Serving those who Served Us

Join our comprehensive training session designed to equip you with essential skills in understanding military culture and identifying local trends of suicide risk among Veterans. Learn effective strategies for establishing rapport with Veterans and explore VA methods for identifying risk factors and implementing interventions. Gain practical insights into connecting Veterans to vital VA care services. Elevate you ability to support and advocate for those who have served our country.

Objectives:

• Develop proficiency in assessing and categorizing levels of suicide risk, fostering the creation of a standardized language for effective communication and intervention
• Acquire a comprehensive understanding of military culture, including its unique values, traditions, and challenges to better support and engage with Veterans
• Enhance community members’ awareness and comprehension of VA services, empowering them to effectively navigate and access the full spectrum of available services
• Cultivate an environment of openness and understanding by reducing stigma surrounding suicide and alleviating provider anxiety related to discussing suicide, fostering more proactive and empathetic approacshes to suicide prevention and intervention

About the trainers:

Dr Michelle Nerish (she/her)

Dr Michelle Nerish is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience working within the mental health field. She received her master’s degree in Community Counseling and was a Licensed Professional Counselor before returning to school and earning her doctorate from Palo Alto University in 2016. Although forensically trained, she began her VA career working in inpatient psychiatry. She then moved to residential care honing her clinical skills in evidenced-based practices treating those with trauma and substance use issues, leading to her role as Program Manager for a 180-bed residential facility. Awarded for mentorship and trauma-informed care, she now focuses on suicide prevention at White River Junction Healthcare System and has been in her role as Suicide Prevention Coordinator since 2021.

Brooke Whelan (she/her)

Brooke Whalen has been a licensed clinical social worker in the State of Vermont since 2003. She received her Masters degree in Social Work from SUNY Albany and has spent the majority of her career working in community mental health programs. Brooke has worked as a clinical social worker in inpatient psychiatric units, provided individual and family therapy and was also the manager of behavioral programming at a Federally Qualified Health Center. In addition to working with the chronically mentally ill, she has also managed a medication assisted treatment program to treat opiate addiction. Brooke joined the White River Junction Healthcare System as a Suicide Prevention Coordinator in 2023.

Who Should Attend?

Public interested in Veteran suicide prevention.