Meet Our Founder

Dr. Brandy Terrell

Brandy Terrell, MSW, DSW, LCSW-Indiana

Brandy Terrell is a dynamic and experienced leader in community-based healthcare and nonprofit consulting. As a consultant, mental health provider recruitment specialist at Southern Indiana Community Health Care (SICHC), she has demonstrated a passion for building strong community coalitions and advocating for community unity, particularly within marginalized communities.

Since joining SICHC in May 2020, Dr. Terrell has had a significant impact. She has expanded the mental health provider capacity, increase physician access, created a local youth serving non-profit, a testament to her expertise in recruitment and grassroots organizing. She has also led the expansion of SICHC's Thrive Orange County Initiatives, securing millions of dollars in grant funding and establishing programs focused on early learning and youth mentoring. Additionally, Dr. Terrell provides valuable consultation to community leaders.

In parallel with her work at SICHC, Dr. Terrell has launched Forward Telehealth & Counseling, also known as Forward Together Consulting, a private practice focused on increasing access to mental health care through telehealth, providing clinical supervision, and offering guidance to school corporations, businesses, and non-profits.

Prior to her current role, Dr. Terrell spent two nearly two decades in community mental health center operations, honing her skills in billing practices, recruitment, mediation, grant monitoring, workforce development, and human resources. This experience has given her a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing community-based organizations.

Dr. Terrell's unique blend of clinical expertise, community organizing experience, and entrepreneurial spirit make her a powerful advocate for positive change. She is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and communities through accessible mental health care, innovative programming, and strong partnerships.

Our Founders Story:

Growing up in rural southern Indiana, I witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by families and communities struggling with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including parental divorce, loss, substance abuse, and domestic violence. These experiences ignited a passion within me to understand the impact of trauma on individuals and communities, and to find ways to foster resilience and healing.

My journey led me to pursue a career in social work, where I delved into research on ACEs and the profound influence they have on health and well-being throughout the lifespan. I became deeply committed to trauma-informed care frameworks, recognizing the importance of creating safe and supportive environments that empower individuals to heal and thrive. I also recognized the significant impact that ACEs and adult adversity can have on workforce productivity and overall well-being in the workplace. This led me to specialize in workforce consulting, where I collaborate with organizations to develop strategies for reducing the effects of trauma on employees and fostering a more resilient and productive work environment.

My personal experiences, combined with my professional expertise, have instilled in me a deep appreciation for the power of healthy communities. I firmly believe that strong, supportive communities are essential for nurturing healthy childhoods and fostering individual resilience. This belief has driven my dedication to community coalition building, working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders to address systemic issues and create positive change.

Through my work at Southern Indiana Community Health Care (SICHC) and Forward Together Consulting, I strive to create accessible mental health care options, provide guidance to community leaders, and build strong coalitions that prioritize trauma-informed care and community well-being. My goal is to empower individuals and communities to overcome adversity, build resilience, and create a brighter future for themselves and generations to come.

Education

Doctor of Social Work (DSW): Spalding University, Louisville, KY (August 2020 - May 2023)
- Advanced Track: Trauma-Informed Care Frameworks
Master of Social Work (MSW): University of Southern Indiana, Evansville, IN (August 2002 - May 2004)
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology: University of Southern Indiana, Evansville, IN (August 1994 - May 1999)

Experience

Credentials: Indiana License Clinical Social Worker #34005227A
Trained in Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Gambling Addiction Treatment, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Keesler, J. M., Tucker, M., Terrell, B., Shipman, K., & Osborne, R. (2020). Two schools, one rural county: Exploring adverse childhood experiences among school-aged youth. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma. https://doi.org/10.1080/10926771.2020.1747130

Core Competencies

Highly Motivated Professional: Utilizes lived and learned knowledge to promote positive community relationships and economic growth.
Community-Focused: Extensive experience working with rural and underserved communities to address health and wellness needs.
Proven Track Record: Demonstrated ability to create grassroots community programs, establish agency boards, and promote trauma-informed care frameworks in community and workforce settings.
Diverse Skillset: Expertise in entrepreneurship, community organization and advocacy, administration and management, and mental health and substance use treatment.

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