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Lt Col Sherry L. Jones, RN
GLR CISM Director

My name is Sherry , and I am a trauma junkie. Because of the association with ER, EMS and CAP, I place myself in emotional harm's way almost every day; keep dipping your toe in the water, and eventually, your whole body gets wet. I almost drowned.

Since the critical incident stress reaction is a normal reaction to an abnormal event, we all have the potential to suffer debilitating effects of trauma. If you'd like, you can read about my CIS experience discussed in the story, " Sweet Dreams, Angel." It was through the kindness and intervention of a CAP member, MIWG Cpt. Mark Davalos, that I survived that episode and became aware of the power of Critical Incident Stress Management. Already involved heavily in CAP (in the early nineties), and working three emergency services jobs, I discovered Jeff Mitchell, PhD, who seemed to be doing exactly what was needed for the second set of victims of trauma.

Regarding CAP, I've been asked, "What motivates you?" The answer is simply the passion to achieve that which I am internally directed to achieve. Asked, "What are you striving to improve in CAP?" Easy answer: The quality of life for those choosing to sacrificially give of themselves to help others in times of pain and loss ... The quality of work produced in the departments to which I have been assigned ... The quality of the total environment of those with whom I serve ... The quality of life for the youth who seek some direction and support from their community.

On a personal note , I am my kids mom. My children, Christopher ('Toph - 29) and Michele (Missy/Angel -21) are my reason for being. They are the joy of my life and the wind beneath my wings. They encourage, inspire, teach, and provide me with an endless supply of unconditional love. If there is even one person helped by this program, there will be many hands having stirred the pot, but they are the ingredients that formed the first mix.

Educational background is varied (see CV); handful of minor degrees in education, art, science and applied science. A closet full of awards, plaques, certificates and medals. Published in various medical, military and civilian forums. Dual-licensure: EMTP (paramedic) and RN (65 bed Level One Trauma Center ER, Detroit) with about 15 years of emergency services experience. A member of the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, I've learned under Mitchell and Everly, taking the CISM Basic/Advanced/Peer courses (etc.) and highly recommend them. I've also been privileged to become an ICISF Trained Trainer for Basic CISM.

Free time is a fantasy, but I'd like to get back to playing in/performing with a symphonic band (have been out for years; it's killing me). Would like to write more, haven't published anything outside CAP in awhile. My paint brushes and unborn worlds on canvas scoff linear time waiting to be un-boxed from their basement storage. I really need to get back to school for advanced degrees. Envision myself actually walking a 14 minute mile at least four days a week and devoting more time to my social life. Ah, I did say fantasy, didn't I?

Bio: I've been asked to submit a short bio for when pieces are published in other forums, so to make that endeavor easy, here's a quickie:

"Sherry Jones is a native of Michigan with degrees in education, arts & science and is a registered nurse and licensed paramedic. Her experience in both rural and urban emergency medicine stirred her interest in Critical Incident Stress Management, and she is currently a staff nurse in a level-one trauma center ER in Detroit, MI. She has combined her experience in medicine and CISM with a love of writing, and has had her work published in several military, civilian, medical, collegiate and Internet forums.

"In her 12 years of involvement with Civil Air Patrol (CAP/USAFAUX), Sherry has advanced to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and introduced the concept of CISM to CAP's Michigan Wing - including training and forming their first team - in 1997. In 1998, Sherry was involved with the formal integration of CISM into CAP, where it is now nationally mandated. She is now the Great Lakes Region CIS Team Coordinator and Special Advisor to the National Commander for Critical Incident Stress Management, working with the National DOS to assist other states and regions with the development and training of their teams. She is also a member of, and basic CISM Instructor for, the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF). Sherry lives in the Detroit area."