Brandie received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Pfeiffer University and for several years taught multiple elementary grades before beginning her Master’s program (NC #1086706). While attending Liberty University Online for her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, Brandie was an Afterschool Director for an Outdoors Program. She had the unique opportunity to work and play with children and teens who found it difficult to successfully navigate structured classroom-based school and afterschool care. With the support and encouragement of many, the outdoors afterschool program morphed into a Strengths Based program where it focused on helping children build on their unique differences to become stronger individuals. This was done through outdoor educational opportunities and play experiences, individually and with peers.  

While finishing up her master’s degree, Brandie completed her internship with The Bair Foundation, a National Non-profit Christian Foster Care and Adoption agency. She invited, evaluated, trained, and licensed potential foster families for children and teens struggling to overcome severe traumatic events that lead to their placement in child protective services. The skills gleaned during this internship have infiltrated how Brandie helps families develop stronger familial systems, have healthier communication, strengthen their connections in the face of difficulties, and how she personally views resilience within children, teens, and families altogether.  

After finishing her internship, Brandie received a North Carolina Marriage and Family Therapy license (NCLMFT #1951). She prides herself in helping to strengthen family systems, assisting in finding hope, encouraging resiliency, and building sustainability in working with families. 

For the last 7 years Brandie has been working as a mental health coach with middle school children and their families at local therapeutic boarding school. She has coached over 160 families and has led various therapeutic and psycho-educational groups regarding students struggling with ADHD, Autism, Executive Functioning, and Parenting Practicalities. She enjoys helping families learn about typical childhood development and brainstorming micro-shifts to make within the family system to help support neurodiverse children. Brandie has extensive experience working with all types of families. By focusing on short-term and practical solutions, families can adjust the sails and recalibrate their trajectory for the future. 

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