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The PSI Post- May 2026

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BEAM

Letter From the Editors

Spring is finally here! It's a time for us to refresh, realign, and grow. In this issue, you’ll find stories that celebrate both personal and professional growth, along with seasonal features meant to inspire curiosity, creativity, and connection. From practical tips to thoughtful spotlights, our goal is to bring a little of that springtime momentum into your day!

We hope this edition encourages you to pause, explore, and enjoy the season in whatever way feels right for you. Thank you for reading, and for being part of our community!

- The Marketing Team

Awards & Successes

celebrate our latest awards and contract victories!

DHA DOEHRS-IH

Bridge SUB

VA T4NG Enterprise Messaging Collaboration and Authentication (EMCAO) BRIDGE

VA Personal Identity Verification (PIV) (Recomplete)

NYC UNISYS

HHS SPESS Office of Director

DHA MQS2 NG TOPR 10471 - 10 FTE

Nursing & Physician Services @ WBAMC

DHA MQS2 NG TOPR 10436 - 7 FTE

Physician & Nursing Services @ JBLM

HRSA NHPD BRIDGE SUB

DHA MQS2 NG TOPR 10512 - 6 Phlebotomy Techs @ Tripler

HHS SPESS National Personal Protective Technology Lab (NPPTL)

HHS SPESS World Trade Center (Recompete)

AFSOC Enhanced Mission Integration (AEMI) (Recompete)

DHA MQS2 NG TOPR 10435 - 7 FTE Techs @ Tripler

DHA Remote Health Readiness Program (RHRP) 4 SUB SA IDIQ

NIOSH DFSE

Exploring the Future of Microsoft 365

From April 21–23, PSI’s Technology Management (TM) Team attended the Microsoft 365 Community Conference in Orlando, FL. The conference gave the team valuable insight into the latest Microsoft 365 updates, including advancements in Copilot, AIpowered tools, collaboration platforms, SharePoint, Teams, and modern workplace solutions. The TM Team returned with valuable takeaways that can help strengthen internal processes, improve collaboration, and identify new ways to bring efficiency and innovation into everyday work across PSI.

Celebrating Our Employees

Making Strides in Talent Acquisition

Please join us in congratulating Pedram Rastegar, Vice President of Talent Acquisition, on being named OnConference’s 2026 Talent Acquisition Professional of the Year. This recognition is especially meaningful as it is peer- and community-voted, reflecting validation from professionals across the industry—not just internal achievements. Winners are selected based on overall impact, innovation in recruiting, thought leadership, and leadership influence.

This award represents being recognized as someone who is helping shape the talent acquisition industry—not just participate in it. It also places Pedram among the top tier of talent acquisition professionals globally, based on industry votes and recognition.

Let us all congratulate Pedram on this well-deserved honor! And let us continue to build on this momentum and celebrate the people who make PSI what it is.

Join us in congratulating Paul "PRod" Rodriguez and his wife on their newest addition to their family! Welcome Ryler Beckett Rodriguez to the world!

National Athletic Training Month

This past March, we celebrated National Athletic Training Month by highlighting a few of our Athletic Trainers (ATs) across our H2F and SMIP programs! The ATs reflect on their time in the field, working with soldiers, and provide their favorite recovery tools/methods! Thank you to all of our ATs for your dedication to those who serve our country!

Why did you want to become an Athletic Trainer?

"An athletic trainer saved my life in high school by being there to help me recover not just physically but mentally. I knew I wanted to be able to do this for someone in an area of life I loved, sports. Athletic training has saved my life time and time again and I’m forever grateful for the profession."

- Dr. Danielle Lang H2F, 8 years

What is your most memorable moment as an AT?

"Keeping my athletes duct taped together and seeing them win a BIG12 Championship and NCAA All American in their weight class."

- Alyssa Kekauoha SMIP, 10 years

How do you build strong connections through your role?

"...Developing relationships with leadership, medical professionals, and my patients is built on trust and when they trust you, they'll come talk with you."

- Vanessa Lopez SMIP, 8 years

What motivates you every day?

"Knowing that I’m serving a population that serves us, and getting them faster not just to the fight but getting them through their daily life with less pain and more function."

- Jayson Baker MS, LAT, ATC CSCS H2F, 7 years

Best SMIP memory?

