Healing the Whole Veteran: A Collaborative, Multidisciplinary Approach to Well-Being
Presented by:
Max Sleep-Frankel, AM, LCSW, CCTP-II, C-DBT, COR-II
Cristina Marquez, LCSW, LSCSW
Kimberly Cunningham, LICSW-S
12-1pm CST Nov 5, 2025
1 FREE General Knowledge CE Credit
Learning Objectives:
Learning Objective #1
Identify key challenges affecting veterans’ holistic wellbeing , including gaps in mental health, housing, and physical healthcare, and understand how systemic factors and policies influence service delivery.
Learning Objective #2
Analyze the value of multidisciplinary approaches to veteran care by exploring how collaboration among clinical, administrative, and community roles leads to improved outcomes and more veteran-centered services.
Learning Objective #3
Evaluate community-based strategies that support veterans’ successful transition to civilian life, recognizing effective partnerships, local initiatives, and opportunities for increased awareness and engagement.
November is Veterans’ Month! Join us for an insightful panel discussion with social work experts in veterans’ services Max Sleep-Frankel, Cristina Marquez, and Kimberly Cunningham as they explore the biggest challenges in supporting veterans’ holistic well-being, how multidisciplinary approaches improve outcomes, and ways communities can help veterans transition to civilian life. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and discover actionable strategies to honor and support our veterans.
Speakers
Max Sleep-Frankel, AM, LCSW, CCTP-II, C-DBT, COR-II
Max Sleep-Frankel (he/him) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Senior Social Worker in the HUD-VASH program at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. In his role as a Contract Liaison, he provides daily oversight of case management contractors, ensuring compliance with VA standards and driving program improvements that directly impact veteran housing stability. At the VA, Max has led extensive contract modifications for tenant-based, project-based, and enhanced-use lease case management contracts to close performance gaps and strengthen service delivery. He also serves on the Data Management Committee, delivering monthly trainings to improve data accuracy, and on the Veteran Focus Group Committee, where he helps integrate veteran feedback into program operations. Max has delivered national and local trainings to strengthen staff capacity, including a nationwide training for Contracting Officer Representatives (CORs) on W-Drive navigation and multiple sessions on the ethical use of generative AI in social work practice. In addition, Max serves on the VASH SharePoint Revamp Committee, working to restructure and streamline contract documentation while educating staff on effective navigation and utilization. He also provides clinical supervision to a Peer Support Specialist at a peer support center. Max is currently pursuing his Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree at the University of Alabama, concentrating in organizational leadership. His work reflects a commitment to advancing veteran services through contract oversight, innovation, and evidence-based practice.
Cristina Marquez, LCSW, LSCSW
Cristina Marquez is a licensed clinical social worker in Kansas and Missouri. She earned her Bachelor of Management & Human Relations from MidAmerica Nazarene University and her Master of Social Work in Social Work Administration & Advocacy Practice from The University of Kansas. In the earlier part of her social work career, she specialized in child welfare, medical social work, and school social work. Cristina currently works for the Kansas City VA Medical Center, where she utilizes her macro and clinical social work skills as a Community Engagement & Partnerships Coordinator. She is trained in EMDR and TF-CBT, and holds a certificate in play therapy. She has served as a field instructor for several BSW and MSW students at local universities over the past 11 years. Cristina served as an adjunct instructor and field liaison for MSW students at her alma mater. She has co-authored a chapter in The Art of Becoming Indispensable: What School Social Workers Need to Know in Their First Three Years of Practice. She currently supports undergraduate students at The University of Alabama as an adjunct instructor. Cristina is passionate about working towards equitable access to VA health services for Veterans and exploring how systems can be strengthened to ensure all service members, Veterans, and their families have access to the help and support they need to thrive. Cristina is very proud and honored to be part of the University of Alabama’s DSW Program!
Kimberly Cunningham, LICSW-S
Ms. Kimberly Cunningham is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Work Supervisor based in Tuskegee, Alabama. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Auburn University and her Master of Social Work from The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL. With over twenty years of experience working with Veterans at the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS), she has held various positions, including direct patient care, case management, program coordination, and supervisory roles. Her areas of expertise include geriatrics, ambulatory care, and both acute and long-term care environments. Additionally, Ms. Cunningham has played a vital role in the professional growth of social work practitioners, team leaders, and students through her previous assignments as a Field Instructor at CAVHCS and as an Adjunct Instructor at The University of Alabama School of Social Work. Ms. Cunningham currently serves as the Assistant Chief of Social Work Service at CAVHCS, where she supervises a team of social work leaders and assists the Chief of Social Work with both clinical and administrative operations within the service. She is actively involved in various committees within the VA and the community, focusing on developing policies and procedures that improve patient care, enhance resource identification, and increase healthcare access for diverse populations. Under her leadership, multifaceted teams have made notable progress in professional development, productivity, patient outcomes, and customer service. A dedicated advocate for her clients, Ms. Cunningham exemplifies the principles of client-centered care and strives to be a role model for fellow social workers. Ms. Cunningham is married and has a teenage daughter who is a senior in high school, with aspirations of becoming a pediatric nurse. Recently, their family has expanded to include two pet parakeets, affectionately named Snowy and Bluey. Credentials: Licensed Independent Clinical Social Work – Supervisor