Steffens Headshot

  1. When did you graduate? December 2014
  2. What do you do now? I work for the Sexual Assault Center of Family Services here in Green Bay. I am a Victim Advocate and I’m also the Volunteer Coordinator. As an advocate, I provide crisis counseling and advocacy for victims during police reports and/or acute medical exams. I also provide ongoing emotional support, referrals, and/or legal assistance throughout various stages of the court process. As the Volunteer Coordinator, I recruit, provide training to new advocates, manage volunteer activity, and provide continuous training opportunities as well.
  3. Why did you major in psychology? Psychology actually found me. I was always interested in it, but I had written it off, thinking it would be too hard. So going into college, I was planning to major in Graphic Art, as that was natural for me. As I started taking more Human Development and Psychology courses, I realized that this area came just as naturally and I have no regrets!
  4. What do you do for fun? I’m a snowmobiling nerd. In the winter, you can find me on the trails and planning trips up north with my husband, friends, or family to do that. I also play the violin and I’m a big sucker for psychology related books.
  5. What academic experience or accomplishment are you most proud of? I’m most proud of the PSI Talk presentation I gave a month ago at UWGB. I was able to talk about common reactions I see from sexual assault victims, what physically and chemically takes place in the brain, and how often society misunderstands all of that. It was a huge honor for me and I’m excited to continue using that to raise awareness and understanding about sexual assault.
  6. What’s your favorite movie, book, and TV show, related to psychology? My favorite book is the DSM5; I read it for fun. Just kidding—Everyone should read The Sociopath Next Door (Martha Stout PhD) and Quiet (Susan Cain), you’ll thank me later. I can’t think of a movie, BUT if you’re in college and you want to be informed, you need to watch The Hunting Grounds documentary. It will shake you, as it shows a glimpse of victim stories that occur closer to home than people think, but it’s also VERY empowering with an optimistic ending.
  7. What an important goal or accomplishment you are currently working on? My goals are very long term. I plan to work in the sexual assault field for a very long time because I see the impact that just one person can do and I see a huge need for this work. My goal is to continue making our community aware of our services and aware of ways they can help advocate for victims directly and indirectly. Last year I organized an outreach effort to hang flyers in bathrooms throughout the community and I hope to expand that project as the years continue.
  8. What else do you want people to know about you? I also run an Art Support Group for the Sexual Assault Center that’s open to adult, female, survivors. If you or anyone you know would like more information about signing up for this group, our Healthy Relationships group, or need options and emotional support you can call our 24/7 hotline number: 920-436-8899.