"Honestly, getting to build the SMIP program for the 31st MEU. They had never had an athletic trainer before and had been working for over 2 years to get one. I am going on year 3 with the MEU and it has grown so much and gained a lot of appreciation and recognition for ATCs in the military."

- Ryle Mooring SMIP, 10 years

Favorite AT intervention or recovery tool?

"Heat. We have a thermex unit and my favorite thing to do at the end of a session is throw that on someone and provide some heat and compression to help them feel good as they leave. With rehab, things take time to feel better, so the heat and compression is an instant feel good which helps keeping patients coming back and completing plans of care."

-Marcus Troutt H2F, 6 years

Mission Ready Lifeline

Provider readiness is essential and can only function when everyone does their part for the collective. On April 30, 2026, medical teams from the U.S. and Morocco performed the first emergency cesarean section at African Lion 26, a humanitarian civic assistance site. Deputy Project Manager Sara Noble states, "Through the diligence and consistency of our Credentialing Specialists, UT Provider Marcus Blackburn was fully prepared to deliver life-saving care, ultimately saving the life of a newborn. This outcome reflects the strength of our credentialing and privileging processes and reinforces why accuracy and timeliness in our work are essential."

We encourage everyone to read the full story and remember that the work you do, often behind the scenes, matters in every moment.

Full Article: https://www.army.mil/article/292329/a_cry_in_the_desert_in_a_moment_ of_firsts_decades_of_partnership_made_the_difference

Shining a

light on the people, purpose, and progress behind Vivien and NIOSH.

1. What is your position/title and how long have you been with PSI?

I currently serve as a Project Manager within the Health Value Segment and I have been with PSI for nearly six years. During my time here, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects that support important public health initiatives.

2. Who or what inspired you to pursue this career?

Honestly, I kind of fell into this career path unexpectedly. I originally started at PSI as a technical lead supporting the update of a chemical handbook/database. My supervisor at the time presented me with an opportunity to grow my public heath career in the direction of project management. Over time, I realized that I enjoyed the aspects of bringing teams together to solve problems. What continues to inspire me is supporting the various missions across several divisions within NIOSH and seeing the value our teams bring to those programs. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the direct impact of our work and know that our contributions are recognized.

3. How would you describe your team’s dynamic?

Our team is highly collaborative, supportive, and solutions oriented. Everyone brings unique expertise and experiences to the table, which creates an environment where ideas are openly shared. Even during fast-paced or high-pressure situations, our team members are always willing to step in and support one another to ensure success.

4. What is something most people wouldn’t know about/expect from your role?

Many people may not realize how much coordination and strategic planning happens behind the scenes. A large part of the work involves communication, relationship building, problem-solving, and adapting quickly to changing priorities. Success depends on balancing multiple moving pieces while keeping projects organized and aligning with customer expectations.

7. What is the best career advice you have received?

Be adaptable and never stop learning- every challenge and experience provides an opportunity for growth- both professional and personal. Being open to learning new skills and accepting feedback in ever-changing environments has been a valuable lesson and has helped me continue to build confidence and expertise over time.

8. How do you stay motivated throughout the day?

I try to stay focused on the impact that our work has on the well-being of others. Knowing that our contributions have meaningful public health impact makes the work especially rewarding. I also enjoy collaborating with my team- they are truly a joy to work with and I try to celebrate all progress- whether it’s a major milestone or a small win.

9. If your job had a theme song, what would it be?

“Don’t Stop Me Now”- Queen or “Shake It Out”- Florence + The Machine

These songs reflect perseverance, determination, and staying focused through challenges. They are both upbeat and speak to pushing forward through roadblocks.

10. Describe PSI in 3 words.

Collaborative, innovative, and mission-driven. These three words stand out because PSI values teamwork, encourages creative problem- solving, and through it all, we remain focused on delivering meaningful results to support our customer’s mission.

Lighting the Path for Workplace Health & Safety

PSI is proud to support five divisions within NIOSH, helping advance programs that promote safer, healthier workplaces and stronger support systems for workers and communities nationwide.

The five divisions PSI supports include:

- Office of the Director

- World Trade Center Health Program

- National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory

- Division of Compensation Analysis and Support

- Division of Field Studies and Engineering

Through this work, PSI provides technical expertise, administrative support, and operational assistance that help strengthen communication, improve accessibility, and support the day-to-day operations that keep these critical programs running effectively.

