This April, in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, KASAP proudly launched the BRAVE Award: a new statewide recognition for individuals going above and beyond in their commitment to supporting survivors of sexual violence.
BRAVE stands for:
- Believe
- Respect
- Advocate
- Validate
- Empower
These five values are the heartbeat of our work—and of the exceptional advocates we’re celebrating today.
About the BRAVE Award
Each year, one honoree will selected from every KASAP region. These 15 individuals have demonstrated unwavering commitment to survivors, championing their rights, amplifying their voices, and ensuring access to healing. From law enforcement to legal aid, nurses to volunteers, each BRAVE Award recipient brings courage, compassion, and dedication to the work of ending sexual violence.
We also recognize two outstanding leaders with statewide honors: the NSVRC Visionary Voice Award and the Kentucky National Guard Charles R. Lay Victim Advocate of the Year Award.
These awardees were recognized on March 27th, 2025 at the Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month Kick-off Event, hosted by KASAP in Elizabethtown, KY.
Meet the 2025 BRAVE Award Honorees
Each honoree was nominated by their local sexual violence program for their partnership, leadership, and fierce dedication to survivor justice.
Cassandra Clere
Victim’s Advocate, Calloway County Attorney’s Office
Nominated by: Lotus
Cassandra created the Victim’s Advocate role in 2016 and has been a pillar of survivor support in Calloway County ever since. A key SART member, she connects survivors with vital services and ensures their rights are respected at every step.
Amanda Sholar
APRN Supervisor, Christian County Health Department
Nominated by: Sanctuary, Inc.
Amanda was instrumental in creating the on-site SAFE Room in Christian County, which opened on Denim Day 2023. Her leadership ensured survivors have timely, confidential care from trained SANEs.
Molly Lancaster
SANE, Owensboro Health
Nominated by: New Beginnings
Molly provides expert medical care with compassion and integrity. She coordinates with agencies to ensure survivors get comprehensive, ongoing support.
April Fulcher
Victim Advocate, Bowling Green Police Department
Nominated by: Hope Harbor
A cornerstone of BGPD for nearly 30 years, April provides crisis intervention, court advocacy, and prevention education. Her work has earned multiple local recognitions.
Kayla Dailey
Volunteer & Former Board Member, Silverleaf
Nominated by: Silverleaf
Kayla, a survivor and fierce advocate, has dedicated 12+ years to Silverleaf. She shares her story to empower others, leads wellness initiatives, and competes nationally in strongman competitions.
Amanda Corzine
Nurse Manager, Norton Healthcare
Nominated by: The Center for Women and Families
Amanda helped implement legislation expanding sexual assault exams and developed the award-winning SANE Community Model. She’s a tireless champion for improved survivor care across Kentucky.
Shannon Berry
Director of Client Engagement, Advent Media Group
Nominated by: The Ion Center
Shannon has supported survivors as a hospital advocate for over a decade and continues her service through court advocacy and development work.
Detective Steve Justice
Morehead City Police Department
Nominated by: Pathways Porchlight
Detective Justice prioritizes trauma-informed responses and survivor-centered justice. His compassionate approach supports survivors while holding perpetrators accountable.
Dr. Randall & Bedouin Dennison
Urologist, Lifepoint Hospitals
Nominated by: The Ion Center
For years, this duo has quietly supported survivors and staff alike. Dr. Dennison’s guiding principle: “Extending a helping hand lifts up the both of us.”
Autumn Melton
Program Director of Crisis Services, Kentucky River Community Care
Nominated by: The Rising Center
Autumn oversees the 988 and 24/7 crisis lines, ensuring survivors receive immediate, trauma-informed support and access to resources like housing and financial aid.
Casey Michalovic
Attorney, AppalReD Legal Aid
Nominated by: The Healing Program
Casey supports incarcerated and trafficked survivors with legal advocacy and outreach. Her work bridges systemic gaps and brings dignity and care to marginalized survivors.
Juanita Napier
Lead SANE, King’s Daughters Medical Center
Nominated by: Pathways Porchlight
Juanita has advocated for survivors at every level, from bedside care to hospital planning. She helped secure a new ED space specifically designed for survivors.
Sgt. Matthew Silver
Lexington Police Department, Special Victims Section
Nominated by: Sexual Violence Resource Center of the Bluegrass
Sgt. Silver leads with integrity, fosters cross-agency collaboration, and prioritizes survivor well-being in every investigation.
Michelle Fisher
Senior Legal Assistant, AppalReD Legal Aid
Nominated by: Adanta Sexual Assault Resource Center
Michelle is a trusted advocate across eight counties. She connects survivors to critical services and builds partnerships with PFLAG, shelters, and suicide prevention efforts
Ronnie Bowling
Commonwealth Attorney, Whitley County
Nominated by: Cumberland River Victims Services
With a 100% conviction rate in crimes against children, Ronnie has fiercely pursued justice for survivors, holding institutions and individuals accountable.
Statewide Honors
Kentucky National Guard Charles R. Lay Victim Advocate of the Year
Master Sergeant Kristine C. McCoy
As a top advocate for the KYARNG, MSG McCoy has transformed sexual assault prevention and response across the state’s largest Army unit. She has trained hundreds, built community partnerships, and is now pursuing SANE certification.
NSVRC Visionary Voice Award
Dr. Jacqueline Sugarman
As Medical Director of the Children’s Advocacy Center of the Bluegrass, Dr. Sugarman has led Kentucky’s medical response to child abuse for decades. Her leadership on the Multidisciplinary Commission and advocacy for survivors statewide make her a true visionary.
Final Thoughts
These honorees remind us that real change is built person by person, moment by moment through the brave choice to believe survivors, respect their truth, advocate for their needs, validate their experiences, and empower their voices.
To the 2025 BRAVE Award recipients: thank you. You represent the very best of Kentucky’s commitment to ending sexual violence and building a future rooted in justice and healing.
