Elena Merriman
Colorado Springs
Summary
As a US Air Force Military Veteran, I excel in dynamic, fast-paced, and multicultural settings. I am a graduate of Excelsior University with a Master's in Health Sciences/Public Health. My extensive military experience has equipped me with a strong sense of emotional intelligence, exceptional organizational skills, and a high degree of flexibility. I am deeply committed to supporting the military community, with a particular emphasis on enhancing overall well-being and resilience. My focus is on delivering impactful training that fosters mental wellness, strengthens connections, and ensures safety for the military community.
Experienced with facilitating engaging and effective training sessions. Utilizes innovative methods to ensure participant understanding and retention. Track record of enhancing team performance through well-structured training programs.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Training Facilitator
US Air Force Academy
Air Force Academy, CO
10.2023 - Current
- Leverage 26 years of military experience to navigate complex DOD protocols and culture, delivering highly effective and culturally competent training.
- Facilitate 4 recurring 'Train-the-Trainer' education classes, equipping new volunteer facilitators with advanced instructional skills and subject matter knowledge.
- Deliver impactful Healthy Relationship Education (HRE) to cadets, permanent party members, and first-term Airmen/Guardians, enhancing interpersonal skills and unit cohesion.
- Conduct Suicide Prevention and SAPR training for permanent party members, prep school attendees, and cadets, resulting in an 18% increase in trained personnel for 2024 compared to previous years.
- Lead Cadet Healthy Interpersonal Skills (CHiPS) sessions across 7 cadet Bravo squadrons, significantly improving cadet interpersonal effectiveness and conflict resolution.
- Contribute to the development, refinement, and accessibility of critical curricula, including SP, SAPR, Secure Bond Leadership Training, Relationship Attachment, and Wingmen Intervention.
- Demonstrate exceptional written and oral communication skills to manage interpersonal relations and foster team building across diverse military populations.
- Utilize Microsoft Office Suite to design, refine, and present comprehensive educational materials for command leadership.
Administrative Assistant
US Air Force Academy
Air Force Academy, CO
04.2019 - 12.2022
- Managed front desk operations for a high-volume military clinic supporting 7 Physical Therapists, 2 Occupational Therapists, 1 Chiropractor, and 4 Physical Therapy Fellows serving DOD beneficiaries.
- Provided comprehensive administrative support to over 4,000 cadets and 27 rotating NCAA athletic teams on base.
- Assisted with the implementation of Defense Health Agency (DHA) standards and the transition to the new MHS Genesis patient portal.
- Participated in and supported clinic-wide training for physical and emotional prevention measures, as well as the implementation of OSHA care standards.
- Screened and processed patient communications promptly, assessing requests and delivering information in strict accordance with HIPAA privacy standards.
Education
Bachelor of Science (BS) - Health and Wellness
Kaplan University
Master of Science (MS) - Health Sciences / Public Health
Excelsior University
04-2023
Skills
- Training & Facilitation: Adult Learning Theory, Train-the-Trainer Facilitation, Curriculum Development, Instructional Design, Program Accessibility & Evaluation, Workshop Leadership
- Specialized Coaching: Neurodiversity Support & Coaching, Military Resilience Training (MRT), Suicide Prevention (SP), Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR), Healthy Relationship Education (HRE)
- Interpersonal & Leadership: Conflict Resolution, Emotional Intelligence, Cross-Cultural Communication, Team Building, Ethical Leadership
- Technical & Clinical Tools: CHCS, AHLTA, MHS Genesis, HIPAA & OSHA Compliance, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
- Languages: Fluent in Romanian (not certified)
- CHCS, ALTHA, MHS Genesis, HIPAA, OSHA, Microsoft Suit
- ESGR volunteer (Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve)
Certification
- Neurodiversity Coaching Certificate | 06/2026
- Superintendent’s Leader of Character Certificate | 02/2025
- Military Resilience Training (MRT) Course Certification | 06/2024
- Continuous Professional Development: SAPR and Suicide Prevention Training, Secure Bond Leadership Training, Resilience Training and Airman leadership courses.
AWARDS (Optional)
AF Achievement Medal and AF Good Conduct Medal
Languages
Romanian
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Training Facilitator
US Air Force Academy
10.2023 - Current
Administrative Assistant
US Air Force Academy
04.2019 - 12.2022
Master of Science (MS) - Health Sciences / Public Health
Excelsior University
Bachelor of Science (BS) - Health and Wellness
Kaplan University