like minded individuals that recognize the importance of providing children with an environment where they feel safe and heard.

“To all of the brave children that have walked through our doors and shared their stories, we admire you.”

Cat earned her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Central Michigan University, specializing in Family Studies and Substance Abuse: Education, Prevention, Intervention, and Treatment. She started at the CAC working in the Prevention Department providing Community Outreach and Child Abuse Prevention Education in the communities we serve at NMAC. Since then, she has taken on the role as the Forensic Interviewer and is trained in both the National and State of Michigan Forensic Interview Protocols. Throughout her career, she has prioritized proactive and positive engagement in the lives of children and takes pride in being part of the multi-disciplinary team at the CAC. Cat hopes that through the collaborative efforts of the team and utilizing a child-centered, trauma informed approach, children will leave the CAC feeling a renewed sense of confidence, dignity, and support. In her personal life, she loves to travel, cook, garden, enjoy nature, spend quality time with friends and family, create macrame, and binge-watch Friends.

“Creating a safe space for children who have faced trauma or abuse to share their stories is incredibly vital. As a forensic interviewer, I have the privilege of providing that safe environment for children who truly need it. I am incredibly grateful to work alongside some of the most dedicated individuals who have the best intentions to those we serve.”

Tonya served as the Crime Victim Advocate at the Missaukee County Prosecutor’s Office for seven years. While she helped victims of all criminal matters in Missaukee County, her true passion has been providing support services and assistance to victims of interpersonal violence. She goes above and beyond to seek justice for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse making it her top priority to ensure that victims have a solid support system, their voices are heard, and they never feel alone. Her passion to support victims isn’t limited to the office. Tonya has spent countless hours collaborating with colleagues from other agencies to create a Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Task force for Missaukee and Wexford Counties to raise awareness and develop best practices between agencies to create a stronger community for victims. She has partnered with Michigan State Police and local schools to facilitate healthy relationships and internet safety training for our youth instilling a foundation of healthy boundaries that effect change.

Tonya takes time for self-care by spending her free time with friends and family outdoors, riding horses, kayaking, and relaxing by her creek.

Zack loves the outdoors and all things nature, often times, you can find him out enjoying any form of nature he can put himself into. He is an Avid hunter as well as a professional Kayak Angler who travels the nation competing in bass fishing tournaments. Zack is a Cardinal Alumni from Saginaw Valley State University. While receiving his bachelor's degree in communications, he also played for the SVSU Cardinals Men's Ice Hockey team. After graduating college working with children has become a norm for him as he has a long background in working with children with disabilities (specifically Autism) as well as working in many different school and team-based environments.

Ashley strives to help empower children with the words and strategies to find happiness, confidence, and success. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education from Central Michigan University, and has taught multiple grade levels in the classroom and online. With over 8 years of teaching experience, Ashley is excited to help students and families find resources and guidance to feel safe and happy.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time at the lake, gardening, and disc golfing.

Michala has the heart of an activist, and she wears that heart on her sleeve. 

From a child of resilience to a first-generation college graduate, her life has come full circle as she dedicates her professional life to empowering children and their families. Michala graduated from Central Michigan University with a degree in psychology with a concentration in mental health. She has expressed her gratitude for all the ways her education and opportunities allow her to make a difference in her community and in her own circles. She tries to take wins with grace and view setbacks as opportunities for growth. 

When sharing her thoughts on the work she’s doing she said, “I strive to know when it’s time to learn, and when it’s time to lead - I love that this position highlights that as community members, adults, and humans, it is our responsibility to simultaneously do both.”

Trigger retired from NMAC in July of 2023 and will spend his retirement relaxing with his family!

After being trained to be a Leader Dog for the Blind, Trigger signed up to be a canine advocate with the Canine Advocacy Program and was assigned to NMAC. Trigger helped to make kids feel more comfortable in hopes of making a scary experience a little brighter! He would sit with our children and families when they came into the CAC for services. We are very FURtunate for the time Trigger served at our agency!