LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 25, 2026) — Turning pain into purpose, University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) student Shawn Moore has been named executive director of United Suicide Survivors International.
For Moore, the appointment is the culmination of years of advocacy, combining her education with her lived experience as both a caregiver and suicide loss survivor.
As a caregiver to her husband, an Army veteran, Moore said he returned home from military service with invisible wounds that led to ongoing mental health challenges. That experience ultimately led her into advocacy and policy work, where she helped shape conversations and policies affecting caregivers and military families.
“As a caregiver, I realized there was a lack of support for family members caring for veterans with physical and mental health challenges,” Moore said. “I became passionate about making sure family caregivers had a seat at the table when decisions were being made.”
After her husband died by suicide in 2024 following more than a decade of struggles, Moore and her daughter began sharing their story in hopes of helping other survivors navigate grief and healing.
The experience also strengthened Moore’s commitment to advocating for children who have lost a veteran parent to suicide, a population she believes is often overlooked in research, policy and support services.
Selected as a Pat Tillman Scholar in 2025, Moore continued her educational journey by enrolling in CoSW’s Doctorate of Social Work program in summer 2025.
“One reason I pursued a doctorate was because I didn’t want people to see me only as a caregiver. I wanted them to recognize that I also brought education, expertise and leadership to the conversation,” Moore said. “The DSW program at UK felt like the right fit because it allowed me to focus on the issues I care most about while connecting research directly to practice and lived experience.”
Through the DSW program, Moore has continued her research on veteran caregivers and suicide loss survivors while exploring ways to strengthen support systems for affected families. She believes people with lived experience deserve a seat at the table where decisions and policies are made, and she credits the program with providing the tools and theoretical foundation to advance that work.
Now, as executive director of United Suicide Survivors International, Moore is helping others use their stories as a source of healing, advocacy and leadership.
The organization teaches survivors how to safely share their experiences through programs such as Eye of the Survivor, bringing together individuals with lived experience through workshops, webinars, committees and the Lived Experience Collective, an online community designed to help survivors feel seen, heard and supported.
“One of the most powerful things we do is help people realize they are not alone,” Moore said. “Many survivors feel isolated. Hearing others’ stories helps them understand there are people who truly understand what they are experiencing.”
Throughout her doctoral studies, Moore said she has found support and guidance within the DSW program, allowing her to continue her advocacy work while caring for her daughters and advancing her education.
“The program has reinforced my belief that social workers are uniquely positioned to change systems because we understand how individuals, families and communities are connected,” Moore said. “When we bring together lived experience, research and practice, we can create meaningful change for the people and families who need it most.”
For Moore, the appointment represents more than a career milestone. It is an opportunity to transform personal loss into meaningful change, helping ensure that survivors and families feel seen, supported and connected to the resources they need.