Today we’d like to introduce you to Ruth Anne Kramer.

Hi Ruth Anne, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

My story began when I took the first step in leaving my hometown in Upstate New York to join the U.S. Army after graduating from college in 2004. My first duty station was Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia, where I served as a Signal Corps Officer. Although I was selected to work in the communications branch of the Army, with my bachelor’s degree in psychology, I didn’t love the technical aspect of my career. However, I immensely enjoyed working with and taking care of Soldiers.

After eight years of service, I decided to leave the military to pursue a degree in social work. I obtained my Master of Social Work (MSW) in 2014 and moved around the country for another seven years as a military spouse. My experiences serving in the military and as a military spouse inspired me to write my first book. I aim to encourage other women in similar situations to persevere in their careers despite the obstacles they may face.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

My journey has not been smooth, and I often faced uncertainty about what the road ahead would look like. In the military, you have limited control over your daily life and overall career, including the assignments you receive and the locations in which you live. Reflecting on my time in military service, I recognize that the most significant obstacle was the need to prove myself every day I showed up. For example, I had to consistently work on my physical fitness to ensure I was meeting or exceeding the standards while navigating the challenges of being a woman in uniform. This often involved managing perceptions about my physical appearance in various situations. Women have made significant strides while serving in the military, but much work remains to create an environment where women and men are viewed as valuable contributors. As a military spouse, I faced additional challenges, particularly finding the strength to start over after each move. Establishing my life in new locations included securing employment and arranging my children’s schooling, medical care, and childcare. During those times, as I juggled the demands of rebuilding my life, the relationships I formed and my passion for my career kept me from giving up.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

I am a licensed clinical social worker who provides trauma therapy. I work with military veterans who have experienced trauma at any point in their lives. I am trained and certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and sand tray therapy. I am additionally pursuing a PhD in Social Work to be able to conduct research to further our understanding of working with veterans. I am most proud of my passion to continue getting trained and educated on techniques that work best for my clients. Having served in the military and working with veterans gives me another viewpoint that most clinicians do not have when connecting with the veterans I serve.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?

I recommend seeking a mentor, whether an individual or an organization, in your current field or one you wish to join. Everyone starts from scratch, and it’s normal to feel uncomfortable or intimidated. What has worked best for me is keeping an open mind, staying curious, asking questions when I don’t understand, and connecting with friends who encourage me, even during challenging times. Attending meet-ups, conferences, business networking groups, and community volunteering has also been beneficial. Often, people focus too much on what could go wrong and forget to consider what could go right. Remember, if a situation does not go as you had wanted, you never truly lose; you gain experience or knowledge.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annekramerlcsw/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annekramercounselingservices
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthannekramer

Image Credits

Tina Dwyer