(Smithtown, NY)…In 2020, the Suffolk County Legislature enacted legislation designating June 12 as "Women Veterans Appreciation Day.” Each legislator selects one female veteran from his/her district to recognize on that day at the Legislature. However, this year they were acknowledged at the Legislature’s July 25 General Meeting.
Dani Koulermos, of Northport, enlisted into the United States Army in January 2012 and spent four years as a Military Police Officer. After being honorably discharged, she pursued a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Art therapy from Long Island University.
She is a full time Primary Counselor for veterans at the Outpatient Chemical Dependency Services at Outreach. In addition, she is fulfilling the requirements to become a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist. Dani also facilitates a Military Sexual Trauma webinar series through the Joseph P. Dwyer New York State Coalition that advocates and educates individuals about the various levels of trauma. As president of the Resource Coalition at the Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center, she creates relationships between providers, programs and support services for veterans. Dani is also involved with the Veterans Suicide Coalition, and from 2020 -2022, she served as a Professional Peer on the Suffolk County Women’s Advisory Commission, representing female veterans.
Legislator Trotta said, “It is an honor for me to recognize Dani Koulermos for her service and dedication to the military and her country. The fact that she continues to help veterans is so important.”