The SAFE Center of Iowa is striving to be Iowa’s #1 SANE certified resource for sexual assault care, advocacy, and training.
Clinical treatment and follow-up exams will reduce the rate of sexually transmitted infections. Onsite counseling will improve mental health outcomes, decrease the risk of suicide, and decrease likelihood of post-assault substance use disorders. Co-located sexual assault advocacy will provide access to supportive resources that improve client social and economic stability.
Our vision is have a community free from sexual assault and violence, where every individual feels safe, supported, and empowered.
Our mission is to be Iowa’s experts in delivering coordinated, comprehensive, and compassionate care to survivors of sexual assault through clinical care, client support, and education.
Shannon Knudsen, BSN, RN, SANE-A, SANE-P is the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Coordinator for both the Mid-Iowa Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) and the Iowa State University/Story County SART. In her role, she coordinates collaborative care at each of the nine exam sites served by Mid- Iowa SART and two exam sites in Story County and develops policies and procedures and delivers training for SANEs.
With a nursing degree from Mercy College of Health Sciences and international certifications of SANE-A (for adults), SANE-P (for pediatrics), and as a Certified Forensic Nurse, Shannon brings extensive expertise in women’s health and forensic nursing to the state of Iowa. She has organized and led the 40-hour SANE training for aspiring SANEs and serves as a statewide technical advisor for sexual assault examiner programs through the Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Abuse.
Shannon is also an adjunct assistant instructor at Des Moines University School of Medicine and a seasoned presenter. She has spoken at numerous conferences, including the Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault’s statewide SART Summit, and trained law enforcement and military personnel. Additionally, she has contributed to educational programs at Drake University, Simpson College, and various high schools, and has been involved in training new SANEs through Iowa CASA and the University of Iowa.
Recognized for her expertise, Shannon frequently collaborates with community SARTs nationwide and provides expert witness testimony in court.
Ms. Knudsen was recently recognized by the Office of the United States Attorney in which she was presented the Victim Service Award for her exemplary efforts to bring justice to victims of crime.
Executive Director, Founder
BSN, RN, SANE-A, SANE-P
SAFE Center has a 12-member Board of Directors with diverse expertise in sexual assault survivor advocacy, law enforcement, crime lab/evidence management, criminal prosecution, hospital administration, nursing, and business administration.
President
City of Aurelia, Iowa and City of Marcus, Iowa - Chief of Police
Brian currently serves as the Chief of Police in the towns of Aurelia and Marcus, Iowa. He also acts as the law enforcement representative for the Cherokee County Sexual Assault Response Team and serves as the Cherokee County Death Investigator. Brian also serves as the law enforcement representative in the Rolling Hills Community Services Region, which is one of Iowa’s Mental Health and Disability Services regions.
Prior to serving as Chief of Police, Brian served the Storm Lake Police Department in multiple roles including a patrol officer, field training officer, and Detective where he often investigated sexual assaults. Throughout his career Brian has obtained several certifications and regularly serves as a trainer and speaker.
Vice President
MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center
Hospital Director of Emergency Services – Registered Nurse (Retired)
Jeri Babb (MSN, RN, CCRN, TCRN) held several leadership roles during her 45- year nursing career. She recently retired from MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center after 33 years of service. Immediately prior to retirement, Jeri served as Administrative Director of Emergency and Trauma Services with oversight of the adult and pediatric emergency/trauma departments.
Jeri continues to serve as a consultant, special project manager, and educator for MercyOne. Jeri was awarded the Iowa Emergency Nurses Association’s (ENA) Career Achievement Award. Through her involvement with Iowa ENA, she held the offices of president, treasurer, member-at-large, and chaired many committees and workgroups.
Secretary
Iowa Department of Public Safety – Division of Criminal Investigation
DCI Crime Lab Supervisor, DNA Section
Mike supervises the Crime Lab for the Iowa DCI. The DCI Crime Lab is responsible for the recognition, recovery, packaging, marketing, sealing, and analysis of physical evidence, preparation of technical reports of the analysis and court testimony. Laboratory staff also participate in the training of law enforcement officers in advanced evidence handling procedures and processing of some crime scenes.
Treasurer
RentAmes Property Management
Real Estate Broker
Nate is a licensed real estate broker and co-owner of RentAmes Property Management, in Ames, Iowa. Nate’s experience includes both residential and commercial real estate management and property development in Ames and surrounding communities. Nate graduated from Iowa State University’s Ivy College of Business with a bachelor’s degree in business management.
Member
Polk County Attorney’s Office
Prosecuting Attorney (Major Violent Crimes and Sex Crimes)
Meggan is a seasoned prosecutor with 14 years of experience and serves as a prosecuting attorney in the Polk County Attorney’s office in Des Moines. Meggan prosecutes victim major offenses, including homicides, sex offenses, crimes against children, and other felonies.
She also served on the drug and gang unit. Meggan is actively engaged in multiple metro work groups focused on protecting vulnerable victims from child neglect and human trafficking. Prior to joining the Polk County Attorney’s office, Meggan served in the Dallas County Attorney’s office for seven years where she prosecuted a wide range of crimes. Meggan began her career in private practice, and she also holds an MBA.
Member
Iowa Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General of Iowa,
Statewide Prosecution Section – Sexually Violent Predators Investigator
Olivia serves as an Investigator in the Statewide Prosecution Section of the Iowa Attorney General’s Office. Prior to her employment at the Iowa Attorney General’s Office, Olivia worked as a Caseworker in Johnson County. Olivia is also an active member of the International Organization for Victim Assistance (IOVA). Olivia graduated from Wartburg College and earned her master’s degree in forensic psychology from Arizona State University.
