Brandie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Pfeiffer University and spent several years teaching multiple elementary grades before pursuing her Master’s degree. She continues to maintain her NC education license (NC #1086706), as she believes teaching tools are essential in helping others view challenges differently and create solutions.

While completing her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy at Liberty University Online, Brandie served as the Afterschool Director for an Outdoors Program. She had the unique opportunity to work with children and teens who struggled with structured classroom environments, helping them find success in outdoor educational and play-based experiences. With guidance and support, the program evolved into a Strengths-Based initiative, helping kids build on their unique strengths to become more authentic and resilient individuals.

During her Master’s internship, Brandie worked with The Bair Foundation, a national Christian non-profit focused on foster care and adoption. She invited, evaluated, trained, and licensed potential foster families for children and teens facing severe trauma leading to their placement in child protective services. The skills gained during this experience have shaped how Brandie helps families strengthen communication, improve connections, and build resilience in the face of challenges.

After completing her internship, Brandie earned her North Carolina Marriage and Family Therapy license (NCLMFT #1951). She is passionate about helping individuals discover their authentic selves, supporting healthier family dynamics, fostering resilience, and guiding families towards lasting change.

Before founding Hills and Valleys Family Coaching and Counseling, Brandie worked for seven years as a mental health coach at a local therapeutic boarding school for middle school children and their families. She coached over 160 families and led therapeutic and psychoeducational groups on ADHD, Autism, Executive Functioning, and Parenting Practicalities. Brandie enjoys helping families understand typical childhood development and implementing small shifts within the family system to better support neurodiverse children. She has extensive experience working with all types of families, focusing on practical, short-term solutions to help families adjust their course for a brighter future.

In her free time, Brandie enjoys volunteering, photography, traveling, hiking, gardening, and playing games with family and friends. She is an active member of the Blue Ridge Emmaus Community, sings in a local choir, and holds various leadership positions.