Stephanie Dempsey

Stephanie Dempsey was born in Minnesota, and has lived in a variety of Northern states including Fort Drum, NY. She graduated with a degree in English from the University of Iowa.

Stephanie has always been curious and ready for adventure. In particular, she wonders often about human limits and what we perceive we can do. She wants to learn more about reframing experience, and how that intersects with trauma, hardship, resilience, creativity, and community. As a caregiver for her husband who served in the Army, she has seen first-hand the destruction “invisible wounds” from military service can cause. Determined to adapt and persevere, she is currently a single parent while her husband gets the treatment he needs. Stephanie doesn’t know what’s going to happen next in her life, which has forced her to face her own dependence as she wades back into the job market. Dog Tag is part of her change for the better. She hopes to leave the Dog Tag Fellowship with the skills and confidence to enter the workforce in a meaningful way; her goal is to learn the entrepreneurial skills to build a community that recognizes and honors what is special in each of us, and makes it possible to share with others. 

Stephanie’s favorite baked good is apple raspberry pie.