Being awarded these NIOSH programs reflects the trust placed in PSI’s ability to deliver high-quality work in support of an important public health mission. It also represents an opportunity to continue expanding our impact by supporting initiatives that directly benefit workers, researchers, and the communities served by NIOSH.

At PSI, we are honored to contribute to programs that help turn knowledge into action — supporting innovation, improving accessibility to resources and services, and helping advance workplace health and safety initiatives across the nation.

Byte-Sized

In this episode of Byte-Sized, we sat down with Jim Peters, Director of Air Force Programs and Task Order Lead of the C2MS Program! Make sure to tune in to hear about team dynamics on base, life in sunny Valparaiso, Florida, and more!

Driving Healthcare Forward with GoHospital®

GoHospital® continues to make exciting progress as PSI advances its vision for flexible, mobile healthcare delivery. Designed to expand access to care in rural and underserved communities, GoHospital® brings together telehealth capabilities, on-site clinical support, and adaptable mobile infrastructure to meet patients where they are. As development continues, this progress reflects PSI’s commitment to building forwardthinking solutions that address real-world healthcare challenges and help deliver meaningful impact to the communities that need it most.

Keven's Kitchen Seasonal Favorites

Celery Salad

Ingredients

8 long celery stalks, leaves separated, tough fibers peeled off with a vegetable peeler, sliced on an angle into ¼-inch thick pieces

2 persian cucumbers, diced

1 granny smith or tart apple, peeled, cored and diced

½ cup walnuts or pistachios chopped

4 Medjool dates, pitted and roughly chopped

4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Sea salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 ounces Pecorino-Romano cheese (or a good Parmesan), shaved into shards with a vegetable peeler (to yield about ⅓ cup)

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions

Place the celery in a bowl of ice water and soak for about 20 minutes to heighten the crispness. Drain the celery and pat it dry with a tea towel, then pile the celery into a medium serving bowl.

To toast the nuts, warm them in a medium skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until fragrant and toasted, about 5 to 7 minutes (if not already roasted). Transfer to a cutting board and chop with a chef’s knife.

To the bowl of drained celery, add the diced cucumber, apple, chopped nuts, dates, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Season generously with salt (I started with ¼ teaspoon) and pepper, and toss to combine. Add the cheese and olive oil and toss gently. Taste and add more salt, pepper and/ or red pepper flakes until you reach an irresistible balance of salty, spicy, tart and sweet.

Serve at room temperature or chilled. This salad keeps well, covered and chilled, for about 3 days (before serving, toss again and pour off some of the excess liquid).

Book Nook

Basking in the sunlight while reading a book sounds like a perfect way to unwind! The weather is changing (slowly) and so are our book recommendations! Check out what we are reading this season!

Fiction- This novel by Dave Eggers is highly anticipated. Scheduled to be released in June, "Contrapposto" explores themes of friendship, love, and what it means to be an artist.

Contemporary Fiction/Family Drama- This fast-paced book is set over the course of one day, following four siblings as they face struggles, secrets, identity, and more.

Self Development- Opposing the fast-pace idea, Eckhart Tolle focuses on mindfulness and presence. This reflective read encourages readers to live in "the Now" to achieve peace and process emotions.

Garden Glow-Ups

From building healthier soil to smart watering habits and low-maintenance planting strategies, these simple tips will help you grow stronger, more vibrant plants all spring and summer long.

1. Start with your soil

Healthy soil makes the biggest difference. Mix in compost or organic matter to improve drainage, nutrients, and root growth before planting.

2. Water deeply, not constantly

A few deep waterings each week help roots grow stronger than light daily watering. Early morning is usually the best time to water.

3. Choose plants for your climate

Pick flowers, herbs, or vegetables that naturally thrive in your region and sunlight conditions. Native plants are often lower maintenance and more resilient.

4. Mulch to retain moisture

Adding mulch around plants helps keep soil cool, reduces weeds, and cuts down on watering needs during warmer months.

5. Plant with purpose

Group plants with similar sunlight and watering needs together. It makes maintenance easier and helps everything grow more consistently.

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