In this episode, I introduce you to Alison Perry Sower (pronounced "so-er")

Alison is a Licensed Professional Counselor, military family member, and founder of the nonprofit Central Oregon Veterans Ranch. Alison began working with veterans in 2005, two years after her brother deployed for the invasion of Iraq as an Apache helicopter pilot. She served as a trauma therapist for six years in the Department of Veterans Affairs in both urban and rural settings.

In 2012 she left the VA to pursue her vision of a more holistic approach to healing veterans. Central Oregon Veterans Ranch, "a working ranch that restores purpose and spirit to veterans of all ages and eras", was established in 2014. Alison is the co-producer of the award-winning film Cover Me: The Path to Purpose, a 2022 documentary featuring the work of Central Oregon Veterans Ranch.

Alison currently works as a trauma informed nonprofit coach and consultant, presenter and educator, and is writing a professional memoir about her journey.

Today she speaks about:

Introduction of Alison Perry Sower and Her Work (0:07)

Alison's Journey and the Impact of 9/11 (1:33)

Challenges in the VA and Institutional Trauma (3:57)

The Need for a Holistic Approach (5:24)

The Central Oregon Veterans Ranch and Its Impact (7:38)

The Importance of Community and Support (10:07)

The Role of the Civilian Community (11:18)

Alison's Current Work and Future Plans (16:36)

Misconceptions About Veterans and Nonprofit Work (18:02)

Supporting Military Veterans and Families (19:25)

Join me for this episode of Mommy Heal Thyself to learn more about our veterans and the recovery journey.