Cortny Stark

Dr. Cortny Stark is a faculty member at the University of New Mexico. With a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, she instructs courses on professional counseling and conducts research across multiple fields, including trauma integration, harm reduction and related substance use treatments, and therapeutic youth mentorship. She has also facilitated focus groups and interviews with veteran caregivers as part of a study on veterans living with PTSD.  

Cortny’s husband Travis is a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard. He served on active duty from 2000 – 2004, deploying in support of multiple search and rescue missions and drug interdiction missions involving the pursuit and boarding of vessels.  

In the course of his service, Travis exchanged deadly fire and was shot in the sternum during hostile onboardings. The events led to symptoms of PTSD, including nightmares, lack of sleep, and disabling anxiety. Travis also lives with chronic pain from the spinal and knee injuries he suffered during a search and rescue mission in rough waters, when he was violently thrown against the deck of his boat.  

On the hardest days, Cortny helps Travis persevere through the toughest emotional challenges. She stands by his side, helping him perform even the most basic activities of daily life. His mobility challenges also require Cortny to assist with fundamental tasks, such as putting on his socks and shoes.  

Travis’s challenges often require their kids to assist, but Cortny works hard to make sure the experience is manageable and empowering for them. Cortny herself became a caregiver for her dad starting when she was just 12 years old. She often did not have a choice in how she helped her dad, so she does her best to give her children more agency. Cortny always asks their kids if they are comfortable helping with a task, and she provides them payment as part of their allowance for any responsibilities they elect to take on.  

The caregiving journey has never been easy, but Cortny says, “Had I not found my spouse and veteran, and fallen into this role as caregiver, I doubt I would have found my passion for helping and serving others.”