Brandi was born and raised in Fresno, California. She is married and has two children. Brandi and her family recently moved to San Diego County in December 2021.  Brandi earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University Fresno, earned her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in general psychology from Grand Canyon University. She is currently writing her dissertation with hopes to graduate in 2023. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a Licensed Advanced Alcohol Drug Counselor (LAADC), and is certified in animal-assisted therapy (CAATP). She currently sits on the board of directors for the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP). Brandi has a passion for working with those struggling with mental health and addiction-related disorders as she has seen both affect those closest to her since a young age. Brandi has experience working in a variety of mental health and substance use disorder settings both in public and private communities. She has worked in battered women’s and children’s shelters, children’s youth services, the Salvation Army, and provided co-occurring services within the educational system. Brandi worked in the private treatment industry both as a therapist and as a clinical director overseeing all levels of care in the SUD field. Brandi was deputized as a conservator working with serious mental illness within the County of Fresno and was a utilization review specialist for the County of Fresno, conducting audits for all substance use programs under Medi-Cal. Brandi was the liaison for the Fresno County Jail ensuring those on conservatorship and incarcerated were able to get needed mental health and SUD treatment. Brandi also had a private practice where she practiced her specialty in animal-assisted therapy in conjunction with psychotherapy. Her dog Rocket is currently in training to be her new therapy dog. Brandi now is the Executive and Clinical Director for Safe Harbor. She oversees all operational and clinical staff and ensures the treatment is of the utmost quality, from the client’s arrival to discharge. Brandi tries to see beauty and hope everywhere she goes and believes everything happens for a reason. Brandi’s passion is advocating for those who can’t advocate for themselves and helping people start a new life and journey in recovery.