About Us
The First Step was established in 2017, in order to provide better care to victims of sexual assault.
We conducted our first SANE exam in November of 2018. We currently have 5 nurses and 6 advocates that maintain a 24/7 call coverage. We are operating in two different locations to serve Northern Michigan.
“We wanted to create a safe environment for victims of abuse to receive services.”
Rebecca Yuncker
Executive Director, The First Step
What makes The First Step different?
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) exams are needed when a person has been sexually assaulted within the last 120 hours or 5 days. Our specially trained forensic nurses are available to provide exams to patients of all ages 24/7, 365 days a year. The victim receives a complete medical exam by a specially trained SANE including, but not limited to, assessing for injuries, providing prophylactic STI, HIV and pregnancy medication, and collecting evidence for law enforcement. At our private SANE facility, located within the Northern Michigan Children’s Assessment Center (NMCAC), the victim is the only patient with a SANE and a trauma informed advocate. This allows for private, quick, one on one compassionate care.
Our services are completely free, and we have specialized equipment to capture even the smallest of injuries the victim may have. The victim can make an informed decision on what portions of the exam that they wish to consent to. The SANE will complete a head to toe medical exam, along with giving prophylactic medications while the victim decides if they want to report to law enforcement. Reporting to law enforcement is not a necessary step in order to receive the medical treatment offered.
We’re here for you!
24 Hours a Day/7 Days a Week
365 Days a Year
Dr. Matt French-Medical Director
Dr. French is an Emergency Medicine physician who has been involved in the field of forensics since 2012. He frequently teaches with his wife, who has been a SANE for longer than she would care to admit. When not working, his time is pretty full raising two crazy boys and attempting to be an amateur farmer.
Stacie Killinger-SANE Nurse
Madi Luft-SANE Advocate
Madi holds bachelor's degrees in Criminal Justice and Forensic Anthropology from Northern Michigan University. Before joining NMCAC, she worked as a cadet with the Michigan State Police. As MDT Coordinator, she collaborates with law enforcement and CPS to strengthen partnerships and support child protection efforts.
Meet The Team
Morgan Yuncker-Medical Coordinator
Sarah Masse-SANE Nurse
Tonya Fenton-SANE Advocate
Tonya holds a degree in Human Services and brings extensive experience supporting child and adult victims of crime. Her background includes seven years of impactful work as a Crime Victim Advocate for a Prosecuting Attorney. Before joining the NMCAC team, Tonya honed her skills at another Children's Advocacy Center (CAC). She is deeply passionate about delivering the comprehensive, wrap-around support services that children and families deserve to process trauma and achieve lasting healing. Outside of her professional role, Tonya enjoys practicing the very self-care she encourages in others by spending quality time in nature.
Bobbie Reeves-SANE Nurse
Bobbie is a dedicated nurse from Grayling, Michigan. She is a SANE Nurse as well as our centers Medical Coordinator. After earning her nursing degree in 2022, she worked in labor and delivery while gaining experience in mental health and family support through the Alpine Crisis Center and WIC. Now at NMCAC, she is passionate about supporting children and families in her community.
Kadie Smith-SANE Advocate
Kadie earned her Master's in Social Work from Spring Arbor University in 2026. Her past experience includes working with children and families at a therapeutic specialty clinic during her undergraduate internship, working as a supervised visitation monitor, and most recently, completing her graduate internship at NMCAC. She is thrilled to continue working with families served by the center as she steps into a new role. In her free time she enjoys baking, going for walks, and spending time outside.
Ann Bulger-SANE Advocate
Because you deserve the best Care.
We care about YOU and aim to help you with all our resources. You are not alone. We are here for you.