Mission Statement
To empower CIVMARs to build resilience and adopt healthy habits, with a focus on mental health, stress management, and long-term well-being—both at sea and ashore.
About Us
We are committed to empowering civilian mariners to adopt sustainable, healthy behaviors that reduce the risk of chronic illness and improve overall well-being. Our programs support both mental and physical health with a strong emphasis on mental health awareness, stress management, and emotional support. Through a comprehensive, preventative approach, we aim to build a more resilient, thriving workforce.
Program Services
The following Resiliency and Health Promotion Program services are available to all MSC Civilian Mariners for FREE both in-person at CSU-East and Training Center Hampton Roads (TCHR) or virtually. Contact MSC_Resiliency_HPP@us.navy.mil to get started! Personalized CIVMAR Services
Health Coaching
Health coaching helps you take small, realistic steps toward better well-being. Whether you're working on building healthier habits or staying motivated, your health promotion coordinator offers guidance, encouragement, and accountability.
Together, you’ll set personal goals and create a plan that fits your lifestyle—not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Common coaching topics include:
- Making balanced nutrition choices
- Starting or sticking to an exercise routine
- Developing healthy coping skills to manage stress
Body Composition Screenings Go beyond the scale with a body composition analysis screening using an advanced non-invasive, quick, bio-electrical impedance analysis (BIA) machine.
Our Body Composition Screening provides:
- Lean body weight, fat mass and percent - gives a target for possible desired improvements, and useful for tracking changes in body weight.
- Total body water - for assessing changes in body weight and muscle volume during follow-ups. If the number on the scale goes up or down, you would want to know if it was due to water weight.
- Basal Metabolic Rate - the baseline number of calories used to keep the body functioning.
Shipboard Crew Services
Health Promotion Coordinators are available to schedule visits to vessels to provide any of the personalized services described above and the shipboard services below. If you are interested in having the Health Promotion team visit your vessel, please reach out to MSC_Resiliency_HPP@us.navy.mil
Resiliency Training
Beginning in 2024, all newly hired employees complete a 3-day Resiliency training as a part of their New Employee Orientation (NEO). In order to expand our reach across the fleet, we can now bring Resiliency training directly to you and your crew!
The following lessons can be provided. Each lesson takes about 30 minutes to present, but lessons can be condensed or expanded based on your needs.
- Active Listening and Communication
- Mariner Mental Health
- Preventative Health
- Nutrition
- Exercise
- Sleep Hygiene
- Stress Management Don't see a topic that meets your crew's needs? Reach out to a Health Promotion Coordinator with your request!
Group Fitness Classes
The Resiliency and Health Promotion Program now offers group exercise classes for vessels to support physical fitness and boost crew morale.
Available classes include:
- Boot Camp
- Yoga
- Strength Training
- And more!
Marketing and Communications
All marketing is uploaded monthly to the SMS External Document Library, and updates are sent out to all MSC Vessels. If you are interested in being added to our distribution list, please reach out to MSC_Resiliency_HPP@us.navy.mil with your request.
ShipFit
ShipFit is a quarterly fitness guide created by a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, featuring a multi-week workout plan adaptable for all fitness levels.
Key Features:
- Heart Rate Zone Training: Simple guide to boost fat loss and cardio results.
- Custom Strength Plans: Tools to create your own workout routine.
- Exercise Glossary: Clear instructions for every move.
- Warm-Ups & Stretching: Dynamic routines to prep and recover your body.
- Quick Workouts: Science-backed 5-minute desk exercises for busy days.
Monthly Wellness Newsletters
Enjoy reading the monthly wellness newsletter, which includes monthly health observances, various health topics, wellness webinars, MSC HPP updates and upcoming events, & more!
SMS External Document Library
The SMS system now features a "Health Promotion and Resiliency Program Resources" section, found under Workforce Development in the External Documents Library. This section is updated monthly with newsletters, quarterly ShipFits, and additional health education resources.
Request a Ship Visit
Vessels interested in requesting services for their crew should reach out to MSC_Resiliency_HPP@us.navy.mil with requests.
Meet Your Resiliency and Health Promotion Team
Stephanie Rusnak
As a resident counselor with the state of Virginia working toward her LPC, Stephanie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Wellness from Arizona State University and a Master’s degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. She is passionate about teaching healthy coping strategies, promoting mental health awareness, and fostering healthy relationships within the maritime community.
Meghan Sullivan
As a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) with a degree in Public Health from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, Meghan supports health promotion and resilience initiatives for CIVMARs as part of a dedicated team. Her commitment to mariner health is deeply personal, shaped by having family members who have served as CIVMARs. She is passionate about equipping mariners with the knowledge and confidence to make lasting, healthy lifestyle changes, even in challenging circumstances.
Spence Webb
Spence has 20 years of experience helping others achieve their goals for physical and cognitive performance through holistic nutrition and wellness strategies. A U.S. Army veteran, he has served under the Department of Defense as a civilian and contractor since 2010 and is now committed to supporting the health and well-being of CIVMARs. Spence holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Food & Nutrition, a Master of Science (MS) in Exercise Science and Health Promotion, and is a credentialed Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).