Rosa is the proud spouse of a Post 9/11 Army service member who has served for 26 years and now works as a recruiter in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas. She is also a Post-9/11 Air Force veteran with 10 years of service. Rosa knows firsthand the ups and downs of military life, from long deployments to missing important family moments. Now as a civilian, she supports her husband’s career and their blended family, which includes three children living across the U.S. and abroad, as well as six playful dogs. Her own experience with military transitions helps her relate deeply to other service members and families going through similar situations.
Since joining VSN in 2023, Rosa has led and co-led social and peer-support sessions. She draws on her experiences to guide discussions on PTSD, mental health, substance misuse, parenting, domestic violence, and suicidal ideation. Rosa encourages participants to share, learn, and support one another, fostering a community where vulnerability meets strength.
Rosa was first inspired to help others when she saw that young single mothers living overseas lacked sufficient support. Feeling alone made her want to make sure others would not have to go through the same thing by themselves. She hopes people leave her groups feeling hopeful and with useful ways to help themselves and their families. Outside VSN, Rosa helps with local community events; she likes reading history, fantasy, and romance novels, and enjoys quiet nights with her family and dogs.
Rosa has a passion for education and is a lifelong learner. She has completed VSN’s training, including Suicide Prevention, Mental Health First Aid, Calm, and Tackling Safety Together, enabling her to create safe, empathetic spaces for participants. While her credentials lend credibility, Rosa’s primary identity at VSN is that of a peer, grounded in authentic connection, shared experience, and a genuine desire to support fellow veterans.