Join Us for Monarch: From Cocoon to Crown – A Virtual Summit for Military Families
The Military Mom Collective is proud to host the second annual fully virtual summit, Monarch: From Cocoon to Crown, powered by USAA Life Insurance Company, happening May 6th–8th, 2026.
Monarch was created to support and empower military moms through meaningful conversations, practical resources, and authentic connection. Military life brings unique challenges from frequent PCS moves and deployments to career pivots, solo parenting seasons, and the emotional weight that often comes with it all. This summit exists to create space for encouragement, learning, and community among women who understand this life firsthand.
Throughout the three-day virtual experience, attendees will hear from inspiring speakers and leaders who will share insights on relationships, personal growth, mental health, and the resources available to support military families.
More than anything, Monarch is about connection. It’s about bringing military families together in one place to feel seen, supported, and strengthened by a community that truly understands the journey.
Whether you are navigating your first duty station or have spent years living the rhythms of military life, Monarch is designed to remind you that you are not alone. Reserve your free ticket today and join us for Monarch 2026.
The summit opens with a focus on the relationships that shape military life. Conversations will explore friendships, reintegration after deployments and trainings, parenting through PCS moves, retirement transitions, and the ways relationship dynamics evolve throughout the military journey.
Sarah Streyder is the co-founder and Executive Director of Secure Families Initiative. Sarah’s career has included a quiltwork of diverse experiences: from working at the White House and doing congressional affairs for the Commerce Department; to earning her Master’s in Public Policy at Cambridge and conducting research at the United Nations in Geneva; to giving elementary schoolers educational tours at a farm in Nebraska and knocking doors for political candidates she cares about in Virginia.
She is also the spouse of an active-duty Space Force Guardian, the mother of 2 kiddos under 4, and wrapping up their family’s 2nd OCONUS assignment.
Meet Our Keynote Speakers
We are honored to welcome Secure Families Initiative as the keynote speaker for Monarch 2026.
Secure Families Initiative is a nonpartisan organization that mobilizes military partners, parents, kids, and veterans to advocate for their communities, especially on issues connected to foreign policy and national security. Their work is rooted in the belief that military families understand the real impact of these decisions on the home front and deserve a voice in the conversations that shape them.
SFI also equips military spouses and family members with advocacy training and opportunities to share their stories with courage and purpose.
Hannah is a nonprofit professional with years of experience supporting a range of communities through her work in the nonprofit sector. She considers herself a dedicated community advocate; however, her favorite role is being a mom to two.
She is married to her college sweetheart and is the spouse of an Active Duty Navy service member.
Finding the Words: From Friendship to Advocacy—Telling Your Military Story Without Overexplaining or Burning Out
Hi, I’m Dr. Monica Reintjes—military spouse, mom of three, and someone who knows firsthand that PCS moves, deployments, and the constant upheaval of military life aren’t just logistical challenges. They’re emotional ones that ripple through our ​l​ives.
​M​y lived experience​ of adversity is exactly what drove me to become a licensed professional counselor, educational psychologist, and registered play therapist.
I wanted to ​s​upport not just what military families go through, but ​understand why it impacts our kids and relationships the way it does—and most importantly, what actually works to help us navigate it.
I run a multi-state Tricare-approved practice serving military families​ (in short this means I’m not a greedy person), teach graduate-level trauma counseling at William & Mary, and specialize in attachment-based, solution-focused therapy for kids, teens, and parents.
But beyond the credentials, I’m right here in the trenches with you—unpacking ​m​y emotions, helping my own kids adjust to new schools, and figuring out how to maintain connection when life feels ​h​ard.
Rules of the Red Queen: Reading The Room and Winning Through Strategic Confidence
Lauren Hope is an active duty military spouse, entrepreneur, speaker, and advocate who has built multiple businesses while navigating more duty stations and the evolving seasons of military life. As the founder of Lauren Hope Collective and creator of the Rules of the Red Queen framework, she helps women read the room, reclaim their agency, and move through transitions with strategic confidence. Lauren is passionate about equipping military moms with language, perspective, and practical tools to thrive in every chapter, not just survive it.
