Provider Network Brings Together Community of Care to Support Marines, Sailors, and Their Families
The latest Provider Network, hosted by MCCS South Carolina Behavioral Health, brought together a wide range of service providers, military support programs, and community partners in a shared effort to strengthen the support network available to Marines, Sailors, and their families.
Founded by her predecessor and continued under the leadership of Dr. Monica Chavier, PsyD, LMFT, CCTP, Branch Head of Behavioral Health, Provider Network remains a vital initiative designed to connect those who serve our military community. Its mission is to promote collaboration, resource sharing, and relationship-building among professionals, all working toward the common goal of fostering a resilient and mission-ready force.
“We operate from a no-wrong-door policy,” said Dr. Chavier. “It is essential that providers know what programs exist so they can confidently make warm handoffs. These handoffs are much more effective when there are existing relationships built on trust and communication.”
Participants in this quarter’s event included representatives from Marine and Family Programs, Naval Behavioral Health, chaplains, embedded prevention teams, Military Family Life Counselors (MFLCs), OSCARs, SPPOs, and a variety of community partners and support programs. Together, they explored the event’s core theme: Marine Corps Total Fitness (MCTF), which emphasizes four pillars—social, physical, spiritual, and mental fitness.
The event opened with words of encouragement and a prayer by MCAS Command Chaplain CDR Rector, followed by a brief self-care session led by the Community Counseling Program. Attendees participated in an interactive, team-based activity designed to reinforce the MCTF pillars and illustrate how each program supports total fitness.
A highlight of the session was a review of findings from the Death by Suicide Review Board, which focused on the importance of early engagement, overlapping risk factors, and the role of coordinated prevention services. A lineup of speakers then shared how their respective programs contribute to suicide prevention and behavioral health:
- Jeff Odom, Semper Fit Director
- Caroline Goodrich, Personal Financial Management Program
- Lt Travis Stickney, Installation Director of Psychological Health and MAG-31 OSCAR
- Lori Elias, FAP Prevention & Education Specialist
- Tiffany Arkwright, Drug Demand Reduction & Alcohol Abuse Prevention Programs (acting SACP-M)
- Meghan Ware, Regional EPBHC Coordinator for MCRD Parris Island & ERR
- Rodney Sturgis, Installation Primary Prevention Integrator for MCAS Beaufort
- Jenifer Klepesky, EPBHC Prevention Specialist for MAG-31
A special moment of recognition was shared as Susan Proctor, Nurse Case Manager with Naval Behavioral Health, received a Marine & Family Programs Acknowledgement Award presented by M&FP Director Shawna Densmore. The award honored her outstanding dedication and years of service to the military community as she prepares for retirement. The recognition was met with heartfelt applause from fellow providers who have worked alongside her over the years.
Events like the Provider Network demonstrate the strength of collaboration and the deep commitment among those who serve behind the scenes. By sharing knowledge, building relationships, and aligning efforts, MCCS SC and its partners are ensuring that Marines, Sailors, and their families receive the support they need—wherever and whenever they need it.
Provider Network will continue as a cornerstone of community collaboration, and planning is already underway for the next event.