A Network Rooted in Peer Leadership
At the Veteran Spouse Network, we believe in the value and benefit of strong supportive communities that offer peer-based guidance and understanding to help address the unique challenges of military and post-service family life. In line with that belief, all of our programs are facilitated by volunteer veteran spouse peer leaders, allowing participants to receive support through shared experience and understanding.
If you are connected to the military or veteran community and are interested in providing peer support opportunities, we encourage you to consider volunteering with the VSN today! Learn more about the different peer leader opportunities within the VSN below.
Apply to Be a Leader Today!
If you are a veteran spouse/partner who is interested in becoming a V-SRG Leader, or are a member of the larger military or veteran-connected community who is interested in becoming a Social Club Leader, please complete our VSN Leader Application today! For questions, contact us at vsn@austin.utexas.edu.
Become a V-SRG Leader
As a Veteran Spouse Resiliency Group (V-SRG) leader, you will facilitate curriculum-driven peer support groups for veteran spouses/partners, that provide participants with a space to come together, share their stories, challenges, and successes, and lean on one another for support and guidance. As a V-SRG leader, you have the opportunity to lead in-person or virtual groups in both series and solo-session formats. V-SRG leaders complete training in group and online facilitation skills, as well as the V-SRG curriculum.
As a V-SRG Leader, you will…
Virtual Training
The virtual V-SRG Leader Training consists of a combination of self-paced pre-work course hours (approximately 6-8 hours) that are to be completed virtually prior to the live training dates, as well as two 8-hour live training days that are conducted via Zoom. Leaders must be able to attend at least 70% of the live training time, as well as complete the required self-paced pre-work in order to complete their certification. View the calendar below for a list of upcoming virtual training dates.
Upcoming Training Dates
Meet Our Peer Leaders
Heike Vargas
Elizabeth, CO Heike Vargas is a Master Gestaltist and Equine Gestalt Coach, who utilizes somatic…
Jenny Phillips
New Braunfels, TX Jenny Phillips has been married for over 15 years to a retired…
Holly Provance Doggett
Wendell, NC Holly Provance Doggett is the partner to a retired Army combat engineer. Prior…
Rapunzel Stephens-Clements
Winter Garden, FL Rapunzel is a devoted Spouse of a Disabled Army Veteran. She has…
Jeanie Moughan
Milan, MI Jeanie Moughan is a United States Air Force Veteran, having commissioned as an officer and served…
Karla Kretchman
Lincoln NE Karla Kretchman has a bachelor’s degree in Communications, a Master’s degree in Education…
Stephanie Smart
Ft Worth, TX Stephanie Smart is a proud Air Force Active-Duty Spouse and passionate about mental health…
Lauren Aguon
Kennesaw, GA Lauren is the wife of an OEF/OIF U.S. Navy Corpsman combat veteran. She…
Jacklin Cardentey
Richmond, TX Jacklin Cardentey, or Jackie, is an education administrator with over 15 years of…
Emma Martin
Riverview, FL Emma Martin is a seasoned military spouse and proud mother of two active-duty military service…
Become a VSN Social Club Leader
As a Social Club leader, you will provide members of the military and veteran-connected community with social, supportive, and/or educational peer support opportunities. While leaders are supported by VSN Staff in the creation of session guides, managing the logistics for the group (including registration, marketing, communication, and Zoom use), Social Club leaders are encouraged to follow their passions, interests, and skillsets to determine the content, structure, and audience of their social clubs.