Making Friends in 3 Easy Steps
Stacey Morgan is an Army wife of 25 years and the proud mom of four children. She is an Executive Leadership Coach with The MomCo, where she also serves as the Membership Manager and the lead for military and online groups, equipping and supporting moms around the world.
Stacey is the author of The Astronaut’s Wife: How Launching My Husband into Outer Space Changed the Way I Live on Earth and donates 100% of her book proceeds to charities that support military families. She lives on White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico with her husband, Drew.
Learn more at StaceyMorgan2000.com or on Instagram @StaceyMorgan2000.
The Relationship Advantage: Why Connection Changes Everything
Dr. Kimberly Dickman is a nationally requested speaker, educator, and leadership expert who understands military life from every angle, she grew up as a military child, married into the military, is the proud mother of two daughters who serve, and has spent more than two decades as a civilian professional supporting the Army and Air Force.
As an Assistant Professor at the U.S. Air Force Academy, she designs and teaches courses in emotional intelligence, leadership, connection, and human flourishing. With advanced degrees in education, psychology, leadership, and applied positive psychology, she translates science into practical tools that strengthen resilience, relationships, and performance.
Known for her high-energy, interactive style, Dr. Dickman inspires others to lead boldly, live intentionally, perform better, and rise together.
Finding the Words: From Friendship to Advocacy—Telling Your Military Story Without Overexplaining or Burning Out
Jennifer Barnhill, MPA, is an award-winning journalist and researcher, and the host of Military Dinner Table Conversations, a monthly reverse town hall elevating the stories of military families. She was named the 2025 Armed Forces Insurance Navy Spouse of the Year and is a 2023 Bush Institute Stand-To Veteran Leadership Scholar.
Her reporting on military family policy has appeared on CNN and informed discussions on Capitol Hill, and her research has been cited by the White House, featured by NPR, and presented before Congress.
Drawing on her lived experience navigating the military ecosystem, Jennifer uncovers how policies affect families in practice. Her best-selling debut book, The Military Stories You’ve Been Told and the Ones You Need to Hear, challenges readers to reconsider what they know about military life by listening to the often-hidden voices of military families.
Love in the In-Between: Relationships When Life Is Always in Transition
Courtney Boyer, M.Ed., M.S., is a therapist-turned-relationship coach, writer, and speaker whose work centers on love, desire, and authenticity.
Courtney is the author of Not Tonight Honey and Opened.
She lives in Germany with her Army doctor husband and three children, where she is still learning, unlearning, and writing the next chapter of her story.
Coming Home Together: Navigating Reintegration, Marriage, and Family Life as a Military Spouse
Dr. Mamie L. Pack is a transformative leader, educator, and advocate focused on helping individuals live with intention, prioritize emotional well-being, and navigate personal and professional growth. With over 25 years in education and leadership development, she creates tools, trainings, and conversations that encourage self-awareness, clarity, and purposeful living. Whether through writing, speaking engagements, or executive coaching, Dr. Pack emphasizes practical strategies to support individuals as they make meaningful decisions and adapt to life’s transitions.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Dr. Pack is a proud veteran US Navy spouse and momma, roles that deeply influence her mission and message. Navigating the challenges of frequent relocations, deployments, and the emotional weight of military life, she brings a unique and heartfelt perspective to supporting other military spouses and the military community. Her experiences as a veteran spouse enrich her insights into building resilience, maintaining identity, and creating community amid constant change. Through her writing, speaking, and online presence, Dr. Pack uplifts fellow military spouses, helping them find strength, purpose, and connection in every season.
Dr. Pack holds a Ph.D in Education, M.Ed. in Divergent Learning, and M.S. in Leadership and Management, B.A. in English. She started her wellness inspired stationery business in 2018 with the goal to help other prioritize their well-being one page at a time for the season they are in.