Member
Polk County Crisis & Advocacy
Sexual Assault Victim Advocate
Maria has been a victim counselor and advocate at Polk Crisis and Advocacy Services for the last 25 years. A native of Mexico, her experience in the antiviolence movement began during her undergraduate studies at a crisis center where she discovered her passion and the priceless impact of a collective voice.
In addition to her service on various boards, Maria served as a member of the Des Moines Public School Board since 2021 where she currently serves as Vice Chair. Maria has served on various boards and co-founded a non-profit community soccer program.
Member
Real Estate Attorney
Joseph Vivone serves on the Board of Directors for the S.A.F.E. Center of Iowa, bringing a strong background in law, business, and real estate. As a Corporate Real Estate Attorney in Des Moines, Joseph negotiates complex real estate transactions and advises clients on legal, regulatory, and compliance matters.
A graduate of Drake University Law School, Joseph earned his Juris Doctor with a Business Law Certificate and received several academic honors, including recognition on the President’s and CALI Lists. His professional experience also includes leadership in marketing and business development, having served as Director of Marketing and E-commerce for Berkwood Farms, where he helped expand the company’s brand internationally.
Passionate about community service, Joseph has volunteered with organizations such as Iowa Legal Aid, Variety – the Children’s Charity, and the Chrysalis Foundation. His decision to join the S.A.F.E. Center board is motivated by his awareness of how sexual assault affects countless individuals and families across Iowa. Through his expertise and empathy, Joseph aims to strengthen the Center’s mission of healing, advocacy, and education, helping create safer, more supportive communities for survivors statewide.
Member
Public Safety and Law Enforcement Professional
Mike is a seasoned public safety and law enforcement professional with over 40 years of experience in Illinois and Iowa, serving in roles from Patrol Officer to Police Chief. He holds a B.S. in Public Administration with a law enforcement emphasis and an M.A. in Criminal Justice. Mike was appointed by the Iowa Attorney General to lead several high-profile initiatives, including the Department of Justice’s Human Trafficking Enforcement & Prosecution Initiative, where he served until his retirement in 2016.
Today, he operates I Know a Guy Training & Consulting, LLC, providing advanced investigative training for public safety professionals. A retired U.S. Army officer and active veteran volunteer, Mike is also a reading mentor for local students and a certified Kansas City Barbeque Society judge.
Member
Clery Program Manger
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Alice is an experienced analyst and higher education compliance professional with a strong background in fiscal analysis, law enforcement, and campus safety. She has served as a Fiscal Analyst for the Iowa Legislature and as a Crime Analyst for the West Des Moines Police Department. Most recently, she held the position of Clery Program Manager and Deputy Title IX Coordinator with the Iowa State University Police Department, where she oversaw compliance with federal safety and equity regulations.
Alice earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Iowa State University and her Master of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Alice is commitmented to data-driven decision-making, public service, and fostering safe, equitable communities.
Member
Psychotherapist
Counselor & Advocate
Sara McMillan is a licensed psychotherapist based in Des Moines, Iowa, with over 30 years of experience supporting individuals and families through trauma, crisis, and personal growth. She holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Counseling and Psychology from Drake University and is certified in EMDR therapy, trauma-sensitive yoga, and sexual abuse counseling.
In addition to her private practice, Sara has long served as a counselor and advocate for violent crime survivors at Polk County Crisis and Advocacy Services. Combining clinical expertise with holistic approaches such as yoga and mindfulness, she helps clients build resilience and emotional balance. Sara’s work is grounded in compassion, empowerment, and a deep commitment to healing.
Member
Iowa State University
Director of Nursing Education and Clinical Associate Professor
Dawn Bowker (Ph.D., RN, ARNP-BC, CNE, SANE) is a nurse practitioner, educator, and researcher with over 40 years of nursing experience. Dr. Bowker is the Director of Nursing Education and Clinical Associate Professor of Nursing at Iowa State University.
Dr. Bowker obtained a Ph.D. in Nursing Science from New Mexico State University, a master’s degree in Transcultural Nursing and Community from Augsburg University in Minneapolis, and a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner with clinical experience in private and community sectors. Dr. Bowker is a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner and passionate about advocacy and public policy.
We’re in our initial phase right now, and we are fundraising to build our first location! Donations will help us fund and open the first SAFE Center Site in Des Moines, and will continue to help us with operating costs to keep the center running effectively.
Over time, SAFE Center also plans to provide services in geographically distributed locations throughout the state. Each SAFE Center location will respond to the unique needs of the region it serves. Your contributions and donations will help us keep expanding our reach to more Iowans. So, become a part of something great, and donate!
Planned Locations Across Iowa
2010 & 2014
SANE Nurse Coordinator - Polk
Founding Executive Director Shannon Knudsen is a statewide expert on SANE Nursing and has served as the SANE Nurse Program Coordinator in Polk County since 2010 and Story County since 2014.
2023
SAFE Center of Iowa Starts
In 2023, Shannon gathered a team of experts and created SAFE Center’s first Board of Directors. The Board included representation from the Attorney General’s crime victim services program, crisis intervention services, law enforcement, the DCI crime lab, prosecuting attorneys, hospital administration, and SANE Nursing experts.
Looking Forward
Continued Partnership
SAFE Center will collaborate with donors and supporters to provide industry-leading training capabilities at SAFE Center’s Des Moines Metro location, positioning SAFE Center as the home for SANE Nurse training in the state. They plan to work in tandem to increase the number of SANE Nurses throughout Iowa.
