Connie Stone

Connie is a U.S. Army Veteran and Purple Heart recipient whose life has been defined by service and advocacy. Connie served as a Military Police Officer during the initial invasion of Iraq. After surviving the physical wounds of war, she committed herself to helping others overcome the emotional scars that often follow trauma.

​Her career reflects a deep belief that leadership means standing in the gap for those who need it most and creating opportunities for change. Connie has worked with the Department of Social Services supporting abused and neglected children and helping families develop healthier coping strategies. She also worked with the Department of Corrections assisting parolees in reintegrating into their communities, navigating substance dependency, and building solution-focused rehabilitation plans. Today, she guides military families through complex education benefits, ensuring access to opportunities that can transform lives. Each role reinforced her conviction that trauma should never be a roadblock to success.

Driven by these experiences, Connie is pursuing a Ph.D. in Counseling and Psychology in Education with an emphasis on Human Development at the University of South Dakota. Her goal is to develop trauma-informed practices in higher education, dismantle systemic barriers, and create pathways for students who have endured hardship turning resilience into a foundation for achievement. For Connie, this work is more than research; it is a lifelong mission to transform education into a bridge for those who have walked through some of life’s darkest shadows.