Brenda Hoffman is the Director of the Southwest Border AHEC. Her expertise from a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology and skills honed as a Licensed Professional Counselor already made her a success in the non-profit, higher education and private practice arenas. In 2004, Brenda began her professional career experience working at Serving Children and Adolescents in Need a non-profit organization in Laredo, Texas. She served as an at-risk counselor for the STAAR program and eventually was promoted to director for SCAN’s Sexual Assault Services and Information program. During her time at SCAN, Brenda was exposed to evidence-based prevention, intervention, and treatment services geared towards fostering a healthy development of families. In addition, she also helped establish the Sexual Assault Response Team who work diligently to provide information and services to survivors of sexual abuse. Eight years later, she decides to head back home and for the past 11 years she served as the counselor and part time instructor at Southwest Texas Junior College in Eagle Pass, Texas. As the counselor for SWTJC, Brenda guided and educated students on the importance of obtaining a higher education. She also established strong relationships with partners from the community and coordinated several activities that aimed towards raising awareness on different issues. In October 2010, Brenda established Nuevo Amanecer Counseling Services, PC. Currently, she educates the public about mental health issues, treatment, and process of therapy. In late 2018, Brenda decided to join AHEC where she continues to promote health careers, provide support and educational resources for residents of Maverick, Kinney, Val Verde, Edwards, Real, Uvalde and Zavala counties.