The Chapter You Didn’t Choose—and the Purpose It Gave You
Kera Sanchez is a high school educator with over 15 years of experience, a mom of two, and a Navy spouse. She holds a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, a certificate in Women’s Entrepreneurship from Cornell University, and is a certified Grief and Resilience Expert.
After the unexpected loss of her mother in 2022, she leaned into her grief and launched Get Griefy Magazine, a publication dedicated to normalizing life after loss and inspiring people to continue living with purpose and zest.
She has since continued to amplify often-untold stories with the launch of her second publication, MILSPO Social Co. Magazine—a platform for female military spouses and military-affiliated entrepreneurs, built on leadership, professional development, empowerment, and camaraderie.
Day two brings together trusted organizations and advocates from across the military community to share practical resources designed to support military families through every stage of life. From financial wellness and retirement planning to education opportunities, scholarships, entrepreneurship, travel, and everyday savings, this day is focused on equipping military families with tools they can actually use.
Honoring Service Delivering Savings
I’m Jordan Dockery, a Brand Engagement Manager & marketing professional working with military commissaries, brand partners, and community-driven campaigns. I focus on bringing brands to life through on-base events, influencer partnerships, and social strategy that actually connects with military families.
A little about me:
• Marketing degree from George Mason University
• MBA from Longwood University
• Proud military brat 🇺🇸
• Lover of cooking, baking, candle making, travel, and K-dramas
Opportunities with Military Spouse Advocacy Network
Steph Allen is the Communications & Marketing Director for the Military Spouse Advocacy Network and former Navy spouse mentor. A certified digital marketer, mental health ally, and trained executive coach, she was named the 2025 Armed Forces Insurance NAS Corpus Christi Spouse of the Year.
Steph is a proud Navy wife and mom of two boys who channels her creativity through her blog, From Heart to Byline.
The Military Family’s Guide to Vacation Rental Savings
Adam Hill is a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, C-17 pilot, and one of the founders of Crew Dogs, a platform designed to connect the military community through trusted travel and home-sharing opportunities.
After graduating from the Air Force Academy, Adam served 10 years on active duty flying the C-17. He now continues his service as a part-time reservist while balancing family life and his work as an entrepreneur.
Outside of the cockpit, Adam’s most important role is being a husband and father. He is married to his high school sweetheart, and together they are raising four children in Charleston, South Carolina.
Wish Granted: How Our Military Kids Can Pay for Your Kids’ Activities
A retired Navy Veteran and military spouse of 20 years, Kara Dallman joined Our Military Kids as Executive Director in June of 2020. She has 17 years of experience in the military and Veteran nonprofit space with a proven track record of collaboration with investors, thought leaders, and other nonprofits.
In her military career, Kara was an Integrated Undersea Surveillance System (IUSS) officer leading shore-based teams to conduct anti-submarine warfare and strategically integrate with air and surface assets in real time. After 12 years on active duty, she transitioned to the Navy Reserve and was mobilized a month after 9/11 leaving her young military children behind, making the mission of Our Military Kids very close to her heart.
Kara has a BS from the College of the Holy Cross where she was commissioned through Navy ROTC, an MBA from San Diego State University’s Fowler College of Business, a Nonprofit Management Executive Certificate from Georgetown’s McCourt School of Public Policy.
In 2013, the College of the Holy Cross awarded Kara the prestigious Sanctae Crucis Award.
Community Care as a Path to Renewal
Patty Sandoval is a Navy military spouse, mom of two, and public health professional.
Patty is the Founder and CEO of HomeFront Haven, a charitable organization creating preventative, peer-based mental health support for military spouses and partners.
Inspired by her own experience navigating deployment, Patty is working to change how we show up for military families before crisis hits.
Building Confidence That Moves: STEM for Our Military Kids
Alicia has been riding the military roller coaster for 19 years as her spouse has been in the National Guard, Army Reserve and now Active Duty Army. She has lived in Utah, Kentucky, Texas, Alaska, and currently Virginia with her spouse, two kids and a dog.
She loves her job with Rosie Riveters where she gets to work with schools, military families, high school students and community events through hands-on STEM experiences.
