Jenna Braun didn’t put her dreams on hold – she found a way to pursue them without leaving behind the work and people she loves.
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A mother of four, a proud member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and now a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), Braun completed her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University while raising her family, continuing to work as an Outreach Worker and Case Manager, and serving some of Canada’s most vulnerable populations.
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Braun, a recipient of the Jacob Markovitz Memorial Scholarship, completed her placement at a not-for-profit community health centre and continues her work in a hospital setting –showing up every day with the empathy and presence she believes this work demands.
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As one of this year’s Student Graduation Speakers at Yorkville’s upcoming convocation celebrations in Fredericton, she brings to the stage a voice shaped by lived experience, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to community care.
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Braun recently sat down to discuss her journey, her motivations, and the advice she’d pass on to the next generation of students. Here’s what she had to say:
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What brought you to Yorkville University? Where were you in your life/career when you decided to continue your studies with us?
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My passion for supporting others, combined with a need for flexibility, brought me to Yorkville. I was working in a role I loved as an Outreach Worker and Supported Independent Living Case Manager, but I wanted to expand my skills and grow professionally. I wasn’t willing to leave the work or the people I cared so deeply about, and taking time away from work wasn’t an option financially. Yorkville gave me the opportunity to pursue my dream while continuing to work, support my four children, and remain connected to the community I am passionate about serving.
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What made you decide to pursue your Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology?
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This has been a lifelong goal for me! I spoke about being a therapist as a teenager but wasn’t up for the challenge back then. This dream never faded, but was put on the back burner until the time was right.
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What is the most important thing you’re taking away from your studies at Yorkville University?
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Wow, that’s a hard question! I’d say the feelings of empowerment and peace this program has brought to me, and the ability to share these gifts with those around me. Followed closely by the impactful relationships I made at my placement.
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What are your plans after graduation, both immediate and long term?
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Currently I am working in a hospital setting and hope to maintain this position or a similar one at a Community Health Center.
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If you offered one piece of advice to an incoming student, what would that be?
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Stay curious. Curiosity will carry you through the moments when coursework feels challenging, when self-doubt creeps in, and when the path ahead seems unclear. Ask questions, explore new perspectives, and remain open to learning not only from your professors, but also from your classmates, clients, and life experiences. Some of the most meaningful growth happens when we step beyond what we already know. If you embrace the journey with an open mind, you may discover strengths, passions, and possibilities you never knew.
