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.”

Brittany believes that every child deserves a safe and happy childhood. Since graduating from Central Michigan University, she has served as a forensic interviewer for multiple counties across Michigan. Brittany has spent over 10 years growing more passionate about serving children and families and is trained in the both National and State of Michigan Forensic Interview Protocols. As long as children need a safe space to share their experiences, she will be there to listen.

In her spare time, she likes to read with a cup of tea, go to concerts, and enjoy quality time with her family outdoors. 

Alexis is a passionate social worker that aims to advocate for the overall well-being of children and families in need. Alexis received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Michigan State University and she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Childhood Development from Central Michigan University. Alexis is a Limited License Master Social Worker (LLMSW) in the State of Michigan. She has over 6 years of experience working in child welfare, previously serving as a Sexual Assault Response Specialist and as a Foster Care Licensing and Case Worker.

Alexis utilizes a strengths-based approach to meet her clients where they are at in their healing journey. Alexis is trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Trauma Play Therapy.

In her free time she enjoys reading, being outdoors, and spending time with her family.

Andrea received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Spring Arbor University. In her free time, Andrea enjoys spending time with her puppy and her backyard chickens! Andrea has a zest for life and loves including as many people in that excitement as possible. Andrea is dedicated to advocating for children and has a passion for the work of Children’s Advocacy Centers across the nation. Previous to NMAC, Andrea has over 6 years of experience working in the child welfare world, serving as a Forensic Interviewer and community trainer for Darkness to Light. Andrea cares deeply for bringing justice to children and families and equipping this community to do the same.

Elisha received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from SVSU with a Minor in Youth Services and is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Social Work through the University of South Tampa. Some of her hobbies include shopping, working out, spending time with friends and family, and doing absolutely nothing. Her professional experience over the past 4 years has been with Child Advocacy Centers and she is so excited to continue with her passion for serving children and families at NMAC!

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.

Catherine received her Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Central Michigan University with minors in Family Studies and Substance Abuse: Education, Prevention and Treatment. She enjoys traveling near and far, cooking, gardening, being in nature, spending time with her friends and family, creating macrame, and re-watching Friends. Previous to NMAC, Catherine has experience providing community outreach in the Substance Abuse field. She is eager to start her professional career at NMAC and hopes to raise awareness and empower children to build resiliency in order to live healthier and safer lives.

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!