Please join the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Fielding’s veteran community on Nov. 8 at 1 p.m. PT | 4 p.m. ET for a Veterans Day panel discussion, titled “Women and the Military: Enduring Cultural Challenges and Unique Clinical Considerations.”
This panel discussion will illuminate some different ways women experience military service and emphasize how these professional and personal experiences and observations may impact clinical work.
Panelists include Caroline Miller, MA, a Clinical Psychology Ph.D. student at Fielding; Captain Megan A. Hager, Clinical Psychologist at JB Elmendrof-Richarson AFB, Anchorage, AK; and Shaina Townsend, Ph.D., Fielding Clinical Psychology alum and staff psychologist at the Phoenix VA.
The panelists will discuss:
- Caroline Miller, MA, will discuss both her experience as a woman in the profession within a military capacity, and any gendered trends/challenges she has professionally observed, along with clinical responses to these trends.
- Captain Megan A. Hager will discuss gender-based barriers to ongoing treatment for female veterans, along with any unique trends they have observed in contemporary clinical treatment for this population.
- Shaina Townsend, Ph.D., will be asked to discuss how her experience in the military shaped her clinical journey, as well as the barriers to social support/other she has observed or experienced since separating from the military that may be beneficial for practitioners to learn.
A recording of this event will be available on Fielding’s YouTube channel. Fielding’s offices will be closed on Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day.
About the Panelists:
Caroline Miller
Caroline Miller, MACaroline Miller, MA, is a Clinical Psychology Ph.D. student at Fielding Graduate University and Division 19, Military Psychology, Student Chapter Representative. She is an Air Force veteran currently working with Active Duty service members in Anchorage, Alaska. Prior to beginning doctoral studies, Caroline worked as a Marketing and Scholarship Director for the EOD Warrior Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports military members and their families. Presently, Caroline’s research efforts have sought to better understand and address ongoing sexual violence in the military. Caroline hopes to one day return to Active Duty service as a clinical psychologist, as she considers providing support and assistance to military and veteran populations to be an important part of both her past and her future.
Captain Megan Hager
Captain Megan A. Hager
Capt. Megan A. Hager is a Clinical Psychologist at JB Elmendrof-Richarson AFB, Anchorage, AK. In her role there, she functions as a Staff Psychologist, helping conduct individual and group therapy, as well as military evaluations.
Capt. Hager commissioned to active duty in December 2019. Capt. Hager’s graduate level experience included several practicums. Prior to beginning residency, Capt. Hager was a practicum student at Portland VA Medical Center-Vancouver Campus. Her rotations included the Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program and Outpatient mental health clinic. She worked with comorbid and trauma related disorders utilizing Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure. During her graduate training, she also completed practicums at Hazelden Betty Ford: Springbrook which focused on treating comorbid disorders utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She also trained at Cedar Hills Hospital providing mental health care for those experiencing severe and persistent mental illness. Lastly, she worked with forensic psychologist, Dr. Patricia Warford, in conducting forensic assessment which included mitigation, aid and assist, and competency evaluations. Capt. Hager’s professional interests center on Assessment and Selection as well as improving population health outcomes for special warfare operators. Capt. Hager is a student affiliate of the American Psychology Association, APA’s Division 19 – Military Psychology, and APA’s Division 41 – Law Society. Capt. Hager currently serves as Disaster Mental Health Team Chief at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson.
Shaina Townsend, Ph.D.
Dr. Shaina Townsend is a staff psychologist at the Phoenix VA, specializing in Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI). With a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, a Master’s from Walden University, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Fielding Graduate University, Dr. Townsend brings a robust academic foundation and clinical expertise. Her experiences include predoctoral practicums at the Phoenix VA’s PTSD Clinic and PCMHI, as well as an APA internship at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital. A veteran herself, Dr. Townsend served in the National Guard as a Military Police Officer and spent six years in the Army Reserves as a Psychological Operations Specialist. Her research focuses on women veterans and the impact of trauma, highlighted by her dissertation, “Deployment and Trauma: The Role of Communication in Female Service Members and Veteran’s and their Partner’s Relationship Satisfaction.” Outside of work, Dr. Townsend enjoys hiking, baking, and exploring new experiences, all while navigating the joys of parenthood with her wife and young son.
About the Author: Fielding News
Related Posts
Join Over 7,500 Fielding Alumni Located Around The World!
Change the world. Start with yours.™
Get Social