Helping military caregivers heal, own a new identity, and improve their lives
I empower military caregivers to create opportunities for themselves by defining a new identity and livelihood through remote work training, transition coaching, and community. Using my own experience of overcoming transition trauma to becoming a successful business owner, community leader, and caregiver advocate, I help ease the difficulties caregivers face and lovingly enable them to create a braver, bigger life and better relationship with those they care for and themselves.
Connect with other military caregivers, discover resources, and get empowered!
Hi, I’m Melissa
I am a military caregiver, Elizabeth Dole Fellow representing the state of Pennsylvania, and the co-founder of Patriots Cove, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving veterans, first responders, and their caregivers.
I became a full-time caregiver in 2013. My husband suffered an injury during a mission that caused him to need neck surgery, which resulted in sepsis and irreversible damage to his neck and spine. Due to the invisible nature of his illness, I had to advocate for surgeons to take Jeff’s symptoms seriously. Had it not been for that determination, he would not be here today. In addition to chronic pain, Jeff also battles with PTSD. We struggle frequently with managing triggers and suicidal ideation.
When he was forced to medically retire after 23 years in the Army, I had to leave my full-time career, AND cover our military income loss. Being in a rural community and disconnected from our unit, I immediately felt isolated – so common to military caregivers. I battled my own depression and caregiver fatigue. Determined to create an identity for myself outside of being a caregiver, I started working remotely and became a certified life coach and business strategist.
After stabilizing Jeff’s health and moving to his hometown, we started Patriots Cove. We both found healing through serving others. We also found a tribe to support one another, a new family who understood and related to our new normal. Including caregivers for retreats and creating opportunities to reduce isolation and inspire opportunities became my mission.
“The obstacle in the path becomes the path. Never forget, within every obstacle is an opportunity to improve our condition.”
– Ryan Holiday
A word of encouragement for caregivers…
Through the years I have been so blessed to meet and grow with thousands of veterans and military caregivers. Our stories are very similar. We feel alone, unfulfilled, and overwhelmed with the demands of our caregiving duties. There are so many resources for veterans, yet few for us.
I want you to know that you have opportunities! You CAN have an identity outside of being a caregiver. You DO have the resources that you need to live a fulfilled life. You can DREAM AGAIN!
By prioritizing yourself, scheduling regular self-care, and connecting with organizations such as the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and Patriots Cove Caregiver Community, you will become empowered to live the life you deserve.
Here’s How We Can Work Together:
Remote Work Opportunities For Caregivers…
I empower military caregivers to create career opportunities for themselves with remote work training and coaching. As a new caregiver, I was forced to quit my career of 18 years to be home full-time with my veteran. I had to quickly pivot to earn an income from home. I learned what worked and what didn’t, which resources truly help, and how to navigate being a caregiver while having a remote business. My mission is to empower other military caregivers to create an opportunity through their transition, giving them the resources that I learned in my own journey. In the end, we unite to save veterans’ lives, one caregiver at a time!
Latest Blog Posts
Business strategy, remote work, transition tips, military caregiving, and mindset.
