Equipping communities with proven programs and supports
Leadership
Dr. Borah’s work focuses on conducting research and designing programs to identify effective programming and supports for service members, veterans, spouses, and their families.
Elisa Borah, PhD
Institute Director & Research Associate Professor
As a veteran spouse, Hannah has served as the Program Manager for the VSN since 2017, implementing supportive programs for military and veteran spouses, partners, and families.
Hannah O’Brien, MSSW
VSN Program Director
Katherine’s research interests include dialogue, conflict resolution, military and veteran family wellness, and community-based research.
Katherine Gower, PhD
Research Associate
Emily is dedicated to research that works to alleviate systematic barriers to healthcare and supports underserved populations.
Emily Neimeyer, MPH
Research Coordinator
Sara manages projects, helping to grow community awareness and collaboration within military and veteran communities.
Sara Vandegrift
Project Manager
As outreach coordinator, Sabrina Simmons enjoys connecting with other organizations that support the military community and recruiting military spouses for the Reach Study.
Sabrina Simmons
Outreach Coordinator
As a veteran spouse, Ashley is dedicated to applying her passion for mental health wellness focusing on communications, outreach, and delivering resources to veterans and their families.
Ashley Craig, M.Ed
VSN Marketing Development & Training Manager
Laurianne is a United States Air Force (USAF) veteran, and a veteran spouse. Laurianne has worked for over a decade bolstering supports and advocating for military families
Laurianne Rodriguez, MS
VSN Program Manager
Jamela has dedicated much of her career providing support to the military community. She has assisted caregivers of wounded, ill and injured service members by providing resources in finance, education, and employment.
Jamela Davis, M.Ed
VSN Outreach Manager
Rachel has a passion for veteran-focused advocacy. She has previously worked with unhoused veterans and is currently serving to support and empower veteran families and spouses.
Rachel Hernandez
VSN Program Coordinator
Becca Schaefer is a marketing professional with a background in communications and multimedia production.
Becca Schaefer
VSN Marketing & Outreach Coordinator
Graduate Research Assistants
Anna is currently pursuing her Master’s of Science in Social Work from the Steve Hicks School of Social Work at The University of Texas at Austin.
Anna Mastryukova, MSW Candidate
Affiliate Faculty
Director of Training at the Evans Army Community Hospital in Ft. Carson, CO
MAJ Jean Paul ‘JP’ Hare, PhD, LCSW, BCD,
Installation Director of Psychological Health, Fort Cavazos, Texas; Chief, Behavioral Health Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center (CRDAMC); and the DHA Central Texas Market Lead, Behavioral Health
LTC Chris Paine, PhD, LCSW, BCD
Assistant Professor, Army-University of Kentucky, MSW Program; Associate Dean, Army Graduate School; Medical Center of Excellence, Fort Sam Houston, Texas
LTC Lataya Hawkins, PhD, LCSW, BCD
Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and Department of Health Social Work, Dell Medical School; Psychiatrist, Seton Ascension
Val Rosen, MD
Clinical Professor, Steve Hicks School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin
Tammy Linseisen, LCSW, ACSW
Professor, Steve Hicks School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin
Kirk von Sternberg, PhD
Captain Velasquez Jr. is a U.S. Army Social Work Officer with over 14 years of active federal service. Most recently, he served as the Behavioral Health Officer for a Special Forces Group.