Ree McSween
PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST FACILITATOR
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(she/her)​
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Ree McSween completed her BA in Communication, Radio, Television and Film in 1986, and joined the U.S. Coast Guard, 1988 -1993, before "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” came into effect. In the USCG, she was a Certified Small Arms Instructor, Range Master, EMT, and Boarding Team Leader. Later serving as a Law Enforcement, Defensive Tactics, and Weapons Instructor at the USCG Pacific Area Training Team One.
After discharge, Ree spent many years struggling with her physical disabilities, Military Sexual Trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and shame/guilt/failure of her honorable discharge due to her sexual orientation, she made the decision to face her fears and learn to not only live, but to thrive.
She focused first on overcoming her physical disabilities of her service that had left her unable to walk by seeking out an alternative healthcare assistance, regaining her ability to walk in 2000. She also found mental health recovery and salvation in an elliptical bicycle, riding out in the country, and finding comfort in nature.
By being of service to others, Ree learned it is the best way she can benefit herself. From 2011-2015 she started and led a weekly drop-in Cycling for Veterans Ride in Eugene, OR., providing adaptive cycling support, conversation and camaraderie to all veterans. Ree also organized and lead a 20 mile Cycling for Veterans ride from Champoeg State Park to Willamette Missions State Park for 21 veterans with the assistance of the City of Eugene Recreation Department in 2012.
Throughout her life, Ree has been approached by veterans who spontaneously shared their trauma with her. After one such encounter while attending graduate school she felt she needed more training about PTSD and veterans so as to not inadvertently do harm.
Ree thereafter sought out various veteran workshops, retreats and clinics including Mosaic Voices of Veterans with Michael Meade, War and the Soul with Edward Tick, and the VA National Summer Sports Clinic, which gained her insight on PTSD, including her own, and a deeper understanding of the unique experiences of veterans.
She also completed Peer Support Training by Growing Veterans in Washington in 2017 and 2021. In 2024 she completed her Peer Support Specialist Training from Cultivating a New Life, and obtained her Peer Support Specialist Traditional Healthcare License in Oregon.
Ree is excited to join the Cultivating a New Life Peer Support Training team. She is looking forward to learning more and continuing to support veterans in their journey.
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