Johanna Winters, a dedicated advocate for military families, resides in Virginia Beach, Virginia. For 22 years, she stood beside her husband throughout his active duty service in the U.S. Navy, offering unwavering support through deployments, relocations, and the everyday realities of military life. Since his retirement in July 2023, Johanna has embraced her role as a veteran spouse, continuing to serve the military community with the same commitment and heart. Her family’s legacy of service spans generations—her father, sister, nephew, and both grandfathers have all worn the uniform. Her husband, a Navy veteran of the Gulf War and Post-9/11 era, concluded a distinguished career spanning more than two decades. Together, they’ve raised two daughters, now 23 and 18, who have grown up immersed in the values of resilience and service.
For the past three years, Johanna has served as a Peer Leader with VSN, where she facilitates support groups focused on mental health and resilience, and offers one-on-one guidance to those navigating the complexities of military life. Her work is deeply informed by personal experience and a profound empathy for others.
Johanna’s passion lies in ensuring that no one walks this journey alone. She strives to create safe, empowering spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported as they take their next steps. When she’s not leading or mentoring, Johanna enjoys discovering new places around the Hampton Roads area, getting lost in a good book, and spending time with her lively household—which includes her two daughters, three dogs, one cat, and a turtle.
As a Master Trainer with LivingWorks, Johanna has led 19 ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) workshops over the past five years, equipping individuals with life-saving tools and fostering hope in communities affected by PTSD and suicide loss or attempts. She also works with the Virginia Department of Veterans Services as an Administrative Veteran Service Representative, where she continues her mission of supporting veterans and their families through direct service and advocacy.