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NACVSO TRAINING TEAM

NACVSO Trainers are County (or Governmental/ Tribal) Veterans Service Officers that are NACVSO members serving as unpaid volunteers that graciously dedicate their time to teach or serve in a supportive role during NACVSO's training events. The main function is to conduct the Basic Benefits Course for those seeking NACVSO accreditation. The Training Team also plays a key role in planning and executing the content of the NACVSO annual conference.

                 NACVSO- Director of Education & Training

Karen Smietanski / [email protected] / Bio

Kankakee County, IL, Veterans Assistance Commission- Assistant Superintendent 


NACVSO- National Service Director (NSD)

Mike Farmer / [email protected] /  Bio 


NACVSO Trainers

Name State County
Bell, Jamytta NC Warren
Bennett, Crystal OH Fulton
Benson, Amy IL Will
Franklin, Matthew WI Brown
Farmer, Mike OH Butler
Garvin, Muggs WI Dane
Klenk, Lisa MN Sibley
Migura, Zach OH Wood
Olson, Jenni IA Iowa
Pereira, Jesus IL Winnabago
Reynolds, Trisha CO Larimer
Smietanski, Karen IL Kankakee
West, David CA Nevada
Wilson, Tamara OH

Allen

Eagle, Katrina CA  VA Accredited Attorney
Radogna, Jim CA VA Accredited Agent

The NACVSO Training Team has a standing meeting once a month on the 2nd Monday to discuss all things NACVSO Education. We're currently conducted 3 Basic Benefits courses, 2 Advanced Appeals (AA) courses, 2 Certified Veterans Advocate (CVA) courses, and an Intro to VA Benefits course. Katrina and Jim most often teach the AA and CVA.  

In 2024, we starting hosting a Zoom meeting immediately following the standing meeting to meet with any state CVSO association Education Chairs/ equivalents. 

NACVSO has hired a consultant/ coach to provide professional development to the NACVSO Training Team. These sessions are for not only NACVSO trainer related development, but leadership development in general.

NACVSO Trainer Application Process 

Step 1:  

Understanding the NACVSO Trainer expectations and time commitments are significant. 

Expectations of training/ team participation 

  • Ability to attend monthly Education Committee meetings (currently the second Monday of the month at 1130 EST for 1 – 2 hours. 

  • Ability to dedicate one solid work week Monday - Friday per year (dates change from year to year) to be fully engaged with the Basic Benefits Course. 

  • Ability to attend the NACVSO Conference every year. 

  • Ability to have some control over your calendar to complete professional development. 

  • Participation and successful completion of NACVSO’s Advanced Appeals and Certified Veterans Advocates courses are not required but are highly recommended. 

Reasons and incentives for those considering applying to become a NACVSO Trainer: 

  • All NACVSO training/ course registration costs are waived (it’s free) for NACVSO Trainers 

  • Personal professional development from third party professionals in a team and individual setting for your professional growth 

  • NACVSO shirts and other goodies 

  • Becoming a force multiplier to train CVSOs/ GVSOs to best serve our US Veteran community. 

  • Collaborating and networking with VA and other leadership to ensure you and your local office are at the cutting edge of veterans’ services. 

  • Being a part of a passionate team of trainers from across the U.S.  

Step 2:

To complete the NACVSO Trainer application: 

 

Step 3:

There will be a knowledge test administered virtually before the conference. We are evaluating the test based on the accuracy of the content and speed at which the test is completed.  

Step 4:

There will be a Zoom interview conducted (ideally before the conference). 

Step 5:

There will be a live interview conducted in-person while at the conference. 

Step 6: (This must be completed before becoming a NACVSO Trainer) 

Download and complete the SUPERVISOR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM that must be signed by your supervisor.  

  
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