Brandi is currently a paralegal for the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. From a young age her mother relentlessly instilled the importance of volunteering, and she has pursued such through participation with her local soup kitchen, and preparation of “blessings bags” for the homeless. As a member of her Tribal community, she has taken part in their annual donation event, supplying clothes and food. As a wellness coach she has learned the immense importance of listening vs. talking when conversing with individuals from all walks of life. Brandi has Bachelor’s Degree in Global Studies, with a minor in Asian Studies from the University of Washington. In addition, she is certified as a wellness coach, personal trainer and paralegal. In her free-time she loves writing poetry, working out and developing her wellness coaching/copywriting businesses.
Brandi volunteers because...
What ails others should not drive us to fear those individuals. This is a statement I truly believe in, as mental health has received such a troubling stigma. We often tend to settle with avoidance rather than engagement. Volunteering in this community is especially dear to my heart because I identify as a member of the LGBTQ community. I have personally been in committed relationships with individuals who faced and struggled with mental health issues. Coming from a family where this was never regularly spoken of, I was frightened when I first encountered it with a partner. Over time I came to understand that fear was preventing me from connecting with some amazingly beautiful and brave individuals. This is for them.