Webinars
Wednesday January 14th, 2026 at 12-1PM ET
Peer Support Pathways for Women Veterans: Clinical and Community Applications
with Dr. Natesha Smith-Isabell
Registration:
Non-VA Attendees (VHA TRAIN #1134010)
Purpose Statement:
Women veterans remain underrepresented in peer support programming, with many facing invisibility in care systems, trauma-related barriers, and limited access to culturally responsive interventions. The gap lies between existing general peer support models ("as is") and the need for tailored, trauma-informed, women-centered approaches ("to be"). This webinar will improve competence by equipping clinicians and stakeholders with evidence-based strategies to integrate peer pathways that foster belonging, resilience, and trust. Ultimately, this will enhance performance in clinical and community settings and improve patient outcomes related to housing stability, employment, and engagement with VA services.
Outcome/Objectives:
At the conclusion of this educational program, learners will be able to:
- Identify psychosocial and reintegration challenges unique to women veterans, with emphasis on moral injury and reproductive health;
- Describe peer-based models that enhance connection, safety, and resilience;
- Discuss trauma-informed strategies for supporting MST survivors and marginalized women veterans;
- Explain the impact of peer mentorship on housing, employment, and care engagement.; and
- List practical steps for embedding women peer specialists in VA and community care teams.
Program Description:
The VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers (MIRECC) pursues a discovery-to-recovery approach to determine the causes, identify predictors, and develop treatments for individuals with serious mental illness, with emphasis on psychosis and on suicide. The topics for this series consist of innovative treatments that we have created/tested and insights from research that have helped to inform clinical care.
Target Audience:
Physicians, Psychologists, Social Workers, Nurses, Counselors, and Therapists
Accreditations (1 CE): ACCME/ACCME-NP, APA/NYSED-Psychology, ASWB/NYSED-SW, JA IPCE, NBCC
PRESENTER:
With nearly two decades of expertise, Natesha Smith-Isabell, Ph.D., has transitioned from academia to champion holistic wellness solutions that address mental health disparities and meet the unique needs of Women Veterans, healthcare professionals, and educators. Recognizing the immense challenges women face including stress, burnout, and secondary trauma, Dr. Smith-Isabell co‑founded Arabella Wellness Center to bridge the gap between traditional clinical care and the lived experiences of women in underserved communities. As the former Assistant Director of Education and Operations at the Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center within the VISN 2 New York/New Jersey Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, she led the development of inclusive curricula and resources designed to support individuals dedicated to caregiving and service. Through Arabella, she developed Resiliency Pathways™, a culturally responsive wellness experience grounded in the lived realities of Women Veterans, integrating nervous system education, capacity building, and community based support. Her work at Arabella continues to center trauma-informed, culturally responsive approaches that strengthen wellbeing and agency for women in both professional and community spaces.
Additional Information for TMS Registration:
Questions?
Non-VA employees, please contact the VHA TRAIN Help Desk by email at VHATRAIN@va.gov.
VA employees, please contact Ainelda Alfred at brian.jewell@va.gov.