Alicia enjoys reading, painting, and going to the best book club. She dislikes loud clapping, tomatoes and temperatures outside the range of 50-80 degrees.
Travel Perks and Benefits for Military Families
Taryn Barefoot is one of the founders of The Military Travelers. Originally from Virginia, she is currently stationed with her family at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Her husband serves on active duty in the Army, and together they are raising three children.
A licensed physical therapist with a passion for travel, Taryn is dedicated to helping military families make travel more accessible and affordable. After realizing how quickly family travel expenses can add up, she began finding creative ways to explore more for less through credit card benefits, military discounts, and points.
Securing Your Families Future
Staci is the Military Spouse Business and Strategy Planning Director for Military Affairs. She joined USAA in 2022 as a Communications Manager on the Reputation Management team in Corporate Affairs. She comes to USAA with extensive experience in program management, strategic communications, training and reputation management. She started out as a L.I.N.K.S. trainer in Kanoehe Bay, HI. She moved to Headquarters Marine Corps in Quantico, VA to enhance and increase volunteer engagement across the enterprise. Prior to joining USAA she worked for Blue Star Families leading volunteer initiatives, national programming and communication strategies.
She has a Master of Arts degree from California Baptist University in Communications and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington also in Communications.
She is a military spouse, married to Colonel Jeff Holt, USMC (retired). Together they have moved 13 times, survived 6 deployments, 5 of those combat deployments. She has two children and lives on a ranch outside of San Antonio.
Rebellion on the Homefront: Building Something Steady in an Unstable Season
I’m Ashlee Sullivan, the founder of WOMAN + WARRIOR®, a military-first, women-first lifestyle apparel brand.
As a proud military spouse, I create bold, purpose-driven designs that celebrate the home front and the people who hold it down. I’m passionate about building community, honoring service, and turning grit into something wearable.
Day two brings together trusted organizations and advocates from across the military community to share practical resources designed to support military families through every stage of life. From financial wellness and retirement planning to education opportunities, scholarships, entrepreneurship, travel, and everyday savings, this day is focused on equipping military families with tools they can actually use.
The Choice to Rise: Rebuilding Identity After Transition
Candice Van Dertholen is an Energy Medicine Practitioner and founder of The Warrior Within Healing, with more than 20 years of experience supporting people and building small, community-centered businesses.
Her career spans leadership roles across wellness, healthcare-adjacent environments, and operations, where she worked closely with teams, clients, and business owners to support growth, stability, and retention. She built a successful online practice in under three years and previously helped launch and scale a yoga studio to over 450 members, giving her first-hand insight into what it takes to grow a small business while maintaining integrity, culture, and sustainability.
This background informs her work today as a Conscious Business Alignment Strategist. Candice supports entrepreneurs, emerging healers, and soul-driven leaders by addressing both the internal and structural foundations of business growth. Her approach focuses on root-cause healing, beginning with embodiment and nervous-system healing.
In addition to her private practice and speaking work, Candice serves as Vice President of HR-4U Inc. and leads virtual chapter initiatives for the Military Spouse Chamber of Commerce, continuing her commitment to small business development, leadership, and community-based growth.
Carrying the Invisible Load: Relationships, Identity, and Emotional Labor in Military Motherhood
Jessica Morse is an upmarket contemporary fiction author and essayist whose work explores identity, marriage, motherhood and belonging through the lens of milirary life. An Air Force spouse of 19 years, she has weathered deployments, overseas moves, and reintegration seasons that quietly reshape a family, and a woman’s sesne of self.
Her essays have appeared in The War Horse, and she is currently drafting her debut novel set in England during a yearlong deployment and the COVID pandemic, a story about the cost of resilience and the search for a place to land.
She lives in Florida with her husband and three children, drinks more tea than is probably reasonable, and believes connection begins when we stop pretending we have it all together.
