Micah Marchand, Intern, works in the Baton Rouge office, where he supports the Community Resilience Center. His work includes community outreach, coordination with community partners, development of project deliverables, and assistance with program and project evaluation.
Before beginning his master’s in social work, Micah served 26 years in the United States Army, retiring as a First Sergeant for a Sapper Company in 2019. During his military career, he served in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and OIF II. During and following his deployment, Micah held leadership and mentorship positions overseeing the health, discipline, morale, and welfare of Soldiers under his command. After he retired from the army, Micah's experiences—particularly in the years following his active duty—inspired him to take an active role in supporting patients with mental health challenges. During an internship at Ocean's Behavioral Health, he worked closely with psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate care. This experience deepened his commitment to supporting others and fostering resilience.
Micah is currently completing his Master of Social Work, with a thesis titled “Stigmas and Setbacks: The Career Consequences of Seeking Mental Health Treatments for Combat Troops.” He is preparing to defend his thesis in March 2026.
The culmination of Micah’s experiences makes him a valuable member of the Community Resilience Center team, where he applies social science principles to strengthen community well-being and support resilience initiatives.