Understanding the Patient and Their Rights During Sexual Assault Exam

Heather, a proud Otterbein College graduate, boasts a nursing career spanning over 25 years. Initially focusing on intensive care, she transitioned into the role of Forensic Nurse Examiner, which was a pivotal shift. Presently, she holds the position as Director of Education for Forensic Nursing Network. In her current position, Heather is involved in educating individuals at the local, state, and national levels about various medical forensic topics. Furthermore, she recognizes the importance of incorporating simulation techniques into the training of healthcare professionals who care for patients affected by intentional violence. Heather also dedicates her expertise to the on-call team for Mt. Carmel Health System in Columbus as a forensic nurse examiner. Heather's commitment goes beyond clinical roles. As the chair of the Ohio Attorney General's Healthcare Human Trafficking Subcommittee under the Human Trafficking Initiative, she actively spearheads vital efforts. Her advocacy extends to raising awareness about Human Trafficking within healthcare and many other organizations across the state of Ohio. Beyond her professional engagements, Heather volunteers with Out of Darkness, a chapter of Front-Line Response in Columbus.

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Sgt Gibson a public safety professional, public safety leader, and emergency nurse. He uses his experience as a law enforcement officer, law enforcement supervisor, emergency nurse, paramedic, public safety instructor, and former firefighter to operate as a recognized expert when events converge at the confluence of emergency care, public safety, and criminal justice.

Nicole Kass Colvin is the Director of Coordinated Community Responses with the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence. Nicole has been in the anti-violence field since 2015 and has worn various hats, including prevention, legal advocacy, agency Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) coordination, and Rape Crisis Center (RCC) leadership and development. Nicole has worked with hundreds of survivors of sexual violence through law enforcement advocacy, medical advocacy, court advocacy, and beyond and continues to advocate for survivors at the state level. Nicole supports teams across the state of Ohio in forming, reengaging, filling gaps, navigating conflict, and holistically meeting the needs of survivors – starting by centering most impacted survivors. Nicole loves creating connections, empowering individuals and teams, leaning into the unique needs and strengths of each community, and uplifting survivor stories. In her free time, Nicole can be found in the outdoors, reading, or hanging out with her rescue and foster animals.