From Survival to Stability: Personal Development as a Mental Wellness Tool for Military Moms
Alisha Small is a national advisor, consultant, and Certified Personal Development Coach, as well as the founder of Living Fulfilled Coaching & Consulting. She supports women and families navigating high-stress seasons by using personal development as a practical tool for mental wellness, resilience, and sustainable growth.
Drawing from her lived experience as a mother of three and wife who once lost her identity while carrying the weight of multiple roles, Alisha brings a deeply human, non-clinical approach to mental wellness that meets people where they are and equips them with tools to move from survival to stability.
Can I See a Therapist? Understanding and Using Your Tricare Benefits to Access Mental Health Support
Ashley Comegys is a licensed clinical social worker with a multi-state online therapy practice serving women navigating anxiety, life transitions, and the perinatal period, with a particular focus on military spouses. She is certified in perinatal mental health and has extensive experience supporting clients who use TRICARE for mental health care.
As the spouse of an active-duty member of the U.S. Coast Guard, Ashley brings lived experience to her work, including firsthand understanding of pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting while navigating relocations, deployments, and the complexities of military systems. Outside the therapy room, she supports and educates other women and mom clinicians on building sustainable online therapy practices. Ashley is also the host of The Therapist Mom Podcast where she explores the intersection of private practice and motherhood.
Burnout Behind the Uniform and the Minivan
Dr. Kimberly Dickman is a nationally requested speaker, educator, and leadership expert who understands military life from every angle, she grew up as a military child, married into the military, is the proud mother of two daughters who serve, and has spent more than two decades as a civilian professional supporting the Army and Air Force.
As an Assistant Professor at the U.S. Air Force Academy, she designs and teaches courses in emotional intelligence, leadership, connection, and human flourishing. With advanced degrees in education, psychology, leadership, and applied positive psychology, she translates science into practical tools that strengthen resilience, relationships, and performance.
Known for her high-energy, interactive style, Dr. Dickman inspires others to lead boldly, live intentionally, perform better, and rise together.
Self-Worth vs. Military Worth
Mary Katherine Howe is a mom, Air Force Special Operations veteran, Family Nurse Practitioner, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, and writer shaped by years in high-stakes military and healthcare environments.
She is the author of Unfinished Business, an essay series on Substack exploring growth, identity, and the lived process of becoming. Her work centers on leadership, pressure, internal alignment, and how high performers navigate responsibility without losing themselves.
The Invisible Load: Nervous System Reset Tools for Military Spouses (and Moms)
Stephanie DeZern is a 20+ year Special Operations military spouse, caregiver, wellness educator, and the founder of Lotus River Wellness, an accredited yoga and nervous system education platform designed specifically for military spouses and moms.
Through lived experience navigating injury, caregiving, reintegration, and long-term transition, she understands the invisible emotional load military spouses and moms carry across every season of service, not just deployment.
For over a decade, Stephanie has supported this community by providing accessible, trauma-informed wellness education that fosters sustainable well-being, family stability, and generational healing. Her work now reaches military spouses and moms nationwide through growing programs and an expanding alumni community committed to long-term wellness and support.
Resilient Moms, Resilient Minds – Maternal Mental Wellness with Telemynd
Taylor Benson is a military spouse, mom, and passionate advocate for military families. Married to an active-duty U.S. Coast Guard service member since 2021, she understands the unique challenges of deployments, relocations, and building community wherever service life leads.
She serves as an Ombudsman for a U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Tactical Law Enforcement Team (TACLET) and works with Telemynd, where she helps connect military members and their families to accessible, TRICARE-approved mental health care.
With a background in healthcare administration and a heart for maternal wellness, Taylor is committed to ensuring military moms feel seen, supported, and empowered in every season of service life.
Thank You to Our Giveaway Sponsors
Ready to Join Us?
Monarch: From Cocoon to Crown is more than a summit. It is a space created for military families to feel seen, supported, and strengthened in every season of military life.
Whether you are navigating change, searching for resources, or simply needing a reminder that you are not alone, this experience was built with you in mind.
Join us for three powerful days of honest conversations, practical encouragement, and meaningful connection with women who truly understand the journey.
