Leadership

A Network Rooted in Peer Leadership

At the Veteran Spouse Network, we recognize the importance of strong, supportive communities that provide peer-based guidance and understanding to address the unique challenges faced by military and post-service families. Reflecting this belief, many of our programs are facilitated by peers who understand these challenges firsthand. Through shared experience and genuine connection, our peer-led programs help participants discover they are not alone in their journey.

The Veteran Spouse Network has meant finding a sense of belonging, connection, and a community that truly understands. As a member of the VSN, it has taught me to approach others with deeper compassion and empathy while finding genuine ways of supporting other veteran partners.  The Veteran Spouse Network has been a source of hope, reminding me of the strength that comes from shared experiences.

VSN Peer Leader

As a peer leader, I love being able to connect with other Spouses/Partners; to give them a safe place to share their experiences; maybe be able to give them information they need or never knew they needed.

VSN Peer Leader

Peer Leaders play a vital role in the Veteran Spouse Network for their:

  • Lived and embodied experience
  • Resourcefulness and community mindedness to support Military and Veteran families in all walks of life
  • Understanding and holding the struggles and sacrifices that families make and face
  • Calling to support others in the Military and Veteran Family community during daily life and tough times

VSN Peer Leader

Why Peer Support Matters

Peer support has been shown to:

Peer support can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, supporting emotional and psychological resilience.

Peer support can create a sense of belonging and promote more meaningful social connections with those who truly understand the complexities of military and veteran family life.

Hearing from others with shared experiences may help individuals feel more capable and less alone.

Peer support often leads to greater awareness of tools, information, and services that can support well-being.

What Do Our Peer Leaders Offer?

Our trained Peer Leaders come from all walks of life, bringing with them a variety of lived experiences that allow them to create spaces that are both empathetic and effective. Peer leaders receive extensive training and support to ensure they are equipped with the skills, tools, and insight to support our community.

Our approach reflects the growing body of research on peer support as a valuable complement to clinical services—and a powerful way to build community from within.

Our Peer Leaders:

  • Encourage openness and trust through shared experience
  • Support meaningful dialogue in a non-judgmental setting
  • Offer insights, encouragement, and peer-guided strategies
  • Encourage openness and trust through shared experience
  • Promote ongoing connection and accountability over time

Meet our Leaders

View the Team

Join the Team

If you are connected to the military or veteran community and are interested in providing future peer support, please complete the form below. Although we’re not currently accepting new Peer Leaders, we’ll notify you when new opportunities become available.

Please include anything you would like us to know.