Meet the team: Fire Watch program starts in September
08/29/24 01:00:pm
Rogers will start its first program specifically designed for Veterans and active military service members in September, and a passionate, dedicated team is ready to start.
Rae Anne Ho Fung, PhD, executive director of clinical integration and an Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran, is overseeing Fire Watch, a virtual IOP program that will offer services targeting challenges unique to Veterans, such as moral injury as well as anxiety, depression, and trauma-related symptoms.
Meet the rest of the team members, who each answered three questions to help get to know them:
Katie Mennenoh, nurse
What makes you passionate about working with service members and Veterans?
“I am so excited to be a part of Fire Watch! With a father who served in the Navy, my brother a Marine, and my daughter about to leave for the Air Force in late August, I am beyond honored to finally give back in a direct way to the service members whom I hold in the highest regard.”
What is your background?
“I transitioned into a behavioral health nursing role six years ago and must say, it is my passion! In 2023, I obtained my board certification in psychiatric mental health nursing.”
How do you like to spend your free time?
“I’m an active person and enjoy being outside. I love my dog Moose, hiking, trail running, playing pickleball, and quality time with family and friends.
“The key to overall wellness is balance in our physical, mental, and social lives and being proactive and present in all endeavors to support this goal. I admire every individual who takes the time through a program like Fire Watch to strengthen their mental health. “
Jen Parra Nelsen, clinical services supervisor
What makes you passionate about working with service members and Veterans?
“As a proud daughter of a Veteran, it has been my privilege to learn about the experiences of my father as well as his fellow service members. This is what prompted my interest in PTSD treatment, where I began my career with Rogers. When I learned about the opportunity to serve those who have served us, I jumped at the chance. My father passed away a year ago, and to do this in his name is incredibly meaningful.”
What is your background?
“I spent the better part of my career working with those who have suffered from PTSD. It continues to be a passion of mine as we develop the Trauma Recovery program to include more opportunities and better access to care for our patients. I now supervise the Trauma Recovery program in Brown Deer. I have contributed to the writing of the manual and the staff guide for the trauma programs.”
How do you like to spend your free time?
“Some fun facts about me: I have two kids, two dogs, one goldfish, one hermit crab, and my partner. I practice yoga regularly. I have been at Rogers for almost 10 years. My undergraduate degree is in Anthropology, biological evolution to be exact, which did not thrill my father, but it has helped me better understand why our minds function as they do. “
Mike Smith, therapist
What makes you passionate about working with service members and Veterans?
“Coming from a military family, I have spent a vast majority of my life connected to the military in some way shape or form. I can also vividly remember growing up as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan progressed, and we started to see the impacts of combat trauma on our service members. It was the combination of those two experiences that led me to become a trauma therapist and with the goal of working with service members and Veterans specifically.”
What is your background?
“Prior to starting this role, I served as a trauma recovery therapist for two years. In that role, I became heavily acquainted with not only PTSD, but also the complex moral and philosophical damage that comes about as a result of surviving trauma. For this role specifically, I have spent a lot of time researching material related to the treatment of moral injury in active-duty service members and veterans. The combination of my lived experience, my professional experience, and my drive to serve this population has prepared me to take on this challenge.”
How do you like to spend your free time?
“I have been described as an adventurous person. I love to scuba dive, go to concerts, rock climb, kayak, travel, you name it. When I’m not doing that or spending time with my friends and family, I like to chill at home with my cat Sketti and live my best life.”
Lauren Zimmer, behavioral specialist
What makes you passionate about working with service members and Veterans?
“My background in the Army Reserves and strong ties to the military through family and friends drive my passion for working with service members and Veterans. The military has a strong community and culture, which inspires me to provide tools to help service members and Veterans succeed in living a fulfilled life by their own definition despite obstacles.”
What is your background?
“In my previous role as a behavioral health specialist in the Army Reserves, I gained firsthand experience providing mental health care to service members and collaborated closely with military providers, which has allowed me to develop the skills and knowledge to prepare me for this role. Additionally, I am currently pursuing a master’s in clinical Mental Health Counseling.”
How do you like to spend your free time?
“During my free time I enjoy spending time outside roller skating and exploring local coffee shops!”
