Brenda has been a Registered Nurse for 40+ years.  She received her Associate Degree in Nursing from Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, Arkansas, and her Bachelor's Degree from Texas A&M University in Texarkana, Texas.  Brenda spent 28 years working in a med/surg hospital.  She became a Director of a telemetry unit and was Director of a Neuro-surgical, cardiothoracic, medical, and dialysis unit.  In addition, Brenda was a Director of Cath Lab/Special Procedures.  For the past 13 years, Brenda has served as the Director of Nursing at a 52-bed inpatient psychiatric facility, and for the past 9 years has served as Director of Nursing and Crisis Services at a Local Mental Health Authority (LMHA) serving 9 counties in east Texas including a 24 bed extended observation/crisis residential unit.  Brenda enjoys working with individuals with mental health, IDD, and SUD issues and can see the good and hope in everyone.  Brenda is the mother to two amazing boys and has grand and great-grandchildren.  Brenda’s hobbies are horses, listening to music, and quiet walks.