04/09/2026
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. At Moab Regional Hospital, our SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) nurses are specially trained to provide compassionate, patient-centered care, support, and resources to survivors when they need it most.
As Misty Kovacs, RN, shares, “I have been a nurse for 12 years and a SANE nurse for about 5. SANE nursing is interesting because no two cases are alike. It requires critical thinking with a patient-first approach.”
That same dedication is reflected across the team. Jessica Elkon, RN, emphasizes the importance of access and advocacy: “I have been a nurse for 10 years and a SANE nurse for 4 years. I think it is important to support women and men who have experienced sexual assault and to advocate for higher rates of reporting. Without resources available locally and timely people are less likely to report and receive necessary care.”
For Anne Willems, the work is deeply personal: “I’ve been a nurse for almost 4 years. I love the work we do in helping people. I was drawn to SANE because I don’t want anyone to go through being a victim alone. If I can be there, I will.”
And as Kerri Fife, RN, SANE Program Coordinator, shares, “I’ve been an RN for 21 years, 18 of those working in Moab. I love being integrated in this community. As a SANE for the last seven years, I’ve been able to work closely with other agencies like law enforcement, Children’s Justice Center, and Seekhaven on sexual assault cases and see their dedication to justice and healing.”
This commitment is also reflected in voices like Ernestine L., RN, who shares, “My decision to go forth in the SANE program was specifically to help victims who have survived. Coming from a Native Indigenous community, I feel that this is my way of giving back. I’m committed to making a difference through quality care and heartfelt connection.”
Together, their voices reflect a shared commitment to providing care, advocacy, and support when it matters most.
