Shawn recently graduated with a Masters in Social Work from Park University and is licensed with the State of Missouri. She was a 14-year veteran with the Kansas City, Missouri Police department. She is a Missouri Dole Caregiver Fellow alumna for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. Since May of 2013 Shawn has been a caregiver for her husband who is a 23-year Army veteran. She has a passion for supporting and advocating for military and veteran family caregivers. She was awarded the Field Education Student of the Year for 2018-19 with Park University. Shawn is a member of the Phi Alpha Rho Epsilon Honor Society and was the 2019-2020 President at Park University. She is a certified Peer Mentor and Facilitator with the Red Cross Military and Veteran Caregiver Network. She is also a Peer Mentor with the VA Caregiver Program. She was chosen as a Caregiver Visionary winner for Caregiving.com in 2019. Shawn openly shares her caregiver story throughout the United States in hopes that all family caregivers will be recognized for the work they do to take care of our wounded veterans. Shawn has four daughters, two step-sons, and 4 grandchildren. She enjoys reading and traveling.

Natasha J. Swayze MSW, Program DirectorNatasha received her Bachelor's of Social Work and a Master's of Social Work degree from Park University. Natasha is a member of Phi Alpha Rho Epsilon Honor Society and was active in participating in service activities as a member. Natasha has a passion for the military community. Natasha brings a unique perspective to Caregivers on the Homefront as she openly shares her story of what the caregiver role looks like after divorce, especially when children are involved. While completing a Summer internship at The Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Leavenworth Kansas and connecting to Caregivers on the Homefront, Natasha's desire to advocate for the caregivers of military families grew. Natasha is a mother to three children and enjoys walking, trying new restaurants, traveling, listening to music, and meditation.

My main focus is to bring yoga to sufferers of PTSD. I am currently leading Trauma Informed Yoga classes for the Kansas City MO Police Department and the Kansas City MO Fire Academy cadets. My practice as a yoga therapist includes individual sessions that vary in length according to the needs of the client. The last 2 years I have led workshops that range from an intimate self-care retreat in southern Missouri to Trauma Informed Yoga presentations, Warriors Ascent in Parkville MO and classes at the Sedona Yoga Festival as well as bringing Trauma Informed Yoga to the kids at the 2017 Muscular Dystrophy Camp in Linwood KS. I also regularly lead donation based therapy groups for First Responders in several locations. Essie has been providing yoga and meditation to our veteran caregivers at our Mental Health and Wellness Restorative Weekend for the past four years.
Education/Experience
200 hour Himalayan Institute, Honesdale PA
Multiple Trauma Informed workshops and certifications
Social/Volunteer Organizations
Muscular Dystrophy Camp
Yoga for First Responders
Give Back Yoga

Jordan comes to us from Park University in Parkville, MO where she is in her advanced standing year. She is the spouse of an active duty Army service member and has a son. She is looking forward to spending her last year of her Master in Social work degree program as an intern for COH!