Sue joined Combat Stress in 2016 as the first female Chief Executive in the charity’s 100-year history. Since her arrival, the charity has increased its profile and contributes actively to veterans’ mental health and particularly military trauma healthcare. Sue has set out a new strategic direction in the face of growing demand for military traumaRead more about STMSS25 – Sue Freeth – Combat Stress UK[…]

As the National Guard Bureau J-1 Warrior Resilience & Fitness Division Chief, Captain Matthew Kleiman, MSW, LCSW, BCD, synchronizes Air and Army National Guard well-being, resilience, and suicide prevention efforts across the 54 states, territories, and DC. He also serves as the Director of Psychological Health for the Chief of the National Guard Bureau. He wasRead more about STMSS24 – CAPT Matt Kleiman – Suicide Prevention in the National Guard[…]

Tina Atherall, DSW, LMSW, brings to PsychArmor her vast experience and leadership in the military non-profit community and academia. In 2006, she co-founded Hope For The Warriors, an organization dedicated to serving combat wounded servicemembers and their families. Scaling a grass-roots effort to a national platform, she worked extensively with various levels of military leadership,Read more about STMSS23 – Dr. Tina Atherall – PsychArmor Institute[…]

Dr. Karin A. Orvis, a member of the Senior Executive Service, is the Director of the Defense Suicide Prevention Office in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. In this capacity, Dr. Orvis is responsible for policy, oversight, and advocacy of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) suicide prevention programs.Read more about STMSS22 – Dr. Karin Orvis – Defense Suicide Prevention Office[…]

Betsey Mercado became involved in Objective Zero after seeing the positive influence that intervention had on veterans in crisis. Betsey has committed herself to making a difference in the lives of Soldiers, veterans, and their families. Her experience working with military spouses and leading multiple Family Readiness Groups supporting active duty units gives her aRead more about STMSS21 – Betsey Mercado – Objective Zero[…]

Kate Hendricks Thomas, PhD is a behavioral medicine researcher and Master Certified Health Education Specialist. She studies evidence-based mental fitness and peak performance and is the author of several books. Kate is passionate about education and teaches for George Mason University’s Department of Global and Community Health. Her TEDx speeches provide a glimpse into Dr.Read more about STMSS20 – Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas – Resilience Development[…]

Major General (retired) Mark Graham is currently serving as the Senior Director, Rutgers UBHC National Call Center. Included in his duties is Director, Vets4Warriors and several other programs. MG Graham retired from the US Army on August 1, 2012 after almost thirty-five years of service. His final position was as the Director (G-3/5/7) U.S. ArmyRead more about STMSS19 – MG(R) Mark Graham – Vets4Warriors[…]

Keita Franklin, LCSW, PhD, is the Chief Clinical Officer at Psych Hub, the Co-Director of the Columbia Lighthouse Project at Columbia University and consults with Leidos Health Group. In her capacity as Psych Hub’s Chief Clinical Officer, she serves as a key member of the executive team overseeing the development and production of all clinicalRead more about STMSS18 – Dr. Keita Franklin – Systems Approach to Suicide Prevention[…]

SMSgt Erin Esquer serves as the First Sergeant for the 74th Aerial Port Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) Lackland, Texas. SGMSgt Esquer is the advisor to the Commander, providing guidance for all enlisted matters concerning morale, fitness, and the welfare of unit members. SGMSgt Esquer entered the Air Force in November 2007 and graduatedRead more about STMSS17 – Erin Esquer – Military Leadership and Suicide Prevention[…]

Terri Tanielian is a senior behavioral scientist and a nationally recognized expert on veteran mental health. Her areas of interest include military and veterans health policy; military suicide; military sexual assault; psychological effects of combat, terrorism, and disasters. She has led multiple studies to assess the needs of veterans and to examine the readiness of private healthcare providers to deliver timely,Read more about STMSS 16 – Terri Tanielian – Suicide Prevention Research[…]