DSW Candidate – Isabel Rose (Iszy) Paulk
$0.00
Virtual Showcase of DSW Scholars 2026 Event!
Moving Through Uncertainty: An Emerging Perspective on Relocation and Maternal Health Experiences Among Military-Affiliated Women
DSW Candidate – Isabel Rose (Iszy) Paulk
Monday, April 27, 2026
9:00 AM-10:15 AM Eastern Time Zone
Session not eligible for CE credit.
Description
Moving Through Uncertainty: An Emerging Perspective on Relocation and Maternal Health Experiences Among Military-Affiliated Women
Frequent relocations or Permanent Change of Station (PCS) are routine within military life but can generate challenges for pregnant women. Military-affiliated women often have limited control over relocation timing and location, which can disrupt prenatal care, delay connection to new providers, and require families to rebuild their support networks. While PCSing is widely recognized as a stressor, it can shape how women experience pregnancy care and navigate varying community systems.
The purpose of this presentation is to examine how frequent relocations influence the emotional, physical, and logistical needs of military-affiliated women during pregnancy and then translate these findings into actionable practice recommendations. To examine these dynamics, the discussion will highlight research drawn from a systematic review of recent literature and a conceptual analysis grounded in the Social Determinants of Health framework. The analysis also integrates Structural Violence Theory and Social Cognitive Theory to assess how institutional structures, systems, and lived experiences interact in shaping maternal health management practices. Building on these insights, this work introduces an established care approach with targeted adjustments to better meet identified needs.
The goal is to position social workers as key leaders by reframing maternal healthcare access within military transitions as both a practice issue and system-level gaps. The position identifies corresponding opportunities for social work leadership and policy advocacy to promote culturally relevant care and advocate for changes that protect stability for women who want to become mothers, are preparing for motherhood, and are building a stronger foundation for the postpartum period.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this conference, participants will be able to:
- Identify key social determinants that influence pregnancy during military relocations.
- Apply principles from Structural Violence Theory and Social Cognitive Theory to analyze how institutional barriers and lived experiences shape maternal health management practices.
- Apply a systems-informed lens to propose advocacy strategies that address gaps in maternal healthcare during periods of military transition.
Presenter Bio
Isabel Rose (Iszy) Paulk is a sincere advocate for maternal health, women’s well-being, and mental wellness with over a decade of experience serving rural, underserved, and under-resourced populations. She has contributed to community-based initiatives, evaluation and assessment efforts, and person-centered practice. These efforts led to empathetic interventions and interdisciplinary strategies that are responsive to women’s lived experiences and needs.
Iszy’s educational background includes a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Arizona (2020) and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Houston (2023). She is also a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC). She is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Kentucky and is expected to graduate in May 2026.
Her research interests focus on maternal health, social determinants of health, and health behaviors, with an emphasis on how fragmented systems and structural conditions shape human behaviors and influence family outcomes. In addition, she has contributed as a second author to research related to healthcare access and equity, “Comprehensive Medication Review Completion in Medically Underserved Areas and Populations.”
Beyond her professional role, Iszy extends her commitment and is motivated to guide social work and public health scholars. She serves as a part-time college instructor to help prepare students to think critically about community systems and the application of theory to real-world policy practice. Also, she volunteers as the Assistant Director at Mama’s Maternity Home, LLC, where she leads digital literacy initiatives to improve women’s access to fundamental health information and maternal support services. Guided by purpose, Iszy Paulk uses an interdisciplinary approach to create meaningful change in maternal health and women’s well-being while empowering the next generation of social work and public health professionals.
Delivery Method: Live Interactive Training via Zoom Video Conferencing
Session not eligible for CE credit.
Target Audience: This conference is intended for social workers and students.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these presentations are those of the individual presenters and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of the University of Kentucky or the College of Social Work. The inclusion of any topics, perspectives, or discussions is intended for academic engagement and does not constitute endorsement by the institution.
