Jessica Brunner, MA

A Substance Use and Mental Health Disorder advocate for nearly 10 years, Jessica Brunner has had extensive experience working various aspects of treatment centers throughout Pennsylvania.

Originally from York, Pa, Jessica graduated from East Stroudsburg University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and concentrations in both Social Work and Criminal Justice. Jessica is currently enrolled in the University of South Dakota working on her Master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies.

Jessica got her start during her junior year working with the Youth Advocate Program, helping juveniles who were on probation.  During this experience, Jessica discovered first-hand how keeping people active and engaged in meaningful activities can help divert poor choices, which can ultimately change the direction of lives.

After graduating college, Jessica started off working in the County District Attorney’s office and then the local county jail. Jessica then went on to work as a therapist in both outpatient/inpatient treatment settings. During these experiences, Jessica saw the deep correlation between substance abuse, mental health and the criminal justice system and became committed to making Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders her life-long quest.

Over the past eight years, Jessica worked deeply in various roles in Substance Use and Mental Health facilities from admissions to discharge, experiencing all facets of the of the industry.

Jessica’s varied experience has given her a deep understanding of how clinical and experiential methods of recovery work in unison. Jessica enjoys being an essential part of connecting clinical and experiential methods in order to bring about positive change in the lives of others at Water Gap Wellness.