Wednesday, November 12th, 2025 5:30 – 6:30pm
Virtual Event – FREE to attend
In honor of Veteran’s Day, Yoga 4 Change invites you to a powerful conversation. This years topic is on Military Sexual Trauma (MST), with an incredible panel of experts.
Read full panelist bios below.
Tamara Nelson, LMHC, QS, CCTP, RYT-200
Tamara Nelson (she/her) received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Central Florida (UCF). She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Florida, Qualified Supervisor (QS), Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), and Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) with a certification in Trauma-Informed Yoga. Tamara has over 10 years of experience as a mental health therapist and is trained in several evidence-based trauma-focused therapies.
Tamara is currently a full-time mental health clinician with UCF RESTORES, providing trauma-focused treatment to first responders, veterans, and active-duty military. She also maintains a part-time private practice and works part-time as a contract therapist with the Victim Service Center of Central Florida, providing individual and group therapy services to survivors of sexual assault, violent crime, and other traumatic experiences. Her areas of clinical focus include trauma and abuse recovery, PTSD, race-based traumatic stress, and multicultural concerns.
Tamara is a first generation American with family roots in Jamaica and Barbados. In her spare time, she enjoys roller-skating, trying new vegan cuisines, and being involved in her community.
Jennifer R. Ballou
Jennifer Ballou is a U.S. Army veteran, Gold Star spouse, and servant leader whose life and work are rooted in resilience and service. Over nearly 21 years in uniform, she rose from dental assistant to senior enlisted advisor at the Pentagon, guiding programs that strengthened the well-being of soldiers and families. Following the loss of her husband in Afghanistan, Jennifer transformed her grief into purpose, becoming a powerful advocate for Gold Star families, veterans, and military communities.
Today, she serves as Chief of Staff for the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, ensuring the voices of service members, survivors, and families are honored in the building of a national memorial. Beyond her organizational leadership, Jennifer is a certified yoga therapist with the International Association of Yoga Therapy and holds a Master of Science in Yoga Therapy. She is also a proud Warriors at Ease faculty member, 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher, Registered Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultant and Certified Professional Life Coach, blending military experience and holistic practices to help others navigate adversity and discover strength.
Dr. Aixa Long
Dr. Long is a Clinical Psychologist and the Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Coordinator for the North Florida/South Georgia VA. Born in Venezuela, she has been in the field since 2014, completing her VA graduate training and a residency in Women’s Health. She specializes in trauma—particularly complex and sexual trauma—and brings experience across community mental health, private practice, and the prison system.
With comprehensive training in evidence-based treatments, Dr. Long is committed to providing compassionate, individualized care that honors each survivor’s story and adapts treatment to their needs. In her role as MST Coordinator, she combines clinical practice with outreach, raising awareness and expanding access to support for survivors of sexual trauma. Dr. Long is honored to walk alongside survivors in their recovery and continually inspired by their resilience and strength.
