Navajo County Family Advocacy Center (NCFAC), Executive Director Catherine Doyle has been recognized by the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) with the prestigious Guara Award at its annual awards ceremony. The award honors individuals and organizations demonstrating bold, nontraditional advocacy in the movement to end sexual and domestic violence.
ACESDV is Arizona’s statewide coalition addressing sexual and domestic violence through education and training, technical assistance, public policy advocacy, collaboration, and operation of the Arizona Sexual and Domestic Violence Helpline.
The Guara Award is named for the guara plant, known for its resilience and adaptability in harsh environments. Reflecting that symbolism, the award recognizes advocates who think creatively, act courageously and pursue innovative approaches to better support survivors.
Doyle was selected for her forward-thinking leadership and her commitment to reshaping how services are delivered to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. In accepting the award, Doyle emphasized the importance of listening to survivors and adapting systems to better meet their needs.
“Survivors’ experiences are complex, and their needs don’t always fit neatly into existing frameworks,” Doyle said. “That realization pushed me to think beyond ‘how things have always been done’ and to ask, ‘What if we looked at this differently?’”
She noted that meaningful progress in the field often requires taking informed risks and challenging traditional approaches. “Survivors deserve support that is as dynamic, resilient, and adaptable as they are,” Doyle said.
The Navajo County Family Advocacy Center is a public-private partnership between the Navajo County Attorney’s Office and a nonprofit organization that supports its mission. The center provides a coordinated, victim-centered response to abuse through services that include forensic interviews, medical examinations, counseling, victim advocacy, education, and professional training.
NCFAC’s mission is to empower individuals affected by sexual abuse, physical abuse and neglect, including children and non-offending family members, by supporting healing and helping them pursue justice. The center focuses on respecting victims, reducing trauma, lowering the risk of re-victimization, and improving long-term outcomes. It has facilities in both Show Low and Holbrook and serves all of northeastern Arizona.
Navajo County Attorney Brad Carlyon commended Doyle’s leadership and the impact of her work. “Catherine Doyle represents the highest level of professionalism and commitment to victims. She has consistently pushed for thoughtful, effective, and sometimes unconventional approaches to better serve survivors in Navajo County.
This recognition is well-earned. Her leadership has strengthened our response to abuse cases and improved outcomes for some of the most vulnerable members of our community.”
Doyle also credited her team, community partners, and the survivors she serves. “This work is never done alone,” she said. “The progress we make comes from collaboration, trust and a willingness to keep improving.”
Doyle was joined at the awards ceremony by her family and members of the Navajo County Family Advocacy Center Board of Directors.
Community members seeking more information about the Navajo County Family Advocacy Center or its services are encouraged to contact the Navajo County Attorney’s Office or visit the Center to learn more about available resources.
