Trish Hammond Brings a Lifetime of Experience to Support Military-Connected Students with STEM Education

For Trish Hammond, military life isn’t a chapter; it’s the whole book.

Born at Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico, she moved nine times as a military child, has spent more than 30 years as a military spouse, and raised two kids who currently serve in the U.S. Navy.

Now, as manager of NMSI’s Military Families Mission (MFM), Trish applies her unique experience and perspective to advance the STEM education of military-connected students. MFM gives educators access to tools, training and support for high-quality professional development in grades 3-12.

"My experiences allow me to deeply understand the challenges military-connected students, families, and educators face," Trish says. “Education is a lifelong gift, one that can change opportunity, trajectory, and lives. Being a part of that mission is both humbling and motivating.”

The New Kid

Growing up as the daughter of two Air Force parents, Trish knew every version of the first day at a new school. Nine moves, nine towns, nine times starting over.

Walking in never got easier. Not knowing anyone, unsure where her classroom was, dreading the question of where to sit at lunch. She was a shy kid. Academically, she was often behind, caught between school systems that didn't always line up.

Then came sixth grade and a teacher who made a lasting impression. Before the school year began, she met with Trish individually. On the first day of class, she sang a short, personalized verse using each student's name.

"It may seem like a small gesture, but it was incredibly powerful," Trish says. "That simple act made me feel known, valued, and instantly part of the classroom community."

For military kids, that awareness matters more than most people realize. Knowing a teacher recognizes you can change your academic trajectory. Without it, students risk falling further behind and feeling more isolated with every move.

That gap is one MFM is working to close.

The Military Spouse

When Trish married Todd, she was enjoying a career as a teacher. But military life made that difficult to sustain. Moving every two years meant navigating different state certification requirements, all while raising two children, managing finances, schools, and other responsibilities during Todd’s deployments in the Air Force.

Eventually, she made the difficult decision to step away from the classroom. That’s when NMSI offered her an opportunity to apply her personal experiences.

“The mission immediately resonated with me,” Trish says. “It was a perfect place for this next chapter and allowed me to continue serving the military community in a meaningful way.”

Military spouses so often put the needs of their families before their own. Trish knows what that’s like and how meaningful it is to have an organization like NMSI and MFM in your corner.

"My hope is that [MFM] eases some of that weight,” Trish says. “When teachers are well supported and better equipped to prepare our children for the future, it removes a significant burden from parents balancing transitions, deployments, and the demands of military life.”

Same Household, Different Story

Even within the same household, military kids can have vastly different school experiences.

Trish’s son attended three high schools. The academic gaps that accumulated hit hard during his freshman year at the United States Naval Academy, but he pushed through with grit and faculty support.

Her daughter faced a different challenge entirely. Moving from a small, close-knit community into one of the nation’s top school districts, she felt like a small fish in a very big sea. Rather than accept that feeling, she built an Ambassador Program at her school to intentionally welcome every new student from day one.

“Watching her turn a challenging experience into meaningful leadership was incredibly powerful,” Trish says. “A true reflection of the resilience and empathy that military-connected life can develop.”

Their stories reflect what military-connected students navigate every day. MFM exists to bring more consistency to that experience, helping ensure that no matter where a student lands next, they have a real chance to stay on track.

Built for This

Today, Trish works alongside military school liaisons and the districts she serves, leading MFM launch events that celebrate educators and mark the start of new professional development partnerships.

"We all need good news stories in education," she says. "Every launch event provides space to celebrate partnerships, recognize educators, and spotlight the positive impact of investing in teachers."

For military spouses navigating the weight of every move and every deployment, she hopes this work offers the confidence that no matter where orders take their family next, their children will be in good hands.

"From one military mom to another," she says, "education is a lifelong gift — one that can open doors, create opportunity, and change lives. It is an honor to continue serving military families in this way."

Want to learn more about how NMSI supports military connected schools and educators? Visit our services page.