Building a Mental Health Toolbox

Description: Lisa Howard from the Barry Robinson Center shares how to build personal and community resources when your child needs additional mental/behavior support. This episode was made possible by the Luke Spouses Club. https://www.lukespousesclub.org/   Show Notes: Barry Robinson Center: https://www.barryrobinson.org/ Mental and Behavioral Health Changes in Military Connected Children: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jnb7vx_VS9WZSYJrUTzfOw   Bio: Lisa Howard, VP Government Affairs and Community Engagement- Barry Robinson Lisa Howard has been a military spouse for 28 years. She served as both an enlisted Soldier and officer within the United States Army Reserve from 1986 to 1998. Lisa earned a Master of Social Work in 1999 from Savannah State University. She has two children: Lucas (22, adopted in 2002 from Baku, Azerbaijan) and Madeline (20, born in Germany). Her family has relocated 13 times for Army assignments- twice to Germany. Lisa has first-hand experience with the struggles associated with raising a special needs child in the military culture. Through multiple moves and school transitions, she experienced difficulties coordinating specialized education plans and supports. Later, Lisa traversed the challenges of finding therapeutic and medical resources for her son’s mental health needs. Currently, Lisa is the Associate Vice President, Government Affairs & Community Engagement for The Barry Robinson Center where shares the mission of BRC with the military community through multiple formats. She briefs military leadership, sits on the TRICARE for Kids Coalition, Congressional Leadership, joint family readiness agencies and civilian community engagement opportunities. Lisa is always available to talk and assist BRC families as their child resides in the program. Lisa knows first-hand the program, as her son Lucas was a former resident. During the 28 years of active-duty service with her spouse, she has been an active member at the unit and community level. Lisa has the honor and privilege of holding a permanent volunteer position as an Army Arlington Lady at Arlington National Cemetery