A Veteran Serving Veterans: Jessica Sellers’ Journey
While November 11th is Veterans Day, we want to thank, recognize, and serve our Veterans all year long.
That’s why WellStone continues expanding programs geared toward our military personnel. For instance, we recently became part of the VA’s Community Care Network. This direct link to WellStone services helps area veterans receive timely, high-quality care. We also accept Tricare, the most common insurance for members of the military and their families; have a veteran care coordinator to help our clients navigate what is often a complicated system, including court-mandated care; and offer a special protocol for veterans admitted to our 24/7 WellStone Emergency Services (WES) center.
Additionally, we have a therapist at our Cullman County office who offers a unique relatability to her veteran clients. Jessica Sellers served in the Army National Guard as a 31B (Military Police). While her husband was in the Navy, they spent the early years of their marriage near Naval Station Norfolk, but they are now building their lives in Cullman.
“I was placed at the Cullman location for my final internship with the University of Alabama’s MSW program,” said Sellers. “I felt that there was so much potential for making Wellstone a safe space for veterans, so I chose to become an employee (in August 2023) after graduation. “
That was a great decision, it seems. Veterans have been filling Sellers’ schedule, keeping her busy, and grateful.
“I didn’t know what social work was when I joined the Army, but during law enforcement training, I realized I was more interested in preventing and healing, rather than enforcing,” Sellers explained.
“As a veteran, as well as a wife, granddaughter, and niece of veterans, I see and feel so many of the issues that our Nation’s veterans face on a daily basis.”
While Sellers loved being in the Army, she underwent a medical separation in 2018. She didn’t want to leave the military and her comrades behind. She realized, through a new career, she didn’t have to.
“Becoming a social worker allowed me to serve others in a new capacity; it’s literally how I continue serving my country,” Sellers shared. “Working with veterans is something that has truly helped me find purpose after taking off the uniform. My ultimate career goal is to set a new standard for North Alabama, improving the services that veterans and their families receive in community-based mental health settings.”
Sellers is the primary practitioner for VA referrals, as well as the Stellate Ganglion Block Program, an injection used to treat PTSD in soldiers and available, through WellStone’s Cullman office, at no cost to veterans. While there are tears in her sessions with veterans, there is also laughter.
“My Marine clients make fun of me for being in the “Nasty Guard” and, as expected, I offer them crayons to snack on in my office,” Sellers said. “No matter what branch you served in, veterans share a very special camaraderie. My clients and I laugh a lot, but we also can dig into and address some really tough topics due to the trust and rapport that develops through that veteran connection. “
Extending Veteran Support Beyond the Clinic
While there are lots of challenges associated with mental health, Sellers focuses on the rewards.
“It’s been amazing to serve so many Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) veterans,” she reflected. “After 9/11, those men and women became my heroes and inspired me to raise my own right hand. Being able to hear their stories and give them a safe space to do so has been an absolute honor, as a practitioner and fellow veteran. “
Her work with veterans continues off the clock, as she volunteers in multiple capacities with veteran-focused agencies, including the local Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) chapter and the No Barriers Warrior Program. Sellers is also an Answering the Call graduate and a Student Veterans of America Leadership Institute Fellow.
While her volunteer efforts are impressive, Sellers’ professional service is indispensable. Thankfully, clients in Madison County will soon have access to a therapist who has “been there.” Another veteran will join Huntsville’s WellSpring team later this fall.