Introducing Blue Star Families new Deputy Director of Research and Policy

Deborah Bradbard is joining Blue Star Families as the Deputy Director of Research and Policy.  Dr. Bradbard received her B.S in Psychology from the University of Florida and her Ph.D in Counseling Psychology from Auburn University where she also completed specialized coursework and clinical training in marriage and family therapy.  Along with her family, she has experienced at least 15 military moves (she’s lost count) including PCS moves to both Germany and Japan.   In 2012, Dr. Bradbard’s husband, Captain Herbert Carmen, completed his eighth operational deployment so she is personally familiar with the challenges of the military lifestyle and the emotional impact of deployment on families.

Prior to joining Blue Star Families, Dr. Bradbard worked in a variety of settings including community mental health, providing counseling and forensic assessment to court involved families.  She also served as Director of the Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Victim and Witness Assistance Program working with victims of violent crime and developing community based partnerships on behalf of crime victims.  Most recently, Dr. Bradbard worked as an Associate at Booz Allen Hamilton providing subject matter expertise on a variety of military mental health issues including PTSD, military sexual trauma, suicide, substance abuse, and traumatic brain injury.   She rejoined the paid workforce after 10 years and has a unique understanding of the challenges military spouses face when returning to work.   

Dr. Bradbard is excited to join Blue Star families, and is hoping to continue to expand Blue Star Families research and policy work, by focusing on mental health issues impacting military families.  She has a particular interest in children in military families and ensuring that mental health providers understand the needs of military children.   Dr. Bradbard hopes to utilize her clinical expertise as well as her personal experiences as a military spouse to increase understanding of the military lifestyle within the civilian community.  The Bradbards have two daughters.