About Bloom
Bloom was founded in 2020 by Elena Ashburn and Matthew Oh to connect military teens like them through virtual content designed to elevate the experience of military teens and provide a space for them to connect.
Bloom is the place where military teens can find comfort and advice about everything military teen related. Through blog posts, reels, podcasts, art, and more, Bloom is creating a space that empowers military teens and shares their stories with the world.
After years of collaboration, Bloom was adopted as a program of NMFA in 2023 to ensure long-term sustainability for generations of military teens to come and advance the mission of Bloom in alignment with NMFA’s to work with military families to identify and solve the unique challenges of military life.
Bloom’s work extends beyond their website and content creation to touch each corner of NMFA’s programming, research, and advocacy. Bloom teens are:
- Contributors to the State of the Military Family event
- Supporters of the annual Military Teen Experience Survey (MTES)
- Creators of the Field Guide to the Military Teen
And so much more!
Connect
Bloom is always looking to connect and serve even more members of their community. Military teens all over the globe can get involved by:
- Following Bloom on social media
- Acting as a guest contributor: Writing & Poetry | Bloom
- Joining Bloom’s team when applications open in September and May
Over 400 blog posts since 2020
A community built by the volunteer hours of over 150 military teens
Leaders
The Bloom program is led by three amazing teens who volunteer their time to elevate the voices of their peers and share their military kid stories with the world.
Kaitlyn Hsu
Senior Head of Communications
Elisabeth Howell
Senior Head of Programs
Ava Lim
Senior Head of Staff
By the Numbers
Active teens in 2025 representing at least 16 United States and 7 OCONUS locations.
Military teens engaged with Bloom’s stories, artwork, and digital content.
Bloom military teen artists had their artwork featured at the White House in an exhibit entitled, A View from my Window.
Social Media
Thousands of military teens reached through social media
From 2024 Military Teen Experience Survey
“Friendships and peer connections are protective factors for mental health. The military teen respondents agree, with the majority saying that their friends make them feel good about themselves and that they are good at making and keeping friends.”
“Bloom builds community and connection for military teens no matter where the military has sent them.”
In NMFA’s MTES, teens reported that friendships and peer connections help them to feel good about themselves. Bloom builds community and connection for military teens no matter where the military has sent them.
