Today we’d like to introduce you to Carie Rodgers.
Hi Carie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I began graduate school with the intention of working with teenagers, but during my internship at UCSD and the San Diego VA, I had the opportunity to work with Veterans—and everything changed. I fell in love with this population. The privilege of supporting service members and Veterans through trauma, transition, and healing deeply resonated with me and completely shifted the direction of my career. I went on to spend nearly 20 years at the VA as a clinician, researcher, educator, and program leader, developing national trainings and supporting providers across the country.
At the same time, I was a Clinical Professor at UCSD, teaching and mentoring early-career mental health professionals. I later moved into leadership roles outside of federal service, serving as Chief Strategy and Impact Officer at PsychArmor and as Chief Education Strategy Officer with A-G Associates for the VA’s National Safeguard Initiative to Prevent Veteran Suicide. Now, I work for myself, offering training, consultation, and strategic advising to individuals and organizations committed to trauma-informed, evidence-based, and culturally responsive care—particularly for those who serve in the military, first responders, and underserved communities.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like many people in helping professions, I’ve experienced the emotional toll of working with trauma. Bearing witness to the suffering of others—especially those who have experienced war, sexual trauma, or suicide loss—requires strong boundaries, support, and ongoing reflection. Learning how to sustain myself while continuing to show up fully for others has been one of the most important lessons of my career.
In addition, navigating large systems like the VA and academic institutions has required patience, persistence, and creativity. While I’ve been fortunate to work with brilliant colleagues and visionary leaders, I’ve also had to advocate for innovation in systems that can be slow to change. Those experiences ultimately led me to transition into non-profit work and subsequently launch my own consulting business, where I now have the freedom to collaborate with like-minded partners and focus on meaningful, impact-driven projects.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Through my independent consulting business, I offer expert services in training, implementation, clinical consultation, research collaboration, and strategic advising. I specialize in helping organizations translate evidence-based practices into real-world solutions, especially in the areas of trauma, PTSD, suicide prevention, and culturally competent care for military and Veteran populations. I also provide mentorship and coaching for leaders, clinicians, and mission-driven teams working in complex environments.
What sets my work apart is the unique combination of deep clinical expertise, scientific rigor, and strategic insight. I’m known for delivering work that is trauma-informed, human-centered, and grounded in research and best practices. I’ve trained thousands of providers across systems—from the VA and Department of Defense to nonprofits and universities—and my greatest pride is seeing those providers take that knowledge forward to improve lives. I want readers to know that the heart of my work is service: whether I’m consulting on a national suicide prevention initiative, serving on a non-profit board, or coaching a new clinical leader, I bring curiosity, compassion, and a commitment to impact.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There are truly too many people to name. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work in organizations filled with smart, mission-driven colleagues who have challenged me, inspired me, and supported me at every stage of my career. From my time at the VA and UCSD to my leadership roles at PsychArmor and A-G Associates, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside clinicians, researchers, educators, and leaders who shared a deep commitment to service and innovation. Their partnership and collaboration shaped much of who I am today, both professionally and personally.
I’m also deeply grateful for the support and mentorship I’ve received through work at PsychArmor and with the Fieldstone Nonprofit Leadership Institute, which has given me a strong foundation in values-based leadership and sustainable impact. Most importantly, I couldn’t do any of this without my family. My husband and two daughters have been my biggest cheerleaders—providing love, perspective, and grounding through every twist and turn of my professional journey. Their support means everything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.carierodgers.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carie-rodgers-phd
