Hope Petersen joined the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families in June 20224 as an Evaluation Associate. Petersen is both an Army Veteran and active-duty military spouse to her husband who is serving as an Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Officer. They are currently stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

Petersen has dedicated her professional life to public service, both in her active-duty service and followed by her work in the non-profit sector. She has served as a program manager for a military suicide prevention program and dedicated research to supporting survivors of military sexual trauma.

Beyond her professional capacities, Petersen and her spouse are active members of their community in the role of foster or resource parents supporting youth from around the state in long, short, and emergency capacities as needed.

Petersen holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from the United States Military Academy, a Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University, a Graduate Certificate in Gender Violence from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a Graduate Certificate in Public Health Workforce Preparedness from A.T. Still University.