Veteran's Wellness Summit

Join us at the UF Gainesville campus for the inaugural Veteran’s Wellness Summit, hosted by the College of Health & Human Performance at the Florida Gymnasium. Gain valuable insights and discover resources from our expert panel.

Friday, Nov. 15, 2024
2-4 p.m.

Florida Gymnasium | 1864 Stadium Road | Gainesville, FL 32611

Questions? Please contact David Pinner: (352) 294-1624 | dpinner@ufl.edu


register to attend here

Please RSVP by Friday, Nov. 8


presenters

Golf Yankee Six

Golf Yankee Six, or GYS, is an organization dedicated to spreading awareness of veteran’s mental health and finding help for veterans struggling with depression, PTSD and suicide. GYS was created to encourage, educate and invest directly in mental health services for our veterans. To learn more, visit golfyankeesix.com

GYS speakers plan to discuss:

  • What PTSD is and how it affects veterans in everyday life
  • How family and friends can support veterans in their lives by knowing what to say and not to say when a veteran opens up or is in crisis
  • Stigmas surrounding mental health treatment and barriers


Andria Estrella-Roa, LMFT, CFTP
Andria Estrella-Roa, LMFT, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, owner of AER Mental Health Services, and Florida Board Approved Qualified Supervisor for Registered Marriage & Family Therapy Interns and Registered Mental Health Counselor Interns.


Jacqui Williams, Ph.D., LMFT
Dr. Jacqueline ‘Jacqui’ Williams, Ph.D., is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Qualified Supervisor, and an assistant professor of practice at Stetson University in the Department of Counselor Education. 


UF Health Jacksonville Leon L. Haley Jr., M.D., Brain Wellness Program

The Leon L. Haley Jr., M.D., Haley Brain Wellness Program is an interdisciplinary treatment program for military veterans and first responders experiencing persistent health issues associated with mild to moderate traumatic brain injuries, along with associated behavioral health issues, such as post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression and substance use disorder. To learn more, visit ufhealthjax.org/brain-wellness


Ashton Kroner
M.B.A.
Associate Director of Development

Kroner's presentation will provide an in-depth look at the innovative treatments and support systems the program offers, and how it makes a difference in the lives of those who have served.


UF College of Health & Human Performance

The UF College of Health & Human Performance offers a curriculum that touches nearly every aspect of daily life. Our faculty and researchers use state-of-the-art facilities to collect data that help us understand people. We use this understanding to win the battle against addiction, improve the quality of life for those suffering from debilitating neurological, cardiovascular and muscular diseases and help span cultural divides through tourism and sport.


Orlando Laitano, Ph.D.
Orlando Laitano, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the Department of Applied Physiology & Kinesiology where he directs the Laboratory of Muscle and Environmental Physiology. Dr. Laitano researches the mechanisms underlying sepsis-induced myopathy with disuse in aging and on the pathophysiology of exertional heat stroke.

Dr. Laitano will discuss two of his ongoing projects involving sepsis-induced myopathy and exertional heat stroke.


Nichole Scaglione, PhD, CHES
Nichole Scaglione, PhD, CHES, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Education and Behavior. Dr. Scaglione has over 10 years of experience leading federally-funded (i.e., DoD, CDC, NIH) projects aimed at reducing substance misuse and sexual violence in adolescents and young adults.


Wounded Warrior Project

Wounded Warrior Project’s (WWP) vision is to foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation’s history. Wounded Warrior Project believes that being a successful, well-adjusted generation is predicated on an enhanced quality of life. One way WWP impacts quality of life is through its Physical Health & Wellness programming. Through its multiweek Coaching Program and other targeted opportunities, WWP addresses the major challenges of poor sleep, chronic pain, obesity, and inactivity. Wounded Warrior Project capitalize on readiness for behavior change through movement, skill acquisition, education, and camaraderie, while enhancing motivation and mental health. To learn more, visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org


Meghan Wagner

Physical Health & Wellness Director, Jacksonville WWP Office

In her role as Physical Health & Wellness Director, Meghan oversees both the Physical Health & Wellness and Soldier Ride teams. The primary purpose of these programs is to improve quality of life through physical health. The main focuses are increasing physical activity and improving nutritional quality. These programs also aim to improve mobility, sleep, and psychological well-being as well as reduce depression symptomology, chronic pain, and medication, tobacco, alcohol use.

Wagner’s presentation will discuss improving veteran quality of life through physical health