The PTSD Residential Program at the Hudson Valley VA is a 24-bed treatment program that serves veterans who have experienced significant traumatic experiences. The work on the unit can be challenging and unpredictable, though rewarding. Day in and day out, Ingrid works hard to ensure the comfort and safety of veterans on the unit. She goes above and beyond the call of her duty, connecting with often the most vulnerable veterans at a level that allows them to feel safe and supported in the program. While she connects daily with all the veterans on the unit, 

I recall one particular veteran whom she helped to support. He was a young veteran, discharged from the Army, with significant trauma from combat after serving multiple tours of duty overseas in areas where violence happened frequently. When he arrived at the unit, he was quiet and often withdrawn. He had found some peace in seclusion, despite the seclusion creating challenges for him. Ingrid made several efforts to connect with this veteran and to help him feel welcome and safe. She was seen playing spades with him. She engaged him with jeopardy and other unit activities. She was there when he needed someone to talk with, and when he just wanted someone there without talking, she was there for him, too. Her patience, compassion, and kindness towards this veteran helped to bring him out of his shell and connect with other peers on the unit in a way that made him feel safe. At the time of his program completion, this young veteran was absolutely thriving and was the best version of himself. He attributed much of this change to Ingrid's kindness and support. 

Ingrid has been seen engaging some of the most vulnerable veterans on the PTSD unit and helping them to feel safe and comfortable in a new treatment environment. Whether she's educating veterans about program structure or health topics, or she's picking up a ping pong paddle to play against a veteran without a partner to play with, Ingrid adds that "little bit more" to her high-quality care. And she shares this passion and inspires other staff members to follow her lead and do the same. Ingrid has made a difference in so many lives of veterans with PTSD that it is hard to pick just one story illustrating her work. Her meaningful differences would fill a library, and I am honored to have her on our team.