Conference 2020

PURPOSE: To equip administrators, faculty and staff in higher education with information, resources, and networking that will enhance the experience and success of student Veterans in their pursuit of certificates and degrees.

INVITEES: While the virtual event is targeting Student Veterans, we invite administrators, faculty and staff from 2-year and 4-year public and private colleges and universities to attend.

On May 7, 2020, NC STRIVE hosted its first virtual event in lieu of three regional conferences that were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Jeanie Chang, LMFT, CMHIMP, CCTP, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, presented on De-Stress, Not Distress. In her solution-focused approach, she provided practical tips for coping with anxiety. [Slide Download]

Kevin Rumley, MSW, LCAS, LCSWA, Program Director, Buncombe County Veterans Treatment Court, joined the US Marine Corps shortly after his high school graduation in 2003. The following year he was nearly killed by an improvised explosive devise while on patrol in Husaybah, Iraq. The explosion killed his best friend and blew out Rumley’s knees and femur and left his body full of shrapnel. This led to an 18-month stay at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he had 32 surgeries. His surgeries led to an addiction to opioids and homelessness. Eventually, he got help at the Asheville VAMC and earned a master’s degree of social work at Western Carolina University. (More Information)

Jeanie Chang, LMFT, CMHIMP, CCTP, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the Founder of Your Change Provider, PLLC, a therapeutic practice founded on solutions and multicultural confidence in promoting mental health and wellness. In addition to providing family therapy, she has led mental health seminars and workshops for corporate, community, and colleges on topics such burnout, resilience, mindfulness, stress, workplace wellness, and mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, and suicidality. Jeanie has volunteered as a facilitator and presenter for Student Veterans at Wake Technical Community College. (More Information.)